To celebrate my milestone birthday this year, I knew it had to be something truly memorable to mark the occasion. After falling in love with Poland on recent trips to Wroclaw and Krakow, I was keen to see what the capital city Warsaw had to offer. There are plenty of luxury hotels in the city, but the absolute pinnacle of hospitality is Raffles Europejski Warsaw.
Not only is the iconic Europejski a true Polish landmark, but the hotel is significantly more attainable (as a special treat) than some Raffles properties that start at four figures per night. Since we were staying in Warsaw for five nights, we took time out from exploring to relax and fully immerse ourselves in the Raffles experience.
Location
Raffles Europejski Warsaw is located on the prestigious Royal Route, next to the Presidential Palace and the Polish National Opera. It also overlooks the Tomb of the Unknown Solider in Saski Gardens and is a short walk from the picturesque Old Town (a UNESCO World Heritage Site).
The hotel
Hotel Europejski was built by Italian-Polish architect Enrico Marconi and opened to much fanfare in 1857. It quickly became the place to stay and socialise and has famously hosted Marlene Dietrich, The Rolling Stones and the Kennedys. Most of the neo-Renaissance building was decimated during the Second World War and was subsequently rebuilt and turned into a restaurant. Following a major five-year reconstruction, it reopened as Raffles Europejski Warsaw in 2018.
The lobby
Despite the hotel’s grandeur, the entrance is discreet and fuss-free. The marble lobby is awash with vibrant colours and you’re immediately met with decorative touches like a neon sculpture, fresh flowers and ornate chandeliers.
Set designer Boris Kudlicka and Warsaw-based architects WWAA have created joyful interiors that celebrate Polish art and craftsmanship. In fact, the hotel boasts a collection of almost 500 works by 120 contemporary Polish artists.
Dining
Walking through the lobby promenade, you will find the Michelin-listed Europejski Grill and the signature Long Bar, home to the Warsaw Sling (a local spin on the famous Singapore Sling created at Raffles Singapore in 1915).
Also not to be missed is Lourse Warszawa, a bijou patisserie serving exquisite cakes, hand-painted chocolates, ice cream, biscuits and preserves. Raffles reimagined Swiss confectioner Laurent Lourse’s historic literary cafe (Fryderyk Chopin had been a regular), continuing its story as one of the best places for afternoon tea in Warsaw.
Shopping
At the other side of the lobby is the Europejski Boutiques luxury shopping gallery with Poland’s first Hermès store, alongside Brunello Cucinelli, HE Concept Store and Aston Martin.
Check-in
On arrival, our bags were swiftly taken care of and we were warmly greeted by the reception staff. We took a seat at the desk to check in and were offered a choice of two rooms – a Raffles Room on the second floor or a Deluxe Room on the pavillion side of the building. After taking a spin around both rooms, we were drawn to the Deluxe Room, as it had high ceilings and lots of daylight flooding in from the large windows.
The room
Our Deluxe Room was an absolute dream, designed in cool, neutral shades with sumptuous fabrics and beautiful parquet floors. The focal point of the room is the magnificent king-size bed with a statement headboard and Art Deco bedside lamps, custom-made linen and plush down bedding.
Room features include a large flatscreen TV, work desk with a Raffles writing set, a selection of books curated by the Art Collection Manager, Nespresso machine and kettle with teas, minibar and complimentary mineral water.
After going out for lunch and a stroll through the Old Town, we came back to a beautiful birthday cake with strawberries, fresh cream and delicate flowers from Lourse Warszawa. It was absolutely delicious and such a lovely surprise!
A 24-hour butler service is also included, however we didn’t require much assistance. Our butler did come to the room to oversee our room service order and helped us turn off the audio in the bathroom, so they’re clearly very attentive.
There was also a dedicated turndown service, preparing the room for sleeping with cotton mats and embroidered slippers by the bedside, drawn curtains, dimmed lighting and a refresh of the bathroom area.
The bathroom
We were also wowed by the Art Deco-style marble bathroom with a separate soaking tub (lavender bath salts included), powerful rainfall shower, double sink, underfloor heating, thick cotton towels and face cloths and plush bathrobes.
The bathroom products by exclusive French perfumer Blaise Mautin were also a joy to use, with subtle, harmonious notes of bergamot, petit grain, sweet orange and vetiver.
The spa
One of the reasons we chose Raffles Europejski Warsaw was its fabulous, award-winning spa, which is available to guests everyday. It’s one of the most luxurious, well-maintained spas I’ve ever visited with a serene ambiance and excellent facilites.
The spa has six treatment rooms and restorative treatments using products by Sisley and Aromatherapy Associates. The water circuit includes a heavenly endless upstream indoor pool, powerful sauna and steam room, tropical experience showers and ice fountain. There’s also a state-of-the-art gym, open 24-hours a day, spacious changing rooms and cosy relaxation rooms with bottles of still and sparkling water.
Room service
For the ultimate birthday indulgence, we ordered room service burgers and watched movies. After running around exploring the city’s restaurants every night, it felt like such a treat to slow down and chill out.
The Europejski black angus steak burger came with free-range bacon, burnt shallots, Polish Gouda and sour cucumbers in a brioche bun with a generous portion of hot, crispy French fries – definitely one of my favourite burgers ever.
Breakfast
After a blissful night’s sleep, we headed down to Europejski Grill for a delicious breakfast. The continental buffet had plenty of choice and was neatly presented with home-baked bread and viennoiserie (the best almond croissants I’ve ever tasted), cured meats and fish, artisanal cheese, sliced fruit, yoghurt and cereal.
The full Raffles Europejski Breakfast also includes a main dish and side to order – we went for organic Eggs Benedict and Eggs Royale with sides of avocado topped with dukkah.
There are no theatrics such as the live cooking stations and mimosa trolleys that you often find in five star hotels, but all of the food is high quality and locally sourced and there’s a welcome calmness to the dining room.
Check-out
When we managed to tear ourselves away from our cocoon to check out, we were very kindly given chilled bottles of water for the journey and a big box of hand-painted chocolates from Lourse Warszawa. What could be better than that?
Impressions
Raffles Europejski Warsaw is an incredibly beautiful hotel with superior amenities, however it’s the staff that really make it shine. I’ve never felt so welcome and valued in a hotel before and they made my birthday unforgettable with so many thoughtful touches. I promised to come back and I really meant it – there will always be something to celebrate!
For my birthday this year, I knew we had to do something memorable, so we spent a night at the iconic Raffles Europejski Warsaw. This historic 19th century hotel on the Royal Route is understated luxury at its best, but it’s the staff that really make your stay feel special. We had the chance to choose our own room and we went for a beautiful, light-filled room with high ceilings on the pavillion floor. The room was so spacious with a sumptuous bed and a stunning marble bathroom with Blaise Mautin toiletries. The afternoon was spent relaxing at the spa and pool and there was a surprise birthday cake from Lourse patisserie waiting in the room. That evening, we ordered room service burgers and fries (the best ever) and watched movies. Breakfast in Europejski Grill was excellent too with Eggs Benny to order, fresh juices and the most delicious almond croissants. At check-out, we were given bottles of water for the journey and a box of hand-painted chocolates. Raffles Warsaw really made our stay unforgettable and I would definitely book it again for future celebrations. #traveltiktok#warsaw#luxuryhotel#hoteltour#fivestarhotel#hotelbreakfast#hotelroom#travel
There’s nothing better than a city break to kick off the warmer months, so I was thrilled to be invited to explore the Polish city of Krakow with Jet2holidays. I fell in love with Poland on my first trip to Wroclaw and recently celebrated my birthday in Warsaw, so I was curious to see how Krakow would compare.
Krakow may be the second largest city in Poland but it is by far the most popular destination for travellers and it’s easy to see why – it simply has it all! Not only does the Polish zloty exchange rate make it ideal for cheap holidays, but this fascinating city is very walkable, modern, friendly and safe.
Dating back to the 7th century, Krakow is one of the oldest cities in Poland and was once the country’s capital. It was named the European Capital of Culture in 2000 and is a UNESCO City of Literature, so it has plenty to offer for a weekend break.
The flight
We chose flights from Newcastle Airport and the journey couldn’t have been easier, as we sailed through the newly-upgraded security area in just a few minutes (it was awarded Best Small Airport 2023 for a reason). The departure lounge was buzzing and jolly with mostly couples and groups of friends ready to board their flights to Krakow with Jet2. Boarding was remarkably quick and efficient and the plane seats were nice and comfortable, so the 2 hour 30 minutes flight time flew by.
