Hot on the Highstreet Week 238

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Here are a few of my favourite gifts to give to your favourite people this Christmas…

Cashmere Hot Water Bottle Cover, Brora, £109, buy here.

Weather Stickers, Anya Hindmarsh, £55, buy here.

Set of Four Assorted Lulu Cocktail Glasses, Selfridges, £50, buy here.

Gavin Washed-silk pajama shirt, Equipment, £250, buy here.

Small Copper Potted Candle, Merchant Archive, £55, buy here.

PiP Studio Tableware, John Lewis, £3.50 – £105, buy here.

Mason Shaker, Harvey Nichols, £19.95, buy here.

Tom Kerridge’s Best Ever Dishes, Amazon, £8, buy here.

Personalised Nutella, in store at Selfridges, £3.99

Frozen DVD, Amazon, £6.99, buy here.

Personalised Instagram Wrapping Paper, Wrap.me, £5-15, buy here.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Hotel Lamee, Vienna

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There are plenty of grand and expensive hotels to choose from in Vienna, but I chose to stay at a smaller, more characterful hotel while in the city for a short weekend break. Hotel Lamee is a stylish boutique venue, one of the hand-picked design hotels in the city. Arriving into Vienna international airport late at night we were relieved to discover how quick and easy the taxi ride to Lamee was. Just steps away from the iconic St Stephen’s Cathedral (Stephansplatz), Hotel Lamee and its nearby sister hotel Topazz are very centrally located and ideal for business or pleasure trips. From the hotel it was easy walking distance to the major sites, shops and cafes.

We were in Room 62, a glamorous and stylish double room. The room was cosy and comforting, filled with luxurious materials: satin, velvet and silk. Decorated in rich reds and creamy golden hues it certainly had a regal look. In the main space a huge bed with plumped pillows took precedence in the centre of the room. Beneath the windows a small coffee table and two armchairs were ideal for relaxing. Through the glass partition wall the indulgent bathroom included a big marble bath, “his and hers” sinks and a shower room. A circular mirror offered light on the wall. Fluffy towelling robes hung temptingly on the walls. Initially we assumed there was no TV, but eventually we found the cinematic flat screen that rose from the leather piece of furniture at the foot of the bed.

We slept soundly, enjoyed numerous hot baths and really took advantage of this lavish living space. My only issue was the temperature system, which seemed to really struggle to regulate the room. We were far too hot at times and the air-conditioning unit refused to cooperate despite the kind efforts of the staff. Eventually we resorted to opening the window to let in some cold fresh air.

Breakfast is served in an intimate dining room on the first floor. A selection of pastries and cereals were available as well as more filling hot a la carte dishes. The food was tasty and fresh, and the eggs and bacon got a particularly good review from my friend. We spent the early mornings here, flicking through guide books and sipping strong coffee and orange juice. We didn’t have time to sample the other food and drink venues on site but they come highly recommended. On the ground floor Bloom café offers Austrian dishes eco-friendly wine. Spilling out onto the street it is a buzzing eatery to sit at with friends. At the top of the building the rooftop garden offers amazing views over the city, sit and enjoy a drink whilst looking at Vienna from another perspective.

With sumptuous bedrooms and luxurious amenities, Lamee Hotel is a lovely place to return to after a long day exploring the streets of Vienna.

More information and book a stay at Hotel Lamee here.

Many thanks to the Vienna Tourist Board for their help with this trip.

Bayerischer Hof Hotel, Munich

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Bayerischer Hof is not just a hotel. This important, grand building demands attention from all who walk past. It is a significant part of Munich’s history and heritage, renowned and well loved by locals, tourists and celebrities. Arriving late at night, we saw the huge hotel illuminated elegantly, a vision of alluring luxury and warmth in contrast to the chilly dark streets of Munich. I felt like I was entering a palace, and coincidentally I later discovered a real princess was staying a few doors down from us!

After a speedy and efficient check-in, we travelled up in the lift to discover our home for the weekend, room 476, a Junior Suite on the 4thfloor. Through a maze of carpeted corridors and heavy doors, it was tricky to find the room, especially in our tired state, however the central courtyard offers some aid with navigation. Our room was tastefully designed: a range of muted greys and creams in the décor and furniture. The heavy floral black and grey curtains added pattern and character to space, and I also noticed the striking monochrome artworks on the walls. On the table a selection of chocolates and fruit was displayed, the ideal midnight snack before getting into the plush regal bed.

The bathroom was sleek and decadent, a vision in marble with fluffy white towels of every shape and size. Both the rain shower and bath tub were powerful and I was delighted to find the bath filled up in minutes. The Lather toiletries were revitalising and fresh scented with lemongrass and bamboo. I made full use of the bath, washing here morning and night!

Breakfast at Bayerischer Hof was a real highlight of our stay. Guests sit in the light-filled dining room indulging in the champagne breakfast buffet. We tried fruit and pastries, meats and cheeses, the freshest juice and strong foam-topped coffee. It was all divine, a feast for the senses and fuel for our city sightseeing. For foodies there are several restaurant options, most significant perhaps is the Michelin-star awarded Atelier fine dining venue, but Trader Vics is also legendary offering Polynesian recipes and delicious cocktails.

Bayerischer Hof has endless facilities for business and pleasure occasions. The new, exclusive cinema lounge seats forty, with chic design by Axel Vervoordt. It is a unique space perfect for private events, film previews or corporate presentations. For other functions there are forty conference rooms to choose from, able to accommodate 10 to 2,500 guests. The most opulent and impressive is the ballroom, a beautiful cream art-deco style room with a glass roof (which can be opened to transform the room into an open-air sensation) and curved staircases which I particularly liked. When we were staying this was used for a smart ball, but it could also stage a festive banquet or anything your imagination desires.

We took advantage of the magnificent Blue Spa, hidden away within the hotel, offering the highest level of well-being and relaxation; this spa is a popular place for hotel guests and external visitors. I woke up early one morning to enjoy the dazzling azure blue pool, which I was surprised to find quite busy even at 7am! There is also a fitness centre, hair salon, healthy spa eatery and numerous face and body treatments to indulge in.

Bayerischer Hof Hotel will make anyone feel like Bavarian royalty for the night. Immaculate service, comforting luxury, impressive facilities and a central location, this palatial venue ticks every box.

More information and book a room at Bayerischer Hof Hotel here.

Many thanks to the Munich Tourist Board for their help with this trip.