Mercer Hotel Barcelona

Barcelona is one of the great cruise embarkation/disembarkation port cities in the world. In fact, Barcelona is now the 4th most popular cruise port! There is so much to see and do in Barcelona that several days are needed to even begin to take it all in. When traveling to Barcelona, it is important to find the perfect hotel accommodations. We always look for hotels with a great reputation, good location and excellent service. We found just such a hotel during our last visit to Barcelona: The Mercer Hotel. Not only is Mercer Hotel Barcelona listed in the Top 100 Hotels by International Traveller, but we would go so far as to say it is our favorite hotel in Barcelona!

Deluxe room

Located in the heart of the Gothic Quarter and with just 28 rooms, the Mercer Hotel Barcelona is a unique establishment that has restored an historically valuable heritage building, whose origins go back to the 1st century AD. The Mercer has all the modern conveniences you expect from a world-class boutique hotel, but signs of the city's ancient past can be seen everywhere you look. Some of the original Roman city walls have been preserved in one section of the hotel.

The view of the Gothic Quarter from the rooftop terrace

We arrived at The Mercer a day later than expected due to travel delays. Our flight out of Dallas had been canceled and, to make matters worse, when we did arrive in Barcelona a day later than expected, we did so with none of our luggage. When we arrived at the hotel to check in, we were warmly welcomed with a beverage. When the concierge noticed that we had no luggage, he could not have been more accommodating. He took down all of our lost luggage information and said he would contact the airline on our behalf. It was nice to know that someone was actually doing something to solve our problem. He also gave us directions to a shopping center within walking distance where we could purchase some incidentals just in case our luggage did not arrive. The following morning, the concierge said he had been in contact with American Airlines and that our luggage was on the flight due to arrive in Barcelona that morning. It was recommended that I take a taxi back to the airport to collect the luggage just to be safe. We were scheduled to depart the hotel at noon to embark a cruise ship and he was concerned that the luggage may not be delivered in time. As it turned out, he was correct. I went to the airport and, thankfully, our luggage was there! Crisis averted.

Rickee with Jordi Garcia, Mercer Hotel Sales Manager

Our ultra-contemporary Deluxe room was located on the second floor and everything looked brand new. The bed was a welcome sight after being up for more than 30 hours and all the jet lag.The room was whisper quiet and comfortable. The beautiful beamed ceiling and hardwood floors added flair to the decor. Large windows overlooked a courtyard with a two-story wall on one end that was covered with aromatic plants. We could open the window and breathe in the wonderful smell of the plants. Excellent Molton Brown bathroom amenities complemented the roomy shower which had both a rain-shower head and a handheld wand. The complimentary Wi-Fi Internet service was very fast. Our Deluxe room rate included breakfast which was beautifully presented and delicious. The hotel has a very classy, and well-stocked bar just down the corridor from the check-in desk. An outdoor swimming pool, bar and terrace are located on the top floor of the hotel. From what we are told, this is a popular spot for locals to visit in the summer. The view of the Gothic Quarter from the terrace was amazing!

Well-appointed bathroom

Perhaps the best feature of The Mercer is the location. The hotel is situated right in the heart of the Gothic Quarter. Narrow cobblestone streets, originally designed and built for horses, not cars, make for interesting walks through the old part of the city. There are dozens of restaurants and bars within quick walking distance from the hotel. And, the famous Las Ramblas shopping district is less than a 10-minute walk from the hotel. The oceanfront is also within easy walking distance.

When you consider the location, the amenities and the unmatched service, The Mercer Hotel is our pick as the best place to stay in Barcelona before or after your next cruise.

The Mercer Hotel offers the following services: internet Access, outdoor pool, free Wi-fi, babysitting service upon request, handicapped access, laundry, private function facilities, private transfers, valet parking, personal shopper upon request, in-room massages, car rental, bike rental, hair dresser, shoe shining, and private tours. In-room facilities: safebox, designer toiletries, turndown service, hairdryer, free Wi-fi, daily newspaper, rain effect shower sound-proof rooms, bathtub in some rooms, 24-hr. room service, satellite TV, ironing service.

Visit theMercer Hotel website

Originally posted on: 12/16/2013

Hotel Lord Byron - Rome, Italy

The Hotel Lord Byron was once a patrician villa built in 1910. This small, “off the beaten path” property, located in the exclusive Parioli quarter of Rome, offers guests a high degree of luxury and service by a multi-lingual staff. The hotel is just a short walk to the Villa Borghese and the Via Veneto, and a stroll through the magnificent Borghese Park to the Spanish Steps and the Piazza del Popolo.

As part of The Leading Small Hotels of the World, the Lord Byron assures guests of getting special treatment. What the property lacks in facilities, it makes up for with charm, service and comfortable accommodations. While the 32-room luxury hotel does not offer a spa or swimming pool, it is home to an award-winning Italian gourmet restaurant, Sapori del Lord Byron, and a lounge and wine bar, Il Salotto, with a clubroom atmosphere.