Krakow Airport is easy to navigate and the best way to travel into the city is the airport train, which arrives at the Central Station in just 20 minutes. Uber and Wolt are also very cheap, convenient options.
The hotel
We stayed in the centre of Krakow for three nights and were booked into PURO Krakow Stare Miasto with Jet2holidays. This fabulous design hotel is conveniently located next to Central Station and the modern Galeria Krakowska shopping mall, plus there is a tram stop just on the doorstep.
PURO is a popular Polish boutique hotel group, known for its cool design aesthetic, tech focus and ‘home away from home’ social spaces. I’ve previously stayed at PURO hotels in Wroclaw and Warsaw and this one certainly didn’t disappoint (there’s also another PURO in the city’s Kazimierz neighbourhood).
Our Classic Room on the second floor was cosy and calm with retro wood panelling, plush red furnishings and large windows letting in plenty of natural daylight. The double bed was extremely comfortable with high quality linens and there was a large flat screen TV – perfect for crashing out after a long day of exploring.
The bathroom also had a powerful walk-in shower, fluffy towels and lovely, full-size bathroom products by Polish skincare brand Alba 1913. Everything in the room is operated by iPad, including lighting, temperature, calls to reception and housekeeping requests.
Each morning, we enjoyed a wonderful buffet breakfast in Hint restaurant with everything you could want to start the day well. I particularly liked the selection of dishes made fresh to order including avocado and poached egg on toast, a Croque Madame and blueberry porridge. There is also a free coffee machine in the lounge (a PURO signature), so you can enjoy a hot drink at any time, day or night.
Here are some of the best things to pack into a long weekend in Krakow…
Krakow Old Town
The historic centre of Krakow was established as a merchants’ town in the 13th century and holds UNESCO World Heritage status. It’s full of charm with cobbled streets, Cracovian street lamps, pastel-hued buildings and horse-drawn carriages.
At the heart of the Old Town is the impressive Rynek Glowny, one of the largest medieval market squares in Europe. Among the popular restaurants, pavement cafes and colourful historic houses, there are a number of monuments to look out for.
The Renaissance-era Cloth Hall was once the centre of commerce for travelling merchants and today you can still find interesting local products including Polish pottery, amber necklaces and woven textiles. The upper floor of the hall features the Sukiennice Museum, housing the largest permanent collection of 19th-century Polish painting and sculpture.
On the main square, you can also find St Mary’s Basilica, the Old Town Hall Tower and Rynek Underground Museum. Also, look out for Eros Bendato (known as ‘the head’), a striking bronze sculpture by Polish artist Igor Mitoraj (1944-2014).
Planty park
Planty park encircles the historic centre with 3km of urban greenery and benches to sit and watch the world go by. It reminded me of parts of New York’s Central Park and is the perfect spot to refuel over coffee and pastries.
Interesting sights along the way include the Barbican fortification, Krakow University’s Collegium Medicum, the baroque Juliusz Slowacki Theatre, idyllic water fountains and the Jadwiga and Jagiello monument.
Wawel Castle
Wawel Royal Castle sits majestically at the top of Wawel Hill, overlooking the Vistula River. The castle was originally built in the 11th century in the Gothic style and was later developed by King Casimir III the Great and extended around around the imposing Italian-styled courtyard.
The Renaissance palace is now a museum comprising five separate areas, including the State Rooms, Crown Treasury and Armoury, Royal Private Apartments, Lost Wawel and the Exhibition of Oriental Art. The museum features an extensive collection of Italian painting, ceramics, porcelain (look out for the playful pug vases), goldsmith’s work, clocks and armour.
You can also venture down into the Dragon’s Den, climb to the top of the Sandomierska Tower, visit the royal gardens or catch a live concert in the courtyard. There’s so much to see that you should plan to spend at least half a day here.
Wawel Castle is free to visit on Mondays from 10am to 4pm, however you need to pick up timed entry tickets for the areas you want to see on arrival at the ticket office.
Kazimierz
Kazimierz is Krakow’s historic Jewish quarter and from the 14th to the 19th century, it was an independent city of its own. It’s now a hotspot for cool restaurants, cafes and bars, however its cultural heritage remains present. Here, you can see the Old Synagogue (dating back to the 1400s), Hebrew wall murals, the Galicia Jewish Museum and listen to klezmer bands performing at the traditional Jewish restaurants lining picturesque Szeroka street.
Kazimierz is also home to bohemian Jozefa street filled with art galleries and cafes and Schindler’s List Passage, a small alleyway used as a filming location for Steven Spielberg’s Oscar-winning Schindler’s List.
Plac Nowy is the beating heart of Kazimierz with restaurants and bars lining the square. In the daytime, it’s home to quirky flea markets selling menorahs and vintage cameras and at night, it’s where everyone goes for late-night munchies.
Zapiekanka, a popular Polish version of a French bread pizza, is sold with a number of toppings from a former fish market building. You can also find enormous kebabs, shawarma and falafel smothered in hummus – a great cheap eat in Krakow.
Museum of Contemporary Art in Krakow MOCAK
Museum of Contemporary Art in Krakow MOCAK is a fantastic contemporary art gallery in the modern Zablocie district. It focusses on art from the last two decades, across all mediums, and the building itself (designed by Claudio Nardi) is quite spectacular.
We loved the Food in Art temporary exhibition with sculptures of golden junk food and patchwork apple cores as well as the Weaves exhibition with intricate woven maps of the world and transformed Persian carpets.
If you’re a guest at PURO Krakow Stare Miasto, you can pick up free tickets to MOCAK at reception – a perk not to be missed!
Manggha Museum of Japanese Art and Technology
Manggha Museum of Japanese Art and Technology celebrates the art and culture of Japan with an impressive permanent collection and interactive exhibitions. Opened in 1994 by Andrzej Wajda and Krystyna Zachwatowicz, Manggha was originally part of the National Museum in Krakow before being granted museum status in its own right.
This stunning building, designed by Japanese architect Arata Isozaki, is perched on the bank of the Vistula river and boasts great views over the city.
The current Background exhibition explores the world of manga, anime and video games with comic books and prints from animation company Studio Ghibli and video game designer Hideo Kojima. Hiroshige: A Journey into the Woodblock Print showcases the work of Japanese ukiyo-e master Utagawa Hiroshige (1797–1858), who left behind over 5,800 works. We had the chance to create our own woodblock prints on postcards, which made fun souvenirs.
It’s worth planning a visit around lunch or afternoon tea to try the excellent Cafe Manggha. We loved the Japanese teriyaki sets with steamed rice, miso soup, edamame, pickles and fresh fruit, washed down with a pot of hojicha roasted green tea and an iced matcha latte.
Krakow street food
Krakow has a fantastic food scene with everything from cheap and hearty street food and traditional Polish cuisine to hip neighbourhood spots and fine dining restaurants. Of course, a trip to Krakow wouldn’t be complete without trying some of the local street food delicacies.
Obwarzanek Krakowski
The famous obwarzanek Krakowski is an absolute must and can be found at bright blue carts around the city’s parks and main streets for a mere 2 zloty. What makes them so special? These golden, braided bread snacks look like a cross between a bagel and a pretzel (but are regarded as neither, so don’t make this faux pas) and are finished with salt, poppy or sesame seeds.
The obwarzanek dates back to the 1600s and was given PGI (Protected Geographic Indication) status in 2010, meaning that it is unique to the region and cannot be copied. They’re baked twice a day in the Malopolskie Province and only stay fresh for a few hours, so be sure to grab one right away.
Oscypek
Head to Krakow’s charming Maly Rynek (Little Market Square) and be dazzled by the stalls of tempting Polish street food. Here, you can try oscypek, a delicious smoked cheese made of salted sheep milk from the Tatra mountains. Enjoy them grilled and doused in cranberry sauce – the contrasting sweet, sour and smoky flavours really work.
You can also find enormous grilled Polish sausages and pork knuckles, home-made iced gingerbread and Polish sweets.
Paczki
If you love doughnuts, try paczki and be prepared to have your mind blown. Paczki dough is richer than regular doughnuts, making them lighter and more fluffy. Dobra Paczkarnia on central Florianska street offers paczki in an overwhelming number of fillings, finished with a choice of glaze or powdered sugar. I reccommend trying the chocolate rum and apple cinnamon flavours – you might even want to take a box for the flight home.
Judah Food Market
Judah Food Market in Kazimierz is a great spot for some tasty street food, especially when it’s sunny. Local food trucks offer bites such as zapiekanki, hot dogs, pierogis, loaded baked potatoes, gourmet burgers, chimney cakes and barista coffee.
