When it comes to luxury hotels, sure, we all love the mini bar (that we don’t dare to use), the big soft towels and the free shower caps! For me though, however luxurious the hotel, if it’s got double glazing I’m sure of a good night’s rest. It will block out the noise of enthusiastic revellers outside by night and keep the room cool and safe by day.
A great five star hotel – such as the Hyatt in Tokyo, the Crowne Plaza or Carlyle in New York arrange life around you. Double glazing is taken for granted in places such as these. The two best hotels I’ve ever stayed at in my life are two of the above. The Hyatt in Tokyo offered a special floor for “Club” members. This meant only you could access this floor from the lift with your special card. You were treated to “running champagne and wonderful hors d’oeuvres or Appetizers in the special lounge” for hours on end twice a day. The Concierge was amazing, organising all needs with style and the shower in the room was SO large – (it was a Jungle shower?) – out of this world.
The Carlyle in New York is home to stars such as Elaine Stritch – and Woody Allen regularly performs jazz there. There’s an Art Deco feel to the whole place, which offers free (take them home!) slippers and wonderfully large, new bathrobes! One or two nights at either of these luxury hotels will set you back the price of a week in Benidorm. I know which I’d prefer … !