Food & Wine
The Most Stylish City Hotels in Europe
TL;DR A great city hotel is a reason to travel in itself. These five design-led addresses — in Madrid, Barcelona, Amsterdam and Budapest — pair a brilliant location with genuine character, from a canal-house classic to a music-themed newcomer. Here's which suits a design pilgrimage, which suits a first visit, and what each does best.
The best city hotels do two things at once: put you in the middle of everything, and
give you somewhere you actually want to come back to at night. These five manage both,
with real design personality rather than chain gloss.
How we chose
Location, character and the quality of the ground-floor life — bar, café, lobby.
Prices are for a double midweek in shoulder season.
Frequently asked questions
Are these good for short breaks?
Yes — all five are central, walkable and ideal for a two- or three-night city stay.
Which suits a first visit?
The Toren (Amsterdam) and Serras (Barcelona) put you closest to the classic sights.
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