Top 5 Places To Visit In Paris

In December in Paris you’lls simply feel like in a wonderful fairy-tale which does seems to end anytime.Trees on the Champs Elysees from the top to down are decorated with garlands twined with twinkling lights. Many places in the city are also dressed in festive decoration: Montorgyuel Street, Saint-Honore, Department stores of Galeries Lafayette, Place Vendome. Across the city there are multiple Christmas markets, with their charming wooden trays, hot mulled wine, jewelry, gifts and sweets.

In short, in Paris there are many ways to experience the atmosphere of the holidays. What else is there to do in Paris for the Christmas holidays? Just go throw the list to discover the most awesome thing to do in this fashion capital. You should start with the magnificent trio- Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, Nike of Samothrace (Winged Victory) . Here you can view the restored Apollo Gallery, admire the paintings of Jan Vermeer Delft in the Pavilion Richelieu, hold your breath before the huge canvases of Jacques-Louis David “The Coronation of Emperor Napoleon and Empress Josephine in the Cathedral of Notre Dame.December 2, 1804” in Hall of French painting.Recall the final scene of The Da Vinci Code, looking at the inverted pyramid. As for now have a look at the top 5 places worth to visit while in Paris.

In the vicinity of the Louvre

• Walk along Rue de Rivoli admire the entrance to the metro Louvre-Rivoli

• Walk across the courtyard of the Palais-Royal. This palace was built for Cardinal Richelieu. Pay attention to unusual fountains in the form of piles of metal balls between which water flows. Then stroll through the gardens of the Palais Royal, return to the street de Petit Champs.
• Go to the Galerie Vivienne – a closed gallery of shops and boutiques, existing since the early 19 th century.

The Eiffel Tower and its surroundings:

• Climb to the third floor of the Eiffel Tower.
• Admire the tower with a viewing platform Palais de Chaillot, which is located on the Trocadero.

• Attention to the lovers of beautiful pictures: it’s the best view of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, all! I especially recommend to wait for night time: in the beginning of every hour the Eiffel Tower begins to sparkle with lights. An unforgettable sight!
• Arrange a picnic on the Champ de Mars.
• Dine at the famous restaurant “Jules Verne”, located on the second level of the Eiffel Tower.

Notre Dame, the Ile Saint-Louis and the Latin Quarter:

• Go inside the Cathedral, before entering, hold the ring at the door: it saves from the “scrips and prisons.”
• Inside Notre Dame, lift your head and look through magnificent stained-glass window of the Rose.
• In the depths of the Cathedral Find the body.
• Be sure to listen to organ music during the service – admission is free. This is indeed something divine!

• Stand with your back to the main entrance, so you can at a glance the high nave, transept, choir and main altar.
• Chimera Gallery offers a beautiful view over the Seine.
• Go down, walk on the street near Notre Dame Cathedral: view local shops. By the way, near Notre Dame they sell delicious baguettes!
• You must try the ice cream in a cafe Bertillon Maison Bertillion on the island of Saint-Louis. Many varieties, and only half euros for the ball;)
• Cross the bridge of Saint-Louis, walk along the Seine, wrap the trays to second-hand bookshops, buy small paintings of views of Paris.
• Stroll through the Latin Quarter, walk the narrow streets of the magic.
• Make a stop at the famous bookshop “Shakespeare and Company”, where you can read books and buy them if you like
• Visit the Church of St Julien de Pauvre. Here there is nothing like the grandeur and splendor of Notre Dame.
• Also take a look at the next Church St Severin, to independently assess the holding a set of “columns, palm trees”.

Jardin des Tuileries, Place de la Madeleine and the Opera Garnier:

• Walk in the Tuileries garden, look at the children, the manager sticks to the local small boats fountain
• Go to Place de la Concorde),do not miss the Egyptian obelisk and fountains
• On Rue de Rivoli turn into the street Rue Castiglione, look at the Place Vendome. It is a column with the figure of Napoleon at the top. Treat yourself to a martini bar at the famous Bar du Ritz.

• Being on the Madeleine Square do not forget to look at the famous for its chocolate Fauchon – the world famous grocery store. Simply a paradise for the lovers of sweets:)!
• Do not ignore Maille Mustard Boutique – a charming shop. And what is packed in small elegant jars, language does not turn to call mustard! This is a work of art for every taste and color – bring home a couple bottles to friends as a gift!

