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Whether you’re looking for the best in culinary expertise, the coolest scene in town or just a place to rest your weary head, Glass lists five favourite hotels to visit on the continent
For design: Sofitel Le Louise, Brussels, Belgium
Sofitel Le Louise is a master class in contemporary chic. Renowned interior designer Antoine Pinto was given carte blanche for restyling the hotel’s communal spaces while the suites were designed by Étienne Bouten. The effect is stunning. Lounge on the cool outdoor terrace or enjoy a gold vodka cocktail in the hotel’s crystal bar which we are assured is the place to be seen in Brussels. Complementing the stunning interiors, the hotel often holds photographic exhibitions on its very own walls so you might want to allow extra time to reach your room as there is plenty to distract you on the way. But don’t get too sidetracked. With the rooms boasting Bose sound systems, iPod docks, heavenly ‘Rainshowers’ (with colour therapy) and the trademark Sofitel ‘my bed’ customisation, you won’t want to stay away for long.
For glamour: Le Meridien, Budapest, Hungary
On entering Le Meridien, Budapest you will immediately be struck by the old-world glamour and it is not hard to see why the hotel has welcomed numerous stars and presidents. Though newly fitted out in exquisite taste, the art deco building is reminiscent of a bygone era when travel was nothing but cocktails, canapés and luxury. The large foyer opens onto the hotel’s stunning restaurant, a huge marble room with a stained glass domed ceiling, so impressive that it almost distracts one from the food itself, which is no mean feat, as the food is excellent. The rooms are the size of most city dwellers’ entire apartments and simply but beautifully furnished. Book now and take advantage of their 10th anniversary celebratory offers.
For the view: Grand Hotel Kronenhof, Switzerland
Since 1848 the ‘Grande Dame’ of hotels (as she likes to be known) has welcomed weary travellers in need of respite, and they could not have picked a better place – both the hotel and the traveller. The hotel itself sits atop sun drenched mountains and is surrounded on all sides by glaciers. The traveller can indulge in the Kronenhof’s many charms, from its cosy fondues and jazz concerts in the wine cellar, to the spa which is the most impressive, offering a veritable plethora of restorative treatments. But the crowning glory has to be the infinity pool flanked by floor to ceiling windows, allowing you to literally swim towards the mountains, a view you won’t find anywhere else in the world.
For indulgence: The Corinthia Hotel, London
Corinthia’s new flagship property oozes sophistication and good taste. Priding themselves on having picked only the best of the best in expertise, from their Spa Manager to their Chefs, the hotel aims to excel in all areas of hospitality. The Corinthia features not one, but two exceptional restaurants; The Northall, which offers the very best of locally sourced and inspired British cuisine and Massimo Restaurant and Oyster Bar, run by renowned Italian Chef Massimo Riccioli – for a more intimate experience, reserve the private dining room where you and your party can enjoy Massimo’s undivided attention as he prepares your meal before your very eyes. Whichever restaurant you choose, finish the night with an eclectic nightcap at the jazz themed Bassoon Bar – after all, your bed is only minutes away.
For the address: 1, Place Vendôme, Paris, France
A hotel in Paris simply couldn’t dream of a better address. No. 1 Place Vendôme is right in the very beating heart of the city. Surrounded by legendary shopping addresses such as rue Saint-Honoré, the beautiful garden Le Jardin des Tuileries, not to mention the impressive Place Vendôme itself, there simply is no better location in Paris. The hotel itself typically Parisian; chic, sassy and just a touch bourgeois. The suites are unashamedly inspired by the grandeur of Louis XVI, and Chef Nicolas Rucheton respectfully interprets the finest French cuisine in the hotel’s sleekly fitted restaurant. In short, this is the ultimate Parisian experience; the only thing missing is the Eiffel Tower.
by Nicola Kavanagh