Christmas in Paris .. understated elegance but somehow underwhelming after London. Then again, Paris is beautiful without the decorations.
Christmas in paris ..
Hotel lancaster paris, still my favourite … for the moment
My favourite hotel in Paris has always been the very stylish Hotel Lancaster. Interestingly, at the moment, two of the most iconic and glamorous hotels in Paris, The Ritz and Hotel de Crillon, are closed for renovation.
The Hotel Lancaster is all about pared back elegance ..
a sophisticated, muted colour palette ..
its artwork, chandeliers and Louis XV and XVI furniture ..
and of course .. has something for everyone.
Beautiful hotels in Paris, particularly at this time of the year, are for slipping into for a hot chocolate and luxuriating. If you are checking in .. all the better. I can’t wait for the grand openings of The Ritz and Hotel de Crillon.
Hotel guest rooms … the latest in layout
Many hours have been spent by designers thinking about how to improve .. or even just vary, the layout of a hotel guest room. Let’s face it .. they are all pretty much the same in layout, everywhere. There is definitely rationale for the way they are .. and it works. The only problem is that it is rather boring to walk into a hotel guest room, no matter where in the world and find the same layout .. entry hall, bathroom to the left or right, bed, desk etc
The only variation on the theme appears to be where the constraints of existing architecture (in a building not purpose built for a hotel) dictate a change !!! And how refreshing it is to find a bathroom built where a dressing room may have been.
In defence of the tried and true layout, there has been considerable success with the opening up of the fully enclosed bathroom to capture natural light and possible views. The introduction of a glass panel/sliding glass panels or even shutters to the guest room and view beyond has been fought for by designers, however not always embraced by hotel operators.
The layout above makes a lot of sense in this environment. It reflects the casual beach holiday lifestyle. The shower cubicle with frosted glass panelling, separate to a freestanding bath and basin .. what better way to capture the amazing light and beautiful view.
Lets hope designers keep thinking of ways to reinvent hotel guest rooms or at least try for a little creativity .. particularly where the geography is conducive.
images: bill & coo hotel, mykonos
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Loving london’s boutique hôtels 2014
The Pelham Hotel in Sth Kensington is, for me the perfect location in London. A short stroll to the V&A or along the gorgeous Walton Street to Harrods … more specifically, their Stationary Department.
Kit Kemp the designer has created a luxury town house style hotel, the interiors ‘a tailored version of grand English style’. I love the idea of individually designed bedrooms, and there are 52 to choose from.
What sets these hotels apart is the unexpected … the combination of antique and contemporary furniture … quirky lighting and modern art set within a a wood panelled drawing room or library … it is perfect.
Hotel guestrooms with a difference… the siam, bangkok
Without doubt it is the individuality of The Siam that sets it apart. Renowned hotel designer Bill Bensley has incorporated the old with the new and created a unique 5 star hotel, full of charm.
This is not your typical hotel guestroom … with Thai Colonial influences, lamps hanging on black silk ribbons, travel collections … all so very personal.
The elegance of suites with sumptuous furnishings, exquisite detailing and such interesting memorabilia.
Memorabilia that has been collected and sourced for each of the individually themed suites.
Always glimpses to the exotic orchid filled gardens …
Black and white and distinctly Art Deco. Such attention to detail.
I ask the question again, why can’t your average hotel guestroom, or even just the expensive ones, be that little bit more exciting or individual. It isn’t only about the finishes and furnishings … it is about creating spaces that make patrons feel at home or somewhere better than home.
Loving the langham, london
The Langham Hotel, London … just a short stroll from Oxford Street, Regent Street and Marylebone High Street … shops, shops and more shops. This is a very stylish hotel in a fabulous location.
Classic Room
I love the warmth and attention to detail in all the rooms … from the entry level Classic Rooms to Grand Junior Suite. There are of course larger suites, however I simply can’t imagine needing anything larger than the gorgeous Grand Junior suite … particularly when you are out and about shopping and exploring all day.
Grand Junior Suite
I think what I love most is the interesting use of colour throughout … both elegant and adventurous, to say the least. I don’t know why all hotels don’t do doona’s/duvet’s … they are just so inviting. Well actually I do know why. Changing covers still remains a nightmare for housemaids. (Have to say I find it a challenge and only have a couple to do at any one time.)
Artesian
Lovely to know there is the traditional Palm Court to return to for Tea after all that shopping … or the Artesian for a cocktail before dinner. I do love the exotic Orientalism !!!
