Who doesn’t love the irresistible taste of chocolate? From now till until January 31, 2010, Sofitel Luxury Hotels invites chocolate-loving travelers to indulge with their “I Love Chocolate” package at their various hotels around the world.

Whether you love dark, white or milk chocolate, the “I Love Chocolate” package has you covered with a chocolate infused stay complete with mouth watering confectioneries, delicious hot beverages and gourmet cookies to sweeten your visit. And every true chocolate lover knows this tasty delight is a luscious aphrodisiac making this package perfect for a romantic getaway.

What the “I Love Chocolate” package includes:

-Stay two nights and get the third night free!
-A complimentary delicious breakfast served in the restaurant each morning
-An “all-chocolate afternoon tea” including hot chocolate, yummy pastries and other delicacies
-Late checkout of 2pm (based on availability)

To indulge in this fabulous package book your stay at any of these great participating Sofitel Luxury Hotels:

Sofitel Chicago Water Tower:
Only minutes away from Chicago’s famous Magnificent Mile, Navy Pier, the Museum of Contemporary Art and fabulous upscale boutiques, the Sofitel Chicago Water Tower is a perfect luxury getaway in the heart of downtown.

Designed by the French architect Jean-Paul Viguire, this hotel is a 32-floor prism of glass full of rich architectural legacy and is a welcomed addition to the city skyline.  Every room and suite embraces beautiful, sleek, modern design while offering luxurious comfort and fabulous city views, perfect for enjoying hot chocolate in bed.

Sofitel Buenos Aires:
The Sofitel Buenos Aires sits in the epicenter of Argentinean culture on the charming Arroyo Street, surrounded by enchanting tree-lined sidewalks. This area is perfect for discovering local art galleries and antique shops along with all the rest that the city has to offer.

This carefully restored landmark building, constructed in 1929, resembles a lighthouse casting light over the city with interiors blending French and Art Deco elegance courtesy of renowned interior designer Pierre-Yves Rochon. All rooms are spacious with magnificent Botticino bathrooms, complemented by exclusive Jean Marie Farina toiletries from the Roger and Gallet luxury line.

Sofitel Cartagena Santa Clara:
Once a seventeenth century convent, the Sofitel Cartagena Santa Clara is unspoiled haven in the Caribbean’s coastal city of Cartagena, Colombia. Hotel rooms are houses in two different atmospheres: colonial and republican each offering fabulous views of either the old city, Caribbean Sea or their beautiful internal gardens.

Sofitel Montreal Golden Mile:
Considered one of the best downtown Montreal hotels, the Sofitel Montreal Golden Mile is set in the heart of the historic Golden Mile Square and near the city’s best know galleries and boutiques. Each room features original art work and floor to ceiling windows allowing for an abundance of light and breathtaking downtown views.

Sofitel Dalat Palace:
Set on a private five-hectare park, the lakeside Sofitel Dalat Palace is a beautiful classic hotel in the heart of Dalat, Vietnam. It is close to shops, tennis courts and amazing historic monuments. Every room has recently been renovated with only the best in luxury amenities including wireless internet, satellite television and either fireplace and/or balcony, depending on the room.

Are you on the hunt for a great New Year’s Eve party? This year why not escape the standard throw down and getaway for a New Year’s Dream at ME Barcelona.

Barcelona is known to have its own unique rhythm with a glorious night life and this year ME Barcelona has put together a special party package for two like no other.

Here’s what ME Barcelona is offering:

-An overnight stay in their fabulous Sky Suite which is the epitome of luxury. Sitting 29 floors above ground you’ll have enrapturing views of the city in this totally soundproofed suite which is completely equipped with the finest elements of contemporary luxury. And after a long night, there’s no need to get up early with a late check out at 4pm.

-A delicious gourmet dinner at Dos Cielos Restaurant on the 24th floor featuring breathtaking views from their panoramic terraces and of course spectacular food. Wine included

-Countdown to Midnight

-Your very own special party bag

-Entry to the party at Sky Food Bar on the ground floor and the Angels & Kings Club six floors up  with a large terrace and a swimming pool. Three drinks are included

-The night will feature a giant chocolate fountain, sexy go go dancers, music by resident DJ Pablo Sanchez and to top it all of a few wild animals will be thrown into the mix!

-After a long night wake up to a romantic breakfast in bed for two in your suite.

-Get a relaxing massage for two

-And have access to their spa water circuit along with a spa treatment for two

When you book your stay, be sure to ask for the New Year’s Dream Package to enjoy a perfect start to 2010.

