Calling all urbanites; we have just revealed our latest additions in some of the world’s finest cities. Our new city boltholes cover all townie tastes and interests, from an uber-stylish design hotel near Prague’s Old Town to a trio of eco-chic apartments in the elegant spa town of Harrogate. Better still, they’re all just a quick hop away making them perfect for easy post-summer getaways.
Hotel UNIC, Prague, Czech Republic
Hotel UNIC is an unpretentious yet gorgeous design hotel on a quiet street near Prague’s Old Town, with 1- or 2-bedrooms and suites to suit couples, families and friends alike. The ambiance is intimate and laid-back with vibrant colours, original artworks and super-comfortable beds. A relaxing restaurant-cum-bar, friendly staff and an alluring sun terrace all add to this city pad’s appeal.
Boutique Houseboat, Berlin, Germany
Boutique Houseboat is a unique place to stay in the buzzing capital of Berlin. Set 15-30 minutes from the city centre, the stylish boat has a front-row position on the outermost pier of Rummelsburger Lake marina, with unobstructed views across the bay towards the downtown skyline. The floor-to-ceiling windows and private outdoor deck (stretching the length of the boat) are designed to maximise the experience of being on the water, and there’s a cool double bedroom, an open-plan living area (with double sofabed), and a minimalist white kitchen for self-catering.
Riad Sapphire, Marrakech, Morocco
This gem of a riad opened this year and offers 8 chic suites as welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of vibrant Marrakech. It’s tucked away in the quieter northern section of the medina, and the rooftop terrace, 2 marble courtyards, solar-heated hammam and small plunge pool – all with a contemporary Zen-chic sensibility – are particular highlights.
Valencia Boutique Apartments, Valencia, Spain
Bang in the heart of the city, with shops, cafés, restaurants and beautiful architecture all around, these 7 self-catering apartments are divided between 2 period buildings and offer great-value for money. Choose the Caballeros building for couple-friendly 1-bedroom options, or Micalet for 2- and 3-bedroom apartments with cathedral views. All have superbly equipped kitchens, and some have private balconies or terraces ideal for sunbathing and sundowners!
Memmo Alfama, Lisbon, Portugal
Located in Lisbon’s historic heart, Memmo Alfama is hidden down a cobbled street lined with orange trees, just a rickety yellow tram ride from downtown. This super-chic, 43-bedroom retreat is a calming oasis of wood and stone, whose modern décor perfectly complements the building’s original features. However, the real jewel in Memmo’s crown is the rooftop terrace, with its shimmering red-tiled infinity pool, fabulous wine bar and jaw-dropping city and sunset views.
Royal Parade Apartments, Harrogate, UK
These 3 eco-chic apartments (sleeping 2-4, or 12 if taken together) are a stone’s throw from Harrogate’s famous Pump Rooms, as well as many local restaurants and cafés. Choose between classic French on the first floor, exotic Rajasthan on the second, and brassy Brooklyn with glorious views on the top – all brilliantly blend antiques and contemporary pieces. There are well-equipped kitchens (ideal for families and longer stays), and you can order a breakfast hamper if you don’t want to cook.
Rosa Et Al Townhouse, Porto, Portugal
For foodies and artists alike this converted townhouse offers style and substance. The 6 bedrooms mix open-plan layouts with vintage-style radios and claw foot tubs to give a quirky yet contemporary finish. Add to that an enchanting herb-scented garden where guests enjoy lazy brunches of organic (often home-grown) goodies, and you’ll soon find yourself short of reasons to leave. It’s also easy to spill out into one of Porto’s buzziest districts full of galleries and restaurants, as well as the nearby majestic Rio Douro waterfront.
Hotel V Nesplein, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
Set just minutes away from tourist hot-spot Dam Square, this luxurious Holland hotel is perfect for a lively city break. Each of the spacious industrial-style rooms feature modern furniture coupled with richly coloured walls to fit the hotel’s contemporary ‘urban inn’ concept. For a spoiling long lunch, we love the lively downstairs restaurant with dishes ranging from oysters to the more traditional Flammkuchen (a thin-crust pizza with crème fraiche and various toppings).
No 131, Cheltenham, UK
With countless ornate cornices and grand facades, Cheltenham’s regal history exudes staunchly from its sandstone architecture and this recently renovated grade II villa is no exception. Thankfully, the owners haven’t shied away from injecting some contemporary flair into the 11 bedrooms, so you get salvaged antiques alongside high-tech gadgets, impressive art from the likes of David Hockney and Sir Peter Blake, and bathrooms with rainfall showers or restored Victorian tubs. The innovative British styling continues in the restaurant which offers an exquisitely executed menu of local ingredients, a dedicated cheese and wine room, and a unique selection of cocktails at the Crazy Eights bar.