Experiential hotel in Sweden allows guests to sleep underground

by Jessica Festa on

Located 155 meters underground, travelers can now stay in the Mine Suite at Sala Silvermine, the deepest hotel room in the world, in Sala Municipality, in Västmanland County, Sweden. This 16th century mine was at one time the country’s biggest silver producer.

Once guests arrive, they are given a guided tour of the mine, as well as a basket of goodies containing biscuits, chocolate, cheese, wine, and fruit. Combine this with the small wooden tables and chairs and the dim-lighting of the windowless suite, illuminated only by candles, and you begin to get the sense that you are in a romantic Italian restaurant.

There is some roughing it, however, that will go along with your stay. For those that are claustrophobic, be wary of the low-hanging stone ceilings, uneven walls, and hidden cavities of the mine. If you need to go to the bathroom, toilets are 50 meters from the suite itself, with showers being above ground in the hostel. And, if you’re prone to being cold, make sure you bring layers, as the mine itself is 35.6 degrees Fahrenheit. Don’t worry too much, though, as the room is heated to 64.4 degrees Fahrenheit and the hotel provides a thick comforter and extra blankets.

While the suite will cost couples about $590 per night, it may be worth it for those looking to have an experiential stay in Sweden.

Daily Pampering: Inside the 4,300 square feet high roller suite at Paris Las Vegas

by Scott Carmichael on

So – you just dropped $100,000 on the tables of Paris in Las Vegas? Well, you may in for a treat. Top tier high rollers at Paris may receive a room key for the Napoleon Suite. Located on the 31st floor of the hotel, this 4,300 square feet suite is a little bit of paradise overlooking the Las Vegas strip.

Five bedrooms, 6 bathrooms, a private bar, media/TV room, dining room, walk-in closets, a butler (with his own pantry) and a living room with grand piano. Best of all, two of the bedrooms are located at the end of a long internal hallway, so you can invite some friends over and send them off to their own corner of the suite.

Of course, the luxury doesn’t just end with the number of rooms – the entire place is decorated like a palace. Gold is everywhere (including the master bathroom) and the spa tub overlooking the Eiffel Tower.

The master bedroom features his and hers bathrooms – which are larger than some hotel rooms I’ve stuffed myself into in Europe. Of course, all rooms have their own phones, with instant access to the butler service and in-room massage therapy.

Walk-in shower / steam room.

60″ TV with DVD, VCR and even a cassette player – all controlled by a large AMX touch screen media remote. Sit back, have the butler whip up some cocktails, and enjoy the game.

What better way to start the day than with a nice bath – with a fantastic view of course. Notice the gold plated faucets – polished to perfection every single day!

Only the best gold bidet for the best customers of course – along with a gold plated trash can, gold plated toilet roll holder and a gold plated flusher for the toilet. Doing your morning tinkle never felt so luxurious.

In Vegas, you haven’t really “made it” until you trade in the buffet comp pass for a high roller suite, and a meal served in your own dining room. Of course, you can also request food from one of the many restaurants on property – which includes the amazing $777 burger from the Burger Brasserie.

The Napoleon Suite is not for rent – it is only available to important customers and celebrities at the hotel. And no – even though I begged and pleaded to spend the night in this room, I was politely shown the door. Still, it was quite an experience.

Want more? Get your dose of Daily Pampering right here.

Opening photo courtesy of Scott Roeben of the Pulse of Vegas Blog.

This trip was hosted by Harrah’s Entertainment. The ideas and opinions expressed in this article are 100% my own.

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Five new Los Cabos hotels: some open, some coming soon

by Tom Johansmeyer on

Last year was a busy one for the tourism business in Los Cabos, Mexico. Despite the unmistakable impact of the H1N1 swine flu virus on the region’s action in the spring and summer, there were plenty of exciting developments, including the opening of five new hotels. You now have plenty of choices when you head out to Los Cabos, which just happens to be a great place to unwind.

1. Barcelo Los Cabos Palace Deluxe
The Barcelo’s doors opened in December 2009, and San Jose del Cabo will never be the same. The resort has 626 luxurious suites, ranging in size from 1,125 square feet to 2,168 square feet … but this just doesn’t compare to the 34 swim-up suites. There are three pools on the property, covering more than 50,000 square feet, and a water park specifically for children. The spa has 16 private treatment cabins and a hydrotherapy room. So, the all-inclusive, all-suite resort is designed to impress.

2. Zoëtry Casa del Mar
There are only 42 suites at the hacienda-style beachfront boutique … and the hotel is designed to make sure the spectacular Pacific sunset is in full view from across the resort. The resort has been open since the first day of December, and it’s main draw might have something to do with the exceptionally large suites with Jacuzzis, Rivolta bedding and private balconies. Access to the Cabo Real Golf Course, designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., probably doesn’t hurt.

3. Capella Pedregal
Open since July, the Capella Pedregal has 66 rooms and residences in its Cabo San Lucas Marina location. Enjoy amazing views of the Sea of Cortes and the Pacific Ocean from this resort, which occupies 24 acres of mountainside and oceanfront property. If there’s a view you want, chances are you’ll find it at the Capella.

4. Sirena del Mar (coming in 2010)
This Welk Resort property consists of seven acres of luxury, high on the cliffs above Cabo San Lucas. Every villa has an oceanfront view, and you’ll be able to see whales from December through March. Located in the middle of downtown Cabo San Lucas, you’ll have easy access to the city and nightlife, but it won’t be hard to beat a retreat back to unparalleled comfort and seclusion.

5. Grand Solmar Land’s End Resort & Spa (coming in 2011)
The latest venture from Solmar Hotels & Resorts, the Grand Solmar Land’s End Resort & Spa is planning to fuse old world architecture with modern style.

Make your mark on the new romance suite at Hotel Bel-Ami

by Tom Johansmeyer on

Hotel Bel-Ami just finished its new “Romance” junior suite and wants you to take it for a spin. So, take your wife or girlfriend (there are double-occupancy restrictions, so you can’t take both of them) to Paris by the end of August, and you’ll get the room and a welcome glass of champagne for only $675 a night. And, the hotel is kicking in a 20 percent discount on treatments at the hotel’s spa.

I guess there is a “right” way to do Paris!

The fourth floor suite is far enough up to give you a view over the rooftops in St Germain des Pres, so you can enjoy the city from above and from the street. But, you probably won’t be looking out the window much …