Krakow restaurants
The Black Duck
For an indulgent Cracovian feast, look no further than Czarna Kaczka (The Black Duck) in the Old Town. As the name suggests, their speciality is roasted black duck, served in different ways, alongside traditional Polish dishes. We went big and ordered the whole roasted duck stuffed in Galician style, served with Silesian dumplings, roast potatoes, red cabbage and cranberries with both mushroom and blackcurrant sauces.
Our lovely waitress ceremoniously cut through the duck with scissors at the table and the red fruit stuffing tumbled out – it was absolutely epic. The duck was so tender and worked perfectly with the fluffy dumplings, tart fruits and creamy sauce. I would make a pilgrimage back to Krakow for the duck alone.
Bufet KRK
Bufet KRK in Kazimierz is one of Krakow’s hottest restaurants (for now, as least) and luckily we managed to score a table for lunch. It’s a new concept from Przemyslaw Klima, co-owner and head chef at two-Michelin-starred restaurant Bottiglieria 1881.
Bufet takes a modern approach to nostalgic childhood dishes, using high quality local produce. We started with golden, crunchy croquettes with pork cheek, Cheddar and kimchi mayo and refreshing chicory with nuts, Jura Bleu cheese and gooseberry.
They were followed by excellent Duroc pork schnitzel, burnt butter and capers and lamb sausage, green peas, mint and plum barbecue sauce, accompanied by some decadent French fries with truffle mayo and Parmesan.
Be sure to leave room for the heavenly Karpatka with rhubarb – it’s a must! The cooking and service was of a very high standard and I can see Bufet gaining Michelin Guide recognition in the near future.
Molam Thai Canteen & Bar
If you’re craving authentic South-east Asian flavours, head to Molam Thai Canteen & Bar, a lively eatery awarded with a Michelin Bib Gourmand. Inspired by Bangkok street food, Molam offers authentic sharing plates from all four regions of Thailand, alongside creative, aromatic cocktails.
We grazed on flavourful pad see ew (stir-fried rice noodles), grilled pork belly in Haeng Lae glaze. grilled chicken thigh with Nahm Jim Jaew dipping sauce and pik gai tod chilli wing with sweet fish sauce glaze. Everything we tried was deliciously rich and punchy, however it’s worth adding a salad to bring a touch of freshness.
Nolio Pop
On the first night, we hopped on the tram to try Nolio Pop, a modern pizzeria in lively Kazimierz. We had the most fantastic cacio e pepe fried pasta with Parmesan sauce and potato croquettes with smoked mozzarella and nduja mayo, followed by delicious, authentic Neapolitan-style pizzas topped with burrata, basil oil and salami.
Nolio Pop is open until 11pm/12am everyday and no reservations are needed, so it’s perfect if your flight arrives in the early evening.
Krakow is the perfect destination for an affordable, exciting city break and there’s so much to see and do around the city. I would love to go back and see the magic of the Christmas markets on the main square.
Have you visited Krakow on a city break? Where are your favourite places to visit?
Chérie City was a guest of Jet2holidays, however all thoughts and opinions are my own.
I recently explored Krakow with @jet2 and it’s definitely one of the prettiest cities for a long weekend break. Here are some great places to see: ?? The Old Town – for charming, cobbled streets and pastel-hued houses. Look out for the Main Square, Cloth Hall, Eros Bendato and Planty Park. ?? Kazimierz – the vibrant former Jewish quarter known for its buzzing restaurants and nightlife. ?? MOCAK Krakow – two floors of contemporary art in a spectacular building in arty Zablocie. ?? Maly Rynek – a picturesque square with traditional Polish street food including grilled oscypek, a smoked cheese with sheep milk from the mountains. ?? Wawel Castle – Krakow’s impressive Renaissance palace with art museums, state rooms and royal gardens (free to visit on Mondays). ?? Manggha Museum – a fantastic museum for Japanese arts and culture with a great cafe and views of the Vistula river. More about Krakow to come here… and on my blog post {ad}. #krakow#traveltiktok#travel#city#poland??#traveltok
Grand Joanne is one of Copenhagen’s most talked about new lifestyle hotels and it’s safe to say that it lives up to the hype. The Danish capital’s hotel scene has flourished in recent years, establishing its reputation as a style city. With gorgeous new residences such as Coco Hotel, 25hours Hotel Indre By and Villa Copenhagen, there’s never been a better time to visit.
The hotel
Set across six floors of a newly-restored building from the 1800s, the hotel is illuminated with a warm, golden glow. With a cute hot chocolate cart and pastel pink bicycles lined up in front of the cinema-style entrance, it was instantly clear that this grande dame was going to be a winner.
Location
The hotel is nestled on a corner of central Vesterbrogade within walking distance of the Tivoli Gardens, the bars and restaurants of the Meatpacking District and Central Station. Its convenient location makes it the perfect choice for first-timers in Copenhagen, as well as seasoned visitors wanting to explore nearby Vesterbro and Frederiksberg.
Design
Inside, the hotel feels like an intimate townhouse with a series of lounges with cosy sofas, marble coffee tables, art books and plush rugs. We visited in December, so there was a stylish Christmas tree by the window and rose-tinted baubles and paper stars hanging from the ceiling.
A terracotta-tiled conservatory, with striking murals of the lady herself sipping a Martini (I’m guessing), leads out to a leafy courtyard garden and pergola for meetings and parties. There’s also a seasonal rooftop bar for dinner and drinks with a view.
Check-in was quick and friendly and we were kindly given a free upgrade to a Superior Room on the first floor. Even the hallways are pretty with pastel pink walls and a jazzy black and white striped carpet.
The Room
Our room was an absolute beauty, designed in a calming, natural colour palette with plenty of daylight and space. It was also very quiet and peaceful, especially considering it’s in a busy part of town.
The king-size bed was ever so comfortable, covered in high quality cotton linen with plump pillows, a decorative patterned headboard and art prints above. Needless to say, we slept blissfully every night (no overheating, hard mattresses or noisy corridors here).
Other room features include a large flat-screen TV with streaming access, music system, cosy sofa and armchair, work desk, vases and ornaments by HAY and a sleek, goose-neck Bodum kettle with coffee and Yogi herbal teas.
A fun touch is the vanity table with a light bulb mirror and a cute ‘Joanne’ pink organza scrunchie for getting ready in style. These feminine accents certainly give the hotel more character and set it apart from the rest.
The room feels truly homely as everything functions well and has been thoughtfully designed – there’s no ‘putting up’ or ‘making do’ at Joanne’s.
The Bathroom
The gorgeous mushroom-tiled bathroom has a powerful walk-in shower, luxurious underfloor heating, thick and fluffy towels and deliciously-scented full-size bathroom products made exclusively for the hotel.
Joanne’s restaurant
We didn’t eat at the hotel on this occasion, as we had dinner plans at nearby Propaganda and wanted to try Hart Bageri for breakfast. However, next time we would make time to visit the hotel’s stunning restaurant, Joanne’s. The design is warm and maximalist with boho furnishings and artefacts inspired by travel.
The menu is contemporary Italian with crowd-pleasing burrata, salumi, pasta and risotto paired with Negronis and spritzes.
The hotel has a 24-hour gym and regularly yoga classes, however a sauna or steam room would really take it to the next level.
The Grand Joanne is a chic yet easy-going hotel where you can feel comfortable and well cared for. If you’re planning a city break in Copenhagen, make sure you stay chez Joanne.
Our summer holiday was spent rediscovering Barcelona and we wanted to find a hotel that has it all. Seventy Barcelona proved to be the perfect urban resort with everything under one roof. In fact, it was often hard to leave this sanctuary of calm.
The Hotel
This sleek, modern design hotel opened in 2019 and is located in Barcelona’s central Eixample district, within walking distance of the Passeig de Gràcia, Casa Milà and La Sagrada Família. It may have the spirit of an independent hotel, however it’s part of a local group that includes Hotel 1989, Hotel REC and The Corner.
Arrival
Walking through the doors, the open-plan lobby immediately feels calm yet cosmopolitan with the buzz of guests checking in and locals visiting for coffee meetings. It also seems to be a hotspot for luxury fashion and beauty brands to host events in its many conference spaces (we noticed a major perfume house was in residence during our stay).
The gleaming White Hall is quite breathtaking with floor to ceiling windows letting in lots of natural light. Books are stacked high in the clubby library and among the leafy plants there’s an elegant spiral staircase leading up to a cosy nook.