• Another luxury boutique grocery Hediard will give you delicious French delicacies of all kind.
• And the best chocolate you can find in La Maison du Chocolat- Home of chocolate, the Faubourg Saint-Honore. Looking for luxury chocolate, think of gifts to friends.
• Go to the Garnier Opera, check out the Museum of the Opera.

Montmartre

• Walk to Montmartre. You can get out of the metro Abbesses or Lamarck.
• Take a ride on the bus “Monmartobyus”, it departs from the Place Pigalle, and tours the entire hill
• Visit the quiet little cemetery of Saint-Vincennes: Here lies the famous French artist Maurice Utrillo, sang in his landscapes streets of Montmartre

• Take photos of Gullet mill – one of only two surviving mills of Montmartre. Previously there were more than three dozen – they milled flour and pressing grapes
• Do not miss the small and the old church of Saint-Pierre in Montmartre
• Visit magical Sacre-Coeur, admire giant mosaic depicting of Jesus Christ. On a clear day climb to the tower to admire the view of Paris.
• Buy a souvenir picture of the artist on the Place du Tertre
• Stay behind the station Abesses, go into the garden and find Love Wall – a wall with the words “I love you” in many languages
• Walk down the street Lepic (rue Lepic), with lots of shops. You can also visit a small pub restaurant (Brasserie), which was the workplace for the heroine of the movie “Amelie”
• Find the Place Pigalle, visit the show at the Moulin Rouge
• Go to the cemetery of Montmartre. Here many prominent individuals are buried, such as physicist Ampere and painter Degas.

The Most Attractive Hotels Worldwide

In many cities they love to preserve historic hotels which seem to be rather charming for the guests due to their special atmosphere, indescribable spirit of past times, which can not be created with the help of modern buildings. They can be luxurious or modest, insanely expensive or available, but to live in this kind of place – it always means to touch the legend.

Hôtel Ritz, Paris, France

 

This hotel is in the heart of the French capital on one of the most beautiful areas. It has become synonymous with the aristocratic luxury. Specific blue-blooded, business tycoons, political elite, celebrity fashion and film, arriving in Paris, choose this particular hotel. It was inspired by Marcel Proust, it was turned into a fashion house of Coco Chanel, it was here where the passionate novel of Ernest Hemingway was developed. And I still entering the doors of Paris’ Ritz – means to join the world of the rich and famous.

Bayerischer Hof, Munich, Germany

 Back in 1832 Ludwig of Bavaria decided to build a huge hotel in Munich which will have a unique interior and exclusive appearance. Unfortunately, during the bombing in 1944, a significant part of the building was destroyed, but the owners decided to restore the famed hotel. During the Olympical Games in 1972 the hotel has been added with another wing – adjacent Old Palace Mongelas, and even after a couple of decades, opened a large swimming pool on the roof and the new-fashioned spa center. But despite the modern gloss, Bayerischer Hof is still the same good old Munich hotel.

 

Marriott Hotel, Cairo, Egypt

We all believe that in recent years everything has turned into a form of a modern skyscrapers, but we need only to cross the threshold of the hotel, and you have a completely different world – the realm of imperial luxury and bliss. Once, this luxurious hotel was called Al Gezira Palace. It was opened in the house of Napoleon’s wife – the Empress Eugenie. Since then, the hotel appears to have spa and fitness center, but has remained the same elegant atmosphere and kept some of the interiors.

 

Old Winter Palace, Luxor, Egypt

In this hotel with noble Victorian interior stopped a long list of famous people and celebrities around the world such as Agatha Christie. The hotel was built in 1886 in lush tropical gardens on the banks of the Nile. Now it is in the center of the city, next to the temple of Luxor. It can be reached in just a few minutes. Being on tour in Luxor you should make sure to look briefly here: admiring the interior and to have a cup of flavored beverage in a tea room.

 

The Imperial Hotel, Delhi, India

The history of the hotel began exactly a century ago, when King George V declared New Delhi the capital of India. The hotel has been conceived as one of the most original buildings of the city: the architect reflected in its interior the style of the outgoing Victorian era and spirit of our new age of art – art deco. One needs only to walk around the hotel, as before you will open up the most significant pages of Indian history. They even still carefully preserve the table at which the heads of the country were discussing the independence of India.

