|
Our
ratings system is of course highly subjective, but we've tried
to be fair, and rate against expectations, price levels and the
hotel's own publicity. We scored each hotel in ten categories,
listed below, giving a final total out of a hundred.
The
following details provide a descriptive summary of the hotels
in order of merit, by country, and then there is a table listing
individual scores in each category. Where there is a figure in
brackets (6), it indicates that this item was not offered and
so cannot be rated; we've given it 6/10 assuming it would have
been average standard if offered.
Naturally
we didn't examine any rooms other than our own, nor necessarily
use all the facilities on offer. Any of these hotels may be under
different management since we stayed, so this can only be our
personal opinion from one visit.
|
|
|
| Location:
|
Either
usefully located or pretty, or both |
| Reception: |
Genuinely
welcoming / low snot level |
| Room: |
Clean,
decent bed, big enough bathroom, little touches (i.e. window) |
| Porterage: |
Anywhere
from 'holding out key without lifting eyes from newspaper'
to 'bags in room and on stool before you get up there.' |
| Mini
Bar: |
Usual
selection; we were looking for dry white wine and lots of
cashews |
| Food: |
Hotel's
own restaurant and/or Room Service |
| Service: |
Of
staff in general, restaurant staff, and concierge if applicable |
| Value: |
Was
it worth the dosh we paid? |
| Facilities: |
Pool,
laundry, games/sports, bar etc |
| Feel: |
Comfortable,
friendly, staff attitude, atmosphere, smiliness etc |
|
|
|
|
|
| A
key question is would you return to a hotel? We've devised our own
star system, based on the following number of martinis: |
 |
To
stay in this hotel would be a major, or even main reason for
a journey |
|
If
we found ourselves in the area again, we would definitely
stay in this hotel, and would recommend it to you. |
|
If
in the area again, we might choose to stay in this hotel. |
|
If
in the area again, we would AVOID staying in this hotel. |
|
|
|
|
|
| Barcelona
- Hotel Arts |
|
Location
|
Reception
|
Room
|
Porterage
|
Mini
Bar
|
Food
|
Service
|
Value
|
Facilities
|
Feel
|
Total
|
|
8.5
|
8
|
10
|
8
|
8
|
9
|
10
|
8
|
9
|
9
|
87.5
|
| Simply
the best. Ultra-modern and chic. Room superb, with loads of
mod-con buttons to press; stunning bathroom; service, especially
the concierge, flawless; food excellent. On beach and next
to casino, but a fair walk from the city centre. We have been
back to Barcelona since - simply to stay here. |
|
|
| Madrid
- Palace Hotel |
|
Location
|
Reception
|
Room
|
Porterage
|
Mini
Bar
|
Food
|
Service
|
Value
|
Facilities
|
Feel
|
Total
|
|
9
|
8
|
8
|
8
|
8
|
9
|
7
|
7
|
7
|
8
|
79
|
| Stunning
domed bar and dining area, superb all-you-can-eat buffet.
Room very clean with top-notch marble bathroom. Opposite Prado
and Thyssen museums. |
|
|
| Toledo
- Parador |
|
Location
|
Reception
|
Room
|
Porterage
|
Mini
Bar
|
Food
|
Service
|
Value
|
Facilities
|
Feel
|
Total
|
|
9.5
|
8
|
8
|
9
|
7
|
6
|
7
|
8
|
6
|
8
|
76.5
|
| Superb
hilltop location overlooking the whole of Toledo, with breathtaking
dining terrace. Good large room with balcony. Pool, but closed
when we were there. Good value. |
|
|
| Vejer
de la Frontera - 17, Plaza de Espana |
|
Location
|
Reception
|
Room
|
Porterage
|
Mini
Bar
|
Food
|
Service
|
Value
|
Facilities
|
Feel
|
Total
|
|
9
|
8
|
7
|
(6)
|
(6)
|
(6)
|
8
|
8
|
(6)
|
10
|
75
|
| As
close as you'll get to staying in a Spanish home. Lovely location
in old plaza of traditional hilltop town. Half a dozen rooms,
on several levels, all done in trad Andalucian style - not
luxury, but achingly genuine. Town is fascinating, with steep
cobbled streets and loads of tavernas. Tapas heaven! |
|
|
| Puzol,
near Valencia - Hotel Casino Monte Picayo |
|
Location
|
Reception
|
Room
|
Porterage
|
Mini
Bar
|
Food
|
Service
|
Value
|
Facilities
|
Feel
|
Total
|
|
6
|
8
|
8
|
8
|
7
|
7
|
8
|
8
|
8
|
6
|
74
|
| Astonishing
Bavarian décor, like the Schloss Adler in Where Eagles Dare.
