Review: Hilton Geneva

Review: Hilton Geneva

Geneva is a compact city where you can move around easily, especially from the airport to the city area. The Hilton hotel was just a short distance from the airport using the shuttle bus. We arrived much earlier than check-in time, but thankfully a large room was made ready for us immediately. I was a little tired from the early start in London, so I rested for a while. When we were ready, we started walking around town. In Geneva, hotels give their guests a city transportation card which is valid for the duration of their stay. It can also be used on trolleybuses, which are rarely seen in Japan….

Review: DoubleTree London ExCel

Review: DoubleTree London ExCel

ExCeL is an exhibition hall near London City Airport, just like the Big Sight in Odaiba, Tokyo. We stayed at the DoubleTree London ExCeL, which is right next to this exhibition hall, for the first time. From the guest room we were assigned, we could see the quietly shining surface of the water right in front of us. The area around here is called Royal Docks, and was the centre of the shipping industry before the war.Having a walk along the dockside space in front of the hotel, I could see Canary Wharf to the west. Since London City Airport is nearby and there are height restrictions on buildings around…

Review: The Caledonian Edinburgh (2023)

Review: The Caledonian Edinburgh (2023)

I decided to spend the weekend visiting a friend living in Edinburgh and, when I searched for a last-minute hotel room, I was lucky enough to be able to reserve a room at the Waldorf Astoria (Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh, the Caledonian was rebranded to The Caledonian Edinburgh, Curio Collection by Hilton in 2024). In Scotland the number of tourists greatly increases in the summer, so walking along Princes Street from the station to the hotel was already very crowded. From the window of our upgraded guest room, we could see the impressive Edinburgh Castle up close. Princes Street Gardens lies at the foot of Castle Rock, whose trees have grown…

Review: DoubleTree Lisbon – Fontana Park

Review: DoubleTree Lisbon – Fontana Park

After spending a few nights in the Algarve, we moved to our next destination, Lisbon, by train. The limited express train, named Alfa Pendular, goes swiftly through forested countryside on the way to Lisbon. For accommodation in Lisbon, I considered the newly opened Curio Emerald House, but decided to stay at Doubletree as it is close to the subway line which goes directly to the airport. I was surprised to hear that the building, which used to be a factory for iron products, has been reborn as a hotel. The use of black as the base colour for the interiors was innovative, and it didn’t feel like a factory at…

Review: Conrad Algarve (South Portugal)

Review: Conrad Algarve (South Portugal)

Coming from England, Portugal in May is really pleasant and cheerful and the moment I got off the plane I felt like my body had become lighter. After 30 minutes by taxi from Faro airport, I arrived at the Conrad Algarve. The hotel has an impressive approach along a front driveway and gardens lined with gleaming white buildings, leading to the central lobby which was filled with natural light coming in brilliantly from the upper floors. The check-in procedure was done while seated with drinks, immediately beginning what was to be a relaxing stay. After introducing nearby attractions, the front desk clerk also explained the benefits for Diamond members. In…

Review: Hilton Aberdeen TECA

Review: Hilton Aberdeen TECA

We came to Aberdeen in north-east Scotland during the Easter holidays. The Azuma, which I used when going to Edinburgh, also runs to Aberdeen, but it would take over 8 hours, so I decided to fly. We stayed at the Hilton Aberdeen TECA near the airport. The hotel looks huge as it is integrated with a large event venue, including a 15,000-capacity arena. The complex opened in 2019, so my first impression was that everything still feels new and very clean. Having been more than 5 hours since I left home, I was tired when I arrived so quickly put my luggage in the room and headed to the lounge….