Check-in
Check-in was efficient and welcoming and the receptionist kindly offered us bottles of mineral water as we headed out for lunch while waiting for our room to be ready. The front desk team were fantastic throughout our stay and assisted with daily spa bookings and scored us a last-minute reservation at La Pepita, a wonderful tapas bar just over the road.
The Room
Rooms at Seventy range from a House Room to the impressive Duplex Suite. Our spacious Seventy Room, overlooking Calle Córcega, was an absolute dream with fresh, modern interiors in a monochrome palette. Despite its city location, it had a luxury beach club feel with wood panelling and a mini patio with shutters blocking out the metropolis below.
Room features include a large Smart TV with HDMI and USB connection, luxury minibar, Nespresso machine and a separate kettle with a selection of teas, powerful air-conditioning and speedy free wifi.
The double bed was ever so sumptuous with crisp cotton linen and extra plump monogrammed pillows (there’s a pillow menu too, but the hotel’s choices were spot on). Needless to say we had a very peaceful night’s sleep.
The Bathroom
The stylish marble-effect bathroom has a powerful walk-in shower with full-size ABC bath amenities, bathrobes and slippers, fluffy towels and hair straighteners (a thoughtful touch).
The Rooftop
The jewel of the hotel has to be the fabulous Urban Beach Club on the seventh floor rooftop. We spent a lot of time relaxing on the solarium’s candy striped sunloungers and dipping into the glorious pool surrounded by fragrant white flowers.
The nautical-style lounge also offers light bites, tapas and ice cold drinks so you don’t need to go too far to refuel. Nothing says ‘holiday’ quite like a tucking into a juicy burger and Champagne by the pool.
The Spa
Another perk of staying at Seventy Barcelona is the award-winning spa. The softly-lit wellness area features a wonderful heated pool with hydromassage, a dry sauna and a steam bath. Hotel guests can enjoy the water circuit for 30 minutes a day for free and this can be booked by the front desk or the spa reception. It really was a restorative experience and the highlight of our stay. Organic and vegan treatments are also available in the treatment rooms.
Breakfast
Breakfast is a big affair at Seventy and you can choose to sit in the idyllic couryard garden or a comfy booth in The Kitchen & Timeless.
The meticulously-managed buffet breakfast has everything you could possibly want to start the day, including home-made cakes, cold-pressed green juice and a fun Cava cart for morning Mimosas. Everything is high quality and well-presented, so it’s definitely worth it.
Shortly after our visit, an exciting new restaurant from chefs Nino Redruello, Patxi Zumarraga and Jaime Santianes (the team behind Fismuler) opened on the ground floor. Molino de Pez takes inspiration from La Ancha, a family-run Madrid restaurant with over 100 years of history, using seasonal local ingredients cooked on an open fire grill and wood.
Seventy Barcelona is the perfect place to stay if you want to balance exploring Barcelona with some serious relaxation. Not only is it stylish and impressive, but the attentive service and central location make it an unbeatable choice.
Milan is the perfect weekend break destination, as you can whizz around the city’s best cultural sites and still have time for some shopping. It may be viewed as a ‘working city’ compared to picturesque Venice and Florence, but Milan certainly has a great energy in the warmer months.
Food is also high on the agenda, whether it’s tucking into a rich Milanese risotto in a neighbourhood osteria, exquisite Prada-approved pastries at the most fashionable bakery in town or fresh pasta and profiteroles in a secret garden in lively Navigli.
Here are a few Milan addresses to add to your travel list…
Al Fresco
Al Fresco is one of the prettiest restaurants in Milan with a beautiful garden courtyard for outdoor dining. Not only is it elegant and picture perfect, but the food is truly delicious.
We started with two fantastic pasta dishes – an indulgent Rigatoni cacio e pepe with crispy guanciale and the rich, flavourful Pici with double tomato, olive oil, fresh basil and 36-months aged Parmigiano Reggiano.
This was followed by a classic Milanese veal cutlet served with crunchy home-made potato chips and a juicy Grilled beef tenderloin with chimichurri sauce, friggitelli and roasted onions.
It’s also essential to leave some room for the magnificent Big profiterole filled with vanilla ice cream, custard and poured dark chocolate and the lighter Zabaglione with Moscato di Pantelleria and buttery langues de chat. The owners are so warm and hospitable, ensuring that every guest leaves with a little bag of home-made biscuits and a taxi for rolling on home.
Osteria Della Darsena
Osteria Della Darsena is a cosy, typically Milanese restaurant nestled between the Darsena and the Naviglio Grande. It has a timeless, neighbourhood feel with flowing wine and a concise menu of Lombardy’s most iconic dishes.
We started with the glorious, aromatic Milanese risotto and rich, rustic Home-made pappardelle with wild boar ragu. The portion sizes were so big that I had to change my order from the Milanese veal cutlet to a lighter Burrata with vegetable caponata. Beef cheeks with potato cakes were so tender and hearty with no less than four enormous chunks to get through.
If you’re staying in the Navigli area, it’s a great choice for a memorable, relaxed evening and you definitely won’t leave hungry.
Berberè
Berberè is renowned for its healthy, sharable pizza made with living sourdough and high quality Italian ingredients. Established in 2010, it now has outposts across Italy and two in London (Clapham and Kentish Town).
The Navigli restaurant is cool and colourful with exposed brick walls and an open kitchen and counter. It’s set among some lively bars on Via Vigevano, where the party literally spills out onto the street, so you could spend a fun night out there.
We ordered one red and one white pizza – Prosciutto crudo from Norcia with Apulian burrata, rocket, fior di latte and orange olive oil and Norma with oven-roasted aubergines, tomato, fior di latte, grated smoked ricotta and fresh basil. They were both high quality and substantial yet very different – Norma was rich and smoky while the prosciutto had freshness and a unique flavour from the orange oil.
Mercato Centrale
Having visited Mercato Centrale in Florence, I was happy to discover an outpost in Milan. This fabulous, two-floor street food market is conveniently located inside Milan’s grand Central Station, making it the perfect stop for your first bite in the city.
It has a modern, industrial style with graffiti and posters on the walls. Chefs and artisans have curated each kitchen where you can find an array of Italy’s regional dishes, alongside sushi, dim sum, smash burgers and Texas barbecued ribs. Many of the vendors welcome you with tasty morsels on sticks, so you can see what grabs your attention.
Sergio Barzetti’s tomato and mozzarella arancini and Milanese risotto are essentials. We also enjoyed the foccaccia with golden, thinly-sliced potato and rosemary and a cassata Siciliana from Sabato Sessa.
The market is open daily from 7am until midnight and there are lots of food talks and cultural events.
God Save the Food
God Save the Food has long been a favourite lunch spot among stylish Milanese (Chiara Ferragni is a fan) with outposts across the city. It’s known as a speedy lunch spot with modern interiors and balanced dishes such as quinoa bowls, salads, club sandwiches and wok stir-fried noodles.
Before spending the afternoon at the Pinacoteca di Brera, we had a quick lunch on the terrace at God Save the Food Brera on the charming Piazza del Carmine. The Caesar salad with herby poached chicken, crispy bacon, parmesan flakes and crunchy croutons was so tasty and subtantial – perfect for a quick refuel on the go.
Sant Ambroeus
Sant Ambroeus is an established part of Milan’s city life, where fashion and business players meet for a power breakfast and the inimitable ‘sciure‘ hold court over afternoon tea.
The original pastry shop on Corso Giacomo Matteotti (close to the Teatro alla Scala) was established in 1936, but later closed in the 1980s to focus on US expansion. Luckily, it returned to its original home in 2022 with a new restaurant offering and a reimagined look by designer Fabrizio Casiraghi.
There are a few nods to its American cousins with a signature cheese burger and New England lobster roll on the menu, however teatime is all about Italian pastry at its finest.
We enjoyed pots of Earl Grey tea from the wonderful La Via del Tè (they have a delightful store in Brera) and shared the signature Sant Ambroeus princess cake.
This light, dome-shaped sponge cake is layered with raspberry jam and custard under a veil of orange marzipan – absolute perfection!
If you’re in Milan around Christmas, be sure to visit Sant Ambroeus for a luxury, hand-made panettone – a seasonal speciality from the Lombardy region.
Marchesi
A stroll around the breathtaking Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II wouldn’t be complete without teatime at Pasticceria Marchesi. The historic Milanese pastry shop was established in 1824 and is now owned by Prada with three locations in the city.
Its pistachio-hued tea salon on the first floor is ideal for people watching over a hot drink and a carefully-chosen cake from the counter (the waiters are ready to make helpful recommendations).