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There’s something a bit special about being the first one to check out a new hotel. And hotel frequenters that get a thrill out of being the first ones to check out a new spot should keep their calendars clear on October 1, 2009. Yes folks, that’s when the new W Hotel in Barcelona opens up – one of the only W hotels in Europe!

A large, modern masterpiece, there isn’t a better city in Spain to play host to a new W hotel than Barcelona. At 473 rooms and suites, guests will get their fill of modern style, cutting-edge technology and comfort at the W Barcelona.

W Hotels has approached its spaces with both design and comfort in mind. Every W Hotel is a new chapter in their “storybook of style and soul”, and the W Barcelona is no exception!

Created by Ricardo Bofill, the W Barcelona rises above the Barcelona beachfront, and boasts great views of the city and the water and is truly going to give all of the other luxury hotels in Barcelona a run for their money.

The rooms themselves are the epitome of comfort, and guests can enjoy the W bed and W pillow menu to ensure they get the best sleep possible during their stay. In addition, room amenities include wireless high-speed internet access, luxurious bathrobes, rain forest showers, convenient iPod docking stations and flat screen TVs.

For excellent Mediterranean cuisine, enjoy a meal at WAVE, W Barcelona’s signature restaurant. Here, you’ll get your fill of Spanish tapas, Mediterranean mezze, Arabic specialties and Lebanese small plates.

The W Bar is a totally comfy lounge to enjoy a drink and enjoy seeing and being seen. Dress your best, sip on a lovely concoction and mingle with the other trendy guests.

W Barcelona has a few other bars as well, such as Eclipse (their 26th floor “mile high club”), which is uber trendy and funky – perfect for guests who want to sip on cocktails, flirt and enjoy their chic surroundings. You’ll get fabulous views of the city from Eclipse, so be sure to check this place out while you listen to world-class DJs spin soulful sounds.

If you’re lounging by the pool, take advantage of the hotel’s Wet Bar – light snacks, drinks and more will be brought to you while you lounge so that you don’t even have to move a finger!

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Aiming to bring Barcelona into the forefront of the international fashion scene, The 080 Barcelona Fashion week is fast approaching. Attend this fantastic up and coming event from September 2 to September 4 this year to see some of the best fashion coming out of Barcelona.

Learn more about the events at 080 Barcelona Fashion Week’s official website.

This year, one of our very own properties – Hotel ME Barcelona – is not only sponsoring this fabulous event, but is hosting the official exclusive 080 Barcelona Fashion Party on Thursday, September 3, 2009!

ME Barcelona is a modern hotel that design fanatics and fashionistas will truly enjoy. It is one of the best hotels in Barcelona as far as we’re concerned.

The hotel is close to Barcelona’s greatest architectural achievements including Agbar Tower, Sagrada Familia and the Olympic Port. We love this hotel’s relaxing and modern rooms that boast excellent views of the city. The clean and modern design is totally chic and makes this hotel a perfect venue for 080 Barcelona Fashion Week’s official party.

080 Barcelona Fashion is an element of the Catalan Fashion Action Plan 2007-2010, a project that the Government of Catalonia’s Ministry of Innovation, Universities and Enterprise in enacting. The Plan was drawn up to reviving the textile sector, creating synergies with Catalonia’s already-thriving fashion design sector, while at the same time responding to the difficulties that independent designers face in producing and marketing their collections both within the region and elsewhere.

The Fashion Action Plan is based on five lines of action: internationalisation, linking creativity and industry, financial support, support to emerging talent and the organisation of a fashion event in the city of Barcelona intended to launch the Catalan capital onto the international stage in the field of design and cutting-edge fashion.

080 Barcelona Fashion is part of this last line of action.

Aimed at filling a gap in the independent fashion circuit, the intention is that this event will turn Barcelona into one of the foremost showcases for fashion on an international level and an unmistakeable point of reference in the world of fashion and cutting-edge design. 080 Barcelona Fashion is therefore committed to the “culture of fashion” in a global sense, and is intended as more than just a fashion show.

If you’re looking for a fantastic luxury hotel in Barcelona that’s close to great sites, nightlife and the commercial center of the city, look no further than Murmuri Barcelona. In part two of our series about Majestic Hotel Group’s Barcelona hotels, we give you a rundown of this gorgeous boutique hotel, designed by famous UK interior designer Kelly Hoppen.

Right in the very heart of Barcelona, you’ll find Majestic Hotel and Spa Barcelona’s sister hotel, Murmuri Hotel. Found on the Eixaple (beside the Passeig de Gracia), this is the commercial and cultural hub of Barcelona. Here, you’re within walking distance of Sagrada Familia, Diagonal Avenue and Las Ramblas.

