With the euro at an almost 1:1 exhange rate with the dollar, now is the perfect time to plan a chic European getaway. Let these boutique hotels—bridging historical architecture with cutting-edge design—inspire your next vacation.
Steps away from the Trevi Fountain, and walking distance from everything you’ll want to see in Rome’s historic heart, the rooms at CasuCau are apartment-style with retro design and quirky details. Each morning, the staff leaves a breakfast bag filled with pastries outside your door. Combine it with the eggs, fruit, and coffee provided in the room’s kitchenette for a breakfast feast – perfect for a leisurely morning in. // via in Arcione 94, Rome. Doubles from $265 per night, including breakfast.
Don't consider Croatia a beach-town getaway? Think again. Croatia's beaches always exceed expectations and boast the most pristine, clear turquoise waters. This hotel is a real stunner, and while it doesn’t come cheap, it's for good reason. The restaurant serves excellent, modern European cuisine and has a beautiful terrace. It’s heaven watching the sun go down as boats coast along the water. // P.P. 79, Korčula, 20260, Korčula, Croatia. Doubles from $431 per night, including breakfast.
If you’re looking for a party island, Mykonos, with its stylish bars and chic restaurants, is it. Boheme Mykonos has real flair and bold flashes of color, as well as a subtly bohemian atmosphere. The hotel also has incredible sea views and private terraces or balconies from the rooms. And while Greece may be hitting the headlines at the moment, as long as you travel with plenty of local currency there’s no reason not to visit. //Vrisi, Mykonos Town, Mykonos, 84600. Doubles from $366 per night, including breakfast.
This Italian gem shoud be at the top of your bucket list. An intimate escape, Casa Buonocore is hidden among orange trees in Positano, at the heart of the Amalfi Coast. There are only six rooms, including one suite, so book well in advance to snag those postcard views. // Via Cristoforo Colombo, 77, Positano, Campania, 84017. Doubles from $240 per night, including breakfast.
Hotel des Academies et des Arts, Paris
You’re not going to find huge hotel rooms anywhere in Paris, but this boutique find packs a punch. It’s a relaxed little spot that pays homage to the artists that used to frequent the area. Gauguin and Modigliani, for example, used to call this street home. The location is prime, as it’s near the city’s main boulevards, and the hotel’s staff couldn’t be friendlier. // 15 rue de la Grande Chaumière, 75006, Paris, France. Doubles from $174 per night.
This is a city-central spot with smart and soothing design. With one- and two-bedroom apartments, you’ll have plenty of space for relaxing after a hectic day of sightseeing. Rooms are contemporary but comfortable with flashes of color and a mix of textures and textiles. The city views are great, too. // 11 Ronda Universitat, Barcelona, 08007. Doubles from $180 per night.
La Maison d’Ulysse, Languedoc-Roussillon
Tucked away in the French countryside, La Maison d’Ulysse is a hidden retreat worth seeking out. This restored farmhouse is northwest of Avignon in the south of the country. The hotel has just nine rooms, featuring both contemporary design and nods to the original features, plus gorgeous gardens and wonderful hosts. // Place Ulysse Dumas, 30700, Baron, Languedoc-Roussillon, France. Doubles from $207 per night, including breakfast.
The Andaz Amsterdam was designed by Marcel Wanders, who used Alice in Wonderland as a source of inspiration. This makes for fun and quirky interiors, plus a great courtyard. There’s video art lining the corridors and check in is informal and done via iPads on arrival. Another fun feature is the open kitchen, which gives you front row viewing of the hotel’s culinary action. // 587 Prinsengracht, Amsterdam, North Holland, 1016 HT. Doubles from $430 per night.
This Spanish stunner is known for its elegant interiors, which are fresh and contemporary, as well as its welcoming staff. While the bar mixes a great gin and tonic, the restaurant is the real star. The hotel invites some of Spain’s biggest chefs to take over the space for a month, redesigning everything from the menu to the space’s decor. It’s an impressive feat. // Mejía Lequerica 8, Madrid, 28004. Doubles from $168 per night.
For a true taste of Britain, go for a gastro pub with rooms. While the Grazing Goat is in the heart of the city, just off Marble Arch, it still maintains a sense of calm thanks to its side street location. The room decor gives a nod to the British countryside, and the hotel’s breakfast menu is one of the best around. // 6 New Quebec Street, London W1H 7RQ, United Kingdom. Doubles from $305 per night.
Book online at Smithhotels.com or by calling a member of the team at 1-(800)-464-2040.
