It is always fun to hear about new hotels opening or old hotels being refurbished. I love staying in hotels…the more posh, the better. However in our household, the budget reigns supreme, so sometimes I just live vicariously through the hotel descriptions in their news releases and websites. The following are not recommendations, just announcements.

Munich
The Rocco Forte Collection announced that the 5-Star The Charles Hotel, named in honor of Sir Rocco Forte’s father, renowned hotelier Lord Charles Forte, will open on Oct. 4, 2007. This is The Rocco Forte Collection’s third German property, joining Hotel de Rome in Berlin, which opened in October 2006, and Villa Kennedy in Frankfurt, which opened in March 2006. The eight-storey, hotel will have 132 rooms, nine junior suites, 18 master suites and a presidential suite. Most of the rooms have views over the Botanical Gardens. Original paintings by Munich’s celebrated 19th century artist Franz von Lenbach are displayed in the bedrooms. The hotel also boasts an Italian restaurant overlooking the Botanical Gardens, a terrace for outdoor dining and a private dining room; a bar; seven conference rooms equipped with state-of-the-art technology and all benefiting from natural light; a ballroom accommodating up to 400 guests for a drinks reception; and a large spa with sauna, swimming pool, five treatment rooms and a gym.
Average Price: 450 €

London
After a six-month, $12 million renovation, the Radisson Edwardian Liecester Square Hotel has reopened . Updates included new beds and upgraded bathrooms as well as new furnishings and decor. Other improvements include air conditioning, a bar and restaurant, fitness center, business center and conference rooms.
Average Price: 230 GBP

Barcelona
The Casanova Hotel, an 18th century property in Barcelona’s city center, is set to reopen in October after an extensive face-lift. An introductory rate of $190 per night is available from November through March. The price, which is subject to availability, includes buffet breakfast, Casanova cocktail, WiFi and late checkout. Taxes and service charge are not included.
Average Price: 200 €

Paris
The Hotel Lumen and the restaurant “Le Passage Saint Roch” located near the Louvre is scheduled to open September 13th 2007. Surrounded by an exceptional Parisian architectural heritage, the Hotel Lumen Paris Louvre is an elegant and stylish 32 room boutique hotel. Combining contemporary and quaint styles, architect Alain Daronian and designer Claudio Colucci reflect the hotel’s main theme of “Light”. Average Price: 400 €