Putting on the Ritz - Top Three Hotels for Travelling in Style

LONDON, September 21, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

Luxury shouldn't be reserved for special occasions. From deluxe suites with jaw dropping panoramic views to crystal chandeliers and 24-hour butler service, your choice of hotel can make or break your holiday before it's even started. Luxury city breaks specialist Cox & Kings selects some of the finer places to stay for the perfect weekend away. Sometimes, one needs to spend a little to live a little!

The Ritz Hotel - Madrid

Commissioned by King Alfonso XIII in 1910^[1], the Ritz has been graced by many a famous face from Madonna and Tom Cruise to Frank Sinatra and Tom Ford^[2]. Rooms feature antique furniture, large marble bathrooms, handmade carpets and 24-hour luxury room service.  For added extravagance, the presidential suite comprises two spacious bedrooms, living room, reception area, marble fireplace and exquisite antiques. If that fails to entice you, then the royal suite with its grand bedroom, sitting room, two large bathrooms and personal butler, will make you feel a million dollars.  

Four Seasons Hotel at Sultahnamet - Istanbul

Situated in the old town of Istanbul and surrounded by some of the most famous landmarks such as the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace, the Four Seasons Hotel at Sultahnamet is the perfect base for exploring this fascinating city. Rooms offer a private bar, large plasma television, twice daily housekeeping and decadent marble bathroom with large soaking tubs. The Ottoman-inspired hotel has an array of beautiful suites, such as its prestigious executive suite, which boasts an opulent living room with large French windows facing a private courtyard: perfect for opening wide during those hot summer nights.  

Grand Hotel Europe, Orient-Express - St Petersburg

Russia's imperialist past can be rekindled when staying at the decadent Grand Hotel Europe by Orient-Express. Unique historic suites feature Italian marble bathrooms, 4.3 metre high ceilings and sensuous silk fabrics^[3]. With so much to see and do, from the State Hermitage museum to strolling along the canals, you can get lost for days within the impressive façade of this elegant Russian city.    

Cox & Kings, the luxury holidays specialist, was established in 1758 and is built upon high quality service and attention to detail. The company continues to flourish as an independent tour operator, with operations in London, the US, Japan, Australia and throughout India. Cox & Kings organises private tailor-made holidays to India, Latin America, the Middle East, the Far East, Africa, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific and the Caribbean.

Notes to editors:

Cox & Kings is the world's longest established travel company. Its history stretches back more than 250 years to 1758 when Richard Cox was appointed regimental agent to the Footguards (later the Grenadier Guards). The company's fortunes grew hand in hand with the British Empire and by the early 20th century the company was acting as agent and banker throughout the armed forces and as a shipping agent. In 1922 Cox & Co merged with the Henry S King bank, which had strong connections with India. The bank became part of Lloyds and the shipping agency grew separately, evolving into the modern travel company.

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1. http://www.ritzmadrid.com/web/orit/hotel_ritz_introduction.jsp

2. http://www.ritzmadrid.com/web/orit/ritz_madrid_history.jsp

3. http://www.grandhoteleurope.com/web/stpetersburg/unique_historic_suites.jsp