Huge room with balcony, pools, casino down the road, bars.
Very friendly and helpful after 'the incident'. |
|
|
| Cordoba
- Hotel Alfaros |
|
Location
|
Reception
|
Room
|
Porterage
|
Mini
Bar
|
Food
|
Service
|
Value
|
Facilities
|
Feel
|
Total
|
|
7
|
7
|
7
|
8
|
7
|
6
|
7
|
7
|
8
|
7
|
71
|
| Large
and marbled, within tiled townhouses. Small but comfortable
room. Pool and nice bar. Cool in the heat. |
|
|
| Aigua
Blava - Parador |
|
Location
|
Reception
|
Room
|
Porterage
|
Mini
Bar
|
Food
|
Service
|
Value
|
Facilities
|
Feel
|
Total
|
|
9
|
7
|
7
|
(6)
|
7
|
6
|
6
|
8
|
7
|
7
|
70
|
| Amazing
clifftop location (state owned), rather boxy but spacious
hotel. Big bland room with balcony, not much atmosphere. Very
pretty beach down steep path. |
|
|
| Tordesillas
- Parador |
|
Location
|
Reception
|
Room
|
Porterage
|
Mini
Bar
|
Food
|
Service
|
Value
|
Facilities
|
Feel
|
Total
|
|
6
|
7
|
6
|
6
|
7
|
7
|
7
|
6
|
6
|
6
|
64
|
| Former
Castillian mansion, rather cold atmosphere. Pool, but closed
out of season; extensive grounds, but raining. Room large
tiled authentic Spanish. |
|
|
| Granada
- Hotel Saray |
|
Location
|
Reception
|
Room
|
Porterage
|
Mini
Bar
|
Food
|
Service
|
Value
|
Facilities
|
Feel
|
Total
|
|
6
|
7
|
6
|
8
|
7
|
5
|
5
|
6
|
7
|
6
|
63
|
| Huge
and impersonal conference hotel. Food very low standard. Service
perfunctory. If you can afford it, stay at the Parador in
the Alhambra. |
|
|
| Gijon
- Parador |
|
Location
|
Reception
|
Room
|
Porterage
|
Mini
Bar
|
Food
|
Service
|
Value
|
Facilities
|
Feel
|
Total
|
|
7
|
6
|
7
|
3
|
6
|
8
|
6
|
6
|
4
|
6
|
59
|
| Lovely
old building with duck park, but next to football stadium.
Gloomy weather didn't help, but not much reason to return
to Gijon. Excellent food. |
|
|
| Puerto
Banus - Hotel Rincon Andaluz |
|
Location
|
Reception
|
Room
|
Porterage
|
Mini
Bar
|
Food
|
Service
|
Value
|
Facilities
|
Feel
|
Total
|
|
7
|
5
|
8
|
7
|
4
|
5
|
4
|
6
|
7
|
5.5
|
58.5
|
| Posh
Butlins; two-storey villas round themed pool. Huge apartment
with huge bathroom, but otherwise disappointing. Food very
average, service surly. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Near
Bordeaux - Chateau LaMothe |
|
Location
|
Reception
|
Room
|
Porterage
|
Mini
Bar
|
Food
|
Service
|
Value
|
Facilities
|
Feel
|
Total
|
|
10
|
9
|
10
|
(6)
|
(6)
|
(6)
|
8
|
9
|
7
|
10
|
81
|
| The
most beautiful private house I've ever seen. 12th century
moated castle, family owned. Very welcoming, drinks with family.