 

American Colony Hotel, Jerusalem, Israel

Prior to the beginning of the twentieth century in this ancient city there was not a suitable hotel with a decent level of service for the reception of travelers and pilgrims from Europe and America. And at the same time the Turkish inns could not meet the demands of wealthy gentlemen. This hotel opened in 1902, and named American Colony became the first high-class hotel in Jerusalem. Being the property of Americans, this hotel has always been known as a neutral territory, free from the hazards of local political life, and so it became a kind of oasis for meetings of heads of governments and diplomats of Arab and Jewish parties.This is called to be the first hotel to symbolize peace!

 

Giraffe Manor, Nairobi, Kenya

Built in 1932 in Africa it looks like a typical hotel is a cozy Scottish hunting lodge. But instead of the nature of Northern Europe, the place has a view of peacefully grazing giraffes, and even not in the far distance stands the magnificent Mount Kilimanjaro. The owners of the hotel are paying much attention to the nature reservation, protection of wild animals and that’s why they even opened up a whole fleet of giraffes. For hotel guests the entry is totally free there: they will have a plenty of time to admire the graceful animals.

 

The Grand Hotel, Taipei, Taiwan

Beautiful hotel is built in a traditional palace style. Under the elegant indoor shiny tiled roof with upturned edges of the amazing splendor of the interiors, the characteristic red bearing columns and grand arches – all reminiscent of imperial luxury apartments. Each of the eight floors corresponds to one of the dynasties of Chinese rulers, reflected in the form of paintings, furniture and decoration throughout. Today, this hotel has become a symbol of Taiwan.

 

Hotel New Grand, Yokohama, Japan

The hotel symbolizes the history of Yokohama – port city, which became a bridge between Japan and the modern Western world. It harmoniously combines different styles and eras in a single building: the main building have a quiet classic style, the interior successfully combines western elegance and brightness of the Asian endurance. It adjoined a separate tower in 1991 which has a modern design. In this hotel it is worth staying not only for the architecture but also for the wonderful views of various species of the bay of Yokohama.

 

Majestic Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Everyone who settled in this boutique hotel, built in 1925, feels surrounded with the old world charm. Elegant columns and vaulted ceilings characterize the classic French colonial design of the golden age of architecture. Of course, time has not stopped: after the last overall renovation of the hotel, an 8-stored department was attached to the main building. Also here you can use the service of the modern SPA center. At the same time the architects managed to keep the main thing – the spirit of a bygone era.

Source: travelvivi.com

The Best Wine Hotels of Southern Europe

As you know, the best wine is produced in Europe, more precisely, in Southern Europe. So, here you can find hotels that can provide the most demanding tourists the best selection of wines, as well as wine therapy, wine spa and haute cuisine. The winners of the Wine Hotel Awards in 2009 were four Spanish, three French, two Portuguese and one Italian hotel.

The winner was a French Chateau de Bagnolet, from the Department of Beaujolais, which was built in the XIII century. Despite the antiquity of the structure and the obstacle in the form of the drawbridge before entering, there is a beautiful five-star hotel in the castle with a chic restaurant. Spanish Marques de Riscal from Rioja is created by the architect Frank Gehry in the avant-garde style. Guests of the hotel are offered a real wine therapy, and a relaxed atmosphere of the hotel is stressed by the ideal interiors. In the third place in the list of the best from the best is an Italian L’Andana hotel, formerly the residence of the Grand Duke of Tuscany. The chef cook is famous Alain Ducasse.

The second three of the best opens with Spanish hotel called Read’s, located on Mallorca in the ancient villa. There is a very modern Vespasian hotel and spa resort. In the fifth place is a French hotel Les Sources de Caudalie, which is not far from Bordeaux. Health and rejuvenating treatments with wine bias and winner of Michelin stars- Chef Frank Salen are waiting for the visitors of the hotel. The second three of the best closes the Catalonian Peralada Hotel, which is ready to shelter not only lovers of wine, but fans of golf, beach holidays and long walks.

In the seventh place is the Portuguese hotel Aquapura, located in the valley of the River Douro, where the oldest vineyards in Europe are located – here despite the epidemic of phylloxera, survived the vines, the descendants of the Phoenicians planted more grapes. In the eighth place is the French Chateau de Berne, which is hidden in 80 acres of woods and vineyards, on the 9th is again the Portuguese Casa da Calcada, which is famous for its wine production region Vigneaud Verde, and the tenth – Spanish Hacienda Zorita, one of the oldest wineries in Spain. Rumor has it that Christopher Columbus lived here at one time, but the tourists even without such legends will find things to do in the former Dominican convent at Salamanca.

