5 Hotels For A Summer Sojourn In The City
When we think of warm-weather vacations, urban destinations tend to take their place behind breezy islands and bucolic retreats, but summer in the city shouldn’t be dismissed. Here are five hotels that become all the more sizzling when they are drenched in sunshine. By KATIE BERRINGTON
Nobu Hotel, Barcelona
Soaring above Barcelona’s Eixample district, the Catalan outpost of Nobu Hotel is bestowed with the highest rooftop pool and bar in Barcelona – a staggering 23 storeys up – with 360-degree views of the far-reaching red roofs below, stretching out to the mountains and the sea beyond. All the rooms have impressive outlooks, and the best have bathtubs that take in the buzzing cityscape. The location means it’s well situated to get out and explore, but many happy sun-kissed hours can also be spent lounging on the geometric-printed daybeds, ordering expertly mixed cocktails and unsurprisingly delicious Nobu bites – and intermittently cooling off in the pretty tiled plunge pool. Then, make sure to stay for the spectacular, fiery sunset as the rooftop becomes a lively hotspot in the evenings.
La Fantaisie, Paris
Botanically influenced boutique hotel La Fantaisie is a verdant oasis in Paris’s cool 9th arrondissement – from the blooming, hidden courtyards to the fresh, floral motifs found throughout its design. It is crowned by the charming Bar sur le Toit, with a flower-filled terrace that overlooks the Parisian rooftops; an exquisite setting to enjoy cocktails (the menu is also florally themed) and the privileged view. The culinary offering encompasses La Fantaisie Restaurant, a vibrant neighborhood spot where French cuisine is served on elegant white-clothed tables and zingy citrus-adorned seating lines the picturesque terrace. There is also the more informal all-day café, where the bright, sunshine-yellow décor spills out onto Rue Cadet, so that guests can watch the world go by over coffee and pastries in the morning, and cheese boards and Chablis by night.
Broadwick Soho, London
Stepping through the red-awninged doors of Broadwick Soho transports guests into an exuberant world that feels miles away from the pub-lined streets that surround it. In the heart of this storied neighborhood, Martin Brudnizki’s maximalist interiors blend influences from disco glamour to jazz-age opulence, English eccentricity to la dolce vita elegance, bursting with animal prints and lavish textures. Head straight up to the rooftop Flute bar, which is sublime whatever the weather but dazzles when the sunlight bounces off the onyx centerpiece bar and the mirrored ceilings and tables. The wraparound terrace gives glorious city vistas to backdrop the martini menu, while a program of eclectic music performances makes it a place where both guests and locals want to hang out. When the sun goes down, the Dear Jackie restaurant awaits below for people-watching over plates of pasta, before you slink into the velvet-clad Nook for a nightcap.
1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, New York
While locals try to escape the city when the weather heats up, there are places around New York that make it an appealing option to stay in summer. With its driftwood design, lush interiors (the ethos is to bring the outdoors in and there are plants in abundance) and textured glamour, 1 Hotel is one of Brooklyn’s coolest stays – pun intended. The alluring plunge pool – with views stretching over the East River and Manhattan’s legendary skyline – usually has a party going on, so guests can soak in the views and the vibes at the same time. For those who want to do some sightseeing, the Dumbo ferry terminal is conveniently found beside the hotel’s main doors – a good reminder that Manhattan is an urban jungle built around water.
Hotel de Russie, Rome
Take inspiration from Audrey Hepburn when it comes to vacation planning and consider a Roman Holiday: think gelato on the Spanish Steps, Vespa escapades and perfect summer shirts. Even amongst Rome’s magnificent array of opulent hotels, the luminary Hotel de Russie is a standout, with a manicured Mediterranean tiered secret garden that provides an instant state of calm after a day exploring the Eternal City. One of the loveliest places to sit is Le Jardin restaurant, which serves colorful Italian delicacies on its honey-hued terrace, shaded by parasols and a fragrant canopy of pine and citrus trees. Indoors, the best room in the house is the expansive and beautifully designed Nijinsky Suite, which boasts a stunning private terrace looking over the surrounding rooftops and gardens.