Top 10 Romantic Hotels in Europe this Valentine's Day

Set the mood for love this Valentine's Day with HotelsCombined's list of the 10 most romantic hotels in Europe. Carefully selected and across a number of locations, these hotels aim to cater to a variety of tastes. The hotels were selected for attributes such as their scenic setting, de'cor and design, hospitality, sense of place, romantic atmosphere and visitor reviews.

Hotel Splendido Portofino, Italy, For the glamorous jet-setters

An ancient villa perched above a hilltop and set amongst tropical gardens, this luxury villa has sweeping views of Portofino's spectacular bay. Chic and magnificent, everything about this hideaway encapsulates romance: grape-vined terraces, oversized beds, private balconies overlooking castles and the sea, piano bars for dancing and a winding garden path of olive trees that leads to the sea. Live la dolce vita with an Aperitif on La Terrazza as the sun sets over the Italian Riviera.

Domaine des Hauts de Loire Onzain, France, For the Traditionalist

Classic French chateaux set on a sprawling estate of hundred-year old oak trees and swan-filled lakes creates a high romance quotient. This ivy covered castle is just outside the village of Onzain and a few hours from the bright lights of Paris. Spacious and elegant, the rooms are furnished with a mix of antiques and modern luxuries. Indulge in haute French cuisine and the region's fine wines at the hotel's Michelin starred restaurant or take a romantic hot air balloon ride of the chateau-dotted Loire Valley. This is majestic French countryside meets opulent lodging.

Macdonald Gisborough Hall Gisborough,England, For countryside enthusiasts

Stunning Gisborough Hall is a deluxe Victorian manor surrounded by parkland. Extensive landscaped gardens and bedrooms look out over the Cleveland Hills and into the distant woodlands. Dating back to the mid 19th century, the manor is a blend of original features and modern facilities. Each of the rooms and suites have been individually decorated to retain their old charm and features. Comfortable furnishings create a homely-feel whilst four poster beds bring sexy back with a Victorian twist ... Explore the scenic English countryside and dine at the hotel's restaurant Tocketts, acclaimed as one of the finest dining experiences in England's North East.

Hotel Imperial Vienna, Austria, For music lovers and princesses

The ex-residence of the Prince of Wu"rttemberg, this 19th century palace now the Hotel Imperial oozes Viennese grandeur fit for royalty. The Imperial has indeed accommodated royalty with Queen Elizabeth II and celebrity couple Brangelina former guests. Rooms are elegantly decorated with antiques and rich fabrics, period artworks, crystal chandeliers and balconettes with views of the Ringstrasse and the downtown area. Take in the rich musical history Vienna has to offer by going to an Opera or walk in the footsteps of Amadeus and Debussy with a tour of the city.

Royal Crescent Hotel Bath, For Jane Austen fans

Bath, a Roman Spa town and the backdrop for many of Jane Austen's romance novels, is impossibly romantic. The Royal Crescent Hotel is situated on Royal Crescent the "street of streets", an imposing sight with its amazing houses and manicured lawns. The Royal Crescent depicts a Georgian fantasy with 18th century antiques, four poster beds, marble baths and oil paintings. Take a dip in The Bath House, a stroll in the gardens or a meal at Pimpernel's.

Liberty Hotel Prague, For a Bohemian dream

The luxurious Liberty Hotel is in the heart of the historical centre and at the lower end of famous Wenceslas Square. The Liberty is a thoughtful and sophisticated reconstruction of a 19th century Art Nouveau palace. Spacious rooms and suites, hand crafted antique furniture and chandeliers create a romantic atmosphere whilst modern amenities provide homely comforts. A walk to Charles Bridge at night allows you to appreciate breathtaking views of both sides of the city.

Seven One Seven Hotel Amsterdam, For art-appreciators and quiet romantics

Reminiscent of a scene from a Dutch masterpiece, this intimate guest house looks over Amsterdam's most beautiful canal, the Prinsengracht. Situated in Spiegelkwartier the city's Antique district, the area is characterized by beautiful old Dutch houses dating back to the 16th century. An impressive oak staircase leads to a number of personally themed suites Picasso, Schubert and Tolkien to name a few, which are furnished with a mix of period furniture and modern decor. Couples can enjoy breakfast in bed, in-room massages and spa treatments. Other quiet pleasures include al fresco dining in the peaceful courtyard and relaxing with cheese and wine by the fireplace. Museums and the nightlife of Leidseplein and Rembradntplein are also closeby.

