REVIEW: Andaz London Liverpool Street Hotel

Street Art Room at Andaz Hotel Liverpool Street, London

Street art themed rooms, epic breakfasts and warm hospitality… a stay at the Andaz London Liverpool Street is a special experience.

The weekend was shaping up to be a good one. With my other half’s big 3.0 on Saturday, I decided to shake things up a little with a surprise the night before.

I checked into the Andaz London Liverpool Street, spent an hour exploring the facilities, hung up a kitsch ‘Happy Birthday’ banner above the bed, and laid out a few presents on the desk. I’d been dying to stay here… and he didn’t know it yet, but he, too, was in for a real treat.

Exterior of Andaz Hotel Liverpool Street, London
Exterior of Andaz Hotel Liverpool Street, London

The luxurious Andaz London Liverpool Street is a 5-star hotel with ambition. Yes, it’s in the ideal location for business travellers who need easy access to the city, AND a great base for tourists … but it also offers plenty for travellers like me. A Londoner. A Londoner attempting to be a tourist in my own city.

Recently the Andaz collaborated with SideStory – arguably one of the capital’s coolest tour operators, to offer two special experiences. After staying in one of the hotel’s super-trendy street art rooms, guests spend an afternoon on a photography or street art in the local neighbourhood. It’s a great concept, and refreshing to see a luxury hotel looking for a new way to heighten the guest experience.

Street Art Room at Andaz Hotel Liverpool Street, London
Street Art Room at Andaz Hotel Liverpool Street, London

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Uco Valley Wine Tour, Mendoza, Argentina

Salentein Winery, Uco Valley

With beautiful wineries, vineyards and top restaurants, find out whether going on an Uco Valley wine tour is the best way to explore this region near Mendoza, Argentina.

It was just after 9am, and all I could think about was wine. It may sound like I’m bordering on alcoholism but no, I was in Mendoza, Argentina – an area known specifically for its production of Malbec. Today, I’d be learning about wine, exploring a few vineyards and hopefully tasting a whole load too.

In the safe hands of Kahuak (one of Mendoza’s top tourism agencies) and with bubbly tour guide Anna Laura leading the way, we headed out of the city to the Uco Valley. The tour would take us towards the snow-capped Andes to visit three of the Uco Valley’s top wineries – Salentein, Domaine Bousquet and Andeluna.

Beautiful views on the journey to the Uco Valley
Beautiful views on the journey to the Uco Valley

The valley lies around 150km south of Mendoza. It’s a lush region

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REVIEW: Su Merced Hotel, Santiago, Chile

Bedroom at Su Merced Hotel, Santiago, Chile

Budget friendly and centrally located, Su Merced Hotel is a great option for a stay in Santiago, Chile.

It was an emotional day. I was coming to the end of my adventures in Chile. Just one night remained… and here I was checking into Su Merced – a boutique hotel in the centre of Santiago.

I stumbled across the hotel during an intense hotel research session. It had great reviews. Sitting just outside the top 10 of ALL the hotels in Santiago on Trip Advisor, it seemed to have won people over. Guests were returning time and time again and I just had to find out why.

Located in Lastarria, moments from The Singular (a wonderful hotel I stayed in just a week or so before), the area is perfect for a few days exploring the city. In amongst the grand historic buildings, cool cafes, and lush parks, it’s a great spot, and architecturally – the hotel had been an exciting project.

Exterior of Su Merced Hotel, Santiago, Chile
Exterior of Su Merced Hotel, Santiago, Chile

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REVIEW: Villa Mansa Wine Hotel & Spa, Lujan de Cujo, Argentina

View of the pool from upstairs at Villa Mansa Hotel

Lush gardens, ancient vines, bright blue sky with pool to match, a gourmet restaurant and views of the snow-capped Andes… Villa Mansa is a secret hideaway in the heart of Mendoza’s wine country.

After escaping the traffic of downtown Mendoza, we found ourselves in the  picturesque countryside, passing several upmarket hotels, wineries and mansions along the way. My main reason for wanting to visit the region was for the Malbec, but on top of the incredible wine, it turned out to be a great spot for a bit of R&R. Villa Mansa is at the end of a long, narrow drive, which opens out onto several rows of beautiful grapevines and antique wine making equipment.

Villa Mansa Hotel with a backdrop of the Andes Mountains
Villa Mansa Hotel with a backdrop of the Andes Mountains
Vines and old wine-making equipment at Villa Mansa Hotel
Vines and antique wine-making equipment at Villa Mansa Hotel

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REVIEW: The Singular Hotel, Santiago, Chile

Lounge and Bar Area at The Singular Hotel, Santiago

Stylish décor, a rooftop swimming pool and one of the best meals I’ve eaten in a while. Welcome to 5 star luxury courtesy of The Singular Hotel, Santiago.

Arriving at The Singular Hotel is a bit like going to visit one of your oldest friends. They welcome you with open arms, ask how your journey was, and leave you to relax on a comfy sofa while they fetch you drinks and treats. It sounds strange to say it, but I felt like I’d been here before.

Courtyard Restaurant Area at The Singular Hotel, Santiago
Courtyard Restaurant Area at The Singular Hotel, Santiago
Lounge and Bar Area at The Singular Hotel, Santiago
Lounge and Bar Area at The Singular Hotel, Santiago

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