Best Hotels & Resorts in Europe & Africa: Best of 2016
Top 3 Hotels of the Year
My favorite hotel experiences of the year mostly occurred in one month during my travels to Europe and Africa. Here are my best hotel experience, best room view, and best-located hotel from my travels through Morocco, Portugal, and Spain:
Best Hotel Experience of 2016: Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech, Morocco
Without a doubt, the best stay of 2016 from my Europe and Africa travels goes to the Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech. The new resort furthers the luxury travel experience in Morocco while adding the Asian attention to detail and hospitality that are the signature of Mandarin Oriental hotels. Read more about the hotel experience here
Welcome to your private Pool Villa at the Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech. Private pool and Jacuzzi, an outdoor kitchen with outdoor sitting and dining areas, and an indoor living room with a massive bathroom. This is complete luxuryThe resort prides themselves in their In-Villa Dining experience where the staff sets the scene as though a five-star restaurant has been transported directly into your private villa. The staff prepares the experience and occasionally checks in to ensure service and privacy at the same timeThe villa also wins my vote for Best Bathroom of 2016. Check out this massive bathtub and the view from the toilet! The private shower is comfortably spacious and a large area for two sinks with ample counter space. Moreover, there is a walk-in closet and vanity dressing area. Mandarin Oriental wins with the details, as the towel rack’s landing is warmed to keep your fresh towels cozy after stepping out of the shower
Best Room View of 2016: Porto River Apartamento Hotel
Imagine opening your window to one of the world’s most iconic views. Welcome to Porto Portugal and your room at the Porto River Apartmento Hotel. Read more about my hotel experience here
While there are arguably countless amazing hotel views, this surely goes on the top lists. This is my best hotel room view of 2016 from our balcony. From the river, the bridge, and across to the port wineries. This is a food lovers’ dream viewThe hotel upper floors have suites, including this exclusive two-bedroom suite with a full kitchen and living room. The suite truly feels like an apartment in the middle Porto’s historical downtown areaThe master’s bedroom with its en-suite bathroom is massively spacious with balcony doors to take in the fresh air of the Duoro River. The rooms are simply decorated with beautiful use of wood to highlight the natural setting along the river
Best Located Hotel of 2016: Only You Boutique Hotel Madrid
Madrid is my favorite city in Europe that I can revisit again and again. It is the food, the people, and the culture. Away from the tourists yet within the vibrancy of the city, Only You Boutique Hotel Madrid is perfectly located within steps of restaurants, bars, and markets. Read more about my hotel experience here
A former 19th-century palace, Only You Boutique embodies the Spanish colonial history in its architecture and interior design. The lobby floor has several rooms for guests to relax and enjoy a drink, including this former courtyard areaAside from the hotel’s restaurants, the hotel bar by the front entrance of the hotel is a wonderful venue for a local craft beer, wine, or cocktail alongside a small plate of jamón or other tapasContrasting the Spanish colonial structure is the modern furnishings and bold colors inside the room. In the Junior Suite, guests have a private bedroom, sitting area with a desk station and television, and a spacious bathroom
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