Hotel Astoria St Petersburg, Russia, For history fans

The Hotel Astoria at St Isaac's Square is at the heart of the vibrant city centre. The Astoria strikes a perfect balance of the traditional with the contemporary. Modern amenities mix with traditional decor, parquet floors and white marble bathrooms. Go back in time with a troika ride through the czar's palaces or a visit to the Hermitage Museum, just a stone's throw away. A three-night Valentine's package includes a champagne and caviar breakfast, candle-lit dinner on the special night, a city tour and a Russian massage.

Hotel Sezz Paris, France, For romance in-style

Hip and sexy, the Sezz Hotel is for modern-day romantics. Deceptively glamorous, the classic fac,ade provides no hint of the stylish space inside. Described as futuristic boudoir chic this hotel sets a high standard for style, comfort and romance. Couples can enjoy each others company in oversized tubs that fit two, drinks at the Sezz's Veuve Clicquot Champagne bar or extra pampering with hammams and massages.

Glin Castle County Limerick, Ireland, For a fairytale setting

A historic castle replete with turrets and towers, Glin Castle is an image straight from a fairytale. On the banks of the River Shannon, this secluded mansion is surrounded by formal gardens and woodland ideal for lazy strolls or a game of croquet. The picturesque beaches and ruins of counties Limerick and Clare are close by as is the 100 year old O'Shaughnessy's Pub, perfect for a traditional pub meal.

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For Valentine's Day, why not give her a bridge

Want to show her you care this Valentine's Day? Buy her a bridge. In an effort to preserve some of Pennsylvania's historic bridges, the state Department of Transportation is marketing them publicly. In the history of the program, four bridges have been successfully relocated.

While the opportunity to own a clunky, yet unique, piece of history is available to the masses, PennDOT Historic Preservation Specialist David Anthony said most of the trusses end up as scrap metal. "When the proposal for the bridge replacement is bid, disposal of the bridge is written as part of the bid, and the bridge technically becomes the property of the contractor," Anthony said.

Taking minimum bids of $1, state-owned bridges go to the highest bidder. Local- or county-owned bridges are sold according to local ordinances. "We advise groups interested in bidding on a bridge that a competing bid is unlikely so they should bid accordingly," Anthony said. "In some cases, county- or locally-owned bridges might be donated, rather than sold."

PennDOT Cultural Resource Specialist Matthew Hamel said the bridges are surplus state property and the cost of the bridge is often involved in the environmental and engineering work groups must undertake to relocate the bridges. These responsibilities include transportation, painting, design, and possible lead paint abatement.

wrestling shoes | Designer Jewelry Brands | Volleyball | Night Vision Once an interested person or party owns a bridge, some of the difficulty is in moving it. PennDOT does not provide any financial or technical assistance in transporting the structure or placing it in its new location. Anthony said most often the new owner would need the services of a private engineering firm to assist with the logistics of placing the bridge in its new location.

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Love is in the Air

With Valentine's Day quickly approaching, the Atlanta Airport Marriott is now offering the exclusive Love is in the Air Romance Package for couples looking to escape the ordinary on or around that special day.

With January halfway through, and February just around the corner, the time has come to start planning something special for that special someone. A card is nice, dinner out is better, but an overnight stay at the luxurious Marriott hotel by Atlanta airport might just be the gift they've been hoping for.

This unbelievably romantic package in Georgia includes:

  • Deluxe king bedded room
  • Chilled bottle of champagne
  • Complimentary hotel parking
  • Breakfast for two at the hotel restaurant or delivered to the room via room service
  • Prices from $124 to $139 per night

The Atlanta Airport Marriott is known for their vast assortment of distinctive Atlanta, GA restaurants, conveniently located on site to accommodate guests and locals alike. Allie's American Grille features a casual atmosphere and serves up classic American favorites with a twist, while Allie's Corner Cafe' offers early birds Starbucks coffee and Krispie Kreme doughnuts into the afternoon hours. Southside Lounge offers guests a tasty road trip across American cities with delights from around the country. The Lobby Bar is known for their authentic Japanese sushi bar that features sushi, sashimi, maki and handmade specialty vegetarian rolls, while Bentley's Steakhouse boasts an upscale menu or succulent steaks and seafood to accompany their award-winning wine list. There is never a lack of culinary options at this Atlanta hotel known for delectable food and deluxe spaces.

Fresh from a $18 million renovation, private spaces at the Marriott are not only fashionably chic but technologically enhanced for added convenience, comfort and connectivity. Complete with vibrant and contemporary designs, highlighted by rich colors and sophisticated style, these Atlanta airport accommodations boasts state-of-the-art plug-in technology that allows guests to check-in then plug-in all of their electronic devices. Wireless internet and a 32-inch flat panel TV only adds to the modern rooms, while double-paned windows where installed to ensure that rooms are void of all extra hotel and airport disturbances.

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