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GRAND HOTELS...UNIQUE ACCOMMODATIONS...

Palazzo Avino - a "Grand Hotel"

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Located in Ravello, Italy is a beautiful twelfth-century palace.  Palazzo Avino sits in a spectacular location a thousand feet above the ocean on a clifftop in Ravello, This luxury hotels offers a spa, plunge pools, a beach club, plus a  Michelin  star restaurant, among other bars and eateries.  (read more about the Palazzo Avino)

Villa Feltrinelli - a "Grand Villa"​

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This  unique villa comprises only 20 guest rooms and is located near the town of Gargnano on the shores of Lake Garda in the Italian Lake District.  Originally purchased to be renovated into a sumptuous private home, the owner instead decided to create a villa type hotel for discerning guests instead.   (read more about the Villa Feltrinnelli)

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​Grand Hotel Tremezzo – a “Grand Hotel”

This is a grand hotel on the shores of Lago di Como (Lake Como). Its location offers magnificent views of Bellagio and the spectacular Grigne mountains. This hotel, a restored Art Nouveau palace, is one of the oldest hotels in the Italian Lake District. It opened in 1910 and in 1932 Greta Garbo called Tremezzo “that happy place” in the film, “Grand Hotel.”  (read more about the Grand Hotel Tremezzo)
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​CastaDiva Resort - a "Grand Hotel"

CastaDiva Resort is a "grand" hotel, located along the shores of Lago di Como (Lake Como), in the magnificent Lake District of Italy. It's at Blevino, just a few miles from the picturesque town of Como.  The CastaDiva Resort is a member of the prestigious hotel group, "Small Leading Hotels of the World."   (read more about the CastaDiva Resort)
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Villa La Massa – a “Grand Hotel”

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​As soon as I discovered Villa La Massa was marketed by the same folks who handle Villa d’Este at Lago di Como, I knew beyond a doubt, this is a “grand hotel.”  It is also a member of the reknown "Leading Hotels of the World" hotel group. This property is really three villas which date back to the Medici reign in Florence.  Its 22 acres are located on the banks of the Arno River in the heart of the Tuscan countryside, just a few miles outside Florence. The hotel provides a shuttle bus to/from the city.  Villa La Massa officially became a hotel in 1948 and in 1998 underwent a serious renovation as it became part of the Villa d’Este group.  (read more about the Villa La Massa)

Borgo Egnazia - a "Grand Hotel"   

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​​Situated among olive trees, near Fasano, and overlooking the Adriatic Coast,  is this marvelous gem of a "grand" resort. Both contemporary in style yet traditional in design, the Borgo Egnazia is perfect for an authentic Apulian vacation. This castle-like resort is built in the style of a traditional Italian village.  It's also a member of "Leading Hotels of the World."  Virtuoso(R) awarded the Borgo Egnazia "Best Hotel of the Year for 2016."  Other awards include "Best European Hotel" by Junior Magazine (2012),  and the Conde Nast "Hot List."
 (read more about the Borgo Egnazia)




Villa d'Este at Lago di Como - a "Grand Hotel" 

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This iconic and opulent hotel is possibly my favorite “grand hotel” in the whole world.  I first stayed at this fabulous resort on the banks of Lago di Como (Lake Como) as a teenager and was enamored from the first walk up the grand marble staircase in the lobby. Then, the room I stayed in had a fireplace – I was in heaven! (Never mind, it was June and the temps were near 100F!  I vowed then I would someday live in a house which had a fireplace in my bedroom;I guess I have at least one more house in my future because that’s still an unfulfilled goal!)  

Villa d’Este is a member of the prestigious Leading Hotels of the World, and has won many awards from Conde Nast,  Travel and Leisure and other notable travel entities.
(read more about Villa d'Este)
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 Hotel Eden - a "Grand Hotel"

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This is more of a boutique , smaller style hotel in Rome just 2 blocks from the Via Veneto so it's very quiet.   An attractive registration desk across from a concierge desk and a small, lovely lobby towards the back of the building completes the ground floor.  (read more about the Hotel Eden)


Relais Borgo Santo Pietro – a “Grand Hotel” 

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​The luxurious country estate, Relais Borgo Santo Pietro in Tuscany simply takes your breath away. Upon entering the gates of the Borgo, one has the sense that something very special is about to happen…and it does. From the exquisitely appointed accommodations, to the fragrant, manicured gardens, to the  “Midas” touch of Klaus and Jeanette; the owners of the  Relais Borgo, Santo Pietro, guests are sure to love this amazing property.   (read more)


