Boutique hotels are popping up all over Europe, and plenty are opening or have recently opened. These six hotels offer personal service, unique bedrooms, cultural comforts, and modern amenities.
Room Mate Anna: Barcelona, Spain
All of Room Mate’s hotels are designed to be like a personal friend of the traveler, and their new flagship hotel is no different. Located in Passeig de Grácia, better known as the Quadrat d'Or (Golden Square) of Catalonian modernism, Room Mate Anna’s 81 rooms recreate sea life through use of marbled floors and wood paneling with metallic accents, while pops of turquoise, aquamarine, and coral bring the rooms to life. All were designed by renowned interior designer Lorenzo Castillo.
Guests can also enjoy a terrace and circular rooftop pool offering views of Casa Batlló and the Agbar Tower. For those who wish to “get lost,” as Room Mate says is the best way to explore a city, each room has its own To Do list, which offers a variety of eateries, entertainment, and landmarks to visit.
Hotel Oderberger: Berlin, Germany
The Stadtbad Oderberger was originally opened in 1902 as a public bathhouse and remained open until 1986. After four years of renovations, Hotel Oderberger has opened with 70 rooms, five tower suites, and two apartments. The Swimming Hall, with its 15 meter-high ceilings, offers an extravagant setting for galas, concerts, and photo shoots.
However, most notable is the famous 20 meter-long historic pool that will reopen in September – the first time it will be in use in 30 years. If that weren’t enough for history fanatics, Hotel Oderberger is a landmark building; however, all rooms include modern amenities such as Wi-Fi, flatscreen TVs, rainshower heads in the bathrooms.
Skuggi Hotel: Reykjavik, Iceland
Located in the city center, this hotel is inspired by Behind the Mountains by Ragnar Axelsson, a book comprised of Icelandic photography. Skuggi Hotel offers cleanly designed rooms with plenty of icy whites and stone greys. In addition to décor inspired by Axelsson’s work, quotes from his book are printed on the walls in the rooms. An English copy of the book is available in every room, as well.
All of the modern amenities should have travelers feeling right at home, but if they’re looking for more local culture, Hverfisgata, one of the oldest streets in Reykjavik, is only a short walk away.
The Yard Milano: Milan, Italy
Situated in the city’s artsy Navigli district, The Yard Milano offers a sporty theme with vintage trophies, boxing gloves, golf clubs, bicycles, and hunting memorabilia used as decorations. The Doping Club, one of the hotel’s bars, boasts theatrical mixologists, who create “dosages” for the guests. For those who prefer a relaxed setting, the Duke Bar offers a more rustic look.
With a décor that highlights “the dark side of sports,” the Yard Milano is the perfect gentleman’s getaway. Additionally, the hotel offers unpacking/packing services so guests can spend more time enjoying the city or the hotel bars, if that better suits them.
Vila Monte Farm House: Algarve, Portugal
Timeless simplicity, a local environment, rustic, and Boho-chic spirit is the backbone of the Vila Monte Farm House, a member of Design Hotels. Whitewashed walls, a firepit with circular seating, and an honesty bar greet guests in the lobby. There are also two restaurants, two pools, a tennis court, track, and a garden (where guests can sign up to receive a couple’s massage).
À Terra (On Earth) is the main dining area that serves Mediterranean classics in a rustic setting. Many of the ingredients used in the restaurant are grown in the garden, while guests may purchase some of the gourmet products in the grocery store. In warmer weather, Laranjal Restaurant opens and serves an array of tapas and fresh seafood.
No. 38 The Park: Cheltenham, England
This Georgian townhouse offers 13 rooms, a sitting room, dining rooms, open kitchen, and a courtyard garden. The hotel can be rented out as individual rooms or as a whole. Chefs, butlers, nannies, and a bar staff are available for hire for those who wish to be pampered.
All rooms are adorned with classic comforts – such as antique radiators, 100-year-old refurbished bathtubs and art from British artists David Hockney, Sir Peter Blake, and Roni Stretch – and modern amenities – like Wi-Fi, Nespresso machine, Apple TV, and a mini bar. No. 38 can be a getaway during the day but a perfect party house at night.
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