Text Richard Bence
The ultimate hotels for the discerning traveller who wants a special place to lay their head in style
Óscar SPAIN
12 Plaza Vázquez de Mella, Madrid, tel. +34 91 701 1173, www.room-matehotels.com
Owned and run by Madrid’s Mr Big, Kike Sarasola, Óscar is the latest addition to the Room Mate Hotels stable, which includes three other Madrid hotels: Mario, Laura and Alicia.
All are high on design and low on price, but Óscar is even cooler and more impressive than the others.
The interior, designed by Tomas Alia, looks like a space-age nightclub, making the hotel a firm favourite with Madrid’s fashion pack. Some rooms have a slightly saucy element, too, with arty black-and-white photography of naked torsos above the beds (although nothing too risqué). The beautiful people will no doubt head straight to the rooftop pool when the weather warms up in spring. Óscar is one very trendy and handsome hotel.
The Dorchester UK
Park Lane, Mayfair, London,
tel. +44 (0)20 7629 8888, www.thedorchester.com
The Dorchester first opened its doors in 1931 and has been a favourite with Hollywood and bona fide royalty ever since. These days you’re as likely to see Kate Moss swishing through the lobby in some suitably fabulous vintage creation before popping downstairs to the China Tang restaurant as you are a Russian oligarch checking in for a business trip.
The new rooftop suites, which come with their own butler, offer stunning views across Hyde Park, while the recently opened restaurant with world-renowned chef Alain Ducasse at the helm is the latest addition to a stellar line-up of restaurants and bars on site. They don’t make hotels like this any more.
Fully booked
Great Escapes
Around the World
Taking in some of the world’s most beautiful destinations – from sumptuously appointed manor houses in the heart of the English countryside to the breathtaking blue lakes of Bled in north-west Slovenia – Taschen’s new title Great Escapes Around the World (€39,99) will inspire even the most dedicated stay-at-home types to pack their bags and get lost. As you’d expect from Taschen, the photography is gorgeous – perfect for the coffee tables of chic travellers everywhere and ideal as a Christmas present.
www.taschen.com
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