Five vast, sumptous and elegant suites (we saw them). Excellent
restaurants not far. Breakfast on terrace. Very good value. |
|
|
| Chagny,
near Beaune - Hostellerie de Bellecroix |
|
Location
|
Reception
|
Room
|
Porterage
|
Mini
Bar
|
Food
|
Service
|
Value
|
Facilities
|
Feel
|
Total
|
|
8
|
7
|
8
|
10
|
7
|
9
|
8
|
7
|
8
|
8
|
80
|
| Old
chateau in lovely grounds with big pool. Huge medieval stone
room with round tower bathroom. Outstanding restaurant - the
best dinner we had. |
|
|
| Cannes
- Hotel Martinez |
|
Location
|
Reception
|
Room
|
Porterage
|
Mini
Bar
|
Food
|
Service
|
Value
|
Facilities
|
Feel
|
Total
|
|
9
|
7
|
8
|
8
|
8
|
8
|
8
|
6
|
9
|
8
|
79
|
| Superb
location with private beach. Cooler than the Carlton. Good
room and balcony overlooking spectacular bay. Very expensive
during Film Festival, but never cheap. We have been back twice
for special treats. |
|
|
| La
Motte, Provence - Villa Pays Ribas |
|
Location
|
Reception
|
Room
|
Porterage
|
Mini
Bar
|
Food
|
Service
|
Value
|
Facilities
|
Feel
|
Total
|
|
9
|
8
|
9
|
(6)
|
(6)
|
(6)
|
8
|
8
|
8
|
10
|
78
|
| Wonderful
small villa high in the hills, sleeps six, massive master
bedroom with sunken bath. Not overlooked at all, very peaceful,
good pool. |
|
|
| Chablis
- Hostellerie de Clos |
|
Location
|
Reception
|
Room
|
Porterage
|
Mini
Bar
|
Food
|
Service
|
Value
|
Facilities
|
Feel
|
Total
|
|
8
|
8
|
7
|
7
|
7
|
9
|
8
|
9
|
6
|
8
|
77
|
| A
three-winged house and barn, converted with modern rooms,
in centre of town. Rooms are basic standard and very good
value so you can sleep off the world-class food. Pretty grassed
courtyard for breakfast. |
|
|
| Talloires,
Lake Annecy - Le Cottage |
|
Location
|
Reception
|
Room
|
Porterage
|
Mini
Bar
|
Food
|
Service
|
Value
|
Facilities
|
Feel
|
Total
|
|
9
|
7
|
7
|
7
|
(6)
|
7
|
7
|
7
|
8
|
8
|
75
|
| Superb
location on edge of chocolate-box lake village. Stunning views
of water and mountains. Room fine, with lake-view balcony.
Lovely dining terrace, good food. |
|
|
| Doullens,
Picardy - Chateau Remaisnil |
|
Location
|
Reception
|
Room
|
Porterage
|
Mini
Bar
|
Food
|
Service
|
Value
|
Facilities
|
Feel
|
Total
|
|
10
|
7
|
8
|
(6)
|
7
|
8
|
7
|
6
|
8
|
7
|
74
|
| Quite
breathtaking classic French chateau, formerly owned and restored
by Laura Ashley. Rooms grand and ornate. Family owned and
hosted. Sweeping grounds, pool. A little overpriced though,
and difficult to relax - it's their home. |
|
|
| Rocamadour
- Hotel Beau Site |
|
Location
|
Reception
|
Room
|
Porterage
|
Mini
Bar
|
Food
|
Service
|
Value
|
Facilities
|
Feel
|
Total
|
|
9
|
8
|
8
|
(6)
|
(6)
|
(6)
|
8
|
9
|
6
|
7
|
73
|
| Best
location, in centre of village. Suite overlooking valley.
