Travel Agent - October 29, 2007 - (Page 24)

Insider What’s your favorite European hotel? Why? Agent E U R O PE TOUR PACK AGES BY JENNIFER MERRITT LONDON Jill Romano of Dimensions in Travel in Novato, CA, says: “I would consider amongst my favorites the lovely Stafford hotel in London. It’s like a country house in the city with all the grace and charm one expects of the English, while surrounded in amazing comfort and style. I would recommend the junior suites, at a minimum, and don’t forget the wonderful Carriage House and Mews Suites, a very unique experience The staff greets everyone warmly and makes them feel like VIP guests. Enjoying dinner by a roaring fire in the main lounge or the lively American Bar are great fun, but I have to say J. Sheekey has become one of my favorite restaurants of all time. The location is fabulous in fashionable Mayfair, with the theater only minutes away, and yet you can escape to the quiet of Green Park, too. For years, The Stafford management have supported the U.S. travel agency community with US dollar rates, a real savings with our current exchange rate.” A New Beginning in BRUSSELS Brussels’ latest addition is The Dominican (www.designhotels.com/thedominican), which opened this month, tucked behind the city’s famed theater and opera house. Designed by the Dutch duo Colin Finnegan and Gerard Glintmeijer, the hotel has 150 rooms, including three suites, each with its own individual look. All the rooms come together in a cloister-like setting. Amenities include a lounge bar, restaurant, inner courtyard (small garden), gym, sauna and meetings and conference space for up to 300 people. Contact the hotel’s manager, Ellen de Boer, at +00-800-3746-8357, or via res@ designhotels.com. Rates are between 200 and 1,250 euros (approximately $285 to $1,778). Tell clients not to miss the hotel’s bar, which has garnered accolades. The Levin Opens in London This month, London welcomed the opening of The Levin (www.thelevinhotel.co.uk), a member of the Small Leading Hotels of the World, on Basil Street. (Be sure to also check out The Levin’s sister property, The Capital, www.capitalhotel.co.uk, down the street). The hotel’s 12 rooms are styled with Casamance silk paper and wall coverings and furnished with William Yeowood upholstery and chestnut and nickel bedroom furniture. Unique to guest rooms are the exclusion of minibars, which have been replaced with champagne bars that allow guests to mix their own champagne cocktails in-room. Rates start from £225 for an executive double room (approximately $458), inclusive of breakfast. Contact General Manager Henrik Muehle at +44-20-7589-6286 or e-mail reservations to reservations@thelevinhotel.co.uk. VENICE Mary Walton of Passport to Travel in Modesto, CA says: “I like Hotel Cipriani in Venice because the service is absolutely fabulous. It is in a quiet area on an island. It is fun to take a boat from there to the main square.” 24 | TravelAgent October 29, 2007 http://www.thelevinhotel.co.uk http://www.capitalhotel.co.uk

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Travel Agent - October 29, 2007 Online Now Contents From the Editor From the Publisher Contributors Europe European Tour Packages Mexico Mexico Deals Pacific/Asia Australia Deals Las Vegas Vegas News, Packages and Deals Caribbean Caribbean Deals Hotels Tours Hawaii Cruise River Cruising Takes on a New Life Cover Story: Tanzania Agent Profile Technology: Using Videos Trabsportation: Riding the Rails The Industry: Agenda Holland America and Trump Hotels Bahamas Luxury Booms, BVI Gets First Resort in 15 Years Expanded Family Travel Tours Korean Air Exclusive Report From Results! Travel Conference Travel Week In the Spotlight Editorial Index Advertsing Index Classified Marketplace Trendwatch

Travel Agent - October 29, 2007

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