The visitors of experienciasymas.com portal assessed the hotels, which drew their attention not only on tastings, excursions to wineries and haute cuisine, but also on the promotion of wine tourism and the professional level of staff.

The Best Restaurants in European Ski Resorts

While planning a holiday trip for the winter season most of us prefer the colder regions, which are most amazing spots for the winter sports including skiing. But this doesn’t mean that we need to sacrifice our comfort and everyday convenience for getting a chance to enjoy the pleasure of the winter sports. Instead of that it’s much better to wish having a good time during the entire period of the holiday. Thus during your holiday you do not have to settle in a simple hotel and have typical meals. After all, everywhere there are special “gourmet” chefs which are awarded with honorary awards and are working worldwide in leading restaurants of the skiing resorts.
We are offering you the list of the top restaurants which will make your winter holiday simply a pleasure.

Le Chabichou
Courchevel, France

One of the best in Courchevel is recognized to be the restaurant Le Chabichou. Classic dishes here are made in accordance with the latest trends of the modern French cuisine. As a result the restaurant is awarded with two stars of Michelin. Guests of the hotel can not only try dishes, but also learn how to cook some of them, because the chef is ready to share secrets and regularly conducts master classes to the visitors of the restaurants. This is simply a place where you can combine both eating and learning how to cook all of those delicious dishes.

Nobu at Badrutt’s Palace
St. Moritz, Switzerland

One of the trendiest restaurants in St. Moritz, Switzerland, and the whole world is situated at the Palace Hotel Badrutt’s. Innovative dishes are prepared here under the guidance of renowned Japanese chef Nobuyuki Matsuhisa, better known as “Nobu”. He is the one who opened a network of similar institutions across the globe. If you are lost in a diverse menu, we recommend you to try the specialty sashimi and black cod. Those are the main masterpieces of the chef.

La Stua de Michil
Corvara, Italy

There are many reasons why you should stay in this cozy Alpine chalet – Hotel La Perla in the Dolomites in the heart of South Tyrol, and not the last of them – an excellent restaurant La Stua de Michil. Dishes here are made from exceptionally biological products. The reminiscent of the culinary traditions of Laden – the native land Chef Arturo Spikochchi. This institution for the true connoisseurs of high northern Italian cuisine was awarded with one star Michelin. And let’s not forget that this is one of the spots where you can get real Italian food and not the one known to be Italian, while it’s not.

Le 1947
Courchevel, France

This restaurant is located in a luxury hotel Cheval Blanc near the center of the resort of Courchevel 1850. The main reason for the popularity of the restaurant is the fact that in the process of preparing dishes we have the presence of the well-known chef, Yannick Alléno, awarded 3 stars Michelin. Maestro of catering prefers gourmet cuisine, which, however, has always been reflected in the alpine tradition having all of the flaws and all of the Alpine inspiration.

Gourmethotel Brunnenhof
Lech, Austria

The Austrian ski resort of Lech is called a paradise not only among the skiers but also gourmets. In these parts there are a few restaurants right next to each other, while most of them are awarded with different awards. However, among all the hotels allocated only Gourmethotel Brunnenhof received both Michelin star and two awards from Gault Millau. But avid skiers are not that much advanced to settle in this place: there is a danger to get carried away with unique cuisine and dishes author and to lose the desire to reach the slopes of the close mountains.

Le Bateau Ivre
Courchevel, France

Magnificent views are seen from the windows of one of the best restaurants of Courchevel 1850. This institution has been granted as much as two-star Michelin. It is located on the sixth floor of the luxurious Hotel La Pomme de Pin. The dishes are created by Chef Jean-Pierre Jacob, who differs with creativity and dares to mix bright flavors and to find the best harmony ever. All dishes are prepared from local organic products of high quality which makes them even tastier.

Trofana Royal
Ischgl, Austria

The chef of the Austrian hotel Trofana Royal – a real celebrity. Through his art by local institutions were awarded one Michelin star and another a prestigious French award – the three awards from Gault Millau. And to any of the unique dishes of the author’s cuisine there is always a good wine to be found: in the hotel’s cellar, to the delight of visitors, they keep a magnificent collection of more than 25,000 bottles of wine for any taste.

