Posts Tagged ‘hotel’

28 Apr

Be Live Experience La Nina, Av. de Espana, s/n, 38660, Adeje, Tenerife Spain

Posted by Val Penny in Hotel Review, Review. Tagged: , , , , , , .

My husband and I enjoyed our first visit to Tenerife in November. We chose to stay at the Be Live Experience la Nina, in Costa Adeje. It is a beautiful hotel. Eminently suitable for families and couples alike. We chose to have the adult VIP up-grade which gave us access to a peaceful adult only lounge, adult only sun decks and quiet areas of the dining room. We also had access to the fine dining restaurant, MyLos, on the complex two nights during our one week stay. We went as an adult couple and this up-grade was well worth having.

nina outside

Be Live Experience La Nina Hotels is an exclusive 4 star hotel in the southern area of Tenerife. The Be Live Experience La Nina Hotel is located in Adeje Coast, near Los Cristianos Beach and next to Puerto Colon Marina, the hotel offers fun and the best atmosphere surrounded of recreational areas and shopping centers.

nina attrium

It offers luxurious facilities. Enjoy a perfect romantic stay with the Spa. The only thing we did not like about the hotel, was that we only had one visit to the spa pool included in our stay and after that we had to pay. I understand paying for treatments, but we did feel that the indoor pool and gym should be included for VIP patrons. nina mylos

The gym is excellent but very under-used. There is also a  squash court and daily activities like water polo, table tennis, archery. Be Live Experience La Nina Hotel has Wi-Fi area and meeting rooms and a library area for those who enjoy a quieter time or have business to attend to. 

nina pool day

The rooms are large and comfortable and there are lots of cafes and restaurants in the immediate vicinity to visit for meals and coffees. The hotel is within easy walking distance of the beach and the harbour. The resort is relatively quiet and access for those with mobility issues is generally good. We look forward to our next visit to Tenerife, when travel restrictions allow.

Val Penny

 

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26 Jul

Brasserie Kamp by guest author Reijosfood

Posted by Val Penny in Guest Review, Hotel Review, Restaurant Review. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , .

This article was first published on 3 July 2016 at https://reijosfood.com/2016/07/03/restaurant-review-brasserie-kamp-3/

Brasserie Kämp

Hotel Kämp is a historical hotel in Helsinki, Finland. The hotel was originally built in 1887 by Carl Kämp. The building was demolished and the facade was rebuilt in 1965. 

Dining at Hotel Kämp gives a possibility on a culinary journey from East to West. Asian food is offered at restaurant YUME. Brasserie Kämp offers a wide range of European brasserie style food.

A la carte list is short which makes ordering easy, if you find suitable dish. One option is to order gourmet “fast food” like Kämp burger or club sandwich which are luxorious. Especially french fries are maybe the best in the city.

Wanted to challenge kitchen and decided to order for starters Salad a la Kämp Mixed salad, cucumber, plum tomatoes with marinated artichokes and button mushrooms

Crispy, fresh vegetables made for a very delicious salad.  The parmesan dressing was substituded by a vinagrette, and marinated artichoke with button mushrooms were the choice to make the perfect all vegan option.  The other options are shrimps orchicken.

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and Arctic Ocean Shrimps Hand peeled shrimps, fennel and apple salad, cold cucumber juice.

Shrimps were fresh and just hand peeled, of course. Cucumber juice was delicous and made the dish sort of soup like of starter.

Shrimps at Kämp

For main courses ordered Roasted salmon Creamed seasonal mushrooms seasoned with chervil and tarragon, potato puree.

Salmon was roasted well, meaning that it was not over cooked which can happen easily. Mixture of mushrooms and potato puree paired extremely well with the fish.

Salmon at Kämp

 

and from All day Dining list Black rice and cauliflower Black rice from Piemonte, roasted cauliflower, hazelnut vinaigrette.