We enjoyed another exquisite pastel pink princess cake and pistachio cream cake with a molten, thick hot chocolate and a richly-roasted Italian coffee.
If the queue for the tea salon is just too long, you can usually walk straight into the adjoining espresso bar that has the same pastries and admittedly a more lively atmosphere.
Princi
Princi broke many hearts when it departed London, but good news, you can find it all over Milan. This chic cafe and bakery serves up pizza al taglio, colourful salads and traditional pastries all day long. We enjoyed some foccaccia slices smothered in gooey mozzarella, washed down with an excellent freshly-squeezed orange juice.
It’s worth looking out for the nearest Princi when you’re out and about for a quick, casual and reasonably priced lunch. We even picked up a few treats to take to the airport.
Have you visited Milan recently? Where are your favourite places to eat?
Edinburgh has become one of my favourite cities for a stylish weekend break. Not only is it a beautiful city with incredible architecture and (mostly) free national museums, but there are so many new hotel and restaurant openings to discover.
On my recent trip, I just had to stay at Eden Locke, the debut outpost of Locke aparthotels in Scotland. Staying at a Locke apartment means more space and home comforts than your average hotel, topped off with Insta-worthy interiors.
I’ve previously stayed at Kingland Locke in Dalston and Leman Locke in Aldgate and loved the vibe of both London properties, so I was excited to see how Eden Locke would compare.
Location
Eden Locke has a typically Scottish sense of understated elegance, set across an 18th century Georgian mansion on prestigious George Street in the New Town (a UNESCO Heritage Site). It’s perfectly located among Edinburgh’s high end shops and restaurants and is within walking distance of the verdant Princes Street Gardens, Scottish National Gallery and St Andrew Square. The Old Town and Waverley Station are around 15 minutes on foot.
Design
Like most Locke properties in the UK, Eden Locke has been designed by acclaimed New York architects Grzywinski+Pons. They have expertly transformed a rather sober building into a dreamy, pastel-hued sociable residence. There is a subtle tropical feel to the public areas with wicker chairs and sprawling plants, plus highlights of gold and striking mustard that can be found throughout.
Arrival
It instantly feels like a cool place to stay, as you walk into the light-filled, open-plan pistachio and vanilla coffee bar and lounge. The reception desk is seamlessly perched at one side of the bar and there are plenty of smiling, friendly staff on hand to welcome guests and store luggage – we never noticed any queues.
Mayvn Cafe
Before heading out for lunch at the brilliant Noto, we had a quick caffeine refuel at Mayvn Cafe, Eden Locke’s third wave coffee shop, natural wine bar and co-working space by local experts, Common. It’s also a port in the storm for Edinburgh locals, who flock here for the excellent coffee, juices and pastries and laptop-friendly atmosphere.
The Studio
Our first floor Mezzanine Studio was a real gem with large Georgian windows flooding the space with natural light, perfectly showing off the pretty two-tone pastel walls. The homely, open-plan lounge features Locke’s signature L-shaped sofa in an attractive pistachio shade with a bright coral lamp, shaggy rug and a large Smart TV with Google Chromecast and Apple box.
The Kitchen
The powder blue kitchen has all the designer essential for a long or short stay with a marble dining table, handy dishwasher, washer/dryer, fridge/freezer, oven/hob and gold cooking utencils. There’s also a kettle with ground coffee and Field Work Teas and fresh milk in the fridge.
The Bedroom
The bedroom on the upper floor feels cosy and slightly separated with a comfortable double bed with a torteoiseshell padded headboard, a colourful wool throw, luxurious waffle bathrobes and slippers and plenty of storage space.
The Bathroom
Contrasting the pastel aesthetic with touches of bold mustard, the bathroom is sleek and well-sized with a powerful rainfall shower, fluffy cotton towels and Kinsey Apothecary bath products.
Eden Locke has 72 studios and suites in various sizes, but it’s worth booking a brighter studio on the front of the building.
There is no gym or spa, however every apartment has a yoga mat and the hotel has a partnership with East Side Yoga and fitness app Fiit, so you can sign up for 30 days free access to over 700 online workouts.
Eden Locke is a fabulous base for exploring Edinburgh, especially if you’re looking for a home away from home. I would definitely stay again and am keen to check out Locke’s upcoming openings in Berlin, Copenhagen and Paris.
Parisian style meets Danish design at Coco Hotel, a sustainable boutique hotel in Copenhagen’s hip Vesterbro neighbourhood.
Coco opened in 2019 and has become popular among travellers for its chic, affordable rooms and verdant inner courtyard where locals cycle over to spend their evenings over glasses of natural wine.
You may already be familiar with its owner – it’s the first hotel from Copenhagen Food Collective (known as Cofoco), the brains behind buzzing Copenhagen restaurants like Høst, Scarpetta, Les Trois Cochons, Vaekst and Vespa.
Arrival
It’s impossible to miss Coco Hotel on Vesterbrogade with its colourful Parisian-style striped awnings and traditional pavement cafe tables. We arrived after 5pm and found the hotel beautifully decorated for Christmas and in a rather jolly mood, as guests were midway through the complimentary wine hour.
We were warmly welcomed by the friendly, dynamic team and swiftly given the old school brass tassel key to our room (don’t worry, they take care of it while you’re out).
Cafe Coco & Coco Bar à Vin
The reception curves around to the open-plan Cafe Coco, a casual space with French art posters, bistro-style tables and cosy nooks. Here you can enjoy light meals including morning pastries and organic coffee, healthy avocado toast and burrata for lunch and an evening cheeseboard with charcuterie and sourdough.
From 4pm, the cafe and leafy courtyard seamlessly become Coco Bar à Vin, offering over 150 different wines carefully chosen by the sommelier.
The Room
We were instantly charmed by our cute, bohemian Small Double Room and found it slightly more spacious than expected. It reminded me of Hotel Amour and Le Pigalle in northern Paris, but with a sense of Nordic simplicity.
The neutral greige walls were complemented by stylish rattan furniture, a brass clothes rail and a retro photography print above the wooden headboard custom-built by local furniture makers Københavns Møbelsnedkeri.
The double bed was extremely comfortable with a plush Auping mattress, organic cotton linen and plump pillows – we slept very well during our stay. The large windows opened out to the courtyard (so the room was nice and quiet) and there was also a flatscreen TV, free wifi and a gourmet organic snack tray.
The hotel’s 88 rooms range from a petite Single Room to a spacious Junior Suite and there is a Family Suite with a separate room and Playstation 4 for kids.
The Bathroom
The bathroom was petite and spotlessly clean with smooth pastel pink tiles, a walk-in shower, fully opening windows (a rarity in hotels these days), eco-friendly Hopal toiletries and a gorgeous Laboratorio Olfattivo handwash. I was particularly impressed with the powerful underfloor heating, which made the room feel even more cosy.
Breakfast
Each morning, we started the day with breakfast at Delphine, the hotel’s bright and spacious sister restaurant just across the road. The organic breakfast buffet was simple but high quality with a selection of freshly-baked breads, flaky pastries, Danish cured meats and cheeses, soft boiled eggs, pomegranate and coconut chia pudding and a selection of fresh juices.
Some scrambled eggs and bacon would have made it feel more indulgent, but clearly the hotel has a healthier approach.
Amenities
Coco Hotel is nothing like Copenhagen’s many corporate hotels, so you won’t find a business centre, event spaces or a gym. Instead, you can play ping pong in the 5th floor games room and take advantage of the hotel’s health and wellbeing partnerships with Vesterbronx Gym, Ara’Kai beauty, AIRE Ancient Baths Copenhagen and STUDIO 41 Pilates.
Sustainability
Denmark is officially the second greenest country in the world (just behind Sweden) and Green Key certified Coco Hotel has its own clever sustainability practices. Cofoco owns a solar park in Jutland, which powers the hotel and the entire restaurant group with clean, green energy. Coco Hotel also partners with Eden Reforestation Projects to help plant trees in Kenya.
Location
Coco Hotel is in the heart of lively Vesterbro surrounded by notable restaurants, cafes, bars and bakeries and conveniently, an easy 10-minute walk from Central Station. Also nearby is the Meatpacking District, where you can dine around hotspots like Fleisch, Warpigs, Mother and Hija de Sanchez. For a spot of culture, Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek, the National Museum of Denmark and the iconic Tivoli Gardens are just 20 minutes away on foot.
