Europe is leading the way in boutique hotels, with countless properties popping up in cities across the continent. Here is a sampling of recently opened and soon-to-open hotels with built-in appeal for lifestyle-oriented Millennials. Some even have facilities that also make them family-friendly.
Hôtel Splendide Royal: This past December saw the debut of the Hôtel Splendide Royal in the heart of Paris. Its central location also makes it a good option for clients who are looking to go on a shopping vacation. Less than a 10-minute taxi ride away is the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Grand Palais and Arc de Triomphe.
The hotel was converted from a private mansion, built in 1897, to now house 12 suites — ranging in size from just over 375 square feet to more than 700 square feet. Each of the six floors comprises one suite and one junior suite. On the top floor of the building, guests can opt for the Parisian Junior Suite or the Parisian Suite.
The top suite, however, is the Suite Elysée, which has exclusive Italian water, minibar products, complimentary Wi-Fi, bathrobe and slippers, a flat-screen TV, and more. Families should opt for the Familiar Suite, which is a connected suite and junior suite (totaling more than 1,100 square feet). With this, they will have an entire floor to themselves, as well as two bedrooms, two bathrooms (plus one guest bathroom), and a living room. For the best view, ask for the fifth floor, where it’s possible to see the Eiffel Tower to the left.
Starting in June, guests will have access to Hôtel Splendide Royal’s elegant Italian restaurant, led by Michelin-starred Chef Michelino Gioia of the Roberto Naldi Collection. The menu will aim to be a blend of simple yet refined cuisine.
After a long day of sightseeing, travelers have access to two exclusive spas in the city — Carita Spa and Sothys Spa — with which the hotel has partnerships (since it does not have one on property). Additionally, the hotel can charter private coaches for fitness, yoga and Pilates events.
Hôtel Splendide Royal in the heart of Paris was converted from a private mansion, built in 1897, to now house 12 luxury suites.
Reach out to Elise Marquis ([email protected]), front office manager, with any requests clients may have, such as a private tour of the Eiffel Tower or The Louvre. (In the past the hotel has received “skip the line” tickets for guests.)
Mr & Mrs White New Style Hotel: When it opens in June, the luxury boutique property will be a destination unto itself on the Greek island of Paros. The minimalistic, laid-back hotel has whitewashed walls with landscaped gardens and 49 guestrooms with either a furnished balcony or patio, as well as complimentary Wi-Fi, flat-screen TV, and a bathroom with either a shower or bathtub. Among the accommodations are three suites with sea views, four single-floor residences, and five two-story residences.
The two-floor residences can accommodate families or other groups of up to five people. Each has a living room, king-sized bed, two single beds, private garden-view terrace, kitchenette and bathroom with a bathtub. Tip: The Sea View suites have the best views.
There will be two main pools with fresh water, as well as sun beds and umbrellas. The hotel does not accept reservations for the sun beds, so get there early if you want a spot. For guests looking to explore beyond the property, the Cyclades has countless beaches and villages.
At the hotel, travelers can take advantage of an all-day menu of Mediterranean, Asian and international cuisine. Dinner is served à la carte and there’s a sushi bar open only from 8 to 10 p.m. Guests will also have access to the dining and nightlife options of Naoussa and the beach of Agioi Anargyroi.
Travel agents can direct any queries to Nafsika Kouzelli ([email protected]), the hotel manager.
Il Sereno: This elegant 30-room hotel opened last August on the eastern shore of Italy’s Lake Como, next to the village of Torno. “Relaxed privacy” perhaps best describes the guest experience here. The best room for families is the Family Grand Suite Lago, which consists of two connected rooms. These waterfront suites have a furnished terrace, sofa, full-length mirror desk and a reading chair.
Il Sereno is a 30-room hotel on the eastern shore of Italy’s Lake Como.
Milan-based designer Patricia Urquiola decorated each of the suites, of which the best overall is the Penthouse Suite. Here, guests will have a private terrace with a hot tub, Ex Voto Paris bath amenities, a living room and wet bar, 24-hour room service and twice-daily maid service, complimentary Wi-Fi, flat-screen LCD TVs, personal iPods and docking stations (just ask), and king-size down pillows and duvets.
Il Sereno has a 60-foot-long infinity pool surrounded by a large sundeck. Adjacent to the pool is a small beach, giving guests access to the lake. The hotel even has its own private dock, so guests can arrive in style aboard the hotel’s wooden boat. The Spa at Il Sereno, which also has Urquiola-designed elements, has three treatment rooms that face the water and a private outdoor relaxation room with a plunge pool.
Agents interested in booking Il Sereno should get in touch with Samy Ghachem ([email protected]), the managing director.
Avani Avenida Liberdade: In April, Minor Hotels unveiled the transformed, rebranded Tivoli Jardim Lisboa Hotel, making it the first Avani in Europe. Now known as the Avani Avenida Liberdade Lisbon Hotel, it has 119 newly updated guestrooms, a new façade and public spaces, and an Avanifit gym. Avani Family Rooms accommodate three adults or two adults plus two children and have a private balcony overlooking Lisbon. The hotel also has the AvaniKids activities program for young guests, as well as babysitting services. Direct any inquiries to General Manager Rui de Sousa ([email protected]).