GREAT BOUTIQUE HOTELS OF THE WORLD
Dare to be different. That seems to be the motto of some of the world’s top boutique hotels. Typically small ( less than 100 rooms), upmarket properties in desirable locations, these hotels are growing in popularity. Here are a few worth checkingout:
HOTEL ESPAÑA, BARCELONA
Recently restored and modernized, this much- loved 82-room hotel near Las Ramblas, the main boulevard, started as a travellers inn in the 19th century. Take a tour of the property or read the 40-page booklet highlighting its history and features, including a carved alabaster fireplace, sgrafitto and bronze coach lamps. Enjoy the rooftop pool and bar, and Michel instar restaurant.
THE GORING, LONDON
A quintessentially English luxury hotel in central London’s exclusive Belgravia, you’ll find Gainsborough silks adorning the walls and awardwinning afternoon tea in the Goring Garden. The 69 spacious and sumptuous suites and rooms are each uniquely decorated.
A favourite with the royal family for generations (the Queen Mother enjoyed eggs drumkilbo, a lobster-and-egg-based dish that is one of the most popular items on the menu), The Goring is the only hotel to have been awarded a Royal Warrant for hospitality services.
ARIZONA INN, TUCSON, ARIZONA
Family-run and operated since it opened in 1930, the inn continues the tradition set by its original owner Isabella Greenway, who promised privacy, quiet and sunshine. The enchanting property, which is on the National Register of Historic Places and boasts AAA four-diamond status for both its hotel and dining room, has 92 casita-style rooms and suites spread over six hectares of gardens, fountains and flowers. It’s noted for its exceptional service and central location.
Borrow one of the films from the sizable collection — each one features a movie star who has stayed at the Inn over the years.
MARKET HOUSE HOTEL, JAFFATEL AVIV
Few hotels offer their guests straw hats and cotton tote bags but they come in handy at this stylish 44-room property, which is just five-minutes walk away from the beach. Located near the Jaffa Clock Tower and Flea Market, the hotel, which opened in 2014, is a welcome addition to this increasingly trendy part of the city. See the glass floor in the lobby that reveals archaeological remain sofa Byzantine Chapel!
Perks include a delicious complimentary breakfast (try the shakshuka, a tomato-and-egg-based dish), free bike rentals and daily happy hour with free snacks and refreshments.
HOTEL DEBRETT, AUCKLAND, N.Z.
This multi- award- winning 25-room luxury hotel in the heart of Auckland is sure to please with its eclectic furniture, New Zealand art, and friendly service.
The multi- striped bespoke carpeting from hand woven, 100% New Zealand wool leaves a lasting visual impression, as does the famous art deco-inspired Housebar and light-filled atrium restaurant withg lass roof. At street level,
The Cornerbar, with its retro vibe, is great for people watching while enjoying craft beers, boutique wines, or high tea on weekends.
STORKEN HOTEL, ZURICH
The pair of rare black storks that legend says once nested on the roof of this centuries-old hotel picked a good spot. The charming Stork hotel, overlooking the scenic River Limmat, is centrally located and has 66 elegant rooms and suites with pleasing views. Guests arriving at the train station can be picked up by boat and transported along the river to the hotel’s small landing pier. Don’t miss breakfast on the Rotisserie restaurant’ s terrace.
WEISSENHAUS GRAND VILLAGE RESORT & SPA, WANGELS, GERMANY
Beaches in Germany? Absolutely, including a private one reserved for guests at this unique resort on the Baltic coast. Arranged around a 400-year-old castle, guests stay in one of 40 dwellings, from a garden lodge or charming wheelwright’s cottage to a secluded beach house with its own outdoor sauna.
Dine at the Michelin- star restaurant Courtier, join a winetasting in the hotel’s grand cellar, or watch a film in the cinema!
THE SULTAN HOTEL, SINGAPORE
In the heart of the culturally vibrant Muslim neighbourhood known as Kampong Glam, a group of nine shophouses have been restored to their original character and converted into this upscale 64-room hotel, the recipient of a URA Architectural Heritage Award.
The original arches and columns and elements of Malay and Chinese decorative details of 19th century Singapore were retained, the fivefoot way and back alleyway were carefully reinstated and landscaped, and new court yards were introduced so that the public circulation routes within the houses could remain naturally ventilated. Shop for textiles and straw products on Arab Street or grab a bite to eat on palm treelined Bussorah Mall, which leads to the beautiful golden-domed Sultan Mosque.
THE AMBASSADE HOTEL, AMSTERDAM
Holland’s capital has a few beautiful canal houses that have been converted to boutique hotels but unlike the others, the Ambassade is a magnet for literary and artsy types. Its extensive library, for example, contains hundreds of books, all written and signed by world-famous authors who have stayed at the hotel over the years. You may run into one of them here on a book tour. Loaded with quiet charm, the hotel is near several museums and the flower market.
PAND HOTEL, BRUGES, BELGIUM
Cos ya nd intimate, this 26-bedroom hotel in a converted 18th-century carriage house in the heart of Bruges is decorated with art and antiques. Junior suites are accented with Ralph Lauren fabrics.
Breakfast is a classy affair with champagne and a country-style meal cooked on the A GA stove.