Selling Travel September 19

the review: checking out 63
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HOTELS / RESORTS
TRAIN JOURNEYS / CRUISES
AIRPORT REVIEWS
HOTEL AZURE – South Lake Tahoe, California
BY JESSICA POOK
THE BACKGROUND: Hotel Azure is
a small boutique-style property of
THE VERDICT
100 rooms, ranging from the deluxe
Just a stone’s throw from
two-bedroom Lakeview Suite to
Lake Tahoe, Azure
ground level Accessible Rooms. In
provides the perfect base
2016 the hotel (formerly the Inn by
for activities like
the Lake) completed a $3.5 million
watersports, hiking or
renovation which included all rooms
skiing the Sierra Nevada
and suites, public spaces and the
Mountains. Its location
hotel’s exterior.
on the California side of
THE LOCATION: Close to the ski
the lake lends it a
slopes of Heavenly and not far
tranquil feel with alpine
from the mountain terrain of Sierra
views, but the bustling
Nevada and Kirkwood, Hotel Azure is
Heavenly Valley, on the
a popular choice for skiers. The hotel
decorated with calm, neutral colours,
heated year-round. The Bear Beach
Nevada side, is just a 10
enjoys prime views of Lake Tahoe
it gives the illusion of bringing nature
Café provides a hearty breakfast
minute drive away.
and is a short walking distance
indoors. The plush beds and modern
and there’s also a Scottish pub next
to activity centres which provide
bathrooms give a luxurious feel and
door with a menu of classic pub
RATES: One night at the
kayaks, paddleboards and jetski hire.
all guestrooms feature a patio or
favourites. Guests have access to
Hotel Azure in a Lake
It’s also close to various restaurants,
balcony with lake or alpine vistas.
free wifi, parking, fitness facilities and
View Double Queen room
bars and the lively casinos and bars
KEY FACILITIES: The pool and hot
a games room.
starts from £193.
of Heavenly Valley.
tub are the perfect place to unwind
W: hotelazuretahoe.com
THE ROOM: Extremely spacious and
after a day of activities and are
E: info@hotelazuretahoe.com
TEWKESBURY PARK – GLOUCESTERSHIRE, UK
BY JO AUSTIN
THE BACKGROUND: This familyowned
and run hotel, set in 165
18-hole golf course, the hotel was
awarded Fido’s Favourite Pet Friendly
Hotel by Best Loved Hotels in 2017.
Only five minutes from M5’s
junction nine, on the doorstep of
Tewkesbury and within easy reach
THE VERDICT
acres of parkland outside historic
THE LOCATION: With stunning
of Cheltenham, Gloucester and
There’s an overall sense
Tewkesbury, has recently completed
views of Tewkesbury Abbey and the
Worcester.
of informality combined
the second phase of a multi-million
Malvern Hills from its hilltop position,
THE ROOM: Dog-friendly ‘pampered
with attentive and
pound renovation. Offering 84
the property has a contemporary
pooch’ rooms are on the ground
friendly staff who simply
guestrooms and nine suites plus an
feel but retains historic features.
floor overlooking the golf course
cannot do enough to help
with doors leading onto private
make you (and your dog!)
parkland. There’s a Scottish
feel welcome. The perfect
influence, with tartan carpet and dog
place for a relaxing break
bed, and amenities including tea and
or a golfing/walking
coffee making facilities.
weekend. I loved the
KEY FACILITIES: Golf course and
collection of colourful
tennis courts; a leisure club with
wellies in reception, ready
sauna, gym and indoor pool. There’s
for guests to take on one
a large, airy reception and bar area,
of the area’s great walks.
a breakfast room for dog owners
and a separate dining room with
RATES: Prices start from
breakfast buffet and a la carte
£70 a night for a double
dining.
room (room only)
W: tewkesburypark.co.uk
E: enquiries@tewkesburypark.co.uk
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