HH Review: Gurney's Newport Resort & Marina

OVERVIEW

Located on Goat Island in Narragansett Bay, Gurney's Newport Resort and Marina offers you a secluded island getaway from the hustle and bustle of downtown Newport while still being merely minutes away. 

Newport is known for its breathtaking shorelines, gorgeous sunsets, sparkling waters, fresh seafood, world renowned sailing, and some of the grandest homes ever built in America. Whether you want to visit the mansions or museums, go to a vineyard, relax by the beach, or see the city by sailboat, you have it all at your fingertips.

At 257 Guestrooms and more event space than any other resort in Newport, Gurneys Resort & Marina is a popular destination for stylish gatherings, both social and corporate. The simple and subtle nautical themed rooms offer effortless luxury with high threadcount sheets, rooms with balconies and a sensuous view of the bay. Ample dining options are available to you around the clock, whether you want fine dining or a lite bite in a casual setting. 

WHAT WE LOVE

• The Director of Fun whose job is, you guessed it! To make sure guests are enjoying themselves. He can book your yoga class, coordinate a bike ride, arrange a mixology session or anything else you may desire while staying at the resort
• The resort offers complimentary shuttles in the hotel’s Porsche Cayenne to downtown Newport or you can go via launch on the resort's boat which goes back and forth every 30 minutes or so.
• Full-service hair salon on site which means not having to go to dinner with beach hair.

ROOMS

• The recently renovated rooms, which are spacious and calming
• Tranquil views of the waterfront while you slumber peacefully on a king-size bed with ultra-plush pillows, supremely soft sheets, and thick down blanket
• Extra-large bathrooms with a granite countertop, jet-stream tub, and luxury bath amenities by Gilchrist and Soames add that extra touch
• Most of the rooms offer the highly sought after water views and balconies that make for a romantic sunset experience daily.

FOOD + DRINK

• Corso, the trendy Italian coffee bar in the lobby offers artisanal coffee selections as well as many delicious grab-and-go items like a salad, panini or yogurt parfait and is open daily.
• The Pineapple Club is open seasonally offering poolside drinks, lounge music & summer fare (think lobster rolls and locally caught fish tacos)
• Regent Lounge is open at 4pm for libations, raw bar items, small plates, and salads, etc.
• Scarpetta, the iconic Italian restaurant by LDV Hospitality. Open nightly year-round, the restaurant delivers signature classics such as the spaghetti and basil as well as seasonal dishes, fresh seafood selections sourced locally, and a world-class wine list.
   

THINGS TO NOTE

• Rooms generally run around $350 in the off-season to about $1100 in the height of summer 
• Gurneys has Newport's only outdoor swimming pool and it is saltwater
• Yoga, Pilates, Barre, Spin, Water Aerobics, and many more classes offered daily to guests complimentary

Book your room here.

 

HH Review: Novotel London Canary Wharf

OVERVIEW

Novotel London Canary Wharf - This hip new 39 story property is the first of its kind for the Novotel brand. Located in the city’s bustling commercial district, the trendy Novotel property is walking distance from transportation lines, boutique shopping and tons of dining options. The hotel features an indoor swimming pool, cafe, rooftop terrace and contemporary restaurant on the 39th floor, boasting stunning 360 degree views of London (hands down best views of the city we experienced the entire trip) The innovative interior design sets this property apart from the traditional off the shelf Novotel hotels we’re so used to.
 

WHAT WE LOVE

• Spacious suites offering sweeping views of the city of London.
• The hotel’s involvement in the Planet 21 Program which focuses on local sourcing and water, energy and waste management.
• Urban design elements throughout the hotel inspired by the area’s Docklands' history. We love the industrial copper and grey textiles, distressed patterned rugs and teal velvet furnishings!
• The hotel pool which features innovative design and fluorescent ceiling lamps.
• The stunning turquoise and red landscape wall by Sam Peacock
• Homemade Honey from the hotel’s very own beehive!

ROOMS 

• Novotel features 313 guest rooms including 26 designer style suites with stunning panoramic London views.
• The suites offer spacious living rooms separated by a floor to ceiling TV console, incredibly comfortable mattresses and bedding, two flat screen TVs and plenty of outlets right on the headboard.
• All guest rooms feature energy saving lamps and key card operated electricity and door locks.
• The subway tiled bathrooms have gorgeous matte-gold fixtures towel warmers. Nuxe products are available in the bathrooms, a sustainable skincare line from Paris. 

FOOD & DRINK

• We dined at the hotel's award-winning restaurant located on the 38th floor of the hotel, Bokan. Our experience was truly phenomenal- fantastic service, quality ingredients, and sweeping city views.
• After being greeted with champagne, we enjoyed (almost all) of the modern European dishes on the menu. Our personal favorites: The Steak Tartare with miso and Organic chicken & foie gras served with black polenta and summer truffle and the Organic Pugliese burrata with Cornish beetroots, figs and Barolo vinegar.
• The Tiramisu ice cream, chocolate sable, coffee ganache, mascarpone was phenomenal! 
• If you're on the go, be sure to stop by the lobby level cafe for coffee or a quick bite. 

 

THINGS TO NOTE

• Rooms start at $146 per night
• The surrounding neighborhood is quiet and offers little to no tourist attractions 
• The commercial district area surrounding the hotel is quiet with few tourist destinations but the short walk to the Canary Wharf Subway station on theJubilee Line, providing easy access to the City and all major attractions with direct trains to London Bridge station (10 minutes). The hotel is also a 6 minute walk to Herons Quay station on the DLR line.

