Tag Archives: affordable

San Remo Hotel, San Francisco

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San Francisco is an extremely expensive city to stay in, especially when you coincidentally find yourself there on ‘Fleet Week’ – a popular weekend celebration when all the boats arrive in at the local port. However there are a few reasonably priced gems to discover, where you can comfortably rest your head and still have change to spend in town the next day.

San Remo Hotel in the North Beach district of town has tons of personality and provides a flawless service for savvy travellers. The building was erected in 1906 as a home for the men who were rebuilding this earthquake damaged area. The accommodation soon became the temporary home for fishermen, sailors and even chocolate-makers. In 1970 the building was restored, and even today you can notice the lovely Victorian fixtures and stained glass windows.

We were lucky to experience two room types at this historic hotel. The standard bedroom was small but welcoming, decorated in a quirky style, with thoughtful details everywhere you looked. For our second night we were upgraded to the wacky and wonderful penthouse, literally on the roof of the building.

Our Penthouse bedroom was charming. A colourful throw covered the bed, antique bedside tables, old-fashioned lamps and wooden blinds letting in natural daylight. From our private rooftop patio we could see views of the surrounding city, and watch as the sun set over San Francisco.

Bathrooms, whether en-suite or shared are in great condition, with powerful showers, complimentary toiletries and plenty of fresh towels.

The staff are cheerful and eager to assist in any way they can. It is their friendly hospitality and the memorable cosy rooms that make San Remo Hotel such a lovely home away from home.

More information and book a room at San Remo Hotel here.

Hot on the Highstreet Week 257

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Phoebe Coleman‘s jewellery is instantly recognisable for her signature style. The collections incorporate sparkling diamond cut gold motifs, iconography and symbolic charms, delicate and feminine pieces adorned with precious stones. Phoebe’s mission is to create beautiful, timeless jewellery with texture and attention to detail in simplistic forms, that surround an inspirational narrative and evoke emotions in the wearer. The jewellery is elegant and romantic, balanced with an underlying boldness and edge.

Phoebe Coleman grew up in Primrose Hill and studied fine art and jewellery design in California and London before starting her namesake label in 2010. A London girl at heart, Phoebe champions British craftsmanship: all jewellery is handmade by skilled artisans in her Shoreditch studio using 18 ct yellow and rose gold vermeil, sterling silver and quality precious stones including Akoya pearls, sapphires, rubies and diamonds.

The jewellery is regularly worn by fans of the brand including Alexa Chung, Poppy Delevingne, Ellie Goulding, Rita Ora and Jordann Dunn to name but a few. Editorials styled using the pieces regularly feature in the best fashion publications in the world, notably British and Italian Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Elle, Marie Claire and Grazia.

Last year Phoebe was nominated for Designer of the Year by the UK Jewellery Awards which will take place in London in June 2015.

More information and shop the collection here.

Akyra Hotel, Koh Samui

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As Koh Samui is popular with all kinds of travellers, there are accommodation options to suit all needs. Akyra hotel is one of the more affordable luxury offerings with double rooms starting from £65 per night including breakfast. Situated at the northern end of Chaweng beach, and within close proximity of the airport, it is ideal particularly for short-haul visitors.

The hotel has 65 suites and rooms, a small swimming pool and restaurants, one casual poolside eatery, the other at the front of the property, offering Japanese cuisine. The property is simply designed, concrete features heavily throughout, which sadly looks less cool and more construction site. Perhaps they ran out of money before finishing the plan. One of the hotel’s best assets is the stretch of white sand beach, a lovely place to relax in the sun and frolic in the sea.

We were unenthusiastically checked in and shown to our Grande Deluxe Double room. The room was basic but comfortable and clean, decorated in natural coloured hues and organic materials. Alongside the nicely dressed double bed was a full-size sofa, flat screen TV, mini bar facilities and bath robes. The bathroom was industrial but spacious, with a power shower and conveniently big mirrors. A small wooden terrace was pleasant for outside reading in the afternoons.

Very few guests seemed to make use of the food outlets on site, and consequently the main restaurant, Noodle House felt soulless and empty. The waitress seemed glum about it too as she grumpily wandered around looking for something to do. The food (we tried spring rolls and noodles dishes) was okay, but with such good street stalls nearby I’d recommend venturing out for anything more than a snack. Club Akyra was slightly more lively at lunchtime, offering fragrant curries and fruit juice, it was satisfying and tasty for a midday meal. Breakfast is served in Noodle House, an array of fruit, pastries and savoury options.

When we visited a few months ago this resort felt tired and unloved, the staff seemed disgruntled and the property’s character jaded. With such an enviable location and competitive prices Akyra really does have potential to be a successful business but currently their are many hotels I’d recommend staying at instead.

More information and book here.