Impressions
Coco Hotel is the perfect choice for a relaxed, budget-friendly city break, especially if you love characterful hotels in a cool, creative area. It has plenty of Wes Anderson-style eccentricities but everything functions well and it generally exceeded my expectations.
I booked the hotel for the first time with Mr and Mrs Smith, as the special perk for members was a complimentary daily breakfast – an offer that’s hard to pass up! If you book directly with the hotel, you can enjoy the Friends of Cofoco 20% discount across all sixteen restaurants for up to eight people.
There’s nowhere quite like Copenhagen at Christmas, especially when you stay somewhere just as memorable as the destination itself. 25hours Hotel Indre By opened this spring and it truly captures the magic of the Danish capital.
I’ve stayed at 25hours Hotels in Cologne and Hamburg, however each house is totally unique, so there was a lot to discover.
The hotel sprawls across a grand 19th century building which was once a porcelain factory, followed by a paper mill in the 1800s and later University of Copenhagen’s school of theology and law. References to the building’s heritage can be found throughout the hotel, as art and knowledge meet for a stylish sleepover.
Its Indre By (inner city) location couldn’t be any better, especially for Copenhagen first-timers, as it’s right in the middle of the action, between the historic Round Tower and the bustling Kobmagergade shopping street.
Designed by Martin Brudnizki Design Studio, the hotel is a wonderland of colour, echoing the rich palette that you will see on the streets of Copenhagen’s old town. Antique and vintage finds sit among bespoke pieces by Danish designers and makers, keeping the air miles to a minimum.
Arrival
Walking through the front door, we were immediately dazzled and overwhelmed by the size of the residence. Within moments we were at the centre of The Assembly Bar, a light-filled atrium lounge with exotic wall tapestries, comfy sofas and a fabulous island bar.
This inviting bar leads off to the reception and a warren of chilled out guest spaces, from the retro, neon glow of the Vinyl Room to the bijou, blood red Love Library.
In the middle of the lobby is a Harry Potter-esque whirlwind book sculpture and vintage typewriters (for writing love letters from a faraway land), inspired by the building’s paper mill history. There’s also the 25h things shop with a curated selection of local products and unusual finds – ideal for cool souvenirs.
Check-in was friendly and welcoming and we were swiftly navigating the myriad of brightly-coloured hallways to our room on the first floor.
The Room
The hotel boasts 243 rooms, ranging from the cosy Medium Single to the impressive Gigantic suite at 55-59sqm. Continuing the hotel theme, the room have two distinctive styles – ‘passion’ or ‘knowledge’. Judging by the curtains artfully illustrated with a tangle of naked bodies, our Medium room was clearly in the passion style!
The room was absolutely stunning and generously sized with high ceilings and large windows looking out to the shopping street below. Pale lemon and inky grey-blue hues cover the walls, with polished parquet floors and decorative red and white tiles around the open-plan bathroom area. The style of the room is maximalist and homely with a cork wall adorned with well-chosen artwork, plus vibrant local craft pieces, books and trinkets dotted around.
There is a comfy seating area with a large Smart TV, free wifi and best of all, a free minibar stocked with fritz-kola, mineral water, local craft beer and sweet and savoury snacks. There’s also a free FREITAG bag to use during your stay, which can also be bought on departure.
The king-size bed was extremely plush and comfortable with signature 25hours embroidered pillows and a furry owl friend for company.
The bathroom sink area may be open-plan but there’s plenty of privacy with a separate toilet and walk-in shower room with full-size STOP THE WATER eco-conscious bathroom products, fluffy towels and a powerful hairdryer.
NENI Kobenhavn
Those familiar with 25hours Hotels will know the joys of dining at NENI, Haya Molcho’s rapidly-growing Balagan-style restaurant brand. At NENI Kobenhavn, you can feast on sharing dishes with Mediterranean, Persian and Austrian influences, including home-made hummus, chargrilled aubergine, popcorn falafel, sabich, chicken shawarma, grilled pulpo and stone oven whole cooked fish.
It’s a spacious, colourful restaurant and is open for lunch and dinner everyday – perfect after a long day of travelling. For a stylish nightcap, there’s also the Boilerman Bar, a dimly-lit neighbourhood speakeasy in the basement.
Cafe Duse
After a day of exploring Copenhagen, there’s nothing better than warming up at Cafe Duse, the hotel’s cosy ground floor cafe from Italian pastry chef Melissa Forti. Named after the Italian actress Eleanora Giulia Amalia Duse, the cafe is the epitome of Italian elegance and has become a popular local spot for a teatime treat or aperitivo.
The counter is filled with Forti’s authentic Italian cakes such as torta di mele e Calvados, tiramisu and baba, as well as red velvet layer cake, cookies and brownies.
We sat next to the Christmas tree and watched the world go by over rich, velvety cioccolata calda and a selection of five delightful mignons. It was just magical!
Breakfast at NENI
In the morning, we headed down to NENI for a delicious breakfast and were sat at a cosy corner booth. The generous buffet is laden with creamy scrambled eggs, crispy bacon and sausages, cured meats and Danish cheeses, freshly-baked bread, mini pastries and scrumptious lemon cake, yoghurt with dried fruits and seeds and a colourful array of raw veggies and olives with cream cheese, hummus and labneh.
There’s also a self-service drinks bar with freshly-squeezed orange or apple juice, a wide selection of artisan loose-leaf teas (my favourite 25hours signature) and strong filter coffee. You can also order a barista-made cappuccino or latte and indulge in some bubbles.
Copenhagen is best explored by bicycle, so it’s worth making use of the hotel’s partnership with Berlin-based Schindelhauer and renting a bike for the day. Getting around is made even easier with a tour map of the city’s hotspots, curated specially for 25hours.
If you have any energy left, there’s also a wellbeing area, including a fitness studio with technogym equipment, yoga mats and an outdoor sauna. In the summer, this space is set up for sunbathing with loungers and is conveniently on the same floor as the lovely secret garden.
25hours Hotel Indre By is an absolute gem, expertly weaving local charm with whimsical design and a sense of uncomplicated luxury. The warm, friendly staff go the extra mile to make guests feel at home and with so many facilities, you’ll want to spend as much time there as possible. It’s hard to pick a favourite 25hours hotel, but the Copenhagen house truly blew me away and I will definitely make it my go-to address when visiting Copenhagen.
One Hundred Shoreditch opened its doors earlier this year, replacing the landmark Ace Hotel that sadly didn’t make it through the pandemic. Luckily, the game-changing Lore Group was quick to snap it up and within a speedy five months, a second London hotel joined its portfolio, which includes Sea Containers London, Pulitzer Amsterdam and Riggs Washington DC.
The Shoreditch High Street hotel certainly feels more grown-up than its predecessor with an elevated look and a brand new concept for its six restaurants and bars. I’ve stayed in this property a few times over the years (anyone remember when it was the Saint Gregory?), so I was excited to see how it had changed.
Arrival
We visited during the first heatwave of the summer and were blasted with delightfully glacial air-conditioning on arrival (well, it was 35 degrees, after all). The friendly, efficient staff made check-in a breeze and kindly gave us a welcome postcard offering three complimentary food and drink options for each guest. We could choose from a glass of wine in the restaurant, coffee and cake at the coffee shop or a pizza in the lobby.
Since it was already midday, we took the time to explore the open-plan lobby and enjoy some cooling drinks with two hearty stone-baked pizzas served straight to our sofa – what could be better than that? By the time we had finished lunch, our room was ready and we took the rather atmospheric blood red lifts up to the sixth floor.
The Studio
Our Studio on the sixth floor was huge and designed in soft shades with a luxurious wool carpet, large paper pendant light and an exposed concrete ceiling. This natural palette was punctuated by a floor-to-ceiling woven tapestry and bespoke artwork in the most striking blue shades by Jacu Strauss, creative director of Lore Group.
I also loved the plush white linen sofa spanning the entire width of the room and the decorative vases filled with eucalyptus and dried flowers.
Room features include a dining table, large TV, tea and coffee facilites, free wifi and plenty of plugs and USB ports. There’s also a luxury minibar stocked with east London treats and stylish glassware, including carafes that you can fill with unlimited still and sparkling water from the station next to the lift on each floor. We really appreciated being able to grab our own filtered water, especially in the scorching heat – hopefully more London hotels will follow this green initiative.
The king-size bed was absolutely heavenly with a white linen headboard, top quality cotton sheets and lots of plump pillows.
The Bathroom
The white tiled bathroom was simple and modern with a large bath and shower, wooden stool, fluffy towels, bathrobes and a full set of products by New York-based perfumers D.S & DURGA in the signature Debaser scent.
