Need Recommendation for Spain or Italy
Oct 24, 2018, 7:43 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2015
Posts: 19
Need Recommendation for Spain or Italy
My wife and I will be in Europe next summer in June. I have a 7 day package, Cat 8 to book now. I was told by Marriott I could book through Cat 7 now. What are your recommendations for an outstanding property for 7 days somewhere in Spain or Italy. I am lifetime Platinum.
Your help and advice is greatly appreciated.
Your help and advice is greatly appreciated.
Oct 24, 2018, 7:54 am
#2
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: In the air
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, Bonvoy LT Plat, Hilton Gold, GHA Tit, BA Gold, Turkish Elite
Posts: 8,712
It really depends what you’re looking for. The St Regis Florence and the Gritti Palace in Venice are two of the best properties in the system.
If you need 7 days in one place i’d go with a city you’re happy spending a lot of time in: something like Barcelona (Hotel Arts or Cotton House) or Rome (St Regis) come to mind rather than the smaller, more touristy places - if it were for less time I’d look at something like the Marquis de Riscal.
If you need 7 days in one place i’d go with a city you’re happy spending a lot of time in: something like Barcelona (Hotel Arts or Cotton House) or Rome (St Regis) come to mind rather than the smaller, more touristy places - if it were for less time I’d look at something like the Marquis de Riscal.
Oct 24, 2018, 8:09 am
#3
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Chicago
Programs: Hyatt Glob; UA 1K; BonVoyage LTT (RIP SPG); HH Dia; JX Insighter
Posts: 1,642
Gritti is probably the best hotel I've ever stayed at. But 7 days in Venice is probably far too long. Maybe throw a dart at the Cat 8 list for those two countries and pick whichever one it hits? You probably won't go wrong.
Oct 24, 2018, 8:26 am
#4
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: La Jolla, CA
Programs: Marriott Ambassador, Lifetime Titanium, Delta Plat, Hilton Diamond , Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 2,615
In 2007 my husband and I spent 14 days in Venice split between the Gritti and Danieli. We absolutely loved our visit and had a chance to explore so many places. In 7 days one would have time to visit Burano and Torcello or take a day trip to the Prosecco vinyards. You would also have time to explore “hidden Venice” the neighborhoods where most tourists never venture.
But Spain also has wonderful hotels-
And you didn’t mention Greece but we just had a wonderful relaxing 5 night stay at Domes of Elounda- that would be another option
Oct 24, 2018, 8:53 am
#5
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Chicago
Programs: Hyatt Glob; UA 1K; BonVoyage LTT (RIP SPG); HH Dia; JX Insighter
Posts: 1,642
In 2007 my husband and I spent 14 days in Venice split between the Gritti and Danieli. We absolutely loved our visit and had a chance to explore so many places. In 7 days one would have time to visit Burano and Torcello or take a day trip to the Prosecco vinyards. You would also have time to explore “hidden Venice” the neighborhoods where most tourists never venture.
But Spain also has wonderful hotels-
And you didn’t mention Greece but we just had a wonderful relaxing 5 night stay at Domes of Elounda- that would be another option
Oct 24, 2018, 1:09 pm
#7
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Dulles, VA
Programs: UA Life Gold, Marriott Life Titanium
Posts: 2,757
Picking a place to go because of a hotel is backwards thinking. Pick a place you want to go, then figure out the best hotel for you at that location. Unless it's a cookie cutter all-inclusive in the Caribbean or something of the like, I assume you will be leaving the hotel to see some sights, hit some restaurants, all the fun stuff.
Oct 24, 2018, 3:19 pm
#8
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: OKC
Programs: Marriott Lifetime Platinum / Hyatt Discoverist / IHG Diamond / American Airlines Executive Platinum
Posts: 57
The St. Regis and Westin Excelsior in Florence are both Category 7. My wife and I stayed at the Westin a couple years ago and it was maybe the best hotel stay we have ever had, easily rivaling any Ritz-Carlton, Four Seasons, etc. I don't know about the St. Regis because we did not stay there, but many here rave about it. All I know is the Westin had amazing service, was beautiful, and perfectly located. I could spend a week in Florence multiple times a year! But if you want more than Florence you are near many hill towns, Pisa, Siena, etc.
Oct 24, 2018, 3:51 pm
#9
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Barcelona, London, on a plane
Programs: BA Silver, TK E+, AA PP, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott LT Plat, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 13,031
Picking a place to go because of a hotel is backwards thinking. Pick a place you want to go, then figure out the best hotel for you at that location. Unless it's a cookie cutter all-inclusive in the Caribbean or something of the like, I assume you will be leaving the hotel to see some sights, hit some restaurants, all the fun stuff.
You really can't go wrong with any of the ultra top end SPG hotels in Southern Europe.
Oct 24, 2018, 4:38 pm
#10
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Dulles, VA
Programs: UA Life Gold, Marriott Life Titanium
Posts: 2,757
I stay at a top hotel for the comfy bed, good bathrooms, solid concierge lounge and the fact that if something is wrong they'll at least try and fix it. I don't know of too many people who fly around the world to sit in a hotel 24 hours a day.
Oct 24, 2018, 4:44 pm
#11
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: In the air
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, Bonvoy LT Plat, Hilton Gold, GHA Tit, BA Gold, Turkish Elite
Posts: 8,712
Just as well you’re posting on perhaps the world’s best forum to find them then (well, not 24 hours a day - that’s obviously just hyperbole). Needless to say if you just want the basics and a lounge then the former top tier Starwood hotels with Michelin starred restaurants, Butlers and 500 year old buildings and furnishings might not be the best choice for you.
Oct 24, 2018, 10:08 pm
#13
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: In the air
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, Bonvoy LT Plat, Hilton Gold, GHA Tit, BA Gold, Turkish Elite
Posts: 8,712
That is of course up to you and is absolutely no problem! It just means that your advice is perhaps not that relevant to someone looking to book a future Cat 8 hotel.
Oct 24, 2018, 11:33 pm
#14
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Dulles, VA
Programs: UA Life Gold, Marriott Life Titanium
Posts: 2,757
Except I've spent well over a thousand nights at hotels currently in the Cat 8 territory and above. So, I think my advice is relevant. Maybe not with the Grey Poupon crowd, but I don't see any indication from the OP that he's the type that will only stay in step and fetch properties.
Oct 24, 2018, 11:42 pm
#15
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: In the air
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, Bonvoy LT Plat, Hilton Gold, GHA Tit, BA Gold, Turkish Elite
Posts: 8,712
Except I've spent well over a thousand nights at hotels currently in the Cat 8 territory and above. So, I think my advice is relevant. Maybe not with the Grey Poupon crowd, but I don't see any indication from the OP that he's the type that will only stay in step and fetch properties.