La Table du Lana
Courchevel, France

The owners of the hotel Le Lana knowingly invited prestigious Michelin chef Guy Martin to be the chef of their restaurant . Henceforth, this place attracts gourmets not only from France but also from around the world and not only for the winter season but all year round. Martin learned the art of cooking at the Savoy, which allows him to prepare delicious dishes, not forgetting the traditions of this region, and at the same time the guests can have the opportunity to become acquainted with wonderful regional products.

l `Oxalys
Val Thorens, France

The youngest “star” chef Jean Sulpice not so long ago received his second “quality mark” from Michelin. His masterpieces, which can be enjoyed in the restaurant l `Oxalys, turned popular in Val Thorens resort gourmet wanting to get to know Savoy gastronomic traditions. Renowned chef not only works in a restaurant. Recently, he started cooking all of his gourmet meals for children who spend time in a manger. So that the high art will be able to be tasted not only by you but also your heirs.

La Ferme de mon Pere
Megeve, France

This seemingly modest restaurant in a rustic farmhouse is stylish ski resort of Megeve – one of the best restaurants in France awarded with three stars by Michelin. Dishes are prepared under the guidance of legendary Mark Weir – the only chef for two restaurants that were awarded with three stars.

Top Ten Hotel Rooms With a View

Hotels aren't the sum of travel, but the right hotel can bring magic to a journey. Friendly employees, amazing furnishings, and great locations can all make a good holiday great. And an exceptional view, above and beyond the rest, can stick in one's memory forever. Here are ten hotels strewn around the world, each with ridiculously stunning views.

1. Shearwater Resort, Saba. Shearwater's Cottage Rooms, which overlook the resort's cliffside pool from an altitude of 2000 feet and sport views of the ocean and several neighboring islands (St. Eustatius, St. Kitts, and Nevis) are in a league of their own. See above for evidence. Shearwater's owners also recommend the views from their Ocean View Suite. Cottage Rooms from $175; Ocean View Suite from $250.

2. Longitude 131, Ayers Rock Resort, Australia. The tents at Longitude 131 at Ayers Rock feature heart-stopping panoramic views of this most iconic of Australian sights. This is real fantasy territory, with rates well beyond feasibility for most. From A$4080 for two for two nights ($4095).

3. Hotel on Rivington, New York, New York. The corner king rooms at this Lower East Side outpost of extravagance have floor-to-ceiling glass walls affording astounding views of the city. Aim for a room on a higher floor. From $379.

4. Hotel de Crillon, Paris, France. Terribly exorbitant, yes--not sure that a room at this price point should ever be recommended--but the views are exquisite here. Do you best to nab a room with a view over the Place de la Concorde to the Eiffel Tower. From €630 ($875).

5. Sheraton Iguazú Resort and Spa, Iguazú Falls, Argentina. The only hotel inside the Iguazú National Park offers awe-inspiring views of the falls themselves. The Falls View rooms, all with balconies, are perfect for the view-minded. From $255.

6. Campi ya Kanzi, Mtito Andei, Kenya. Campi ya Kanzi lies in a 400 square-mile are of Maasai-run land in southern Kenya. Mount Kilimanjaro is 35 miles away from the camp site, which consists of six tented cottages and two suites. Suites run $1600 for two; single occupancy $900.

7. The Intercontinental, Kowloon, Hong Kong. Stunning Hong Kong Harbor provides the world one of its most exciting skylines, and a harbourview room at the Intercontinental is one of the best places to glimpse it. From around HK$2600 ($335).

8. The Fairmont Banff Springs, Banff, Alberta, Canada. The most iconic of Canada's mountain lodges, the Fairmont Banff Springs is in a league of its own as far as picturesque placement is concerned. Many rooms offer extraordinary views as well. Book a valley view room (not a mountain view room) to take full advantage of the Rockies' scenic majesty. From around C$439 ($437).

9. Explora, Torres del Paine, Chile. Gorgeous if minimalist modernism features here in the wilds of Chilean Patagonia, courtesy of famed Chilean architect Germán del Sol. Views of Macizo del Paine are drop-dead extraordinary. They're also most definitely not cheap. Four nights will run $5840 for two.