A stay at The Langham would not be complete without a stroll through Regent’s Park or a visit to the Wallace Collection (also fabulous Tearoom).
Dreaming of warmer weather and summer holidays …. corsica would be nice
Nothing like reading Garance Dore’s latest blog about her holiday in Corsica to pick you up. Especially when the wind is howling and temperatures freezing in the Southern Highlands. It is about now that I start to get itchy feet. Longing for the warmth, the sun, the summer clothes … for a start.
I just love this interview with Aurelie … hearing all about her summer essentials. It does get you in the mood … her Liberty print shorts for summer on the Mediterranean (made for her in Paris of course), her Gap cargo pants and white T shirt but best of all, her divine vintage white peasant blouse above. Have noted the white Acne skinny jeans and Ray-Ban Wayfarer sunnies as essentials and are on the list already.
Have also done my research on Corsica … only 1.5 hours by plane from Paris or by ferry from Tuscany 2.5 hours. All very achievable once over there … there being Europe, the centre of the universe. Well it is for me, sitting here at the extremity !!
The photo above, is one of my favourites. It captures a moment !! I can feel the heat coming off the sand as I lie under the shade of the cabana. Oh yes and the water would be the perfect temperature as well.
Meanwhile back in the Highlands ……
London olympic luxury
I am sitting here in Sydney full of Olympic Spirit …. no not in London !!! Tickets scarce and crowds crazy, so very happy to travel when London returns to normal. However should I be over there, I have decided that the Firmdale Hotel Group do have the most exciting properties to choose from …. and in all the right locations …. Covent Garden, Haymarket, Soho, Knightsbridge, South Kensington and my favourite Dorset Square. What could be more divine than this Regency terrace overlooking a leafy square.
Kit Kemp loves colour and plays with fabric in a very adventurous way. Each property is unique … in fact, each guestroom is unique, from what I can see. She combines slick contemporary with traditional pieces and details, very brave indeed.
Firmdale call it ‘fresh contemporary English style”. I have to say that I have not always been sure that it all works but looking at the newest addition in Dorset Square I have been won over. Either my taste has changed or I have taken time to ‘just get it’.
I acknowledge they are quirky, however the attention to detail is exceptional, the furniture and furnishings are beautiful and I am sure the experience would be pure 5 star.
Dorset Square is where I would be staying … just a short walk to Marylebone High Street, an area I love with its gorgeous shops and cafes … oh so civilised compared to the rat race of Oxford Street not so far away.
Would love some feedback on any of the Firmdale properties ….
Fortnum and mason diamond jubilee tea salon
Very exciting to discover the refurbished Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon at Fortnum and Mason.
Designer David Collins has created a beautiful environment to sip tea or bubbly and enjoy the delicacies …. a tradition synonymous with Fortnum’s.
Since the opening up of the Far East for trade from the west, Fortnum and Mason have sourced the finest teas …. making a choice is the difficulty.
The fourth floor was always home to the St James restaurant … now one can enjoy the elegant Georgian surroundings of the Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon.
Tea will arrive at your table with a timer that will ring once to indicate that it has reached the perfect brewing time !! and accompanied by the perfect delicate sandwiches and cakes …. linger and enjoy.
Amangalla ….. gracious elegance
Another wet weekend indoors …. the bonus being the time it has allowed me to peruse my inbox in slightly more detail than normal. In the process I was delighted to find that the latest Habitus Living online magazine had arrived. It’s images of Sri Lanka’s Amangalla I thought worth sharing.
I quickly became lost in the world of Old Ceylon and the grandeur of this retreat … so very Aman.
Dating back to the 1600’s these grand old structures have had a number of incarnations …. the New Orient Hotel, an icon in Galle and the hub for passengers from the P&O and Dutch East India Company vessels. In another life …. the Dutch governor’s residence and army barracks.
The current Amangalla retreat captures it all …. large timber shutters on windows, wide timber floor boards, huge chandeliers hanging from the 6 metre ceilings, cord pull lights and the most fabulous and interesting solid timber furniture !! They certainly have captured an era …. so pared back and yet so elegant. My favourite pieces …. the gorgeous wicker recliners !!
They could so easily have thrown masses of colour into the interior …. very brave not to …. the vision being ‘to allow the centuries-seasoned building’s soul to shine’.
I have always had a fascination with Sri Lanka …. just to explore the different regions…. the beaches, the tea plantations …. and maybe even a visit to Amangalla.
