http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/ Welcome to Been there. Your tips on the places you know - that you love, live in or have just visited - are what make this guide. http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/8437 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/8437 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/5346
Well, it just shows that you should never expect anything ordinary from a W Hotel. There’s custom-made 60s-styled furniture and coloured lighting in the lobby while bedrooms are decorated in bright cherry-red with a hammock in the ‘wetroom’.

The service, while friendly and eager to please, can be overwhelmingly American but that’s a cultural difference rather than a criticism – and it’s far better than being ignored in a British hotel. And, let’s be honest, hotels don’t get any cooler than this.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/5346 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/4339 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/4339 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/2391 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/2391 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/2008 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/2008 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/2007 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/2007 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/1922
Rooms come with hardwood floors, minimal four-poster beds, black-and-white prints on the walls, neutral décor and subtle lighting. And it's ideally located between the Gothic Quarter and the Born district. What's the catch? Well, there wasn't one. Now it's getting a reservation.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/1922 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/5871
Basic, no-frills Italian cooking and all the better for it — pasta, risotto, minestrone are all superb. And the owners make you feel more than welcome.
Possibly the best, and cheapest, dining in Venice.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/5871 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/4340 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/4340 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/2403 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/2403 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/1964
Surrounded by the pine tree forests typical of the island, the white-walled hotel discreetly blends into the landscape, bearing no resemblance to the high-rise developments of the tourist areas. The 63 rooms all have a sea view, some have jacuzzis and some rooms even have a second jacuzzi out on a balcony-garden – you can just imagine supermodels and DJs knocking back bottles of champagne here.

The stunning pool offers an opportunity for sunning yourself if the walk down to the beach seems a bit much while the Arabian-style restaurant serves up sumptuous haute cuisine.

But, and there had to be one, a few things let down its five-star rating – the TV, for example, was the smallest I’ve seen in years and the bathroom was a little dated. Grumbles aside, and if you don’t mind being off-the-beaten-track, this is a glimpse of Ibiza’s jetset.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/1964 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/1963
However, the small and simple bathroom – just big enough for the sink, shower and toilet – reflects that this is a comfortable three-star and not a luxurious five-star property.

Originally built as a Roman Catholic orphanage in 1890, it’s a little way out of the centre, next to Oosterpark, and you’ll need a tram or taxi to get back and forth but as a result you gain extra space more central hotels can’t offer.

The adjoining bar and club – an old church complete with stained-glass window – ensure that this is definitely one of the cooler hang-outs in town and certainly one of the best value.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/1963