Europe's tallest building inaugurated tomorrow

The Shard, next to London Bridge train station, and moments from the Thames, will be inaugurated tomorrow. It marks the near completion of the exterior, designed by Italian architect Renzo Piano. Standing at 1,016 ft tall the building has 72 occupiable floors but we're most interested in the Shangri-La Hotel, opening next year, on floors 34-52. Views will be unique and spectacular. Guest rooms look as opulent as you'd expect from this luxury hotel group.

A laser show will be projected from the Shard shortly after 10pm tomorrow. Guests at the event include the prime minister of Qatar, whose state partly-owns the skyscraper, and The Duke of York.

French fashion house launches jewellery boutique in Paris

Louis Vuitton has just opened its first 'high jewellery' boutique store on Place Vendome, Paris. Expect to be dazzled by American architect Peter Marino's interior - his other work includes boutique stores for Dior, Chanel and LV. No expense spared then.

News - Qatari's buy French luxury hotel portfolio from Starwood

Starwood Capital will shortly sell a portfolio of French luxury hotels to Katara Hospitality, a Qatari state owned hotels group.

The portfolio will include the art deco Martinez in Cannes

The transaction will help Katara move towards its goal of owning 30 international hotels by 2016

News - fate of iconic QE2 ship sealed

Ending years of uncertainty, it has been announced that the QE2 will become a 300 room luxury floating hotel. It will be permanently moored at Port Rashid in Dubai. It is anticipated to open within 18 months, after refurbishment, and will again display the ships collection of art works and other historical items collected during around four decades as a world leading ocean liner.

Airport Cafe Review - Shake a Hula, Gatwick North Terminal - 22 June 2012

its curbappeal: the colourful retro styling

style rating: made us smile :)

crowd: a real mixed bag

atmosphere: fun :)

cuisine: hot dogs and milk shakes

food rating: good

the bill: not too bad for an airport...

recommended? yes

...some photo’s straight from our iphones…

News - American film director opens new palazzo

Francis Ford Coppola has recently expanded his hotel empire to include Palazzo Margherita in Italy

Designed by world renown French interior designer, Jacques Grange, this 19th century palazzo has been transformed in to an elegant and whimsical Italian country house.

Www.palazzomargherita.com

We can't wait to visit!

Wedding Venue Review - Four Seasons Hampshire - 9th June 2012

its curbappeal:

- the glossy contemporary interiors

- the walled garden for post-wedding drinks

- the "private wing" for the wedding breakfast and party - very private, very unique, very special

- acres of groomed parkland 

- our room with a view of the above - a must request!

- a very stylish pet-friendly option  

style rating: a bit of beverly hills in hampshire

crowd: wealthy, but not trashy, middle-aged Londoners and Americans. A mix of families and young couples.

atmosphere: relaxed

cuisine: french-european classics with a modern twist

food rating: good

the bill: it will be expensive (but memorable!)

recommended? highly


...some photo’s straight from our iphones…