In Residence Magazine (November, 2013)

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Headline Over the Top Hotels (Nov 13)

Headline(TH) Over the Top Hotels

MediaTitle In Residence Magazine

Date 18 Nov 2013 Color Full Color

Section News Circulation 75,000

Page No 96 to 101 Readership 150,000

Language English ArticleSize 2633 cm²

Journalist N/A AdValue BHT 248,036

Frequency Monthly PR Value BHT 744,109

There's no one "ight" way to do this, and depending on the person could include anything from leaning up againsta coconut tree looking at the ocean, to visiting one of the world's great cities. Again, there is no standard definitionfor "over the top". Be :t a castle in the midcle of the African jungle, a hotel borne out of its owner's obsession with

auto racing, or the former palace of French royalty, an over the top experience is open to interpretation.

Built in 1896 as the private residence of PrinceRoland Bonaparte (Napoleon's grandnephew), theShangriLa was restored and converted into an81room hotel in 2010 as the flagship property ofthe worldrenowned ShangriLa brand. Decoratedin a regal palette blue, gold, and cream andrestored to its original glory, it's easy to feel asthough Monsieur Bonaparte is still in residence.The property is graced with several exquisite handcrafted Murano chandeliers, and two of the notel sthree restaurants have earned Michelin stars. Guestscan choose from several styles of suites, all of whichare decorated with lush fabrics, natural wood, andstylish marquetry.

W Hotel skillfully balances the city's strikingmix of noise and flamboyancy. It's easy to relax inlage, colourful rooms that offe' high threadcountlinens, a pillow menu, and even a pel bed, shoulda furry friend join your vacation. Visitors waitingin the lobby are bathed in the glow from a wallfestooned with 800 varieties of lights from Thailand'siconic tuktuk. Guests can dine in several stylish'estaurants, party at the luminous Woobar, anc swimat WET, a swimming pool encircled by what looksike a sweeping wave of metallic chocolate mousse.

Guests say: "Modern, stylish hotel. Great aircon in muggy city. Good bar and food choices.Beautiful large reception area. Helpful staff who

Most OTT feature: Designed by New YorkbasedAvroKO, a spiral staircase encircles a chandeliermade from plastic bags, an item commonly used inieu of soda bottles for Bangkok's masses.

spoke excellent English. Well located near BTSstation and in central Bangkok for cood shoppingand nightlife." Felicity. United Kingdom

The following hotels were chosen because they provide an experience that is equal parts lush, odd, beautiful, colourful,and charming an over the top experience that's for sure. So to kick off ou' six of the best, we had to look not further thanour very own Banckok for something off the wall.

In Residence

ShangriLa Hotel

"OVER THE TOP"

3angkok, Thailand

W Hotel

HOTELS

^TRAVEL IN STYLE

Paris, France

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Most OTT feature: Splurge on the La SuiteShangriLa, a 220squaremetre room on the topfloor. The 100squaremetre terrace has a panoramaof the city's rooftops and the spire of the Eiffel Towerthat's surely one of the world's most romantic views.

The Palace of the Lost CityPilanesberg National Park, South Africa

Guests say: "Was perfect, will never forget it.Outstanding view, great se'vice when setting up aromantic evening in the room, staff are friendly andmade you feel important anc happy." Brendan,Australia

Seeing the Palace of the Lost City for the firsttime is a surreal experience, with domed towersjutting up out of the African jungle. With 388 roomsin a gargantuan building on 60 acres set within anext'nct volcano, its very existence is an over the topstatement. Guests can play a round on the 18holegolf course (but watch out for the crocodiles in thewater hazards), relax in the opuient lobby lookingup a; grand paintings of the African savannah, ordine next to a giant elephant water fountain in thecave'nous Crystal Court restaurant. Every room issuitably OTT as well, with handcrafted furniture andan inspiring view of the surrounding jungle.

Boblingen, Germany

V8 Hotel im Meilenwerk

Taj Lake Palace

Guests say: "Excellent, I will definitely comeagain. There's entertainment, great food, comfort,and romance." Zhenwu, China

Most OTT feature: Stay in the Tower Suite, a90squaremetre space on 3 floors of the old airportcontrol tower. It's more like a private apartment thananything else, and the rooftop terrace gives yougreat views as you eat breakfast.

Most OTT feature: It's hard to pick just one arrive via helicopter? Get a grape seed body rub atthe Gatsby International Health Spa? Head out ona safari? There are plenty of opportunities to takethings to the next level.

Built in 1746 on an island in Lake Pichola

(reportedly by a local prince as a place to bring hisdates), the opulent Taj Lake Palace seems to float onthe water as you approach by private boat. Oncethere, guests get OTT treatment in true Indian style,showered with rose petals on arrival and surroundedby 250year old paintings and decorative artworkthroughout the hotel. Each suite has been desigredwith unique mosaics, antiques, fabrics, and furniture,and several private terraces including a pontoonthat floats on the lake provide stunning vistas fordinner.

If you're even remotely interested in automobilesor car racing, a visit to the V8 Hotel should make thetop of your bucket list. A former airport hotel, theV8 Hotel has been restored with loving dedicationto all things automobile, and boasts an attachedMeilenwerk, an openair museum/garage wherecollectors store and service their most preciousvehicles. Choose a room with a unique theme, likethe Gas Station, which evokes a 1950'sera servicefacil'ty, or Route 66, done up to rcflect the famous,dusty stretch of sunbaked highway in America'sheartland. Every bed is an extralong 2.1 metres andeach one rests in the hulk of an old car, from a beatup old Mustang to a replica of Herbie the Love Bug.

Guests say: "The hotel is a real attraction forcar fans. The theme rooms are spectacular and thestandard rooms are simple but modern." Christian,Germany

Udaipur, India

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In Residence Magazine (November, 2013)