What's my favorite hotel?

Today I felt like writing in English, I hope you don't mind...

People often ask me what is my favorite hotel ... in the world!? Tricky question...

Before I can truly answer this question, I think it's important to explain what my criterias are...

#1 factor for outstanding hotels: the View

First and foremost, I care about the view! It is very personal, but for me the view is truly the most important quality of a hotel when it comes to weekend or holiday destinations.

Actually, the view is so important for me that I would always prefer a smaller room with a great view than a suite overlooking a wall...

My favorite hotel view is a view over the sea or the ocean. I also love lake views, ans Swiss lakes in particular. But I also adore nature, countryside and forest views, as well as - to a lesser extent - mountain views.

What sets great hotels apart: the Level of Service

Most of you will agree with me that service is the very very important. A stunning property with poor service is simply a no go. Outstanding service in a hotel so-so is ok. And when both the hotel and the service are stellar, it's simply amazing.

In terms of style of service, I love a mix of cool, feeling welcome and cared for, in a nice and friendly way - but not overly friendly either (I am more comfortable when a certain distance is kept).

You would be surprised how much the level of service varies among the finest luxury properties. On a side note, this is one of the reasons why my role makes sense: adising clients on the best hotel where they will find exactly the level (and style) of service matching their expectations, even in peak or low season.

I love Chic and Stylish Hotels - with an Easy Chic Twist

My favourite hotels are chic. Chic but not snob. I like to be able to dress the way I want: I sometimes feel like overdressing, other times I just want to take it easy back and wear something more casual.

For me, hotels which still impose a strict dress code for men with mandatory jacket and tie is quite the 1990's... Some properties keep this tradition alive, for some of their clients, typically americans, who believe it's the ultimate french or italian chic. But this is not my thing, not anymore.

All the more than different styles can co-exist happily. An example? When in St Tropez, you will undoubtly come across women in work out clothes, in chic beach apparel, while others are already (or still) dressed to party - very short sequin dress, etc. All this world coexists nicely in a happy entre-soi...

Great Hotel but Average Food? I'll pass

This won't be a surprise if you know me ... Of course food is SO important, has always been, will always be!

I love hotels with a truly inspired chef. He/she does not have to be a celebrity chef... For me, it's really important that the hotel treats you equally well whether you want to eat traditional food or healthy options. Indeed after a day at the gym, you want to enjoy ytour meal without loosing the benefits of your workout! Same when you strive to keep your summer body - sometimes it's so hard to achieve it!

A fair and varied pricing is also really important for me. Typically, I love menus with different options, where you can either splurge (Wagyu, Caviar and black truffles, anyone?), or go for more conservative options. When the cheapest salad is priced 60 euros, it always feels disconnected from reality.

And it's not a surprise that even clients who don't care about their spend end up calling me at some point to complain and ask for more affordable options - all the more when they stay 3 weeks and don't plan on getting out of the hotel.

Having breakfast in a hotel is always a treat. So I'm always very excited when I can enjoy a great breakfast with lots of healthy choices. Buffet or à la carte are both great, and my clients never manage to agree which is best...

For me personally, if it's a buffet, then I'll try to go there early: this way the options are still untouched. If it's à la carte, it's very tempting for me to order and have it in bed, all the more if there is a sea view from my bed...

The next luxury battlefield: luxury SPA and wellness

Today a good SPA is a must. Of course, beyond the beauty of the infrastructure, what truly matters is the SPA menu: outstanding and original treatments, inspiring therapists, thoughtful touches on the music or fragance side...

Too many properties still believe it is enough to employ mostly young ladies freshly out of massage school, repeating a protocole they don't quite understand. Luxury hotels which stand out collaborate with exceptional wellness leaders and practiotioners. While on holidays, when the body and mind are realigning, meeting with therapists who have truly lived and experienced life in a rich and authentic manner, and who are open to sharing what they learnt along the way, brings unparalleled benefits - and for me, fond memories.

What I expect from wellness facilities

For me, having a great gym matters - I like to practice my routines every day. If the gym has a view, it feels much better.

I also like to have a heated pool where I can swim. Most of my clients would prefer great tennis facilities, and paddle is increasingly in demand.

And I'm always very enthusiastic when the hotel offers free group sport or holistic activities, whether it's hiking, yoga, meditation, or activities which are new to me, I always try to participate once or twice during my stay.

The gym facing the pool and the lake at Lefay Garda

Last but not least: a stellar General Manager and his team!

Over my 12+ years as a luxury travel agent, one truth holds no matter what: the General Manager makes all the difference...

When I have to choose a property for my clients, I usually book firstly for the team and the GM, and only then for the hotel... Indeed, when the GM is great, I know that my clients will have a perfect stay, no matter what... Do you see what I am talking about?

My clients also experienced this over the years: and now, it's enough when I tell them "oh you know, this GM just arrive at this property", and they are excited to go there, knowing their stay will be perfect.

Great GMs make teams who know you by your name, who take care of your preferences, and who remember your children year after year - simply priceless.

SO?

You might think, this is what defines a luxury hotel, this is what a high-end property should be: true, but it's so rarely the case when you take all these factors into account...

So now what's my favorite hotel?

Lily of the Valley is definetely in my TOP 3... It's outstanding.