From the “All Day Dinning” part of the menu, this is the perfect vegan option.  The original dish is served with goat cheese.  The dish is creamy, but the hazelnut vinagrette and roasted cauliflower keep it fresh and crispy.

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Recommend to dine at the terrace of Kämp Brasserie, which is perfect location to observe passers-by on Esplanadi promenade or pedestrian street. Most of the dishes can be ordered as starters or main courses which helps in keeping the menu short.

Service was unique with French touch. There is a difference between Kämp Brasserie and recently opened trendy bistro type of restaurants when it comes to service. But it is refreshing that there still are some traditions honored.

REVIEW: FOOD 4+/5 – SERVICE 4,5/5 – OVERALL GRADE 4+/5

Reijosfood

7 Jul

Double Tree Hilton, 1 Doubletree, Rohnert Park, CA 94928, USA

Posted by Val Penny in Hotel Review. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , .

Double Tree out.jpgWhen we went to visit family in Northern California there were too many of us to stay with our relatives, we were fortunate that the hotel nearest to their home was the Double Tree Hilton, 1 Doubletree, Rohnert Park, California, USA. It is a lovely hotel and reasonably priced. It is easy to get to as the Double Tree is only 2-minute drive from US Highway 101 and adjacent to two 18-hole golf courses. The hotel is in the Sonoma Wine Valley area.Double Tree room

Our room was spacious and ticked all the boxes for us. It had been freshly decorated, but was a little dated, although it did have a flat screen TV. There was wi-fi, but only available at a fee. Some rooms had a balcony, but ours did not. The en-suite facilities were spacious and everything was scrupulously clean. The staff were polite and friendly.

We enjoyed the meals we had in the hotel. The restaurant has far more space between the tables than in most dining Double tree diner 2rooms which made moving around easier and added to a sense of privacy when we were chatting. It has feature fireplaces and a patio that serves all-day meals and local wines. In addition there is a lobby bar and a Starbucks cafe.

We did not use the fitness center but we did enjoy swimming in the outdoor pool. The weather was warm enough to make it a pleasure to use. The hotel also has tennis courts within the grounds. The grounds are extensive and have lovely wooded areas.Double Tree pool

The situation of this Double Tree Hilton makes it easy to visit the surrounding area including Petaluma (‘the egg basket of the world’), Napa, Sonoma and San Raphael. I enjoyed my stay at this Double Tree Hilton and will use it again when I am in the area, if my relatives cannot put me up!

Valerie Penny

 

 

7 Jul

Jamie’s Italian, 5 More London Place, London, England

Posted by Val Penny in Restaurant Review. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , .

We went to London, England to visit family and managed to arrange that everybody was free to join us for a meal on the same evening. We played safe and booked an Italian Jamie OliverRestaurant, Jamie’s Italian, 5 More London Place, London, England  that we could enter from our hotel, Hilton London Tower Bridge Hotel, 5 More London Place, Tooley Street London SE1 2BY, England. The hotel is reviewed at https://hotelandrestaurantreviews.com/2015/03/02/hilton-london-tower-bridge-hotel-5-more-london-place-tooley-street-london-se1-2by-england/.

Jamie’s Italian bears the name of celebrity chef, Jamie Oliver. We had been to another branch of Jamie’s Italian a few months previously. It is reviewed at https://hotelandrestaurantreviews.com/2016/01/04/jamies-italian-ground-floor-38-threadneedle-st-london-ec2r-8ay/. I was not overly impressed with the food, but other members of the family had enjoyed it so I was willing to give Jamie’s Italian, 5 More London Place, London, England a try. I am very glad I did.

The ambience of this Jamie’s Italian is relaxed and friendly. The service from the moment we arrived to the moment we left was very good, but not quite as good as the service par excellence that I experienced at Jamie’s Italian Threadneedle Street, London. This is not a criticism, just a comparison.