All rooms and suites represent a delicate balance of the old world and the new. Our corner suite had been recently re-designed (as have all the rooms on the 4th floor) in a 1930’s art-deco style. A large Carrera marble bathroom housed a bathtub/shower with rain-shower head, a toilet, bidet and marble sink. A small shelving unit could be used for storing personal items and was where you found the shampoo, body wash and body lotion along with shower cap, shoeshine glove and cotton swabs. Towels were large and plush. A large walk-in closet with electronic safe was large enough for all of our luggage and had plenty of hanger space. A built-in dresser provided drawer space. The closet light was activated by a motion sensor and turned off automatically after a certain amount of time of no motion. 

The bedroom was spacious and comfortable with deep red carpeting and fabric-covered walls in a subtle milk-chocolate herringbone pattern. The doors and ceiling were surrounded with beautiful moldings. Two large floor-to-ceiling glass doors opened to a step-out wraparound balcony which overlooked the front of the hotel and a beautiful little courtyard area. The blinds and sheers covering these doors were opened and closed by a bedside remote control. There was a desk with phone and a small table with two chairs which could be used for en suite dining. Opposite the bed was a corner unit that houses the minibar/fridge and a fairly wimpy 15” television. All the furniture was especially made for the hotel. Art work on the walls featured Roman scenes. The only thing missing was a full-length mirror. You know, women notice those things.

Perhaps the best feature, and for me the most important, was the bed. Our room had two twin beds that had been combined to form a queen-size bed with a large dark wooden headboard. Dark brown suede insets on each side of the headboard were protected from greasy heads by two white pieces of removable fabric with the hotel's initials embroidered on them. The mattresses were firm and the pillows extermely heavy but, when combined, they yielded four nights of the best sleep I can remember. I did not even have to adjust my pillows during the night, something I do continually at home. I would gladly pay a premium price per pillow if I could find them in the U.S. 

The room was also extremely quiet, partly due to the hotel’s solid construction as well as the property’s secluded location. There is literally no traffic noise, a claim that hotels on Rome’s popular Via Veneto cannot easily make. Non-smoking rooms are available and guest room amenities include WiFi access, satellite color TV, telephone, individual climate control, minibar, electronic safe, walk-in closet, towel heater, hair dryer, and luxury bathrobes and slippers. The hotel usually offers a courtesy shuttle service to the city center and Via Veneto but, since it was August and a big vacation month for Italians, the shuttle was not running. However, if you didn't feel like walking, taxis were readily available at the hotel.

Sapori del Lord Byron restaurant

One of the great assets Hotel Lord Byron has to offer guests is the Sapori del Lord Byron restaurant. In addition to offering guests a wide variety of regional dishes and the best Italian wines, Sapori is the winner of an “Award of Excellence” granted by Wine Spectator in 2007. Sapori is worth a visit even if you do not stay at Lord Byron. It is in this elegant venue each morning that hotel guests are treated to a lovely complimentary buffet breakfast featuring such delights as homemade croissants and breads, gourmet preserves, fresh fruits and juices, cheeses, eggs cooked to order, breakfast meats, and natural cereals. The talented Executive Chef, Jean Luc Fruneau, meticulously selects the freshest seasonal ingredients for his a la carte menu. We enjoyed a specially prepared pasta dish and bruschetta for lunch on our last day at the hotel and everything was spectacular, including the impeccable service.

For more information, visit their website at http://www.lordbyronhotel.com/en

Originally posted on: 1/19/2009

The Emblem Hotel - Prague

November 30, 2017 - When our 2017 Christmas Markets river cruise assignment called for two nights in Prague and we needed hotel accommodations, our research turned up The Emblem Hotel. 

Emblem Hotel Old Town Prague

Some hotels in Prague claim the "Old Town" location, but may be many miles from the actual historical sights. The Emblem Hotel is truly just steps from about everything you want to see in Prague, yet, is tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the popular tourist areas.

Check-in was very informal and efficient. We arrived at The Emblem in the morning after an all-night flight and were greeted by a hotel Reception staff member who invited us to sit in the Reception lounge and offered us a beverage. Rather than having to stand at a check-in counter, we were comfortably seated while they brought us the necessary documents required for check-in.

Reception Lounge

We were pleasantly surprised to learn that our room was ready and that the luggage we had shipped to the hotel a few days earlier (we informed Reception in advance that we were shipping our luggage to the hotel), was already in our room and waiting for us. Nice!

Our room, a Queen Dom, was small at only 228 sq. ft., but the efficient layout and design make it quite livable. The mattress, pillows and linens were all top quality and very comfortable. That is something that we appreciated when trying to shed jet lag from an all-night flight. We also were impressed with how well the hotel room was insulated from noise coming from adjacent rooms. The only sounds were occasional noises from the street below, but we hardly heard anything.

The entire lower level of the hotel (below Ground level) is referred to as "The M Lounge" and is a perfect place to spread out and relax at any time of day. I found it to be the perfect early morning spot for coffee and work. There is an automatic coffee machine here that is available 24 hours a day. I never checked to see what was in the samovar -- perhaps hot water for tea?

