Sofitel, the prestige brand of Accor hotels, has put together a collection of enticing packages for the perfect romantic weekend.

“La Vie en Rose” at Sofitel St James London:
Sofitel St James London, the capital`s newest 5-star hotel, is inviting guests to experience “La Vie en Rose” on Valentines Day this year. The hotel will be indulging lovers looking for the perfect nuit romantique with a CD of Edith Piaf`s `La Vie en Rose`and a luxurious leather-bound rose pink guide to the must-see sights of London.

In addition, the hotel is inviting lovers to a dinner for two at Brasserie Roux, the hotel`s restaurant managed by Chef John Savage and supervised by the world-renowned Chef Albert Roux. Brasserie Roux was recently awarded two AA Rosettes in the AA Restaurant Guide for culinary excellence. The special Brasserie Roux `Valentines Dinner` includes a glass of Lenotre Rose Champagne, in addition to such mouth-watering dishes as “Papillotte of smoked salmon Claudine”, “Rib eye of beef for two with caramelised shallots” and, to finish with, the hugely indulgent “Chocolate Lovers Cake”.

Recently recognised by a number of awards for its interior design, Sofitel St James London is situated on Pall Mall, near Trafalgar Square and Jermyn Street. A Grade II listed building, owned by the Crown Estate, the hotel in designed in a contemporary style, where neo-classicism, French elegance and British tradition are seamlessly brought together. One night package for two people in a Deluxe room, including breakfast and dinner at Brasserie Roux - ?‘333 (516 Euros), subject to availability. Two nights are available for ?‘500 (775 Euros) including breakfast. Dinner Only - ?‘50 (85 Euros) per person and either the CD or the pink city guide, subject to availability. Reservations can be made by ringing the hotel on 020 7747 2223

Dream Package at Castille, Sofitel Demeure Hotels:
Between Madeleine and Concorde in the heart of Paris, Le Castille, Sofitel Demeure Hotels, is situated in rue Cambon, home to the house of Chanel and in the heart of the city`s fashion quarter. The hotel has created the perfect day for lovers who want to keep to themselves, while discovering the most romantic and sophisticated sights in the capital. The three night package is valid from 13-16 February, or from 14-17 February 2003, and one day is spent as follows:

9am VIP welcome at Castille with a present in your room - a bottle of Rose Champagne, a bouquet of red roses, a Lenotre box of chocolates, a beautiful book on Paris and two entrance tickets to the museum devoted to lovers - the `Musee de la Vie Romantique`. / 9.30am
Meet in the hotel reception to meet your guide from `Vendome Services` who will expalain the programme for the day. Two `a la carte` actiivities are offered to each couple. / 10am
Shopping at Paris` finest fashion houses around the Faubourg Saint-Honore and a guided tour of the most famous jewellery houses of the Place Vendome. / 12.30pm
Lunch `a deux` in one of the two restaurants listed below (at additional charge):
1728 - This new restaurant is found in a charming 17th Century hotel, where Lafayette lived when he resided in Paris. It is a remarkable restaurant, with superb decor and cuisine and is approximately 50 Euros per person a la carte`. La Tour de Montlhery (Chez Denise) - for 35 years, Denise, alias Raymonde Beneric, has succeeded in maintaining the authentic French tradition that is typical of the bistrots in Les Halles. Lively and convivial, the restaurant is always full of regular guests and celebrities - it`s the ideal place to experience a rib of beef or a lamb stew, with a delicious bottle of red wine. (approximately 45 Euros per person a la carte).

2.30pm
Massage at “Les Cinq Mondes” beauty salon. Just around the corner from Madeleine, Les Cinq Mondes is situated on Place Edouard VIII. From India to China, from Java to Thailand, the Manager has travelled across the world to research traditional massage techniques. Returning to Paris, he put his knowledge into practise in a spa where stressed city dwellers find peace and well-being and an escape from daily life.
For “Her” - Ayurvedic Indian massage For “Him” - Thai massage / 4pm
For “Her” - Hairdressing and make-up at Carita, one of the most prestigious beauty salons in the capital, situated on the rue Faubourg Saint-Honore (NB - Carita is closed on 16 February).
For “Him” - Hairdressing and Manicure at Desfosse, one of the leading salons in Paris for male grooming, situated near the Elysee Palace on Avenue Matignon. / 8pm
“Tete-a-tete” dinner at Il Cortile, the restaurant of Castille, Sofitel Demeure Hotels, specialising in gastronomic Italian cuisine with a menu inspired by Alain Ducasse, which includes wine. The restaurant is closed at the weekend (15 and 16 February). A 3 night package in a Deluxe room for 2 people, including breakfast and dinner at Il Cortile - 1450 Euros per person subject to availability (does not include lunch at either 1728 or La Tour Montlhery)A 3 night package in a Suite or Duplex for two people, including buffet breakfast and dinner at Il Cortile - 1650 Euros per person, subject to availability (does not include lunch at either 1728 or La Tour Montlery) Reservations can be made by ringing the hotel on 0033 1 44 58 44 58

`La Dolce Vita` at Sofitel Roma:
Situated in the heart of the Eternal City and a stone`s throw away from the Piazza di Spagna, the Sofitel Roma overlooks the spectacular gardens of the Villa Borghese and the French Academy. Couples in search of a romantic weekend will be welcomed with a cocktail on arrival and a classical music CD in their room. One night package for 2 people in a Deluxe room with breakfast and 2 cocktails on arrival for ?‘208 (320 Euros) subject to availabilityDinner at the Antico Boston restaurant including drinks : ?‘26 (40 Euros)per person, subject to availability

Experience Venice, the captivating city of lovers, at Sofitel Venezia:

Located on the Tolentini Canal in the historic quarter of Venice, the Sofitel Venezia is ideally situated close to the Grand Canal. Here, in then heart of the world`s most romantic city, Sofitel Venezia will warmly welcome couples on Valentines weekend. On entering the room, couples will be welcomed with magical views of the canals, while a bottle of champagne and a basket of fruit awaits them together with a beautifully illustrated novel and map of the city. The hotel`s concierge will also be at hand to recommend unusual tourist attractions like the Cabinet of Curiosites and museums such as the Palazo Grazzi, the Guggenheim and the Museum of Modern Art Ca` Pesaro. Finish the day off with a romantic candlelit dinner at the Papadopoli restaurant and experience true Venetian gastronomy.

On the banks of the River Rhine, Sofitel Cologne am Dom:
Renovated in 2002, the hotel is located opposite the Ludwig Museum, famed for its collection of contemporary art, and the main pier from where trips along the Rhine depart. Guests can therefore discover the city and its historical momunents, like the Gothic Cathedral, from the banks of the river Rhine. The Sofitel Cologne am Dom will be welcoming couples with a glass of rose champagne, a bouquet of roses, 2 tickets for the Cinedome - the biggest cinema complex in the city - and a map of the city. Guests can then indulge themselves in rose scented bubble bath followed by a dinner in the hotel`s Tapas Bar in the evening. The package is vaild for the night of February 14 and includes 1 night`s accommodation in a Deluxe room for 2 people with breakfast and dinner : ?‘165 (253 Euros) subject to availability.Additional night including breakfast for 2 people : ?‘108 (166 Euros) For reservations call : + 49 221 20 63 520

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