A £12.5 million pound refurbishment has successfully married the old with the new: on paper it shouldn’t work at all – but it does and remarkably well as Olivia Greenway finds out.
Der Wiesenhof is a three generation family-run hotel, set in the small hamlet of Pertisau, next to Lake Achensee in the Austrian Tirol. It is about a half hour drive from Innsbruck airport. Surrounded by mountains and fresh air, there is outdoor activity to enjoy all year round, right on your doorstep. The cable
Read more
The AlpenMedHotel Lamm is situated in the picturesque mountain village of Seefeld, in the Austrian Tyrol. Based around a cobbled square, a 15th century church happily rubs shoulders with this modern hotel. Typical Tyrolean buildings with wooden balconies line the streets like a film set with a Hansel and Gretel storyline. At any moment one
Read more
The stunning Grade 1 listed neo-classical Victorian building that houses the museum and art gallery was built from a bequest by the lawyer Edmund Harris, who wanted a free library, museum and art gallery to be built in memory of his father, who was the vicar of St George’s church in Preston for most of
Read more
The main appeal of the Molina Lario is its location, slap bang in the middle of town. From here all the attractions may be reached on foot and within spitting distance are the main shopping street and numerous pavement cafes and bars. Rooms are spacious and modern and what one would expect from a four
Read more
Early flights are a necessary evil. Firstly they enable one to get to business meetings in Europe on time. Secondly, if you’re a holiday maker, an early flight is just part of the process of getting a cheaper flight. If you are flying from Stansted, the early-morning agony can be relieved somewhat by staying overnight
Read more
If you want a taste of real India then a visit to the Mavalli Tiffin rooms is not to be missed. After a short escape from the traffic noise by strolling through Lal Bagh park, exit at the northern end. Praying to whoever is your God, take care when crossing the road and head for
Read more
As your car swings off the busy Old Airport Road and up to The Leela Palace, Bangalore – towering like a pink fairy tale castle above the chaos that sits below – you feel as if you are entering a different world. An ant in a house of giants, the tall marble pillars dwarf you. Huge
Read more
Grayshott Spa is situated in 47 acres of Surrey countryside, surrounded by National Trust land. With new owners in 2005, it’s very much a spa with hotel rather than a hotel that offers a spa, as so many imitators do. Grayshott’s a smart, friendly place and not a bit stuffy. The first thing that
Read more
I’ve been to so many places that pretend to be spas. Grayshott Spa in Surrey is the real deal. There is a chill out area where you help yourself to limitless tea and coffee. As well as the spa proper’s treatment rooms, there is a steam room, two steam pods and plunge pool. Changing
Read more
Everything you have ever heard about The Dorchester Hotel, London is true – it is one of those places that does live up to the hype. It’s just across the road from Hyde Park (you may request a room overlooking it) and a mere 10 minute walk to Oxford Street. But it’s much more
Read more
Recently refurbished, the spa at the Dorchester may lack a swimming pool, but in all other respects, it’s a lovely place to unwind. I had had a wonderful facial here before and was keen to see whether the new set-up would be as good. Situated in the basement of the hotel, if you are
Read moreOlivia Greenway © 2025. All Rights Reserved