Astonishing value. |
|
|
| Le
Touquet - Hotel Westminster |
|
Location
|
Reception
|
Room
|
Porterage
|
Mini
Bar
|
Food
|
Service
|
Value
|
Facilities
|
Feel
|
Total
|
|
8
|
7
|
8
|
7
|
7
|
7
|
7
|
7
|
8
|
6
|
72
|
| Huge
and redbrick conference/seaside town hotel. Very 20s inside
- our room is large and comfortable with B&W bathroom. Good
bar/room service. Rattley lift. |
|
|
| The
Loire - Chateau de Chissay |
|
Location
|
Reception
|
Room
|
Porterage
|
Mini
Bar
|
Food
|
Service
|
Value
|
Facilities
|
Feel
|
Total
|
|
7
|
7
|
8
|
(6)
|
(6)
|
8
|
6
|
6
|
7
|
7
|
68
|
| Grand
old chateau, billed as 4* but not quite. First room poor,
second room huge and delightful. Poor services and facilities.
Excellent, if pricey, restaurant. |
|
|
| Near
Chartres - Le Manoir Pres de Roy |
|
Location
|
Reception
|
Room
|
Porterage
|
Mini
Bar
|
Food
|
Service
|
Value
|
Facilities
|
Feel
|
Total
|
|
7
|
7
|
6
|
(6)
|
6
|
8
|
7
|
7
|
6
|
7
|
67
|
| Rambling
farmhouse hotel in quiet setting. Room large but faded. Garden
and tennis court. Superb rustic restaurant. |
|
|
| Valbonne,
Cote D'Azur - Hotel Opio Golf |
|
Location
|
Reception
|
Room
|
Porterage
|
Mini
Bar
|
Food
|
Service
|
Value
|
Facilities
|
Feel
|
Total
|
|
7
|
6
|
8
|
(6)
|
5
|
7
|
7
|
8
|
6
|
6
|
66
|
| For
golf enthusiasts, excellent. Good mezzanine'd room, with terrace
next to 5th tee. Restaurant overlooks course and is very good. |
|
|
| Sarlat
- Hotel de Selves |
|
Location
|
Reception
|
Room
|
Porterage
|
Mini
Bar
|
Food
|
Service
|
Value
|
Facilities
|
Feel
|
Total
|
|
8
|
7
|
6
|
(6)
|
7
|
4
|
7
|
7
|
7
|
6
|
65
|
| Not
bad for a budget hotel. Room Travelodge standard, enclosed
pool and small garden. Two minutes walk to lovely town centre. |
|
|
| Carcassonne
- Hotel Montsegur |
|
Location
|
Reception
|
Room
|
Porterage
|
Mini
Bar
|
Food
|
Service
|
Value
|
Facilities
|
Feel
|
Total
|
|
6
|
7
|
4
|
(6)
|
(6)
|
8
|
6
|
5
|
3
|
5
|
56
|
| Run
down old French hotel. Room tiny, bathroom ridiculous. Owner
friendly but everything musty and funereal. Restaurant nearby,
owned by them, excellent. |
|
|
| Cognac
- Domaine de Breuil |
|
Location
|
Reception
|
Room
|
Porterage
|
Mini
Bar
|
Food
|
Service
|
Value
|
Facilities
|
Feel
|
Total
|
|
6
|
5
|
3
|
(6)
|
(6)
|
8
|
4
|
5
|
4
|
5
|
52
|
| Very
faded mansion-type hotel, with rooms split by hardboard partitions
into horrid DSS-type accommodation. Restaurant surprisingly
good. Unless you're a Cognac-sseur, there appears to be no
particularly good reason to visit the town. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Sirmione,
Lake Garda - Palace Hotel Villa Cortine |
|
Location
|
Reception
|
Room
|
Porterage
|
Mini
Bar
|
Food
|
Service
|
Value
|
Facilities
|
Feel
|
Total
|
|
9
|
8
|
9
|
7
|
7
|
8
|
8
|
7
|
9
|
9
|
81
|
| Expansive
and comfortable hotel in enviable setting. Excellent room
with balcony. Romantic terrace dining, good pool, private
beach with lunch/bar. Great for a week's pampering. |
|
|
| Venice
- Gritti Palace |
|
Location
|
Reception
|
Room
|
Porterage
|
Mini
Bar
|
Food
|
Service
|
Value
|
Facilities
|
Feel
|
Total
|
|
10
|
7
|
8
|
8
|
8
|
9
|
8
|
7
|
7
|
8
|
80
|
| What
can you say? One of the best hotels in the world. Our room
is a poem, but up the back, of course, because we're nobodies.
