We love hotels that have character, where you feel at home and that you never want to leave. For all those who want more than just a room with a bed, here are our favourite places. Personally visited and tested by GranTurismo.
The Dolder Grand - Zurich
Why we love it:
A real masterpiece. Stunning architecture, exceptional fine dining and a world class spa. Oh, and yes, the view is breathtaking.
Relais Castello di Morcote - Vico Morcote
Why we love it:
Rather a house of friends with extremely good taste than a hotel. The wine, the olive oil and the honey from their own grounds enhance the authentic feeling.
Nobis - Copenhagen
Why we love it:
Contemporary Scandinavian design meets the former Royal Danish Academy of Music. And the relaxed and friendly staff perfectly match the cool flair of the Danish capital.
Skeppsholmen - Stockholm
Why we love it:
The secluded location on a tiny island in the middle of Stockholm is brilliant.
The Dylan - Amsterdam
Why we love it:
A smart casual boutique hotel at its best. And home of our favourite fine dining restaurant in Amsterdam.
âme - Rotterdam
Why we love it:
Imaging a small, century old townhouse with a design conscious café that becomes your beloved living room.
Wilmina - Berlin
Why we love it:
A former women's prison turned into a very stylish place. Feels like home. Spectacular.
Ergon House - Athens
Why we love it:
A unique concept with a market taking center stage. Ad to this an urban rooftop bar with views towards the Acropolis. Pretty cool.
Memmo Principe Real - Lisbon
Why we love it:
A hidden beauty in one of the coolest neighbourhoods. With a sleek, contemporary and smart design throughout the property.
Quinta dos Murças - Douro Valley
Why we love it:
A very intimate house with just 5 bedrooms. And having breakfast overlooking the Douro river and its vineyards is magical.
Vila Foz Hotel & Spa - Porto
Why we love it:
Beach resort meets city hotel. Manor house meets contemporary new wing. And all comes with a charming staff.
Hotel Brummell - Barcelona
Why we love it:
A small and very personal oasis of well-being in the authentic Poble Sec neighbourhood. And a piece of Barcelona far away from overtourism.
Cà di Dio - Venice
Why we love it:
A contemporary home thanks to Patricia Urquiolas stylish interior design. A venetian home thanks to its local focus. And a true home thanks to its outstanding staff.
Riva Lofts - Fiorence
Why we love it:
A small house in a former factory building. The lovley garden is the perfect spot to relax when Florence is getting too crowded.
Chapter Roma - Rome
Why we love it:
An urban boutique hotel as it should be: Intimate, lively, beautiful. Casual luxury in the centre of the Eternal City.
Vico - Milan
Why we love it:
A fashionable boutique guesthouse and a hidden gem in a former racing bike factory. Live like a chic local.
Casa Talia - Modica
Why we love it:
The view - picture perfect Modica will be with you for the rest of your life.
Tenuta di Fessina - Rovittello
Why we love it:
A restored winery with very cool rooms and beautiful wine and food. Impossible not to fall in love with Sicily.
J.K. Place - Paris
Why we love it:
An exclusive home away from home. We could spend hours in the cosy living rooms.
Tuve - Hong Kong
Why we love it:
It is all about cool urban design. Form follows function at its best.
The Sukhothai - Shanghai
Why we love it:
A real gem for every interior design lover thanks to Neri & Hu. And proof that contemporary design goes perfectly with traditional hospitality.
The Peninsula - Bangkok
Why we love it:
There is no better place to unwind from the hustle and bustle of Bangkok than by the pool at the Peninsula.
The Surin - Phuket
Why we love it:
This could be paradise: The setting and the beach are breathtakingly beautiful.
Four Seasons Sayan - Bali
Why we love it:
Wow, what a hotel entrance. And wow, what a view from your breakfast table.
Alila Ubud - Bali
Why we love it:
Yes, it's that pool with this view. Truly instagrammable.
Park Lane - New York
Why we love it:
The sweeping view over Central Park is simply magical.