New is always better.
Barney Stinson, How I Met Your Mother TV Series
A famous quote by Barney from ‘How I Met Your Mother’ and one we definitely wouldn’t agree with. In any case. More often than not, returning to something or someone you know can be comforting and make you happy. Even though discovering new destinations is fun, we all have that one special place we like to return to every once in a while, that town where we know every restaurant by heart and where we’ve visited all there is to see about five times already. In a life filled with chaos, a bit of routine can be exactly what you need to wind down.
That being said, it can be very exciting to discover a new destination, a new restaurant, a new accommodation. Especially when you feel like you’re stuck in a rut, something new may let your creativity flow freely once again. Little quirky details, an architectural feature, an original taste you’ve never tasted before… No matter what does the trick for you, make sure to get your dose of new on a regular base. Seems a bit contradictory when you compare it to what we said before but believe us, it’s all about the balance.
If you’re looking at visiting a new destination within Europe or if you want to mix things up when it comes to the accommodation in a city you already knew before, there’ve been quite a lot of exciting new hotel openings these last few months. Forget about the cheesy paintings and wall-to-wall carpet you associate with hotel rooms – these newbies are focused on offering you the best interior design to be found on the market right now. So open your eyes and your wallets, because these hotels should be on your wish list.
1. Xenodocheio Milos, Athens, Greece
Even though most tourists tend to focus on the Greek islands and beaches, there’s some very good city trip material to be found in Greece as well. The country’s capital, Athens, has known a revival these last few years and is the new place to be for aspiring hipsters. Want to experience that city life while still bathing in luxury? Xenodocheio Milos is a brand new 5* hotel focusing both on hospitality and gastronomy. Perfect if you want to coddle your taste buds and enjoy a sense of great luxury in your accommodation as well. Rooms are tasteful and simple but with a big attention to detail.
2. Hotel âme, Rotterdam, Netherlands
Next time you visit the Netherlands, please do us a favor. For once, don’t go for the obvious choice (aka Amsterdam), but opt for something else instead. Rotterdam, for example. Where you could book a room at Hotel âme. Given, Rotterdam can appear a bit strange at first as it’s definitely not the image you’ve got in mind when thinking about the Netherlands. Instead, it’s a bit raw, industrial and very creative. That creativity can be found in Hotel âme as well. The boutique hotel was founded by ceramicist-turned-hotelier Angel Cheung-Kwok and her husband Manfung Cheung and breaths the Japandi-chic. Colors are muted, breakfast ingredients are local and above all, it’s just so calming. A haven of peace in the middle of Rotterdam’s city center.
3. Hôtel Madame Rêve, Paris, France
In a tourist destination as well-known as Paris, new hotels open quite frequently. The ever-rising demand means an ever-rising offer, it’s as simple as that. Yet, Hôtel Madame Rêve is special for sure. The name alone makes you dream of a long-gone France and the interior has everything we can ask for anno 2022. A lot of light? Check. Earthy tones? Check. Marble? Check. Excellent views? Double check. On top of that, the in-house restaurant and spa promise you an all-round experience. Nothing like sliding your freshly-massaged feet under a restaurant table after a long day of discovering the city.
4. Hotel Motto, Vienna, Austria
When we’re thinking of Vienna, a couple of images immediately come to mind: royal palaces, delicious pastries, grandiose museums. Cliché, we know. And that’s exactly why Hotel Motto is a nice change of scenery – it’s not what you’d expect to find here. There’s certainly a touch of classic taste yet it comes with a cheeky modern twist. It’s a bit over the top from time to time and we’ll gladly admit we like that. Aside from the hotel, you’ll also find a fitness and wellness area and a restaurant because well, you’re worth it.
5. Mama Shelter Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
Mama Shelter isn’t exactly a new concept – you may have stayed at one of their hotels in Paris, Los Angeles or let’s say Rome before. Yet, now there’s also a Mama hotel to be found in Lisbon and we’re in for it. Just like Lisbon itself, the hotel boasts with colours and a bit of eccentric energy. Rooms are rather small and cosy, but if you’re looking for some fresh air, the rooftop bar will surely offer some respite. And in case you get hungry, the menu is mouthwatering. Just saying.
