Taj celebrated its entry into Germany with a great party, 23 September, arranged by the hotel's own commercial director.

Taj Hessischer Hof promises, with justification, to be Frankfurt’s choice for serious business and no wonder the hotel’s GM Albert Mayr, on left above with his regional boss Spirodon Sarantopoulos, was so happy the night of the hotel’s opening party.

Girlahead’s stay at Taj Hessischer Hof Frankfurt it not only memorable for the omnipresent attention of GM Albert Mayr but the thoughtfulness of his lovely staff, including two who made a special impression, head housekeeper Sylvie and the top concierge Max Klinnert.

There was just and only just time in Frankfurt for Girlahead to rush over to what was Villa Kennedy and is now Villa Florentin, an Althoff Hotel.

The Ultras, at The Tower of London on 1st October, were undoubtedly among the top highlights of the global luxury hospitality year.

Excitement mounts as the Sybaritic Single drives down Avenida Atlântica towards Copacabana Palace. He is thrilled to be back at the iconic luxury hotel after over a decade and is promptly escorted to the penthouse at the top floor.

Whoever thought of putting a railway hotel up here back in 1902 should have taken some shares in The Balmoral. It’s still above Waverley Station, but it's got so much else good going for it.

After a great night’s sleep at The Balmoral, it was time for the gym, which opened at 7 (here was a first, the attendant needed a photo). The entire basement is devoted to wellness.

Chris Bancroft, above, is quite a guy. Hotel kid grows up to win all kinds of UK awards and scholarships, Cornell and The Newt in Somerset, when he moved north of the border to what is arguably the most charmingly eccentric hotel in Scotland, if not Europe.