Coffee Machine

The M Lounge is divided into several rooms, some best-suited for conferences or small meetings. The Salon was furnished like a large living room with sofas, big screen television, and coffee tables. The hotel invites guests to use the hotel's public areas as they would their own homes.

The Salon

The Salon is where I sat to work and enjoy coffee in the mornings. And, on many evenings, the hotel offers a "happy hour" in the M Lounge with complimentary wine and snacks.

Rickee enjoys a glass of complimentary wine in The Salon

As an added value, our room rate included breakfast which is served each morning in the hotel's resident restaurant, George Prime Steak. An extensive buffet of fruit, meats and cheeses, breads, pastries, cereals and juices is augmented by a small á la carte menu with eggs made to order, omelettes, porridge (I am from Texas so I have no idea what that is), and a dish called "American Pancake."

Breakfast buffet at George Prime Steak

You should also consider making reservations one evening for dinner at George Prime Steak since it is one of the highest-rated steakhouses in Prague.

I mentioned that the hotel is literally just steps from Prague's Old Town Square. In less than five minutes, you can walk to the Astronomical clock, or the famous Charles Bridge. At the end of our stay, we met some other river cruise guests who opted for the cruise line recommended hotel (Hilton Old Town). When we saw the location of the Hilton, we were so pleased that we had chosen The Emblem. The Hilton and the Marriott were miles from the sights to which we had walked in only minutes from The Emblem.

The Old Town Square is just a minute’s walk from The Emblem Hotel

When it came time for us to explore Prague, the Emblem's Reception staff were more than willing to offer suggestions, map out a walking route, or make restaurant reservations for us. They could not have been nicer. And, here's a first for us: in the room there is a complimentary "Handy" cell phone that you can take with you on your walks around Prague. You can make unlimited local or international phone calls, or use the phone's built-in walking maps and guides. Another HUGE value!

With comfortable accommodations, an excellent breakfast, and an unbeatable location, The Emblem Hotel is our new favorite hotel in Prague Old Town!

For more information, or to make a reservation, go to http://www.emblemprague.com

Hotel Palazzo Manfredi - Rome, Italy

Whenever your cruise embarks/disembarks in Civitavecchia, you simply have to plan on spending a few extra days in Rome[end]. This is one of the greatest cities in the world, so to simply fly into Rome and go directly to your ship would be a tourism crime. As a great tourist destination, Rome has no shortage of excellent hotels. We recently had the opportunity to spend an evening in one of the very best: the Palazzo Manfredi.

Hotel Palazzo Manfredi

As you can see from the photo above, Palazzo Manfredi is located within clear view of the Colosseum. We arrived at our hotel at around 11am, a little early for the 2:00pm check-in time. The receptionist, Helen, offered to store our luggage for us until 2:00pm so we could go out to do some discovering on our own. Palazzo Manfredi is a Relais & Chateuax property with only has 14 rooms. The AROMA restaurant on the roof/terrace of the hotel has received 1 Michelin star. We are anxious to see our room, but will have to wait until after we do some "Roming" around (see what I did there?). The hotel is less than a five-minute walk to the Colosseum, and The Forum is only a few more minutes from there.

After doing a bit of exploring, we returned to the hotel at 2:00pm to find our room ready for us. Helen escorted us up the tiny elevator to our 3rd floor room (42). We were completely blown away by the room. At 269 sq. ft., the room is impeccably appointed and has the best view of any hotel room in which we have ever stayed, and we have stayed in quite a few. This corner room has one window facing a park and another facing the Colosseum. A site below our window is in the process of being excavated for ancient ruins.

The view from our room (42)

The room has a comfortable bed, top-quality linens, and nice furnishings. The wood floors are beautiful. The eclectic decor bridges a gap between contemporary and Italian traditional, and it does so quite elegantly. A large, flat-screen HD TV is situated across from the bed and sits atop one of the most unusual tables you will see anywhere. The non-functioning fireplace is backlit for ambiance. A small table with two chairs makes a perfect spot to enjoy a bottle of chilled Prosecco. There is a stocked mini-bar for your use (charges apply). Closet space is ample and contains drawers and an electronic safe.

Room 42, Palazzo Manfredi

The bathroom is roomy with a nice-sized walk-in shower and the coolest sink I have ever seen. The large vanity offers plenty of room for us to put our "stuff". One wall of the shower has two tall, narrow windows offering a view of the Colosseum while you are showering! The large rain shower head is a joy and water pressure was excellent. Large, thick towels are plush and absorbent and can be warmed prior to use by turning on the heated towel rack. Bathroom amenities are also top-quality and consist of soap, shampoo, hair conditioner, bath foam and body lotion. Bath robes and really comfy slippers are found in the closet. A hair dryer is furnished.

I want a sink like this in my bathroom at home!

Colosseum at night, view from room 42

The Palazzo Manfredi has it all: beautiful rooms, a great location, excellent service and a 1-Michelin star restaurant! Our only regret is that we had but one night to spend here before returning to the USA. For more information about Palazzo Manfedi, visit their website click here.

Originally posted on: 9/2/2015