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Sunday, December 13, 2009

Where travel writers stay when they go on holidays

Which hotels do travel writers check into when they go on holidays? That's what Mark Hudson, a writer himself for The Sunday Times, among other publications, was keen to know, so he asked 50 of them (including myself) and published their recommendations, 'Where travel writers pay to stay', on his site 101 Holidays. I've been meaning to share this one with you for a while. If you're a regular Cool Travel Guide reader, you'll know (from this post and others) that I've been increasingly frustrated with user-generated content of the kind you get on Trip Advisor, and find myself looking more and more for recommendations by experts, so I was pleased to see Mark do this. Ah, but you say, aren't all hotel reviews in magazines and papers written by experts? Well, yes they are, but they aren't always the kind of hotels that the experts actually stay at when they have a choice. Sometimes hotels are reviewed because they're 'hot properties', newly opened, relaunched, or because an advertiser/business partner has asked for them to be reviewed. Pictured above is a detail from the sitting room at the Novecento, a hotel we stayed for pleasure, not work, when we attended the Venice Biennale in June - it's not new and not 'hot', but it has loads of charm, is in a wonderful location, and the staff are some of the best around.

14 comments:

Fly Girl said...

What an interesting and varied list. I don't typically focus on hotels since I specialize in a destination's culture but when one stands out, it's a place that reflects the spirit of the people and culture well.

gje said...

I'll certainly will check it out and maybe also flesh it out

Lara Dunston said...

Hi Fly Girl

Yes, same for me... when they exist!


Hi Guido

What are you fleshing out? Mark's list? :)


Thanks for dropping by, you two.

Soultravelers3 said...

So true Lara!

The Novecento does look lovely. It was a lot of fun participating in that list and reading which places other writers picked!

Heather on her travels said...

I liked the sound of that place in Damascas, although you did choose at the top end of the budget, so I don't think I can afford it, you must know some nice places that are cheaper

Megan Walker said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Avelina said...

Hi,
I would like to suggest all people if you travel UAE, then do visit burj Dubai. Its the most beautiful town I ever seen and traveled.

Regards,
Avelina

ThePirateLogCryptoGOLDtreasure said...

Happy holidays to all from Lisbon http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mRlbrIMO-WU

Fida said...

I truly prefer loads of charm over hip, hot and new ;-)

I wish you a travelicious 2010 and loads of success, Fida

Anonymous said...

Your blog keeps getting better and better! Your older articles are not as good as newer ones you have a lot more creativity and originality now keep it up!

Praia Da Rocha said...

Nice Post.... Keep it up

Tom said...

I am Tom this side.I've visited your website cooltravelguide .I like your Post.Its well deserved! keep up the good work!You deserve the recognition. You have a great site.thanks for sharing.Happy holidays...

garry riky said...

Myself Garry and i am travel freak i generally prefer to write about Luxurious hotels and its services

joyesmith said...

you beautifully described what they think about writing on different subjects .and you nicely deserved