Jamie's Italian insideWe were seated in a large booth and started our meal with olives and a delicious variety of breads. My husband and son-in-law sampled the beers while my daughters and I indulged by following a gin and tonic with a bottle of Prosecco. We chose a variety of main courses. My husband had a turkey milanese. This was a turkey steak stuffed with prosciutto and fontal cheese, breadcrumbed and topped with a fried egg and black truffle with a side of fries. He enjoyed it very much.

My son-in-law chose the Gennaro’s chargrilled & butterflied chicken breast which was served with peas, beans and courgette with a hazelnut and lovage pesto. He also had a side portion of fries. My elder daughter chose a JI superfoods salad with chicken. The salad comprised fresh avocado, roasted beets, pulses & grains, sprouting broccoli, pomegranate & spicy seeds with harissa dressing & cottage cheese. She really enjoyed it. My younger daughter and I both chose veggie tagliatellie bolognese. It was a lovely recipe with an agù of porcini mushrooms, tomatoes, pulses, herbs & garlic with Bella Lodi & herby breadcrumbs: very tasty indeed.Jamie's Italian 5.jpg

Only my husband made it to desert. He had the Tiramisu which he said was the best he had tasted. We rounded off the meal with a variety of teas and coffees. We had a delicious meal in relaxing surroundings. I recommend Jamie’s Italian, 5 More London Place, London, England and would use this restaurant again.

Valerie Penny

 

2 Mar

Park Plaza Victoria Amsterdam Hotel, Damrak 1-5, 1012 LG Amsterdam, Netherlands

Posted by Val Penny in Hotel Review. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , .

victoriaI have been to Amsterdam in the Netherlands many times both for business and for pleasure. Unless I am attending a conference based in a different hotel, my favourite place to stay is always the Park Plaza Victoria Amsterdam Hotel. My husband treated me to a holiday here for my birthday one year. It is so central. When I come out of the Centraal Train Station, I can see the hotel across the square. It is very convenient, spotlessly clean and the staff are always welcoming and polite. Their aptitude for languages is daunting too!

The Park Plaza Victoria Hotel is ideally located for the business districts and the premium shopping areas of Amsterdam. It enjoys a prime central location at the north end of Damrak, a 3-minute walk from Centraal Station. Buses depart from directly across the street, and trams leave from outside the station, a 2-minute walk away, for easy access to the rest of the city. Also, boat tours of the city’s canals leave from jetties located a 2-minute walk south along Damrak. A further minute on foot will bring you to thebusiness-suite 2 beautiful Amsterdam School Beurs van Berlage exhibition hall, and Dam Square is 2 minutes further away.

The hotel’s well appointed rooms are situated in the historic and modern parts of the hotel. Rooms are accessible for those with mobility problems and accommodation benefits from a modern air-condition and heating system. The hotel amenities include free Wi-Fi, television, work desks, movies on demand, a business centre, a fitness centre and a pool. I have never used the fitness centre, but my daughter tells me that it is well-downloadequipped. She enjoys using it. I prefer to unwind in the indoor pool, or visit the Finnish sauna or to enjoy drinks in the Lobby Lounge.

Breakfast at the Park Plaza Victoria Amsterdam Hotel is delicious. It comprises a varied hot and cold buffet. For lunch or dinner, the hotel Brasserie serves a range of international dishes, although there are a wide range of restaurants and cafes in the vicinity of the hotel because of its position. This centrally located hotel is my ideal choice when staying in Amsterdam.

Valerie Penny

 

3 Nov

Holiday Inn, Regent’s Park, London, England

Posted by Val Penny in Hotel Review. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , .

My husband and I chose to stay in this hotel because of its location that is close to the London Theatre District. It is a short taxi ride from Euston and King’s Cross railways stations in London, England. It is also close to a variety of theatres and popular clubs and restaurants. There is good entry to the hotel for those who have disabilities and access throughout was disabled friendly. Check-in was quick and courteous and our room was clean and well appointed. The en-suite bathroom was slightly dated, but again, it was spotlessly clean. We did not use the minibar in our room. The complimentary facilities were excellent.

room

We were in London immediately prior to our daughter’s wedding and had tickets to see “The Mouse Trap” by Agatha Christie. So, while we were aware of the meeting rooms and fitness suite in this hotel, we had no occasion to use them.

