If you are looking to stay in the bohemian Monti Rione neighborhood, the Luxus is probably the best hotel option in the region. The neighborhood is getting trendier by the day, probably due to its ability to maintain the local Italian authenticity of a residential area yet still be somewhat close to the city’s attractions: a 15-minute walk will take you to the Coliseum, Fontana… Read more »
Category: Staying
You get a sense for the history of this old aristocratic mansion, The Dom Hotel was once a Monastery, right at entrance. As you look up from the small reception desk, you will see vaulted ceilings and large marble inscriptions on the walls. Perfectly situated on what we reckon is one of the best areas in Rome, on charming Via Giulia, a street where the… Read more »
Enviably located right in the Nine Streets region, surrounded by canals and neighboring Jordann, your stay at the swanky Andaz will surely be memorable. Although the exterior of the property is unimpressive, upon entering the recently renovated lobby area you will understand why we have given this luxury boutique hotel such high reviews. The décor is unique and sophisticated yet comfortable, with enticing guest areas.… Read more »
Located right in front of Prinsengrachat canal, one of our preferred waterways in town, in the elegant and trendy Jordaan neighborhood, the Pulitzer is simply lovely. Guests are welcomed, catered to and pampered at every opportunity. It has its own small charming boats for private hire, and the fabulous canal rides can include meals specially prepared and served just for you by the excellent waiters.… Read more »
Located in trendsetting in vogue Eixample region, young travelers love The Margot House for its optimal cost benefit: outstanding location right in front of Casa Batllò and walking distance to many of Barcelona’s landmarks and good service. The very cool décor has a minimalist style and hipster touches. Usually breakfast is included in hotel daily rates, which you can seldom find nowadays in Europe, and… Read more »
If staying in Barcelona’s well known Las Ramblas and near the Gothic Quarter is your goal, we recommend what we believe to be the best option in the region – Hotel 1898. The 19th century colonial building, which in former lives was the home of an aristocratic family and a tobacco company, has been beautifully restored into a charming grand hotel. The elegantly sophisticated imposing… Read more »
Hotel Alma is situated in Eixample and by Passeig de Gràcia, this boutique property is eight blocks from Sagrada Familia and many of the major attractions in Barcelona are walking distance, like Casa Batló or La Pedrera. The classical yet modern façade hides the minimalist architectural interior, elegantly decorated in shades of grey, dim lighting, a lot of warming wood and tasteful furniture textiles. We… Read more »
Arts is a large hotel with 400 or so rooms which, although a little larger than the ones we usually suggest, still maintains excellent quality and a personable service. It is by the sea and faces the Barceloneta beach, the urban escape for locals that gets really crowded in high season. From Arts you have splendid panoramic views of the city, and what we liked… Read more »
In the historic center, convenient even if Via Laietana and Catalunya square can be a little too busy, Ohla is ideally located if you aim to visit attractions or have business meetings. It is just steps away from stunning Palau de la Musica and very near the city’s Cathedral. We like that this boutique hotel is housed in a historical neoclassic building with an avant-garde… Read more »
Mercer Hotel is housed in an old building in the Gothic Quarter and yet very close to the seaside, a location we simply loved considering we were in Barcelona to enjoy both sides of the city. Stonewalls, antique columns, vaulted ceilings and original wooden beams bring charm to the contemporary décor, furniture and amenities. The setting harmonizes comfort and pleasure in a trendsetting atmosphere. An… Read more »
If you are heading to Barcelona to explore the city there is a problem staying at ABaC: you might not want to leave the hotel. Located in the upscale Sarriá-Sant Gervasi, a neighborhood a little distant from the hectic historic center or waterfront attractions (10 min by taxi), the ABaC is a small and intimate retreat surrounded by nature in a very quiet region. It… Read more »
The Hotel Europe is et in Seefeld, an upscale residential area that has seen the development of small charming hotels, and very close to Zurich’s main attractions (the lake, the Operahouse, and Bellevue are right around the corner and a short walk takes you to Lidenhof and Niederdorf). Attentive staff welcome Hotel Europe´s guests in a small but cozy and charming reception, offering fresh fruit… Read more »
We were a bit unsure whether to recommend the B2 Boutique as the location is ten minutes away from the city center, an inconvenience if you have a busy leisure or business schedule (unless the purpose of your visit is internet giant Google, right next door!). Yet, such is the beauty of the location, hotel property and facilities, we could not help but recommend this… Read more »
We found the Ambassador a L’Opera extremely well situated in our favorite Seefeld area. It is just one block away from the lake and its wonderful promenade, as well as the Opera House (hence the name), Bellevue and a short walk to all major attractions in Zürich, both on the right and left sides of the river. The décor is dated yet very cozy, and… Read more »
One of our top picks in Amsterdam, Conservatorium offers contemporary sophistication in a chic property, ideally located two blocks away from Museumpleim, where some of the best Dutch museums are, and the stunning Amsterdam Concert Hall. It has been beautifully renovated in keeping with its original Art Nouveau themes. Music can be heard in the fabulous lobby, often live, located right by a glass and… Read more »
The Hotel Récamier is a very small boutique property in Saint Germain des Prés , located in a residential area of town in a classic style old building. Pay attention to the address since the entrance could be easily missed. With only 24 rooms, the atmosphere is very “home away from home”. The hotel highly values privacy and the Rive Gauche bohemian style. There is… Read more »
The very trendy Artus is just blocks away from the Seine and a quick walk to some of the major Paris attractions. The staff at the Artus is very friendly and, with only 24 rooms, impeccable hospitality is guaranteed. Guests are welcomed to its large contemporary lobby, which has an interesting large bookshelf and bright furnishings. The accommodation is modest in terms of size, as… Read more »
Hoxton has become a brand of cool hotel properties and the one in Paris does not disappoint. Born in hipster Shoreditch in London, with a following Hoxton success in Amsterdam (which we liked a lot), the Hoxton in Paris is much more of a trendy than hipster hotel. Housed in a historic building that was once home to a Louis XV counsellor, the property has… Read more »
At the Hotel Le Saint-Grégoire everything is small and cozy, with a personal feel. This boutique hotel is in a quiet location, walking distance to Saint-Germain-des-Près’s most bustling streets, and with a very convenient subway station just a block away, ideal to explore the whole of Paris. The surrounding area offers a wide array of cafes and bars, and a little further you will get… Read more »
Located in one of the best arrondissements of Paris, the “6éme”, Juliette is a good option if you want to stay close to the lively city streets, full of cafes, bistros and bars, yet a bit away from it all. Located in a mostly residential part, near the upscale Bon Marché shopping area, amazing food hall and the marvelous Jardin du Luxembourg, this hotel is… Read more »