Guests have quite a bit of choice on room size and type. Choose from classic rooms, superior rooms, privilege rooms, junior suites or deluxe suites. Suites are decorated in neutral modern colours giving all rooms sophisticated feeling that’s sure to appeal to all.

During the day, if you have business to attend to, feel free to make use of the meeting room at this Barcelona hotel. The room can cater up to 18 people – perfect for small business meetings. You can also check out the hotel’s business centre to gain access to PCs and the internet if you forgot your laptop at home.
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Majestic Hotel and Spa Barcelona is the perfect luxury art hotel in the bustling city of Barcelona, Spain. Guests in the art community will not only love this hotel’s convenient location to many of Barcelona’s fantastic sites, but will also enjoy the art collection exhibited in the hotel. Read all about this gorgeous hotel in the first part of a two part series on Majestic Hotel Group’s Hotels in Barcelona!

Whether you’re going to Barcelona for the beach, or whether you’re going to take in some of Gaudi’s masterpieces, there’s only one way to see this warm, creative city — in style. That’s why kiwi collection recommends staying at Majestic Hotel and Spa Barcelona.

Located in the very center of Barcelona (Paseo de Gracia), you’ll find the best shopping in the city, Gaudi monuments close by and, of course, you’re within walking distance of Las Ramblas, Barcelona’s infamous pedestrian street.

This Barcelona hotel itself boasts 303 luxurious rooms and suites featuring a comfortable and classic design. To get the best views of Pseo de Gracia and Gaudi’s Casa Batllo, try to stay in one of the hotel’s suites. You won’t be disappointed! At about 645 square feet, these rooms are located at each corner of the building. They’ve also been recently redecorated and include a hydro-massage bathtub.

Of course, if you want to go all out, stay in the hotel’s penthouse. At 3,230 square feet, you’ll get a great panoramic view of the city, have the use of an outdoor Jacuzzi, private check in and VIP treatment, daily champagne and other treats. You can’t get more luxurious that that. This is why this place is truly one of the best hotels in Barcelona.

If you’re a big foodie, you’ll want to try a meal at the Drolma Restaurant. You’ll find this gem in the Michelin Guide and is one of Barcelona’s best restaurants. Chef Fermi Puig is the brainchild behind all of the unique culinary treats at this restaurant.

And, of course, if you need a break from the busy city, spend some time at the Majestic Spa. Found on the top floor of the hotel, the spa offers a wide variety of treatments for both men and women. Enjoy fantastic views and soothing tea before getting a treatment. And, of course, you can take in a relaxing swim in the outdoor pool and soak up some rays in the solarium while getting a great view of the city.

Madrid might be the capital of Spain but when it comes to luxury hotels, Barcelona cuts the manchego.

List all the ingredients of a great city break and Barcelona has them in abundance, with the added bonus of being a major gateway to the rest of Spain.

The iconic Hotel Arts, Ritz-Carlton’s first property of three in Spain and still the flagship, is at the heart of the action. I love arranging client meetings in its lobby as the flowers are always breathtaking and the atmosphere buzzing. Check in to one of the higher floors, or the Six Senses Spa on 42, to check out the views.

If you are on a mission to seek out all that is Gaudi, then you will love the Hotel Casa Fuster on Passeig de Gracia, just down the road from the Gaudi House with its eclectic style and focus on the arts.

The Majestic is true to its name, particularly if you can climb the lofty heights to the penthouse suites which have their own rooftop decks with hot tubs and spectacular city views.

One of my favourite stays is in a corner suite of the Gran Hotel la Florida. The hotel is a 30 minute drive from the centre, perched 500m above the city and ideal if you want a mix of culture and retreat. From my bedroom window, I could see the entire city laid out beneath me in miniature as well as the trademark indoor/outdoor pool in the Zen Zone Spa and huge panoramic deck.

A little further afield is one of our favourite hidden gems in Kiwi Collection. The Alva Park is an Asian oasis slap bang in the middle of Lloret del Mar; kids get the bucket and spade vibe they love while you languish in unadulterated luxury.

Make time for the Molton Brown Spa with its unique Indian Princess Bath where tiny rain drops fall from a 24-carat gold-tiled ceiling, book a tee-off on your pick of championship golf courses in the virtual club, experience Japanese food like never before in a multi-sensory experience and, if you really love your little tikes, check into the Children’s Kingdom Suite where they have their own mini bathroom and amenities, over-sized railway set and Victorian dolls house. I won’t give the game away but suffice to say this hotel is not one to skimp on guest amenities…