LE MERIDIEN KING EDWARD IN TORONTO

Le Méridien King Edward is said to have received guests for over 100 years. Its situation in the heart of the financial district, downtown Toronto, is ideal for business meetings in the city. It is a rather large hotel with 298 guest rooms. However, from a European perspective, this hotel is far from being modern or oriented for Europeans. The staff is nice but that is as far as it goes. You are charged for everything. Internet is available, somehow free if you manage to get your wifi to read a signal... but very unstable. The room I was in certainly was spacious... but the furniture was rather old-fashioned. The bed was comfortable but the bathroom was very basic. Thank God I was having a shower at an early hour, (due to my jetlag) but had the people in the offices opposite been working, they would have had a look at my whole naked body. The net curtain that supposedly hid the inside was extremely thin... They claim to be a modern hotel but I have to say, that either they have not visited their competition in other countries or they don't know what modern tendencies are. For me, it was an experience that made me go back 20 years.

Breakfast: Well, that was another surprise. I do travel a lot and get to stay over in many hotels, where a buffet breakfast is offered. In this hotel, you had a menu and you had to choose from something you didn't even know what would look like. Eggs Benedict were good, I have to say. But breakfast was rather... weak.

The Concierge was extremely helpful and the reception people either spoke Spanish to us or just attempted to do so, which is always something to thank for. Not so pleasant staff in the breakfast room. I have to say, in the hotel's defence that they prepared a nice packed breakfast for us to take, as we were leaving rather early in the morning. I think that was even better than the one in the restaurant, I have to admit.

LE MÉRIDIEN KING EDWARD

37 King Street East

Toronto, Ontario M5C

Canada

Tel: +1 (416) 863-9700

HOTEL CORINTHIA, IN LISBON

The Corinthia Lisboa Hotel is a luxurious 5-star hotel. Staff is always friendly and helpful, even more if you mutter a couple of Portuguese words. The rooms, in my experience, are spacious and had a comfortable bed. As you can see from the picture, I got lost in such a big bed. (It was actually two beds put together, so... if I ended up in the middle, which usually happened, I could feel the borders of both beds. Still, moving to one side, it was a perfect bed. Also, a selection of pillows to adapt more to your needs was appreciated.

The breakfast, for me, is essential. And The Corinthia can boast to be one that has a wide range of food to offer. Fruit, cereals, cold meat, cheese, dry fruits, pastry, juices (that could improve, certainly) kitchen to have fresh fried eggs, omelettes, crêpes... you name it, and it's bound to be on offer. It even has a corner for those who look after their shape, with "light" products.

Some people say it is far away from the centre. True. It is not central, but, in my case, I need to be close to the motorway as I am going there for business and need to get out of the city fast. The ring road is barely 5 minutes away. If you do want to go to the city centre, you can always get the underground, which is just 100mts away, and it takes you directly to the Chiado. Lisbon International Airport is just 7 Km from the Corinthia, which is also another good point if you are flying back home.

There are 518 guestrooms, including double, single, twin, executive double, Club room, Executive Superior and suite.

But I also have to say that I am not very happy with the cost of the car park. The surrounding area is rather difficult to park, as there isn't much space for parking: 18 Euro per night. Also, the cost of internet connection in your room: another 18 Euro. Apparently in the hall, it is free of charge, but if you need to do some work, get some papers and so, the place is not prepared for that, therefore, I prefer to do it in the room. It is a 5 star hotel and, as such, extra services have 5 star price too, which, in my opinion, are not acceptable.
Nevertheless, it is a highly recommended hotel.

CORINTHIA HOTEL LISBON
Av. Columbano Bordalo Pinheiro, nº 105,


Lisbon 1099-031,


PORTUGAL

T: +351 21 7236363


F: +351 21 7236364


E: lisboa@corinthia.pt