10. La Haut Plantation, St. Lucia. The least expensive of the options here is this reasonable stunner, which has great views of St. Lucia's famous Pitons. Even the least expensive Standard Garden rooms here boast incredible views of the Pitons. From $120 in low season.

A list like this one is of course necessarily quite subjective, and my evaluation here is designed to suggest and expose more than it is intended to lay down the l

Five Best Vienna Hotels

The capital of Austria is replete with countless cultural monuments and architectural gems. These five hotels in Vienna offer visitors comfort, luxury and no-hassle access to the city’s best attractions.

Image by krister462

The Ring

The Ring is ideal for tourists who want a chic, central location in Vienna’s Innere Stadt old town. The fashionable hotel is part of the exclusive JJW Hotels & Resorts group, with inherent emphasis on smart, stylish service and decor as a result.

The hotel’s main advantage however, is a location on Vienna’s famous Ringstrasse. The Ring is on the Kärntner section of the circular boulevard, with a host of magnificent landmarks literally minutes away. Some of the best include the Vienna State Opera, Museum of Applied Arts, Parliament of Austria and gorgeous Flemish-Gothic Town Hall.
With luxury suites, a gym, spa, business center, tony restaurant and bar, The Ring is a blissful oasis in the heart of Vienna.

Le Méridien

Le Méridien is another pre-eminent Ringstrasse hotel close to many fine points of interest. As a flaghsip property in Starwood’s stable, class and charm figure prominently at the upscale Openring address.

On-site perks at Le Méridien include beds by avant-garde furniture company Ligne Roset, a luxe indoor pool and a full-service spa replete with steam rooms, saunas and a fleet of massage therapists. Be sure to grab a cocktail at the hotel’s sleek Shamabla Bar and make time for the most important meal of the day with Café Boulevard’s gourmet breakfast menu.

Hotel Bristol Vienna

Yet another Starwood gem in fabulous Vienna, the Bristol is a grand old landmark and one of the most exclusive hotels in Europe. Fresh from a recent makeover by world-famous hotel magnate Georg Hochfilzer, the Bristol is a fin de siècle throwback with ornate hints of Art Nouveau.

The fit-for-royalty property opposite the Wiener Staatsoper (and next to The Ring hotel) features one of the best restaurants in the city. A former Michelin-star haven of haute-cuisine led by chef Christian Krumpholz, Restaurant Korso is the most debonair place to dine before a night at the opera.

Do & Co

Run by Do & Co, “the Gourmet Entertainment Company”, the Do & Co Hotel Vienna is a posh, über-modern spot across from the Stephansdom (St. Stephan’s Cathedral). Swish apartment-like double rooms and suites in the postmodernist Haas-Haus hotel include Bang & Olufsen flat screens and furniture by Italian fashion house Etro.

Guests who tear themselves away from the rooms have a wide variety of on-site services to indulge in. The Do & Co Restaurant for one, features a sushi bar, “Asian deli” and serves dinner until midnight. Other perks include 24/7 room service, late breakfast and a dap 6th floor lounge over Vienna’s Stephansplatz.

Apartment Pension Sacher

While the Apartment Pension Sacher also overlooks St. Stephan’s Cathedral, the affordable family-run hotel could not be more different. Convivial, warm and modest, the guesthouse is ideal for active tourists who want to get out and explore Vienna’s remarkable museums, landmarks and cafés.

Aside from the cathedral, nearby points of interest to Pension Sacher include Mozarthaus, the Church of the Teutonic Order and spectacular Dommuseum.

The 9 Best Airport Hotels in the World

What’s worse than being stuck in an airport for hours on end? Getting an airport hotel room only to find you might have been better off spending the evening on the floor of the airport itself!

We’re not sure what it is about airport hotels that leaves most travelers feeling just a little bit bitter. Could it be the fact that most travelers don’t stay at the same airport hotel more than once or twice, giving hoteliers little reason to actually invest in some maintenance and upkeep?

Never fear! We’ve taken the liberty of finding some of the best airport hotels in the world. Get stuck near one of these beauties and you’ll spend the evening feeling like you’re on vacation instead of as if you’re the ugly stepchild simply passing through.