We did use the bar and dining room for an early meal before going to the theatre. Both were very well appointed with good choices available to us. Service was courteous and  friendly, but not obsequious. There was always assistance available to us when we needed help getting a taxi.

When we got back to the hotel from the theatre to the hotel, we found the bed was comfortable and long enough for my husband. He is tall.

The breakfast available in the morning was a full buffet breakfast, as we would expect from an International hotel chain like this. Coffee was Starbucks coffee and was excellent and the choices of things to eat extensive. It even included the possibility of making your own pancakes.entry

Check out was quick and the staff were all helpful, polite and we very much enjoyed our stay. We will use this hotel again and recommend it.

Valerie Penny

12 Mar

The Dunollie Hotel, Broadford, Isle of Skye, Scotland

Posted by Val Penny in Hotel Review. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , .

I had been to the Isle of Skye, Scotland twice. On both occasions the weather had been beautiful. More frequent visitors assured me this was not typical! It recently occurred to me that I had not been to “the misty Isle” since they built the bridge from the mainland to Skye: from Kyle of Lochalsh to Kyleakin. I did not realise the bridge had been completed in 1995! Time flies!
bridge
So it was a delight when my friend, Ann, agreed that the two of us should take a trip to Skye together. We arranged to stay in Broadford at the Dunollie Hotel. Broadford derives its name from Old Norse, meaning the wide bay. In later years, legend has it that Bonnie Prince Charlie gave the recipe for Drambuie to Clan MacKinnon, to thank the clan for helping him escape to France. Flora Macdonald, who helped Bonnie Prince Charlie escape, is also buried on the Isle of Skye, so there are a lot of stories from that time.
dunollie
The hotel is not a particularly beautiful building, however, it is seated between the coast and the foot of Beinn na Caillich leading towards the famous Cuillin Hills. It is an ideal base from which to discover the area and its wildlife. It is also well-placed for exploring the Isle of Skye. Checking in was dealt with quickly and courteously.

All the rooms are en-suite and the hotel was spotlessly clean. The crisp white sheets and fluffy white towels made a really good impression. But it transpired that the hotel had only opened on the Monday before we arrived on the Friday and upon entering them our rooms were very cold. However they had a heater in them and this was very effective. By the time we came back to our rooms after dinner they were lovely and warm. We could feel the hotel opening as our stay progressed.
TwinBedroom (1)
Each room has a nice, full hospitality tray of teas and coffees and good quality complimentary toiletries in the en-suite bathroom. The water from the hot taps was, indeed, always hot and there was a bath with a good quality shower above it. The beds were very comfortable and I was very pleased with my room. It was not fancy, but was more than adequate.

As the hotel had not been open long there were not very many staff to look after the guests. However, they were all very hard working and took good care of us pleasantly and with good humour. The bar and lounge areas had no particular style or welcoming atmosphere. However, they do have wifi.

The food was good. Breakfasts are buffet style. At dinner, our first and last courses were served to us but our main course was buffet style. The menu is interesting and varied. Vegetarians are catered for. The food is of excellent quality and there is plenty of it. If you want a drink from the bar with your dinner you have to buy it first and then take it with you to the diningroom. The hotel is not suitable for those who are wheelchair bound as there are stairs to the diningroom and no lift.

I enjoyed my stay at the Dunollie Hotel and would use this comfortable Scottish hotel again.

Valerie Penny

11 Apr

Cotillo Beach Hotel, El Cotillo, Fuerteventura, Spain

Posted by Val Penny in Hotel Review. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , .

My husband and I booked Cotillo Beach Hotel in El Cotillo on Fuerteventura, in the Canary Islands, Spain on an all-inclusive basis having looked at other reviews here. We needed a cheap, relaxing sunny break to give us some relief from the UK winter. We were very pleased with all aspects if the holiday. The resort is small and very quiet off season. This suited us, but if you are looking for shops, pubs or clubs you would be better to choose a bigger resort.

