Fundapart Hotel

Hyatt Place Opens in Malta (No, Not That Malta)

September 24, 2007 - Posted in Uncategorized

The Mediterranean island of Malta is a fascinating place… but, truth be told, this post is about Malta, New York, where Hyatt Place just opened a new outpost.

The Hyatt Place hotels cater to a business clientele, replete with free WiFi, ergonomic chairs, check-in kiosks, gyms, Hyatt-trademarked beds, food that can be ordered via touch-screen menu 24/7, and “Gallery Hosts” (or, in traditional industry vernacular, concierges.) This one will definitely follow the model.

You may be wondering, what the heck is in Malta, anyway? It’s practically a bedroom community of Albany, with all of its Empire State budget-cutting intrigue.

More importantly, it’s right near Saratoga Springs, home to much enthralling thoroughbred horseracing, polo tournaments, the whole equestrian lifestyle.

It’s also known for soothing spas, a smattering of unusual hotels (the National Bottle Museum, anyone?) historic battlefields, and President’s Grant’s Cottage.

And maybe Hyatt is anticipating some hotel action given the the municipal website reports “the town currently has a major non-tech park in the development stage.” A business influx like that would certainly help to fill up empty rooms during the off-racing season.

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Lisbon Hotel Guide :: Lisboa Tejo Attempts a Design Hotel

August 24, 2007 - Posted in Uncategorized

Okay, so Lisbon ain’t yet the place to find a whole load of design hotels. The first one was Jerónimos 8, right outside the city centre. Following suit, but this time slap bang in the  heart of Lisbon’s downtown area, is the Lisboa Tejo.

First confession: The Lisboa Tejo is more a brave attempt at a design hotel than a design hotel proper. A hotel de charme, let’s say.

But it’s a damn fine brave attempt. Stepping in is a surprise - running water, curvy wood, deep blues and yellows and tiled mosaics everywhere. There’s a bar also, open to the public, which adds a kind of cosmo touch to the place.

Second confession: We didn’t get past the bar. But we’re told there are hydromassage baths in the suites and WiFi all over, and that rooms are a decent size (unlike most city-centre hotels). Ask for a nest at the back to avoid the street noise.

Third confession: When we say ‘downtown’, we don’t mean this is the most desirable area of town…..late nights can bring drunks and hookers to the surrounding streets, so if you’re not one of them, you may feel a little out of place. It doesn’t stop us, but you’ve had your warning.

Prices are good: around €85 ($128) for a double including breakfast, up to €160 ($240) for a suite. If you want to pretend you’re in a design hotel and can’t afford designer prices, you know where to come.

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