Amazing Patio's from around the world

Last fall I saw an article on rooftop restaurants and bars around the world. They were all amazing and I now want to visit each one. But this of course this lead to some research.  Here are some fantastic ones, which I thought I'd share.

In no specific order

George Hotel, Hamburg
Observe the bustling urban life below, or gaze out at AuBenalster, one of the city's two artificial lakes.

Skyline at Hilton Molino Stucky, Venice
Looking for a romantic spot, check this one out. This rooftop terrace perches high above the 8 interconnected islands of Giudecca, Venice.

The Trafalgar Hotel, London
An amazing backdrop of the London landscape, capturing the sheer splendour of the city, enjoy a coctail while enjoying the views. Each winter the venue is transformed into a winter Wonderland complete with a dome cover to allow all weather usage and outdoor heated lamps to keep out the cold.

Hotel de Rome, BerlinSet in the history-rich Mitte neighborhood of Berlin, the Roof Top Terrace at the Hotel de Rome has sweeping views of the cities rooftops.

Sirocco Restaurant, Bangkok

It's like dining under the stars, located on the 63rd floor of The Dome at lebua, Sirocco is the world's highest al fresco restaurant. With breathtaking views of Bangkok and the Chao Phraya river.

Have you been to a roof top patio ? I would love to hear about it, comment below.

Do you know the oldest hotel in London ?

Opening in 1837, Brown’s Hotel on Albemarle Street takes the prize for the oldest hotel in London.

Hotels in London were virtually non-existent before the railways; visitors would either rent houses or stay in coaching inns.

London is full of old building and history; wouldn’t it be amazing to stay in one of these historical hotels

Looking for the ultimate guidebook? Check your pocket.

Navigate a city like a pro with Lonely Planet apps and ebooks.  They include city guides, language translators, audio walking tours and audio phrasebooks. No internet connection required !

Find the guide to match your mobile device: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/apps-and-ebooks/

Have you used any of these apps?  We'd love to hear your feedback, please comment below.

From our clients, London

Monday morning my friend called me from Rio, she was boarding a flight that night for London and needed two nights accommodation.

Almost everything was sold out in London, except for 600.00gbp plus per night, more than she was wanting to pay. I found the "Citadines Prestige South Kensington" hotel at a great rate.

Yesterday morning she Skyped me from her room, and walked around with her Ipad showing me the accommodation. It looked exactly like their photo's on their website.

Great location and you can walk everywhere and close to Harrod's!

Naomi, The Travel Group

Bvlgari Hotel, London

What inspiration for a visit to London! 

Nick from the Bvlgari Hotel London was in with amazing photos and some great stories about the new Bvlgari hotel that is to open in May 2012.

Bvlgari is known worldwide for their exquisite jewelry and have opened 3 hotels around the world with their 4^th to open in London. 

Mr. Bvlgari was originally a silver smith and this can be seen throughout the hotel. With Silver, gold’s, and jewel tones throughout the hotel.  Their concept is when you walk into your room you feel like you’re walking into a piece of jewelry.  The Bvlgari will open May 28^th with 85 rooms in what will be the “greenest hotel in London” complete with a Bee hive on the roof.    The hotel is situated across from Hyde Park, which is the largest city park in the world, and their back door is mere metres from Harrods front door.

What do you think is the number 1 item purchased in a hotel restaurant? 

A burger – I know I’ve purchased my fare share!  A group of staff was sent to New York, where the best hamburgers are created for a tasting. And the result is they believe they have one of the best burgers in the world.  You be the judge of that.

Hotels for Solos

While hotels generally don't charge a single supplements the way tour operators and cruise ships do, some hotels are taking steps to cater to solo travelers.

Dukes London has a whole floor just for women. (Duchess Rooms) are readily available for the ladies traveling alone. Rooms include things like smaller slippers, lifestyle magazines and a makeup mirror at the vanity.  Women can enjoy a corner table to themselves in the dining room so that they can eat in peace and not feel like they are on display in the middle of the room. And all services on the floor, from escort upon arrival to deliveries to housekeeping, are handled exclusively by female members of staff.