HOTEL FAVOURITES

I love authentic boutique hotels! With fewer rooms and a focus on guest experience, they offer a more intimate and personalized stay. This contrasts with the often impersonal nature of larger chain hotels, providing guests with tailored service and a warm, homely ambiance. Additionally, boutique hotels in Portugal are often located in historically significant buildings, seamlessly blending traditional architecture with modern design elements, giving them a great deal of character and soul. These qualities, along with a convenient location, were the reasons I chose to book Timbre Virtudes for my two nights in Porto. Porto is situated along the Douro River in northern Portugal. Its historic center is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers a rich cultural experience, from its wine cellars and Fado music to its growing appreciation for contemporary design and art. Six bridges span the Douro, serving not only as vital transport links but also as dramatic vantage points for pa...

Bad Gastein has been on my radar for some time due to its Belle Époque architecture and breathtaking mountain views. Once a favored spa destination for royalty during its golden era, the town evokes a beautiful sense of nostalgia. Today, Bad Gastein remains popular for its thermal waters, celebrated for their regenerative and holistic wellness benefits. Another highlight of the area is the 140-meter-long suspension bridge at Stubnerkogel, which soars 2,300 meters above sea level — an incredible way to take in the surrounding mountain views! Badeschloss Hotel In this town, the contemporary architecture and creative design of the Badeschloss Hotel (recently renamed Urban Nature Bad Gastein) immediately caught my attention. Originally built in 1971, the hotel has recently undergone extensive renovations, including the addition of a striking new concrete tower that stands in bold contrast to the grand historic buildings in the area. Following these renovations, the hotel reopened at the en...

Turku is considered one of the best summer cities in Finland — or at least that’s what many Finns say. So, I decided to find out for myself during my summer holiday. And yes, there’s a certain charm to this old city, with the Aura River running through it.  The old town is full of charming cafés and design boutiques. Some of the most iconic sights include the Market Square, Turku Castle (which dates back to the 13th century), the medieval Turku Cathedral, and the Luostarinmäki Museum Quarter. Scandic Hamburger Börs  I chose the iconic Scandic Hamburger Börs for my summer visit. This historic hotel has been hosting guests since 1894 and is located right in the heart of Turku, by the Market Square. After a new extension was added to the original structure, the hotel now features two distinctly different façades. The Art Nouveau wing, a protected part of the building, houses the conference rooms, while the guest rooms are located in the new extension.  Every space has been s...