They are my holy grail of luxury hotel toiletries (just beating Byredo at Miss Clara Stockholm), as I have a few of their candles at home and the body range is actually quite hard to find in the UK. It was a real treat to try out these products and they were even more fabulous than I’d imagined.
Dinner at Goddard & Gibbs
That evening, we enjoyed dinner downstairs at Goddard & Gibbs, the hotel’s buzzing seafood restaurant inspired by fishing villages and coastal towns around the country. The wood-panelled walls from its days as Hoi Polloi remain and the space has been given an upgrade with a new adjoining wine bar, terrazzo tables and bold artwork in maritime yellow. Not much has really changed though, as it’s still an east London fashion spot, having hosted a number of parties and events already this year.
Head chef Tom Moore’s varied menu features dishes such as Maldon oysters, Soused red mullet, Hake Kyiv, Fish and Chips and a signature Angus beef burger. While the fish options were tempting, we were swayed by the steak on the very well-priced set menu (two courses £23/three courses £27).
Beef onglet (cooked medium rare) was so tender and juicy, served with punchy salsa verde and a silver cone of hot, crispy French fries. We also loved the freshly-baked Sourdough milk buns with cultured butter – perfect for mopping up the sauce.
G&G’s dessert game is strong, so be sure to leave plenty of room. The Insta-worthy Fried doughnut with malt ice cream, miso caramel and peanut dust was truly decadent with rich umami flavour from the miso. Surprisingly though, my favourite was the velvety Honey and sesame tart with zesty grapefruit and luscious salted milk ice sorbet.
The Rooftop Terrace
After dinner, we checked out the dreamy, Palm Springs-inspired rooftop bar, decorated with touches of pink marble, rose gold lamps, succulents and hanging plants. It was absolutely packed with Londoners making the most of the balmy weather and panoramic views of the city over plates of tacos, fried chicken and crab burgers, washed down with margaritas.
For a more intimate nightcap, there’s also the downstairs Seed Library by London cocktail guru Mr Lyan. The hotel has a lot of eating and drinking spaces to try, so you could easily stay local for a relaxing weekend stay.
Breakfast
In the morning, we headed back down to Goddard & Gibbs for a hearty breakfast. We’d expected to order dishes like pancakes and Eggs Royale from the menu, but were told the breakfast offering had recently changed to a self-service buffet on weekends.
It all worked out fine though, as we made up our own superb Full English breakfasts with extra sausages and enjoyed the array of home-made pastries, yoghurt, muesli and cured meats and cheeses, washed down with excellent coffee, a pot of strong Good and Proper Tea and orange juice freshly-squeezed to order.
Everything was exceptionally high quality and tasty, but there could have been a few more items available like waffles, muffins or chia pudding to make it more interesting.
Location
One Hundred Shoreditch has an unbeatable location for exploring East London, within walking distance of Brick Lane, Spitalfields and Columbia Road Flower Market. Just around the corner is design-led Redchurch Street with hotspots such as Earl of East, Reformation, A.P.C, BAO Noodle Shop, Jolene bakery and Allpress Coffee. It’s also worth walking down to Liverpool Street for quick links to the city centre via the Elizabeth Line and of course gourmet Italian treats at EATALY London
One Hundred Shoreditch is a stunning hotel with equal measures of style and comfort, but it’s the welcoming, experienced staff that take it to the next level. It marks a new chapter for Shoreditch and is set to be the place to be this summer – I can’t wait to go back!
Last year, I took two trips to Amsterdam before and after the first UK lockdown. The second visit was remarkably different to the first, however we still had a lot of fun and loved our three-night stay at Sir Adam Hotel.
This cool, contemporary hotel, designed by New York studio Icrave, is steeped in rock ‘n’ roll splendour and is set across eight floors of the impressive A’DAM Tower with fabulous views over the IJ River.
The striking building in arty Amsterdam-Noord is a hub for music and entertainment with industry residents like Sony, Semifest and A’DAM Music School, so music really does run through its solid, concrete walls.
It may be on the other side of all the action, however Centraal Station is just five minutes away via the free ferry over the water and the city centre is around 20-minutes walk.
Arrival
Arriving at Sir Adam, you can immediately feel its fun, relaxed vibe at The Hub, the hotel’s open-plan lobby and lounge. It’s a bright space with floor-to-ceiling windows where you can kick back with a cocktail or beer on the slouchy sofas and play on the retro arcade games, ping pong and table football.
It’s also home to The Butcher Social Club, where you can grab one of Amsterdam’s tastiest burgers until after mightnight and refuel with a full breakfast the next morning seven days a week.
The Room
Check-in was super friendly and we shimmied our way up the room in the amazing disco lift (and later took the karaeoke lift back down). We were kindly upgraded to a spacious Sir Deluxe City View with views over the IJ – perfect for those glorious summer sunsets.
The room’s stark concrete structure is given warmth with plush leather and fur textiles, padded window seats, mood lighting and the kind of Persian carpets you find in recording studios.
A Gibson guitar and photo prints of rock royalty adorn the walls and there’s a Crosley Cruiser record player with a selection of classic vinyl. We had a great time working through the records we chose from the lobby’s music library and DJing to the crowds below.
There’s also a SmartTV, open wardrobe, vintage-style telephone, minibar, complimentary bottled water and an Illy espresso machine and tea set.
The king-size bed, covered in 300-thread-count cotton linen, was unbelievably comfortable and difficult to leave. Happily, the hotel gave us an extra-late check-out on the last day, so we could enjoy a reviving shower and an afternoon nap before heading to the airport.
The Bathroom
The semi open-plan bathroom features a separate walk-in rain shower and toilet, a basin in the room with full-size Dead Clean products and plenty of thick, fluffy towels.
The Butcher Social Club
Dinner on the first evening was a no-brainer – we simply headed downstair to The Butcher Social Club for a gourmet burger. We both ordered The Butcher Burger with Dutch Edam cheese, signature sauce and all the fixings, plus crunchy fries, a side of onion rings and the most delicious baba ganoush dip.
It’s a real crowd-pleaser with a wide selection of inventive burgers, boozy milkshakes and vegan options. Breakfast is flexible too with the choice of a full buffet or a la carte morning dishes like Eggs Benedict, pancakes, waffles, granola, pastries and smoothies. We kept it light with tea and croissants, as we wanted to check out some Amsterdam brunch spots.
Location
We spent most of our time out exploring Amsterdam in the sun, however the hotel also features a gym and recording studio and the team can arrange curated cultural experiences with local guides.
A’DAM Tower is a destination in itself with a lookout observation deck on the 20th floor and rooftop swings over the water below, the revolving Madam restaurant with 360 degree views over the city and the adjacent EYE Film Museum.
Sir Adam is an absolute gem with plenty of home comforts, dynamic and helpful staff and a convenient location. It’s also great value for money, if you book at the right time and take advantage of the regular special offers. I definitely want to check out more Sir Hotels in Berlin, Hamburg, Ibiza and Barcelona.
When I last visited Copenhagen five years ago, there were very few luxury hotels, but now the Danish capital is full of interesting places to stay.
On my recent trip, I was excited to stay for one night at Villa Copenhagen, a stylish eco-friendly five star hotel. Opening to much anticipation in 2020, Villa is well-located for exploring the city, close to the famous Tivoli Gardens and Central Station and within walking distance of the vibrant Meatpacking District.
The hotel is housed in a listed Neo-Baroque building that was once the Central Post & Telegraph HQ and boasts an impressive 390 rooms and suites. The hotel’s size is key to understanding what Villa is about – it’s a grand railway hotel with designer touches and certainly not a boutique hotel.
The Lobby
Walking through the arched entrance, the first impression of the hotel is a vast, modern atrium with plenty of daylight from the striking glass roof. The open-plan public area comprises the reception, self-service check-in desks and the Courtyard Bar (designed by Shamballa Jewels), where you can relax and enjoy light meals, coffee and drinks. DJs also play there on Friday and Saturday evenings.
Another cool feature is Passagen, the hotel’s design and lifestyle store offering a curated selection of homewares by raawii, Maria Black jewellery and fragrances for the body and home by Skandinavisk.
Check-In
We arrived around midday, so it was a little busy and it took some time to check in. Since we booked through Preferred Hotels & Resorts, we were kindly upgraded to a Superior Plus King Room and happily, it was ready on arrival.
It’s also worth noting that Villa is part of Nordic Choice Hotel Group, which operates Scandi design hotels such as Hotel at Six, Sankt. Petri and The Thief Oslo, so members can actually bypass the queue and check in via the app.