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This hotel is set around a rectangular court yard with the swimming pool, plenty of loungers and chairs and tables in the middle. It is all very pretty and well maintainedImage

The restaurant serves a wide variety of tasty, fresh food at breakfast, lunch and dinner. When the restaurant is not open snacks are available in the bar. The food caters for a variety of nationalities.  There were British, French, Spanish, Italians and Germans in the Hotel when we were there. The chef cooks some variety of fresh fish or meat each lunch and dinner time. The coffee is delicious and if you want to you can drink alcohol continually from 10am-11pm!

The hotel is on the edge of the town a few yards from the coast and at the bus terminal if you want to take a trip to Corralejo. There are some lovely coastal walks and a wide variety or plants and birds to spot nearby. The hotel has tennis, table tennis, darts and various other activities organised. There was always something on in the evenings. Sometimes karaoke, bingo or live entertainment

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The rooms are spotlessly clean and the balconies sunny and sheltered.  The staff are all really friendly and helpful. They are extremely hard working and could not have been more helpful.

If I wanted to nit-pick I would tell you that as the staff cover the dining room and bar at the same time we sometimes had to wait quite a long time (several minutes) to be served in the bar if we went in during mealtimes and the puddings were very similar throughout our stay, but these things are very minor.  We had a lovely holiday and would certainly go back to this hotel.

Valerie Penny

1 Apr

Hilton Hotel, Glasgow, 1 William Street, Glasgow, G3 8HT, Scotland

Posted by Val Penny in Hotel Review. Tagged: , , , , , , .

me-dave-amamndasI have always liked the Hilton Hotel chain and have stayed with them all over the world.  I particularly like this hotel, Hilton Hotel, Glasgow, Scotland once you discover the route into it!  It is centrally located and the Hilton Glasgow Hotel offers superb city views, family rooms, spa and indoor pool. The last time I visited this hotel was when my friend, Amanda, had a party there in December and my husband surprised me by booking a room so we could stay and better enjoy the festivities.  It was so kind of him and the party was lovely. A fantastic four course meal was served and it was a lot of fun.

The reception area is is spacious and grand, however the hotel bar is hilton-glasgow-1small for the size of the hotel.  The staff are helpful but unobtrusive and the hotel is spotlessly clean. Our room was on the fourteenth floor and we overlooked the motorway, but the room was quiet because of the soundproofing and the good quality glazing.  We hilton-room1were delighted with it.  The bed was also very comfortable and we slept well.

 

I also enjoyed using the indoor pool at this hotel.  We did not use any other fitness equipment, but the pool is large and well-maintained.  It was not busy either time we used it and the towels provided are lovely and fluffy.   There is a great fitness centre too, but we did not use that.

Breakfast was marvelous!  It is a usual wide hot and cold buffet with a wide variety of  hot and cold choices.  As well as the traditional British fry-up, I told the chefs I was vegetarian and they brought me Indoor Poolvegetarian sausages too.  It was unexpected and kind.

As I live relatively close to this hotel, I rarely have a chance to use it nowadays, however, I highly recommend it and am pleased to have a chance to stay there when I can.

Valerie Penny

31 Mar

Travelodge Waterloo Hotel, London, England

Posted by Val Penny in Hotel Review. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , .

We got a really cheap rate at this hotel during a Travelodge sale. It is conveniently situated a few minutes walk from Waterloo Station, London, England. The hotel is clean and the staff courteous. There were slight issues of detail in that there was no toilet paper in the en-suite and only one set of towels although we travelled as a couple. Still, these were put right (the receptionist handed us the missing items to take to the room)!

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The room was spotlessly clean and the hotel is close to Waterloo Station and underground, so it was really convenient.  I would use the hotel again, whether or not it was on such a bargain rate.

Valerie Penny