Smith Travel BlogTravel tales and hotel news from the boutique hotel experts at Mr & Mrs Smith

This month, the intrepid Smith team of style-seeking hotel hunters began its global trek in canal-crossed Amsterdam, home to a trio of reinvented Dutch stunners: a modern aristocrat named Sir Albert (originally a diamond factory), the fantastical Andaz Amsterdam (formerly a library) and modernist masterpiece Conservatorium (the one-time Sweelinck Conservatory of Music). Then, we headed [...]

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This week we’re prescribing a hearty dose of lavish Latin living as a post-winter pick-me-up: snugly situated on the southwest corner of London’s Hyde Park is the irresistibly Italian Baglioni Hotel… Style: Daring decadence Setting: Parkside palatial Why this week? Spring is officially here but many of us are still stuck in the wintry doldrums. [...]

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We’re gleefully celebrating Spring’s arrival with a globe-spanning host of new hotels this month. We kicked off our world tour in the Windy City, where Ian Schrager’s sleek Public Chicago hotel has impressive Lake Michigan views, a glittering crowd invariably gathered in the bar, and some elegant guest rooms big enough to throw a party [...]

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Inside London #14: Swarovski Crystallized

Tuesday, March 26th, 2013

With rain-soaked pavements and throngs of unsmiling shoppers, shopping in London can be less than pleasant without some insider knowledge. But we’re here to help: just two umbrella-dodging minutes from London’s hectic Oxford Circus, there’s a serenely sparkling wonderland: welcome to Swarovski Crystallized… Opposite Liberty, close to all the West End theatres and just steps [...]

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Ever fancied yourself as lord or lady of the manor? As soon as you cross the drawbridge over the moat at aristocratic Château de Bagnols hotel in Beaujolais, you’ll feel as though your palace-dwelling dreams have come true… Style Five-star aristocrat Setting Cultivated Beaujolais Why this week? Once spring sunshine arrives, the French countryside’s ripe [...]

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Send a cheeky hotel-hopping hint

Thursday, March 7th, 2013

Fancy whetting the wanderlust in your life? Then get hinting on our cheeky new Facebook app, guaranteed to galvanise your partner, posse or pals into travel action… If you’re hankering to be whisked away somewhere Smithy, just drop a hotel-hopping hint on Facebook and let Smith’s witty new app play Cupid. You can choose any [...]

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Malin + Goetz: secret travel address book

Wednesday, March 6th, 2013

Last week, we sat down with Malin + Goetz co-founder Andrew Goetz to get the scoop on the stylish duo’s travel tips. We couldn’t let him off the hook, though, without getting a peek into their little black book of favourite on-the-road places to eat, drink, sleep and shop in Amsterdam, plus his top restaurants in [...]

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Malin + Goetz Q&A: behind the scenes

Wednesday, February 20th, 2013

Stylish, hardworking, easy on the eyes and often found in the world’s best bathrooms: like their products, the dynamic duo behind Malin + Goetz skincare is very well-travelled. So, we just had to sit down with co-founder Andrew Goetz to find out their insider tips and favourite places to stay… ______________________________________________________________________ Why did you start [...]

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Faena Hotel, Buenos Aires: hotel of the week

Friday, February 15th, 2013

As St Valentine briefly flitted in and out this week, we were reminded that one day dedicated to romance simply isn’t enough. So, why not extend the affair at a spot designed with passion in mind – luxury boutique Faena Hotel in sultry Buenos Aires? Style Seeing red Setting Waterfront Puerto Madero Why this week? Even if you came through [...]

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Happy Chinese New Year!

Friday, February 8th, 2013

Xin Nian Kuai Le! Or for the Cantonese speakers out there, Gung Hay Fat Choi! Wherever you’re celebrating Chinese New Year in 2013 we wish you well, and welcome to the Year of the Snake… It is officially this Sunday 10 February but expect fireworks, feasting and family visits for at least five days kicking [...]

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