Category Archives: Travel

Hotel de Nell, Paris

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Never have I witnessed luxury and design so beautifully combined as it is at Hotel de Nell in Paris. Part of Charm and More Hotels and Resorts, this establishment is in the calm and intellectual 9th arrondissement. There is a feeling of exclusivity as you walk through the smart glass doors and speak to the suited man on reception. It is instantly clear that the staff here are passionate about their workplace and pride themselves on providing the finest service.

We were in a lovely first floor room, flooded with natural light. The space was impressively large, one of the biggest bedrooms I’ve seen in a Parisian hotel. The airiness was emphasised further by the soft shades of white and brown seen throughout the decor. Fine materials like Oregon myrtlewood, organic wool and Egyptian cotton made the room look and feel luxurious. Every room is equipped with the latest technology and we noticed these features everywhere, particularly the comforting underfloor heating. A plump Queen sized bed was made up in the crispest, whitest linens… It guaranteed a blissfully indulgent sleep.

The bathroom was the highlight. A huge Japanese bathtub, carved from a single block of marble, was spa-worthy; in fact they do offer massages in the room. The ultra deep bath was incredible, great for a soak and scrub, especially using the invigorating Charm and More toiletries. Following the bathroom round we discovered an expansive walk-in black stone walled rainfall shower with numerous different settings. Two grand sinks allow couples their own space for beautifying and cleansing.

There are endearing touches in the detailing at Hotel de Nell. A box of chocolate treats from A la Mere de Famille (the neighbourhood institution and favourite Parisian chocolatier) was left for us in the room. There was also an extensively stocked mini-bar and intriguing design books to flick through.

In the morning, after a long hot bath, I sat by the balcony in my towelling robe and listened to soothing classical music, part of the Sunday service drifting from the giant Sainte Cecile church opposite. Looking out at this 19th century religious building across the road, I breathed in the warm incense hinted air and admired my contrasting minimalist surroundings.

Those guests interested in gastronomic delights will enjoy the prestigious restaurant at Hotel de Nell run by chef Bruno Doucet. I would recommend booking ahead for a table as it is one of the hottest eateries in town. For relaxing there is a library and a glass roof bar for evening cocktails. A small spa caters for visitors in need of some TLC.

More information and book a stay at Hotel de Nell here.

Thanks to the Paris Tourist Board, more information here.

parisinfo.com

 

Afternoon Tea at the Ritz, Madrid

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The Ritz is perhaps the most famous hotel in London. The Ritz in Madrid is part of the same brand, it may not possess the same iconic status but still has great prestige and glamour.

Situated on museum mile – among the Prado, Reina Sofia and Thyssen – this hotel could easily be mistaken for another historic house of art. It has always received famous guests but those unable to afford the accommodation can still experience a little bit of glitz at the Ritz with the signature English afternoon tea, or the local speciality churros with hot chocolate. We opted for both!

Entering through the sun-soaked garden terrace, we were escorted to the Hall and Bar, an opulent lounge where guests and visitors can snack and chat whilst classical piano plays.

The tea is as you would expect, very smart and civilised, three tiers of crust-cut sandwiches, scones and cakes all prepared immaculately. Very soft petite, rectangular sandwiches contained classic fillings such as cucumber, salmon, egg and ham. The scones were warm and delightful, fresh out of the oven. The top layer of the stand was filled with bite-sized cakes, that were very pretty but a little too sweet for me. The food was accompanied with loose leaf Earl Grey tea, which was nice but I would have preferred a cold glass of Cava, which despite asking, never arrived.

Churros was the main attraction. Just made, the thin donut-style sticks were crispy and fresh on the outside, and puffy and airy inside. Served with a jug of hot, thick, milk chocolate, they looked, smelt and tasted delicious.

As we sat enjoying our sweet treats, I took in the magnificent surroundings and flicked through the inspiring book recently published to honour the hotel’s history.

More information and book a stay at The Ritz Madrid here.

Many thanks to the Madrid Tourist Board for their help with this trip, more information here.

The Midland Hotel, Manchester

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When I was at university in Manchester there was never much need to take notice of the hotels around town. The Midland however, is a difficult establishment to miss. Opened in September 1903 it was built by the Midland Railway as convenient accommodation for those coming into the northern terminus from London St. Pancras. The hotel is very central near to many of Manchester’s key attractions and concert venues and just half a mile from the main Manchester Piccadilly train station.

The Midland certainly has some stature from the street, with over 300 rooms the hotel is ideal for big business groups or wedding parties. The entrance is grand but old fashioned with fading décor, patterned carpet and a giant bouquet of flowers dominating the lobby. There was a lot of activity in this communal area, guests drinking at the bar and milling around the restaurants getting ready for a night out in town.

After a short lift ride and walk down a long corridor, we reached our room, a lovely spacious suite. The room was decorated in muted shades, a dark beige carpet, olive green velvet sofas and maroon and ochre cushions and blanket on the bed. Behind the bed was an intriguing glass dome illustration, that added colour to the bedroom. Everything we needed for a weekend away could be found within our room: a desk, a mirrored wardrobe, even a shirt press. In the living room area we could sit and relax whilst reading the magazines (This is Manchester, The Sunday Times Travel, and Homes & Gardens) arranged for us to enjoy. A basic coffee machine and small minbar was also on hand.

The bathroom was clean and well equipped, a big bath-shower surrounded by glittering black mosaic tiles with Pecksniff’s Mood Therapy toiletries lined up ready to use. Huge, thick towelling robes were a comforting extra. I found everything extremely comfortable, and though the design wasn’t completely to my taste, I couldn’t help but fall in love with the incredibly indulgent bed.

With the recent arrival of famed chef Simon Rogan, the Midland has a new culinary appeal. Rogan has taken control of both the restaurants on site: casual eatery Mr Cooper’s House and Garden and the prestigious The French. As the first fine dining experience of its kind in Manchester, The French has brought prestige and excitement to The Midland.

Those wishing to use the hotel for leisure or meetings will be delighted with the options: 14 conference rooms, a gym, a pool and a squash court, there is no requirement they can’t meet.

More information on The Midland hotel here.

Many thanks to Manchester Tourist Board for their help with this trip, more information here.

Thoroughly Modern Milly travelled with Virgin Trains.

Typical journey time between London and Manchester is just 2h 7m on one of the state-of-the-art tilting trains, six days a week. Engineering works slow things down a little on Sunday mornings, but by lunchtime they’re operating services – at 2h15m – just a shade slower than Monday to Saturday. Trains every 20 minutes, six and a half days a week.

Booking in advance and travelling off-peak is the best way to get great deals – including some fantastic First Class bargains. Single fares start at: Advance Standard £12.50  and Advance First £38.00, book here.