Hotels, Travel

We love Paris in the winter

We love Paris in the winter

Paris is our kind of town any time of year — yes, even when it drizzles — but it helps when you have a good excuse (leftover holiday quota to use up), a reasonably priced train fare (thank you Eurostar) and a great place to stay. [Read more...]

Design & Technology, Hotels

The new buzz in hotels

The new buzz in hotels

The world’s population of bees has declined at an alarming rate in the past two years, which is why Dr Adam Bates and his colleagues at the University of Birmingham have been building a chain of ‘hotels’ for the beleagured insects.   [Read more...]

Hotels

The new hotel from Soho House

The new hotel from Soho House

If anyone can be truly credited with surfing the swell of the recession, it’s Nick Jones – CEO and founder of the impossibly successful Soho House group – which, at last count, laid claim to six members clubs, eight restaurants – including the much-lauded East London bolthole, Pizza East – and as of this month, one fully functioning hotel. [Read more...]

Design, Hotels

Boston regal

Boston regal

The latest addition to the Morgans Hotel Group portfolio (which includes the Hudson in New York and St Martin’s Lane in London) opened this week in Boston. The Ames aims (sorry) to combine slick modern design with a dose of old-school historical charm – the lobby, for example, features both original features (mosaic ceiling and marble and brass suitcase) alongside freshly commissioned art installations. The theme continues in the understated 114 rooms and Woodward, the in-house bar and restaurant. Could we have a reason to visit Boston over New York? 1 Court Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02108, www.ameshotel.com 

Hotels, Travel

Up and away

Up and away

In Esquire’s humble opinion, the best way to enjoy Hong Kong island is at altitude, which might explain why we like the sound of new boutique hotel The Upper House so much. [Read more...]

Hotels, Restaurants, Travel

On the waterfront

On the waterfront

It being a miserable, rainy morning in October, we’re busy researching potential holiday destinations for 2010. Few sunshine meccas gain more consistent praise than the lively, luxury sprawl of the Italian Riviera, where Esquire headed earlier this year for some timely R&R. We’d happily return. [Read more...]

Hotels, Restaurants, Travel

Going coastal

Going coastal

The west coast of Italy has long been the preferred destination for travellers seeking a modicum of refinement and a surfeit of sunshine, and after our recent visit, we’re happy to concur it’s a reputation well earned. [Read more...]

Design, Hotels

An English brand in New York

An English brand in New York

With six boutique London hotels including The Haymarket Hotel and The Charlotte Street Hotel, British boutique hotel brand Firmdale are now trying their luck in New York. The 86-room Crosby Street Hotel in SoHo, which opens on 29 September, continues the familiarly fresh and detailed approach throughout its 11 floors – the ground floor space will include The Crosby Bar, which stretches all the way from Crosby Street to Lafayette Street, and even includes a central garden. From $495 (October introductory rate), 79 Crosby Street, SoHo, New York 10012; www.crosbystreethotel.com