Europe’s variety is reflected in its hotels, from some of the most opulent in the world to intimate boutique bolt-holes. With fashion season round the corner, we asked James Lohan and Tamara Heber-Percy, the couple behind boutique hotel specialist Mr & Mrs Smith, to select five of the most stylish hotels in Paris, Milan and London for a fashion-forward stay.
Ham Yard Hotel, London
PHOTO: SilverKris Website
Winner of the Best Newcomer trophy at the Smith Hotel Awards in 2014, Ham Yard is best known for its Kit Kemp design, super-central location and subterranean bowling alley. Hit up the hotel bar in the evening and choose from a range of gourmet finger food: try the chorizo sausage rolls with rapeseed mayonnaise, washed down with a Black Margarita with thyme-fat washed tequila. Then work off your hangover browsing top-notch shops around the yard the next morning; many can’t be found elsewhere in the UK.
If you book through Mr & Mrs Smith: A cocktail each at the bar.
Hazlitt’s, London
PHOTO: SilverKris Website
Hazlitt’s is hidden away in Soho with the best of the West End at your feet, a mere stroll from renowned restaurants like the Ivy and Hakkasan. Spread across three historic houses, the hotel takes its name from William Hazlitt, the 18th century writer who called it home. The stylish rooms include Baron Willoughby – the junior suite, which has a carved oak bed and a big rooftop bath – and Jonathan Swift, with its luxurious sofa and a 12-inch-wide showerhead. The regal Duke of Monmouth has its own private outdoor terrace with a retractable roof and enormous gold water feature on the edge of the bath. It’s quirky, in a best-of-British sort of way.
If you book through Mr & Mrs Smith: A bottle of red or white wine if you’re staying in a club or superior double, or prosecco if you’ve booked a deluxe room, junior suite or the Duke of Monmouth suite.
The Gray, Milan
PHOTO: SilverKris Website
Steps from the Duomo in the heart of Milan, the art deco facade of The Gray hotel masks 21 a la mode bedrooms kitted out with glam gadgetry. With its sleek contemporary design and option to have a personal shopper awaiting you on arrival, The Gray takes luxury to the next level. The lobby’s fuchsia two-seater swing hints at the playful in-room style: cream leather, faux animal pelts and two-tone wood veneers all entice guests to get elegantly cosy.
If you book through Mr & Mrs Smith: A luxury fruit and chocolate basket in your room.
La Belle Juliette, Paris
PHOTO: SilverKris Website
Named for an 18th century socialite, La Belle Juliette leaves a sweet taste in your mouth thanks to its confectionery-coloured interiors, hideaway spa and fresh-from-the oven Parisian breakfasts. The decor is bold and playful (think bright colours and antique instruments) and the spa services on offer are a surprising treat. It’s all close to Saint-Germain’s best boutiques and bistros, too. Leave your diet at the door when visiting Pierre Herme’s first pastry boutique nearby – savour passion fruit macarons and light-as-air millefeuilles.
If you book through Mr & Mrs Smith: A glass of champagne at the bar.
L’Hotel, Paris
PHOTO: SilverKris Website
It may be the place where Oscar Wilde quipped his last, but opulent boutique hotel L’Hotel on Paris’ arty Left Bank is so much more than just a fin-de-siecle relic. Its unbeatable location puts all Paris’ main attractions on your doorstep, but there are plenty of reasons to stay in. The Michelin-star in-house restaurant serves seasonal French cuisine in a dark and romantic salon – Chef Philippe Belissent prepares delights such as lamb with pumpkin, sweet chestnuts and salsify, and a marinated carpaccio of scallops with caviar. Or would you prefer to take a dip? There’s a private underground pool.
If you book through Mr & Mrs Smith: A glass of champagne each or, if you’re dining in the restaurant, a bottle of wine selected by the maitre d’.
Visit www.mrandmrssmith.com or call the expert Travel Team toll free at 800 905 326 for more recommendations .
This story was first featured in silverkris.com.