Location unequalled, and breakfast on the terrace is a religious
experience. Huge money, but unique. |
|
|
| Florence
- Hotel Lungarno |
|
Location
|
Reception
|
Room
|
Porterage
|
Mini
Bar
|
Food
|
Service
|
Value
|
Facilities
|
Feel
|
Total
|
|
9
|
8
|
8
|
8
|
8
|
8
|
8
|
7
|
7
|
8
|
79
|
| A
Room With A View - our balcony overlooked the Ponte Vecchio.
Superbly comfortable small hotel on the Arno. Quietly excellent. |
|
|
| Torgiano,
Perugia - Le Tre Vaselle |
|
Location
|
Reception
|
Room
|
Porterage
|
Mini
Bar
|
Food
|
Service
|
Value
|
Facilities
|
Feel
|
Total
|
|
8
|
7
|
9
|
7
|
7
|
9
|
8
|
7
|
9
|
7
|
78
|
| Luxurious
hotel converted from several Umbrian townhouses. Huge suite.
Fantastic pool area with views and bar. Excellent restaurant.
Torgiano is remote. |
|
|
| Positano
- Hotel Le Agavi |
|
Location
|
Reception
|
Room
|
Porterage
|
Mini
Bar
|
Food
|
Service
|
Value
|
Facilities
|
Feel
|
Total
|
|
8
|
8
|
7
|
8
|
8
|
8
|
7
|
7
|
8
|
8
|
77
|
| Luxurious
hotel clinging to cliffs above the Amalfi coast - one of the
best views in the world. Room small but good, with balcony.
Good public rooms and restaurant. Pool and bar on lower level. |
|
|
| Santa
Margherita Ligure - Hotel Continentale |
|
Location
|
Reception
|
Room
|
Porterage
|
Mini
Bar
|
Food
|
Service
|
Value
|
Facilities
|
Feel
|
Total
|
|
8
|
7
|
6
|
8
|
8
|
6
|
7
|
7
|
7
|
7
|
71
|
| Grand
old hotel in attractive Italian Riviera town. Room okay, with
balcony, but faded. Restaurant a bit stuffy and short hours.
Good public areas. Pool and rocks. |
|
|
| Rome
- Aldrovandi Palace Hotel |
|
Location
|
Reception
|
Room
|
Porterage
|
Mini
Bar
|
Food
|
Service
|
Value
|
Facilities
|
Feel
|
Total
|
|
8
|
7
|
8
|
7
|
7
|
7
|
7
|
5
|
6
|
6
|
68
|
| Quiet
and imposingly grand position in the Borghese, but standards
not quite up to the five star rating. Unusual room with large
roof terrace. Charge for pool use! |
|
|
| Ostia
- Rome Airport Palace Hotel |
|
Location
|
Reception
|
Room
|
Porterage
|
Mini
Bar
|
Food
|
Service
|
Value
|
Facilities
|
Feel
|
Total
|
|
5
|
7
|
6
|
8
|
7
|
7
|
6
|
6
|
6
|
3
|
61
|
| Name
is a bit misleading, as none of the four words seem to be
entirely accurate. Conferences/aircrew hotel only. Room good
size but hot. Not a nice place, but they did let us keep the
car there over the weekend. |
|
|
| Ferrara
- Hotel Duchessa Isabella |
|
Location
|
Reception
|
Room
|
Porterage
|
Mini
Bar
|
Food
|
Service
|
Value
|
Facilities
|
Feel
|
Total
|
|
6
|
6
|
6
|
6
|
6
|
(6)
|
6
|
5
|
5
|
5
|
57
|
| Ridiculously
puffed and ruche'd pink palace. Room huge but PINK. Restaurant
closed, and charged £15 to bring our breakfast. An experience. |
|
|
| Florence
- Palazzo Ricassoli |
|
Location
|
Reception
|
Room
|
Porterage
|
Mini
Bar
|
Food
|
Service
|
Value
|
Facilities
|
Feel
|
Total
|
|
6
|
6
|
4
|
(6)
|
(6)
|
(6)
|
6
|
5
|
5
|
5
|
55
|
| Actually
a residence, not really a hotel, as we discovered too late.
