Villa Cora's owners splashed out on a 23 million euro renovation of 52 rooms and the hotel is FABULOUS! They have built a new huge and heated infinity pool and a brand new spa. The most beautiful tunnels you have ever seen connect everything so guests will not have to go outside in their bathrobes or risk getting wet on a rainy day.

JDB Annual Hotelier Reception | Milan, Italy

Anna Dunaeva, Director of Operations, Judith Baer, President and Founder, Silvestro De Bolfo of the Villa Imperiale on Lake Como, Chantal Mastrogiacomo of Park Hotel Villa Grazioli outside of Rome

During a tour through Italy, I shot images of about 15 JDB properties. It was a pleasant surprise to find that Villa Mangiacane picked up the shots for an article in Caesar Magazine, an Italian Luxury Lifestyle periodical. To see more, you can visit JDB's Flickr page.

[Some of you may recognize the little person in the picture above.]

We stayed in the "new" Barocco in Rome. What a wonderful job they did with the total renovation of the hotel over nine weeks at the beginning of 2010.

Beds are wonderful, showers have "emotional" (!) lighting, and there is even a room with it's own private terrace with outside bathtub. Nicola in the bar fixed us a light supper when we were too tired to go out for dinner. It was perfect. 

The staff at the Splendide Royal in Rome is truly five star. Ivan, the head concierge, is brilliant at taking care of guests and pulling rabbits out of hats.

The Westminster is located on the famous Parisian Rue de la Paix, a street known for style and shopping... 

Arriving at Palazzo Manfredi in Rome (formerly known as Hotel Gladiatori), you learn that 99% of the time Palazzo Manfredi's charming “Direttore”, Bruno Papaleo, will be there to welcome clients personally and make them feel at home. In case he is not there, have no fear – the rest of the staff at the hotel is no less charming and welcoming. Everything about them says “We are here to help you.”

During a brief visit to Paris, I have come to the Hotel  Balzac again.  It is clear to see why so many JDB clients are happy at this property and why North American travel agents have come to depend on the property as a strong choice for deluxe clients seeking location, intimacy, and quality.

Here are the images and details of room 303, a Junior Suite at the Hotel Balzac:

Thursday February 17th, JDB Fine Hotels & Resorts held its annual reception for member properties at the de la Ville in Milan, Italy. The event provides an informal and lively forum for independent hotel owners, sales directors and general managers to discuss business and life. JDB announced its plans for the coming 2012-2013 membership season.

Thanks to all properties and friends who attended.  It was great to see everyone smiling again.