Our Favourite City Hotels in Europe

Rome

Villa Spalletti Trivelli

Once the home of an aristocratic family, palatial hotel Villa Spalletti Trivelli is an opulent retreat from the Eternal City. Filled with ornate touches, restored antiques and Renaissance artwork, Villa Spalletti has an ideal location, just minutes from the Trevi fountain, the impressive Pantheon and designer shopping on Via Condotti. A range of spacious rooms, suites with living rooms and gardens, and apartments that come with kitchenettes are all furnished in a rich Italian décor. On the rooftop is a surprisingly chic open-air space, where a duo of Jacuzzis awaits plus a well-stocked bar with a tempting menu of small plates and glorious views over Rome’s rooftops.

Must Do

Explore off-the-beaten-track Rome and allow us to arrange an immersive tour with a private guide. Follow the footsteps of Caravaggio on a route that includes hidden-away churches and restoration studios or discover the secrets of underground Rome wandering around catacombs, ruins and tunnels which housed wild animals under the Colosseum.

Live La Dolce Vita at this peaceful and palatial villa, walking distance from Rome’s historical sights.

Live La Dolce Vita at this peaceful and palatial villa, walking distance from Rome’s historical sights.

Place yourself in the heart of Athens’ all-pervading history, architecture and boutiques with a stay at The Editor, a former newspaper printing house.

Monochromatic simplicity greets you at The Editor, set in a former newspaper printing house in the heart of Athens. A 15-minute walk to the Acropolis and close by to the Temple of Hephaestus and several acclaimed museums, The Editor acts as comfortable respite from the delights of rubble gazing in Athens. A greenery-clad top floor restaurant called ‘Stories’ has excellent dining within sight of the Parthenon and the ground-floor cafe serves up good coffee or cocktails, depending on the time of the day. Rooms are pared-back without unnecessary embellishment, but are extremely comfortable coming with leafy plants, Nespresso machines and tasty treats.

Must Do

Of course, Athens is about the big hitter sites of ancient antiquity but there’s modern art to be appreciated too – step into the Basil & Elise Goulandris Foundation where you can gaze at 20^th century artists such as Cézanne, Van Gogh, Monet, Degas, Picasso, Miró, Giacometti and Chagall.

Place yourself in the heart of Athens’ all-pervading history, architecture and boutiques with a stay at The Editor, a former newspaper printing house.

ATHENS

The Editor Hotel

Must Do

Place yourself in the heart of Athens’ all-pervading history, architecture and boutiques with a stay at The Editor, a former newspaper printing house.

Malaga

Palacio Solecio

In the heart of Málaga’s historic old town, Palacio Solecio stands as a testament to refined elegance and ornate character. This meticulously restored 18th-century palace is a welcoming blend of colonial heritage, Moorish touches and contemporary sophistication. Each room is a stylish sanctuary offering stirring views of the cathedral and bustling city streets and its rooftop terrace and pool make the perfect partner to southern Spain’s sunny climes. A highlight of Malaga is its sandy beach, just a 15-minute walk from the Old Town making this hotel an easy city and beach break. Savour a pre-dinner sherry at the hotel bar before Andalusian classic in the restaurant; equally we can make reservations for dinner in town if you’re here for a few days. During the day, simply wander down to the food market housed in a 14^th-century former boathouse to pick up ingredients for a picnic or join locals for tapas.

Must Do

Malaga is one of Spain’s most underrated cultural cities. As the birthplace of Pablo Picasso, enjoy the impressive Picasso Museum which is a short walk from the hotel as well as the Centre Pompidou Málaga (sister museum to its counterpart in Paris) which houses modern art of the likes of Frida Khalo and Joan Miró. Malaga Cathedral is an impressive example of Renaissance architecture while the Alcazaba is a magnificent Moorish fortress dating back to the 11th century.

Located in the middle of Malaga's characterful old town, enjoy this cultural city and the beach at Palacio Solecio.

By the sea in style, Experimental Regina Biarritz is the place to be for sun, surf and sensational food and drink.

Occupying a commanding position on a clifftop overlooking the frothing surf of Biarritz, Experimental Regina is a stylish and upmarket seaside hotel, characterised by Belle-Epoque architecture; inside find Art Deco flourishes among its colourful and maritime-inspired interior design. Perfect for families or couples wanting to experience the buzz of Biarritz and platefuls of French seafood, it’s also the ideal stay for grown-up surfers and there’s also biking, hiking and golfing nearby. Evenings at Experimental is when the ambience is dialled up – take a crafted cocktail in the soaring atrium lit by designer lighting and accompanied by live music. Proceed onwards to Frenchie, the indoor-outdoor ocean-facing brasserie that serves Basque classics with a twist.

Must Do

Experimental Regina is well placed for adventures on foot – stroll out of the hotel to visit the lighthouse, standing proud at 73-metres high; the fascinating Art Deco Musée de la Mer and its aquarium, coral reef and shark tank; Port Vieux for its seafood restaurants and Les Halles for food and drink market stalls.

By the sea in style, Experimental Regina Biarritz is the place to be for sun, surf and sensational food and drink.

BIARRITZ

Experimental Regina

Must Do

By the sea in style, Experimental Regina Biarritz is the place to be for sun, surf and sensational food and drink.

PORTO

The Yeatman

The Yeatman has a beautiful hillside location with scenic views over the terracotta rooftops of Porto and the swirling Douro River, straddled by the famous Dom Luis I bridge, designed by Gustav Eiffel. The rooftop pool is the perfect spot to enjoy this serene panorama, followed by a refined and delicious meal in the two-star Michelin restaurant that offers a wine pairing experience. In just ten minutes you can be in the heart of Porto – popping into Sandeman’s Port House for a tasting or riding one of the wooden trams along the Douro’s right bank. From exploring local food markets to beach bike rides to fishing villages for a seafood dinner, there’s plenty to do.

Must Do

A new cultural centre close to the hotel, has undergone a restoration from former wine cellars and now offers seven museums including a chocolate factory, a wine experience and a history of Porto as well as 12 restaurants, making it an excellent way to get to know Porto.