We were put in red-brick student-level accommodation, all
white melamine and throws. Not a success - went looking for
another hotel before we'd even checked in. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Salzburg
- Hotel Mozart |
|
Location
|
Reception
|
Room
|
Porterage
|
Mini
Bar
|
Food
|
Service
|
Value
|
Facilities
|
Feel
|
Total
|
|
8
|
9
|
8
|
6
|
7
|
(6)
|
7
|
8
|
6
|
6
|
71
|
| Fairly
central and family run hotel. Room large and slightly faded.
Friendly and multi-lingual reception. Not much character,
but very good value. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Baden-Baden
- Brenner's Park Hotel and Spa |
|
Location
|
Reception
|
Room
|
Porterage
|
Mini
Bar
|
Food
|
Service
|
Value
|
Facilities
|
Feel
|
Total
|
|
9
|
8
|
8
|
8
|
8
|
8
|
9
|
8
|
8
|
9
|
83
|
| World-class
luxury hotel in stunning parkland location in quiet city centre.
Rooms very good, food delicious, grounds lovely. Pool quite
stunning. Expensive and grand - and knows it. |
|
|
| Moos,
Lake Constance - Hotel Gottfried |
|
Location
|
Reception
|
Room
|
Porterage
|
Mini
Bar
|
Food
|
Service
|
Value
|
Facilities
|
Feel
|
Total
|
|
7
|
7
|
8
|
7
|
7
|
8
|
7
|
5
|
7
|
6
|
69
|
| Quiet
village location, hotel modern and quirky. Room large but
rather spartan. Delightful garden for dining. Food excellent.
Overpriced. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Luxembourg
- Hotel Le Royal |
|
Location
|
Reception
|
Room
|
Porterage
|
Mini
Bar
|
Food
|
Service
|
Value
|
Facilities
|
Feel
|
Total
|
|
8
|
7
|
7
|
8
|
7
|
7
|
6
|
5
|
6
|
5
|
66
|
| Featureless
conference hotel not worth anything like its five stars. Room
large but sub-Hilton standard. 1: Good location 2: Er….. 3:
That's it. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Near
Brussels/Waterloo - Kasteel van Neerijse |
|
Location
|
Reception
|
Room
|
Porterage
|
Mini
Bar
|
Food
|
Service
|
Value
|
Facilities
|
Feel
|
Total
|
|
7
|
8
|
7
|
6
|
7
|
8
|
8
|
8
|
6
|
7
|
72
|
| Grand
old redbrick chateau, rather faded. Lovely large grounds with
lake and deer. Friendly, with big, old fashioned room. Food
very good. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Position |
Hotel
/ Location |
Score |
| 1 |
The
Arts, Barcelona |
87.5 |
| 2 |
Brenner's
Park, Baden-Baden |
83 |
| 3= |
Villa
Cortine, Sirmione |
81 |
| 3= |
Chateau
LaMothe, Bordeaux |
81 |
| 5= |
Hostillerie
Bellecroix, Chagny |
80 |
| 5= |
Gritti
Palace, Venice |
80 |
|