9. Radisson SAS Stansted – London

Most travelers flying into London head straight towards London Heathrow or Gatwick, but the number of horror stories coming out of these two airports is astounding. Instead, try heading towards the lesser used Stansted airport. Right outside you’ll find the Radisson SAS Stansted – a welcoming sight after a long flight.

This hotel is pretty cool, too. Inside you’ll find rooms decorated in three fun and unique styles as well as free wireless internet access and a number of other stunning amenities. Like wine? You’ll enjoy the 12-meter high wine atrium in the middle of the hotel restaurant. It holds over 4,000 bottles at a time!

8. The Fairmont Vancouver Airport Hotel – Canada

All you need to do to reach the Fairmont Vancouver hotel is get in the elevator from the departures terminal and head straight up. You’d think the hotel’s proximity to the airport would make it less than relaxing, but the entire establishment is – get this – sound proof.

One of the coolest things about this hotel? They offer day-rates for those who arrive early and have an incredibly long layover. That’s got to be better than sleeping in the airport terminal!

7. Westin Detroit Metropolitan – Michigan

Westin Hotels are known for their “Heavenly Beds,” and this location is certainly no exception. The décor here is a contemporary blend of Asia meets Detroit and is warm and welcoming to travelers from all over.

The amenities here are astounding. You’ll definitely enjoy the heated indoor pool after a long flight and the views of the tarmac from one of the lounges will entertain you as you unwind as well.

6. citizenM Amsterdam Airport Hotel – Holland

Image credit: europealacarte

Holland’s citizenM hotel is as contemporary as it gets but in a cozy sort of way. Life is pretty simple here, and all of the rooms are decorated the same way.

Image credit: europealacarte

This is far from boring, though. You’ll really enjoy the “mood pad” you find in your room. It allows you to change the intensity and color of the light in your room while adding music to help you relax after a long trip.

5. Kempinski Munich – Germany

Image credit: kayugee

Kempinski Munich isn’t just a hotel – it’s a work of art. Weary travelers will only have to exit the airport from one of the first two terminals in order to find themselves standing in front of the hotel entrance.

The hotel is made from steel and glass and is an artistic and architectural sight to behold. There are almost 400 rooms here, and the staff at the Kempinski Munich will make you feel right at home as you dine, work out in the gym, or simply relax in your suite.

4. Crowne Plaza Hotel Changi Airport – Singapore

Perhaps one of the newest hotels on our list, the Crown Plaza Changi Airport opened a little under a year ago. The décor and atmosphere here are so relaxing you’d hardly believe you just got off of an airplane, but you’re only steps away from the terminals.

The amenities here are second to none. Guests are given pre-loaded iPods filled with soothing tunes – something anyone who’s spent hours on a plane with a screaming child might appreciate. The televisions have a number of channels, but also give visitors the opportunity to follow along with a relaxing yoga routine!

3. Grand Hyatt, Dallas/Fort Worth – Texas

The Grand Hyatt at Dallas/Fort Worth isn’t your average airport hotel. After being open for only two years, the hotel was bestowed the renowned AAA Four Diamond rating and regularly showers its visitors with the finest luxury amenities.

This is actually one of the most popular hotels in all of Dallas. The spectacular dining opportunities, in-room 32-inch flat screen televisions, and spectacular “Grand Beds” are only the beginning!

2. Radisson SAS Frankfurt – Germany

The airport in Frankfurt is one of the busiest in the world, but that doesn’t mean you should be treated like just another passenger. After leaving the airport you’ll enter the Radisson SAS Frankfurt – a 19-story modern hotel featuring fabulous contemporary décor.

Inside you’ll find an enormous fitness center, four restaurants, and a stunning free-hanging wine tower. Want to experience a panoramic view of Frankfurt? Check out the views from the infinity pool room!

1. Pan Pacific Hotel Kuala Lumpur International Airport – Malaysia

What we love about the Pan Pacific Hotel Kuala Lumpur is the fact that it’s actually attached to the airport itself. A short five-minute airport walk will take you to the skybridge where you’ll immediately be met by welcoming Malay sights and sounds.

Too tired to walk over to the airport? The hotel has free shuttle buggies running throughout the airport and they’ll gladly pick you up and carry you over.

Finding the perfect airport hotel doesn’t have to be a nightmare. Thankfully, there are more than a few classy establishments willing to cater to the unique needs of the bleary-eyed traveler. All you have to do is open your eyes!