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Londra Palace - a "Grand Hotel"​

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At the Londra Palace in Venice, your room will feature a view of St. Mark’s Basin or a view of Venice’s famed bell towers.  Each of its 50+ rooms is uniquely furnished with a marvelous selection of brocades,  Biedermeier furnishings and fine marble accentuating the bathrooms which have Ortiga amenities. It’s located right on the Promenade of Riva degli Schiavoni, just a few steps from St. Mark’s Square, in an area of town know as La Serinissima. This hotel dates back to the mid 1800’s. (read more about the Londra Palace)


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The Inn at the Spanish Steps - a "Grand Hotel"
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Ideally located at the top of Rome's iconic Spanish Steps, The Inn at the Spanish Steps, fits my idea of a "grand hotel.' It's a member of the prestigious “Small Luxury Hotels of the World," and also a national monument. Dating back to the 1800's makes it  somewhat "new" by European standards.  Hans Christian Andersen once lived there.  [read more  about the Inn at the Spanish Steps]


Belmond - Cipriani - a "Grand Hotel"

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​Anytime you see the name Belmond in front of a hotel name, you know you have a fabulous "grand hotel" with luxurious rooms and top-notch service. The Cipriani is located in Venice, but on the island of Guidecca which is a short vaporetto (water taxi) ride away from the main island.  And, the ride back and forth is a blast!  (read more about the Belmond Cipriani Hotel)

Hotel Santa Caterina of Amalfi - a "Grand Hotel"
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​Hotel Santa Caterina of Amalfi is an elegant hotel located on the Amalfi Coast, surrounded by lemon and orange orchards and olive groves just outside the city of Amalfi. It meets all the qualifications of what I consider a “Grand Hotel.” Even the lemonade served at the Hotel Santa Caterina of Amalfi is made with lemons from their own orchards. (read more about the Hotel Santa Caterina of Amalfi)

Borgo San Felice - More than a "Grand Hotel"

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​Borgo San Felice is more of a “grand resort” than a “grand hotel.”  Tucked away in the Chianti Classico region of Tuscany, the Borgo San Felice, is a member of the prestigious Relais and Chateaux hotel collection. It’s been a luxury hotel since the early 1990’s. And, it is the perfect location to plan day trips to nearby Tuscan towns and attractions.  (read more about the Borgo San Felice)

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Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria - a Grand Hotel

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​Towering 500 feet over sea level in the seaside town of Sorrento, Italy is a GEM of a “Grand Hotel,” - the Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria.  Accessible from the sea level by a small, private elevator, this hotel sets out to impress.  From its seaside terrace (incredible ocean views!) to the marble staircases to the exquisite antiques gracing the public areas and hotel rooms, to the tranquil spa, to the garden area with its own orangerie plus the impeccable service and food from a dedicated staff – yes, this is truly what I call a “Grand Hotel.”  (read more about the Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria)
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​Ca' Marie Adele - a "Grand Hotel"

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 Ca' Marie Adele is a grand hotel situated inside a beautifully restored historical palazzo in one of Venice's most prestigious neighborhoods away from the more bustling touristy areas.  Originally built in the sixteenth century, this small, but, fabulous hotel overlooks the chiesa Church of Santa Maria della Salute.​ (read more about Ca' Marie Adele Hotel)

Belmond Hotel Splendido - a "Grand Hotel" 

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I stepped into the shuttle (a Mercedes Benz van of course – this is Portofino after all - with a sense of anticipation.  A visit to a “grand” hotel is coming right up.  We rapidly ascend to the top of the hillside over Portofino – a narrow, winding road where we are forced to stop twice to back down several feet to allow someone else to drive by. Glorious views of the Mediterranean flash by as we get closer to our destination – the Hotel Splendido, a Belmond Hotel. Within mere minutes we arrive at a beautiful oasis which in reality is a monastery now restored as a truly luxurious resort.  (read more about the Belmond Splendido)


Grand Hotel des Iles Borromees - a "Grand Hotel"

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​Situated on the shores of Lake Maggiore, the Grand Hotel Des Iles Borromees is a fabulous hotel located in the picturesque Italian town of Stresa. And, it fits my idea of a “Grand Hotel” in every way – palatial, elegant, and full of history.  (read more abouy the Grand Hotel Des Iles Borromees)
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1122 E. Champlain, Ste 102
​ (in beautiful Piazza del Fiore)
Fresno,  CA. 93720
559.478.5182
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  • Home
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