We all know EHL students are world travellers. Following the Launch of the EHL Alliance, we wanted to know how well our students knew its founding partner IHG and have asked them what were their favourite destination hotels within the group and why. Hereunder you can find the list of their top answers, featuring their favourite hotels and what makes each one of them stand out.
Best Hotel Suite
La Résidence at InterContinental Geneva, Switzerland
With unique views over the Geneva Lake and the Mont Blanc, the hotel offers a wide variety of services such as Le Spa by Clarins, a sumptuous Sunday brunch with a buffet focused on local and seasonal products, a poolside lobby perfect for hot summer days as well as various meeting rooms for all your events. The hotel also offers a choice of rooms (standard, executive or suite), depending on your needs and wants. In both 2018 and 2019, InterContinental Geneva won “Switzerland’s Leading Hotel Suite” of the “World Travel Awards” for its suite La Résidence.
Designed by interior architect Tony Chi and inspired by the Palace of Versailles, the suite is located on the 18th floor of the building and gives you a perfect 360° view over the city, the lake and the Mont Blanc. La Résidence includes both the Presidential and Royal Residences, the Grand Salon and the Grand Dining Room as: rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, 2 master bedrooms, a grand salon with a fireplace, a library, 2 fully equipped kitchens, a bar, 2 dining rooms, 2 powder rooms, 2 dressings, 2 hammam, 1 sauna, 1 fitness room, 1 massage room and 2 bathtubs. The whole floor can be entirely privatized and the butler will ensure all your needs and anticipated and met throughout your whole stay.
Best Hotel Bar
Fitz's at Kimpton Fitzroy London, United Kingdom
Located in central London, the hotel is a landmark building with a façade marked by four British queens. Decorated with marble and the original Zodiac mosaic on the floor and with over 330 rooms, 4 F&B establishments, the hotel has a fresh and comfortable design perfectly links past and present. Its various F&B outlets include a chic and modern restaurant, a luxurious centre of the hotel with a soaring glass ceiling to enjoy a cup of tea in the morning, a London coffee shop and Fitz’s, a unique cocktail bar.
Named after Charles Fitzroy Doll, the original architect of the hotel, Fitz’s offers various settings for the different times of the day. Fitz’s unplugged will delight you with live music four nights per week while you sip on a cocktail paired with the music being played in a 1920s allure. Do you like chocolate? Indulge in a delicious afternoon tea inspired by the versatility and history of chocolate paired with traditional elements. During the festive season, the Kimpton Fitzroy creates the perfect atmosphere to spend time with your loved ones, such as a festive afternoon tea, a visit from Santa, the Boxing Day brunch and carols from London’s premier carol service.
Best Designer Inspirations
Hotel Indigo Los Angeles Downtown, U.S.A.
Situated in downtown LA, this hotel will allow you to experience the true Los Angeles urban vibe and multiculturalism both inside and out. Conveniently situated, it offers a wide variety of entertainment options (i.e. the Staples Centre, the Jewellery District or the L.A. Live Complex). Thanks to its “touchscreen” in the hotel’s lobby, you will be able to discover trendy spots and upcoming events.
All over the hotel, you will find floral decorations that will remind you of the “La Fiesta de las Flores” (an event during which you can witness L.A.’s melting pot since 1894). One of its two restaurant, 18 Social features neon lights that recall L.A.’s famous nightlife. The rooms as well will also provide an immersive experience, thanks to cityscapes hanging on the walls and bathroom design inspired by pre-Hollywood glamour. No other hotel in Los Angeles offers such an immersion experience of the city, not only thanks to its design that recall the city from the inside, but also for its strategic location that will propel you in the hotel’s neighbourhood, hosting the Grammys, Emmys, American Music Awards and ESPYs each year.
Best Midscale Spa
Holiday Inn Resort Baruna Bali, Indonesia
This family-friendly resort is conveniently located inside tropical gardens overlooking the beachfront. The atmosphere created in this resort will invite you to relax: from the beach which stretches through all the hotel, to the private gazebos, where you can read your favourite book. All of the 190 rooms have a contemporary style and feature a private balcony where you can enjoy a breath-taking view over the Indian Ocean from your chaise-longue. At the end of the day as well you will be able to experience Bali’s atmosphere, thanks to the Envy restaurant where you’ll sip on ice-cold cocktails while a relaxing soundtrack plays in the background.
Part of the invitation to relax, is the Tea Tree Spa. In the midst of soothing waters features and close enough to the ocean for you to hear the waves, the hotel’s spa is the perfect way to unwind during your stay. With its 5 treatment rooms and a long list of “à la carte” treatments, you can have a whole day of pampering in its most local form. The spa uses exotic aromatherapy as well as oils and scrubs blended with traditional therapies. In addition, you get to choose to enjoy your massage indoors or outdoors. Last but not least, a personalized check-in will ensure you get the best treatment according to your needs and wants.
Best Breakfast
Crowne Plaza Suzhou, China
Located in a building with Chinese style, the hotel is in proximity to Jinji Lake and Suzhou International Expo Centre, which will delight its guests. The venue is located in quiet surroundings, near parks and lakes. In addition, the hotel also provides on-site activities such as an indoor and an outdoor swimming pool, a nightclub, a fitness centre and a golf course so that guests can participate in whichever activity they fancy. Its two bars and lounges will allow you to experience a traditional Chinese afternoon tea or to sip on a cocktail in a blues atmosphere after a long day.
Amongst its four restaurants, the Sun Seeker offers both buffet and à la carte options of a wide variety of food (Chinese, Asian and International) from the live cooking stations ensuring freshness. In addition, this unique location overlooks the shore of the Jinji Lake on a 360° angle. The Prince Restaurant also offers breakfast options with over 1’000 Cantonese delicacies and a view over the Lake. Due to its later opening hour for breakfast, this location is more suited for a business breakfast and entertaining important clients.
Picture credits: Intercontinental Hotel Group