The Room
Our Superior Plus King Room on the first floor was an absolute dream with contemporary interiors by London’s Universal Design Studio and carefully-chosen pieces by Danish designers. It felt spacious and airy with high ceilings and tall windows that you can fling wide open.
The room is designed in natural, cool shades and soft textures with highlights of marble, brass, oak and opal glass. I was particularly taken with the sleek marble-topped console table and the heavenly king-size bed with a large linen bedhead and charcoal drawing by Berlin-based Norwegian artist Bente Stokke.
Room features include a large LCD TV, speaker, wifi, large fitted wardrobe, table and chairs, an upholstered wool bench and a coffee machine with Illy coffee pods and a separate kettle. There’s also a premium minibar and elegant glass tumblers on a brass tray for a decadent night cap.
Sadly, the Chromecast wasn’t working and the front desk wasn’t able to offer a solution, so we were left with basic access to seven or eight Danish channels. Nigella’s Christmas Special with subtitles kept us amused while we got ready for dinner, but it appears to be a regular problem for guests here and is surprising for a five star hotel of this calibre.
The Bathroom
The bathroom is stylish and calm with hand-crafted tiles, grey marble sink and black chrome fittings. There is a powerful walk-in rain forest shower, wooden stool, large fluffy towels, bathrobes and full-size natural products by Skandinavisk.
Unfortunately there was a water drainage issue and my relaxing shower led to the bathroom filling with water alarmingly quickly.
The Swimming Pool
The jewel in the crown of the hotel is the spectacular, eco-friendly 25m outdoor swimming pool, naturally heated with surplus energy from the hotel’s cooling systems. The freezing Copenhagen weather didn’t entice me to peel off the layers and go for a dip, but in the warmer months, this is definitely the place to be.
The only drawback is that you need to pre-book your free 30-minute swim and sauna slot and any extra time is charged. It makes sense, given the large number of guests and recent restrictions, but swimming against the clock could feel a bit rushed.
Dinner in the Meatpacking District
That evening, we walked over to the Meatpacking District for a five-course dinner at Fleisch. It’s a fantastic restaurant with a cosy atmosphere and stunning food – well-worth visiting.
If you don’t want to venture too far out (especially in the cold), book a table at KONTRAST, Villa’s modern brasserie with a short menu of fresh, creative dishes using organic, seasonal ingredients. There’s also the seductive, dimly-lit T37 cocktail bar for inventive mixed drinks over a game of chess.
Breakfast
After a blissful night’s sleep, we headed down for breakfast to the lower ground dining room, housed in the former sorting room of the Post & Telegraph Office. It’s one of the biggest breakfast rooms I’ve ever seen, with two tea and coffee stations on both sides and a central open kitchen.
We were encouraged to pre-book a table and this did seem to help with the flow of guests and hygiene control during Covid restrictions, as it all ran smoothly with plenty of space between tables.
The breakfast buffet is plentiful with scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, sausages, pancakes, an elaborate display of cured meats, smoked salmon and Danish cheeses, chocolate chia seed pudding, granola and yoghurt. There’s also a chef on hand to make omelettes and fried eggs cooked to order.
The real highlight, however, is the in-house RUG Bakery. You can taste a selection of fabulous pastries and cream-filled buns that easily compete with Copenhagen’s top bakeries. There seems to be a global trend of opening bakeries in luxury hotels, but rarely are these baked treats included with breakfast.
Villa Copenhagen is a stunning hotel with a great concept and I would definitely visit again for the beautiful design and RUG Bakery breakfast. There were a few issues that would be frustrating during a longer stay, but if you can add a reasonably priced Sunday night at Villa to your trip (like we did), I would thoroughly recommend it.
Visiting London has never been easier with so many affordable, design-led hotels and serviced apartments popping up all across town. If you’re planning a trip to the capital and want to stay somewhere with the wow factor and a cool local vibe, the hottest brand to watch has to be Locke.
I first discovered this game-changing aparthotel concept with a fabulous stay at Leman Locke, the group’s debut opening housed in a modern Aldgate tower with plush pastel interiors, high-spec appliances and spectacular views of the city.
Since then, Locke has expanded to five sites in London, as well as Manchester, Cambridge, Edinburgh, Dublin and Munich. Each property has its own unique style and has been thoughtfully designed to reflect the neighbourhood.
I was excited to stay at Kingsland Locke for the weekend, having watched the construction of the building during our local lockdown walks. It opened in May last year and features 124 studio apartments and one-bedroom suites, plus social and eating spaces, designed by Red Deer Studio.
Location
As the name suggests, it’s right in the heart of Dalston and ideal for exploring the East End with Ridley Road Market, The Rio Cinema and Kingsland Road’s vibrant restaurants on the doorstep. You can also easily walk to Broadway Market, London Fields, Columbia Road Flower Market and Brick Lane.
Check-In
On arrival, we immediately felt the relaxed vibe of Kingsland Locke, as we walked through the entrance’s leafy plants to the green tiled reception desk decorated with toys and ornaments made by local artists. Check in was easy and low-key with a warm welcome from the friendly staff, all wearing stylish uniforms designed by Birdsong, an east London sustainable and ethical fashion brand.
Locals are able to use the open lounge and co-working space, so there’s always a lively atmosphere with lots of chatting and typing over drinks from Shaman coffee shop and the in-house microbrewery. For residents, there’s also a workout studio (yoga mats are provided in your room), laundry room and bookable manicures from a top local nail technician.
The Studio
Our City Studio (19 sqm) – accessed by an Instagrammable peach and pink hallway – was spacious, calming and efficiently-designed. Homely dark wood panelling and parquet flooring is contrasted with unfinished concrete walls and brightened with a gorgeous custom-made velvet sofa in sumptuous bottle green and chartreuse tones, that seamlessly flows to the headboard of the comfy king-size bed.
Room features include a snug dining area, large Smart HD TV, free wifi, storage cupboards, iron and a fully-equipped Smeg kitchen with a hob, fridge/freezer, microwave-grill, toaster and dishwasher, plus a full set of cooking utencils and crockery. Also, a fresh brew is always close at hand with a kettle and a selection of premium loose-leaf teas and ground coffee.
The small but perfectly formed bathroom is fabulously futuristic (and made for selfies), with matte black fixtures and white geometric tiles and a powerful walk-in shower, big fluffy towels and full-size products by Kinsey Apothecary.
Dinner at KRAFT Dalston
In the evening, we dined at Kraft Dalston, Locke’s collaborative restaurant from local indie brands German Kraft Brewery, Jim and Tonic Distillery and foodie favourite Le Bab. This subterranean space couldn’t be cuter with mint green and pastel pink chairs, hanging plants and quirky hot pink sharks circling the glass ceiling. At night it has a warm glow and the spacious bench seating makes it perfect for large groups and celebrating occasions.
Le Bab specialises in creative, charcoal-grilled kebabs using high quality British meats and many of the dishes are shareable. We started with the excellent Mezze Mix for 2 with velvety peanut curry pesto hummus, crisp pork belly bites and moreish garlic butter naan.
We followed with some tasty kebabs – Pork Shawarma with juicy Dingley Dell organic pork, sweet pickled cucumber and fresh chermoula mayo on fluffy pita flatbread and a Dirty Bab, which was similar but quite a bit bigger with the addition of fries and fondue sauce.
The food was fantastic and very reasonable priced for such high quality, plus it’s hard to beat a restaurant that’s just downstairs!
Breakfast is a simple affair at Kingsland Locke (you can pre-book a voucher at the health-conscious Shaman cafe), so we popped out to grab some delicious morning pastries at our favourite bakery The Dusty Knuckle.
Around Dalston
For more places to eat out in the immediate area, I also recommend tacos and margaritas at the slightly shambolic but fun Del74, hearty plant-based food at Mildred’s, drinks and experimental music at Cafe OTO and freshly-made baklava at Bebek Baklava.
Kingsland Locke is the perfect base for a memorable leisure stay in London with everything you need to be comfortable and no pricey extras. I can’t think of any real downsides, other than I’d love the option of starting the day with a full breakfast or brunch in that lovely, light-filled restaurant – this may not fit Locke’s vision for the property but it would be a nice feature.
There are plans for more Locke residences in Berlin, Lisbon and Copenhagen over the next few years, so keep an eye out and be sure to sign up as a community member for the best deals (it’s definitely worth it).
Studios at Kingsland Locke start from £85 per night.For more information and booking, visit: www.lockeliving.com
