THE London-based hotel sales and marketing alliance, Great Hotels of the World, has expanded its portfolio to add more unique properties in top locations including Istanbul in Turkey, Berlin in Germany, London in the UK and Amsterdam in the Netherlands.
MARTI ISTANBUL HOTEL, TURKEYThis recently opened hotel in Taksim, Istanbul’s cultural and commercial heart, has 270 elegant rooms and suites and an extensive choice of leisure options. Choose from the Quad Restaurant and Bar, the Brass Restaurant and Bar and the Istanbul Terrace for delicious local and international dishes, buffets and exotic cocktails. The Marti Wellness facility has a gym and treatment rooms for relaxing massages, facials and other therapies, includinghamman rooms. GRAND HOTEL EXCELSIOR, MALTAOverlooking medieval fortifications and the stunning Marsamxett Harbour, Valletta’s Grand Hotel Excelsior is one of Malta’s finest five-star hotels. Stylish and glamorous, the hotel has 433 rooms and suites, all with the finest comforts and latest technology – you can even pre-book your minibar package with a selection of personalised treats. Grand Hotel Excelsior has its own 30-berth marina, both indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a fully equipped gum and a beauty and health centre offering treatments and therapies to pamper and rejuvenate. Restaurants serve delicious food from all over the world – from Latin America, India, Turkey and more, with a special emphasis on local dishes. GRAND HOTEL DINO, ITALYOverlooking Lake Maggiore, and with amazing views of the shimmering waters, the Borromean Islands and the mountains beyond, the Grand Hotel Dino basks in timeless glamour. Set within gardens dotted with swimming pools, this elegant property features a crystal dome in the lobby and a panoramic gallery overlooking the lakes and gardens. Run by the same family for over 150 years, the Grand Hotel Dino has two restaurants and two bars, as well as a health club with a gym, solarium, sauna, Turkish bath and massage treatments. Excursions, day trips, boat cruises and more can be booked by the reception staff. HOTEL MONACO & GRAND CANAL, ITALYA short walk from St Mark’s Square and overlooking the Grand Canal, this former palace has wonderful views of the Basilica della Salute and the island of San Giorgio. A recent renovation has restored this 17th century building to its former glory, adding touches of modern minimalism to the original baroque design. Stunning antique furniture sits side by side with the latest technology and amenities – a real blend of history and modernity. There is a restaurant serving fine Venetian cuisine and an elegant bar. The hotel is next to a Vaporetto (water bus) station offering easy access to Santa Lucia train station. SCANDIC BERLIN POTSDAMER PLATZ, GERMANYWith a contemporary Scandinavian style and a relaxing atmosphere, the Scandic Berlin Potsdamer Platz is an excellent choice for holidays in Berlin. The hotel is located at the central Potsdamer Platz, within walking distance of many of the city’s attractions, including the Brandenburger Tor and the German Parliament. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served buffet style, and there is a bar with a large terrace overlooking the famous square. The hotel has its own gym and offers discounted fees at the Holmes Place Spa next door. THREE NH HOTELSHarrington Hall, England, NH Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky, NH Barbizon Palace, the Netherlands have been added to the portfolio, in the ever-popular destinations of London and Amsterdam. NH Harrington Hall is set in London’s exclusive South Kensington, within easy reach of the city’s famous museums, including the Natural History Museum and the Victoria and Albert. Over in Amsterdam, the NH Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky is located right on Dam Square, an unbeatable location for exploring the sights and attractions of this vibrant city. Occupying a 19th century building, the Krasnapolsky has 468 rooms, including 35 apartments for longer stays. Just five minutes’ walk away is the NH Barbizon Palace, a five-star hotel made up of 19 converted 17th-century townhouses and with its own medieval chapel for special events. This luxurious hotel has its own boat landing dock and terrace, a sauna and wellness area.