AMENITIES

• Keycard-operated door locks
• Air Conditioning
• Express check-out
• Free in-room mineral water
• Safe deposit box in room
• Sauna in bathroom
• Crib on request (paying)
• Flat screen TV
• Work desk in all rooms
• Coffee/tea making facilities
• Iron in room
• Minibar
• Complimentary WIFI

Book your room here.

 

 

HH Review: Hamilton Princess, Bermuda

Overview

Hamilton Princess The iconic "Pink Palace" built in 1885, is a historic Bermudian landmark situated in the heart of Hamilton. With over a century of experience and sister properties all over the world, the Hamilton Princess knows the true definition of hospitality. The recently revamped Fairmont property is perfectly suited for a weekend (or week long) island getaway whether you’re traveling with the family or looking for a romantic escape. The hotel sits on the Marina, walking distance from the town center where you'll find shopping, dining and local nightlife hot-spots. Hamilton Princess offers a the best of traditional hospitality and modern amenities to make for an unforgettable island holiday. 

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What We Love

• Exploring what feels like endless dining options, pool decks and fitness activities available right on property! 
• Princess Hamilton Beach Club: a one-of-a-kind private beach cove complete with day beds, butler service, water hammocks, dining options and fabulous local cocktails. The hotel shuttle will get you there in about 20 minutes and departs every half-hour. 
• The hotel's proximity to the city center and Marina where you'll find local cafes bars. 
• Exhale Spa: this luxury spa facility offers killer group fitness classes ranging from yoga to barre to intense cardio blasters. With a full service spa and gym facilities overlooking the Harbor, staying fit on vacation isn't quite so bad...

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Rooms

• Choose from harbor or city facing views of Hamilton in one of the expansive, redesigned suites. 
• Each room features tranquil island decor, extremely comfortable beds and luxurious amenities for ultimate relaxation after a long day of sightseeing on the island.
• The suites come with private terraces, mahogany wood accents and spacious bathrooms.
• For those splurging this vacation- the Penthouse Suites offer 1,200 sq ft of pure luxury including soaking tubs, large outdoor terraces and 2 King Beds.

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Food & Drink

• Explore dining at one of the three on-property restaurants including Marcus’ by chef Marcus Samuelsson, the legend behind the hotel’s entire Food & Beverage program.
• The menu at Marcus’ explores the Bermudian culture in a stylish space with a full bar and late night menu. Be sure to try his to order his famous fried chicken and don’t forget to make a reservation!
• 1609 Bar and Restaurant is the hotel’s very own open-air restaurant overlooking the stunning waters of Bermuda. This is a perfect place to start the day or have a cocktail at sunset. 
• Crown and Anchor Bar Restaurant & Terrace offers fresh breakfast on the terrace and evening night caps until 1am. 

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Amenities

• Coffee machine 
• Complimentary Wifi
• Hair dryer
• Refrigerator
• Spacious work desk
• Alarm Clock Radio

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Address

76 Pitts Bay Rd, HM08, Bermuda

Phone

+1 441-295-3000

Eden Roc Cap Cana

Looking for an exclusive retreat that’s a true slice of heaven? Book your trip to Eden Roc, a five-star boutique resort nestled in the private enclave of Cap Cana, Dominican Republic. Simply put, Eden Roc is paradise—and for good reason. Designated a Relais Chateaux property, it’s not only ultra-luxurious; it’s boutique, family-run, backed by the highest dining standards and filled with charm. When we went, we stayed in an adorable cottage with a private pool, an outdoor shower and a gorgeous, spacious bathroom.

While we spent much of our time lounging at the beach to soak up those fierce, Dominican rays, we also took time to explore the property’s incredible amenities. Drive around Cap Cana, and you’ll find Arnold Palmer-designed golf courses, an exclusive beach club (complete with beach butlers!) and tantalizing bars and restaurants.

My favorite restaurant on property was an Italian inspired seafood joint, La Palapa, where my grilled shrimp and lobster came paired with the DR’s turquoise waters crashing under my feet. Another option, Blue Grill, is where Japanese meets Peruvian cuisine.

Medeterraneo, a fine dining restaurant on property, has caught the eye of many a Michelin-star chef. This makes sense when you 1) learn that it’s helmed by Executive Chef Gianluca Re Faschini and 2) try its deconstructed ravioli with shrimp and Parmesan foam. Both make for quite the treat.

At Eden Roc, anything you want is the hotel’s command. On our third day, we ventured out to Isla Saona, a small island about 25 minutes away from Cap Cana. The concierge organized a helicopter to pick us up—the views from above were absolutely breathtaking.

Right as we landed, the sweetest local, Adan, showed us to our private dining table on the beach, where we ate the freshest grilled lobster, rice, beans and made-from-scratch piña coladas I’ve ever had in my life. We left with full bellies, happy hearts and bronzed (almost burnt) skin.

When we wanted a break from the sand and sun at Eden Roc, we went to Los Establos, the horse stables just outside the resort. These state-of-the-art stable grounds are some of the nicest I have ever experienced (which says a lot from a girl who used to ride horses competitively). 

When I learned we could ride, I was so excited to get back on a horse after almost 8 years. For 45 minutes, we explored Los Establos’ multiple barns, 300+ horses and onsite riding school. After a beautiful day riding my six-handed horse, Rocky, my passion was reignited: I think I may have to get back on the saddle regularly.

The perfect place for R & R, Eden Roc is where you can come disconnect with friends, family or that special someone, and return home rested, revitalized and about three shades darker.

For a romantic twist to your escape, after a “long” day of all things luxury, come back to your room to find a romantic bubble bath with rose petals and champagne drawn for two. As with pretty much anything at this gem of a resort, the concierge can make it happen—you need only ask.