Roadside Chic is all about finding those hidden gems, the places that provide a perfect balance of comfort, luxury, exceptional service and the opportunity to do as much or as little as you want. In the spirit of this holiday season, here are four of my favourite European places to stay at any time of year and especially when the weather outside is frightful.
Opened on September 1, 2003, the Rival Hotel Stockholm is a “dream come true” for Swedish music composer turned entrepreneur Goran Bror “Benny” Andersson. You will recognize him mostly for his work as part of the Swedish mega music group ABBA. Mama Mia, this is one amazingly sophisticated, yet splendidly simple and elegant 99-room hotel.
Originally designed as a cinema in 1937, painstaking reconstruction crafted the 7-storey structure to allow for seamless flow between bars, bistro, entrance hall and the main lounge.
Filled to capacity on a nightly basis with the hip and elite of Stockholm, the Rival Hotel is as much an entertainment destination today as it was nearly eight decades ago. Dining takes place in the Rivals Bistro, the setting for a spectacular buffet breakfast, lunch or dinner. At street level, caffeine and croissants flow freely at The Tavern. Tables are scarce throughout the day as customers share their stories in the tight, friendly confines of this excellent coffee bar.
Address: Marustorget 3, Box 175 25, SE-118 91 Stockholm, Sweden
A Rocco Forte Hotel, Hotel Savoy, Florence is perfectly placed in the middle of the old city with easy access to all tourist sites. Exit the front doors and a quick stroll to the right will take you to the Duomo and galleria, or left to the main square, shopping, gelato and a short 15-minute walk to the famous Ponte Vecchio Bridge. Streets are narrow in spots, even for Italy, and driving here requires a great deal of concentration and patience, but the effort is well worth it.
A total of 80 rooms and suites grace the interior of the hotel. Piazza View rooms feature a king-size bed, marble bathroom and separate walk-in shower. Large windows look out towards the Piazza della Repubblica. Who needs climate control when the view through an open window is so magnificent?
A truly authentic dining experience awaits at Irene restaurant. Breakfast is served buffet style or a la carte, but the real magic happens at night while dining street side in glorious Florence.
Address: Piazza della Repubblica 7, Florence, Italy 50123
Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten
Located in the centre of the city on the Binnenalster (Inner Alster) of the River Elbe, the Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten offers the prime location for an overnight or weekend stay in Hamburg, Germany. Founded in 1897, a total of 156 rooms and suites feature state-of-the-art amenities to meet the needs of today’s traveller.
Muted shades of ivory and rich wood decorate the newly renovated lakefront accommodations. Many feature a large living area, oversized desk, several couches and, of course, multiple flat screen TVs. A massive window looks into the central courtyard; the perfect setting to soak and relax in the gigantic bathtub nearby.
Grill restaurant features the eclectic art deco style of the 1920s with the experience of traditional Hanseatic dining. There is also the opportunity to dine at NIKKEI NINE, a Japanese-style restaurant with a Peruvian (South America) twist or Restaurant Haerlin, awarded 2 Michelin stars under the watchful eye of Head chef Christoph Rüffers. Be sure to stroll downtown and see if you can find the Beatles statues signifying where it all started for the Fab Four.
Address: Neuer Jungfernstieg 9-14, Hamburg, Germany D-20354
The Carlton Hotel is a beacon of comfort in this one-of-a-kind resort destination. Sixty south facing suites and junior suites overlook the lake and Alps adjacent to St. Moritz. Interior designer Carlo Rampazzi was given a blank canvas on which to re-create a hotel complimentary to its illustrious heritage, but equally in tune with today’s savvy traveller.
His design theme showcases unique décor in every room, even going so far as to implement different colour schemes and art work throughout each hallway. The 1,200 sq. meters Carlton Spa offers a full menu of services in a lavish setting filled with views of snow top covered mountains.
Two pools, one indoor and one heated outdoor, adjoin to form a cocoon of relaxation. Dining takes place at Grand Restaurant as of 2023 and Da Vittorio – St. Moritz, a 2 Michelin stars restaurant with the renowned Cerea brothers authentic Italian dishes. At the end of a busy day skiing in the Alps, the hotel bar is an excellent place to reflect and relax.
Address: Via Johannes Badrutt 11, CH-7500 St. Moritz, Switzerland