REVIEW: Grand Okan Hotel, Alanya, Turkey
Checking out the Grand Okan Hotel in Alanya.
During my recent trip to Alanya, I checked into one of the region’s most popular hotels – the Grand Okan.
I’m a firm believer that a luxury is nothing without good service. The most expensive meal can taste quite bland when there is no passion from the people serving it. Some of the best hotels in the world suffer from their stiff, impersonal ways. It makes me wonder: how difficult is it to provide warm customer service (are you listening Barcelo Solymar?)?
I checked into the Grand Okan Hotel in Alanya well after midnight. I was tired from travelling and suffering from a bit of a cold. Thankfully, I was welcomed by Amanda – the hotel’s incredibly friendly general manager. From Britain originally, she moved to Turkey over 15 years ago and lives and breathes the culture. Full of stories, charm and infectious warmth, she oversees a happy workforce who go out of their way to meet customers’ needs. It’s no wonder loyal holidaymakers return year after year.
REVIEW: Lunch at T Beach, Grand Hotel Tremezzo, Lake Como, Italy
What’s it like to have lunch at Grand Hotel Tremezzo overlooking Lake Como..
As I pulled up outside Lake Como’s Grand Hotel Tremezzo, I felt like a Hollywood movie star. Ferraris screeched to a halt outside, glamorous 40-somethings strutted into the glass lifts, and champagne corks popped at T Beach across the road.
Over 100 years of history, stunning panoramic views and a string of celebrity fans make this one of the most desirable places to stay on the lake. With its 5 star rating, beautiful gardens, luxurious top floor suites, brand new spa and floating swimming pool, I couldn’t resist but stop by and check it out.
I’d been invited for lunch, but before that was treated to a tour of the hotel and its impressive grounds. The art nouveau building has numerous old-fashioned salons and reception rooms with regal colour schemes and plush fabrics, but there’s also a modern touch in places. The newest suites have simple, contemporary marble bathrooms, with TV screens and breath-taking views. Not to mention the jacuzzis on the terraces! Of the 90 rooms and suites, the most prestigious is the Greta, named after Greta Garbo.
Milan Food Tour: Pizza, Pasta… and Vapourised Grappa!
Considering booking a Milan food tour? Find out what to expect from the tour as well as a little about what you’ll be eating on the day!
The Best Cafes To Work From In Milan
Looking for the best cafes to work from in Milan? Look no further!
While on my recent travels, I had a few days spare in Milan before heading to Turkey. So, I checked into a super cool hostel, made some traveller friends, and went off in search of the best cafes to work from for a few days.
I just love grabbing my laptop and setting up shop in a public place. There’s something so inspiring about the digital nomad lifestyle. With the buzz of a foreign city, it heightens everything, and for some reason I feel more motivated to work, the further I am from home!
Thankfully, Milan has some excellent spots, with free wifi… and lucky for you, I’ve decided not to keep them to myself!
PAVÉ
Pavé is a very cool café… in a neighbourhood that didn’t seem to have much happening. It’s the meeting spot for all sorts. Students piled in around 11am for espressos, business meetings took place around me all morning and at 1pm sharp a sudden influx of hungry lunchers packed out every nook and cranny. It also happens to be one of the best places for breakfast in Milan.
