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Europe where to stay in
All too often in Europe, tourists are faced with a choice between forbiddingly expensive deluxe hotels, anodyne chains that could be anywhere in the world, or grungy dives catering to budget travellers. But don’t despair – there are chic, affordable places to stay even in Europe’s most fashionable cities. by Daisy Finer
Nice avantoure | adrenaline rainbow
avantoure | adrenaline rainbow
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where to stay in avantoure | adrenaline rainbow
Nice
You don’t have to be a millionaire to afford a glamorous weekend on the Côte d’Azur. Nice is sunny and fun, with brilliant markets, a glittering waterfront and Elton John’s favourite restaurant La Petite Maison – though a bread and cheese picnic on the beach is a fab more-dash-than-cash option. The Hotel Windsor is a party place, with rooms decorated by contemporary artists in whacky styles (room 365 with graffiti), atmospheric lighting, a lift that counts down to lift-off like Houston Mission Control, and youthful, cheerful staff. After hitting the nearby shops on the Promenade des Anglais, retreat to the hotel’s palm-filled garden with its sunbeds and mini pool, or float into the meditation room for some Zen time. La Petite Maison: 11 rue Dalpozzo (from £52) Tel: + 33 4 93885935, www.hotelwindsornice.com
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Canon de Beaumarchais: 12 Rue Vieilledu-Temple (from £85) Tel: + 33 142 723412, www.carondebeaumarchais.com
Bruges An eighteenth-century carriage house tucked away in one of Bruges’ most tranquil corners, The Pand has been beautifully converted into a 26-bedroom boutique hotel, run by its owner and wonderfully old fashioned, with opulent furniture, thick curtains, heady roses and open fires. The suites are decorated with Ralph Lauren fabrics and include bathroom goodies by Annick Goutal. Feast on perfectly poached eggs cooked on an Aga in the comfort of the rusticstyle breakfast room, and eat supper at the Michelin three-starred De Karmeliet restaurant, just around the corner. The Pand: Pandreitje 16 Tel: +32 (0) 50 340666, www.pandhotel.com
where to stay in
The Caron de Beaumarchais is exactly what you want from a hotel in Paris: small, affordable and bohemian. Its location is perfect – bang in the middle of the Marais district – the staff are friendly (which means a lot in Paris), and the interior oozes character. Misty mirrors,
avantoure | adrenaline rainbow
Paris chandeliers, portraits and statues recreate the atmosphere of an eighteenth-century townhouse straight out of Dangerous Liasons. The nineteen bedrooms retain their original oak beams and are decorated with elegant fabrics and furniture. Bathrooms are more modern
and functional, with fresh flowers and bathrobes. In winter a log fire crackles in the lobby, and come summer the hotel is blissfully air-conditioned. Although the top-floor rooms are tiny, they have balconies with sweeping views across the Right Bank.
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where to stay in
Rome
Casa Howard is Rome’s secret pied a terre, hidden exactly where you want to be – down a side street near the Spanish Steps, not far from Prada and Gucci. There are five bedrooms, each uniquely decorated with a combination of comfort and flair. The Chinese Room is swathed in glamorous silks and the White Room a fresh mix of toile de jouy and antique furnishings. Okay, so you have to walk down a corridor to get to the bathroom, but kimonos and slippers are provided to ease the way. There are fresh flowers, a hairdresser and massage service are available, and even a Turkish bath to ease weary limbs after sightseeing. It all makes for an intimate affair, refreshingly different from the pompous swank of most Roman hotels. Breakfast is a feast of buttery pastries, fresh juices, and homemade jam from the owners’ Tuscan farm.
Casa Howar: Via Capo Le Case 18 (from £100) Tel: +39 06 69 924555, www.casahoward.com
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avantoure | adrenaline rainbow
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where to stay in
Venice
In Venice, it can seem like Mission Impossible to find somewhere decent to stay that won’t warp your credit card, while many of the city’s B&Bs are dark and dank. Thank heavens for the enchanting Palazzo dal Carlo, situated on a sleepy canal just ten minutes’ walk from San Marco and near the Guggenheim. This exquisitely restored eighteenth-century palazzo is run with warmth and panache by owner Roberta dal Carlo, a legendary Venetian hostess who offers prosecco and home-baked goodies as well as insider advice on the city’s best restaurants. There are three double rooms with marble bathrooms, a guest sitting room, and a panoramic roof terrace planted with jasmine. Chandeliers, parquet floors and antique mirrors enhance the old world atmosphere – the last thing you want in Venice is modern minimalism.
Palazzo dal Carlo: Fondamenta Borgo (from £89) Tel: + 39 41 522 6863; www.palazzodalcarlo.com
avantoure | adrenaline rainbow
avantoure | adrenaline rainbow
