The latest It hotels have style, substance and shopping galore. From haute couture to street chic, check into one of these hotels that have been custom-made by fashion’s finest.
MAINLAND, FLORENCE
WHY? Fans of the classic bespoke lines of Ferragamo (whose son, Leonardo, owns the Lungarno hotel group) will love the elegant simplicity of the Continentale.
WHERE? Overlooking the River Arno, just minutes from the sights and shops of the Tuscan capital, with its beautiful architecture, cultural gems and ultra-chic Italian style.
STAY IN Some areas have a minimalist 1950s vibe, while coolly decorated rooms feature pale wood, modern four-poster beds, and floor-grazing white curtains creating a romantic continental tone. The terrace bar, perched atop the hotel’s medieval Consorti tower, is the ideal place to sip champagne in style amid picturesque Florentine rooftops.
ROBO STYLE Think retro feminine, but updated. Color block upholstery (black and candy pink), ribbed trim, and a bit of chrome. She finishes the look with a black and white fashion photo montage to add attitude.
IN AND AROUND A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Florence is not short of attractions. The hotel is so close to the Uffizi gallery that you can almost smell the oil paintings of the masterpieces, and it takes less time to reach the top of the architecturally stunning Campanile than it does to finish a delicious cone of local ice cream (try Carabé in Via Ricasoli). Fashionistas won’t be disappointed strolling down designer-packed Via Tornabuoni: think spring/summer lines from Armani, Bulgari, Prada and Versace. After the shopping spree, reserve a table at the trendy 1970s-inspired restaurant AC Firenze to recharge and relax with the local crowd.
MORE INFORMATION Doubles from £380 including breakfast in high season for a classic double room (+39 055 27264000, lungarnohotels.com)
LA BELLECHASSE, PARIS
WHY? To immerse yourself in the true spirit of the Left Bank, amidst the 19th-century elegance and exuberance of haute couturier Christian Lacroix’s bijou boutique hotel.
WHERE? On a quiet street in artsy St Germain, a Louboutin totter from the Musée d’Orsay and the Louvre.
STAYING IN Lacroix’s cozy rooms capture a sense of luxurious decadence. Decorated to suit seven themes, it’s a true flight of fancy. You’ll marvel at the combination of bright colors, rich materials, and wall mounts of giant butterflies, astrological motifs, and playing cards. The visual feast extends to the lobby bar and breakfast room, which is enhanced by a trompe l’oeil of columns.
STYLE STEALING Get inspired by vibrant frescoes, create custom murals at home with the help of Surface View gallery collections.
OUT AND AROUND Major attractions aside, this area is packed with cafes, boutiques and galleries. Try chef Hélène Darroze’s affordable Basque-inspired tapas at nearby Le Salon d’Hélène (4 Rue d’Assas). In Le Marais, find a cool new lifestyle store. Thanks. Founded by the couple behind Bonpoint, this treasure trove of vintage and contemporary furniture fashion and design sells everything from Urquiola, Starck and Navone to collectible flea market finds.
MORE INFORMATION Double rooms from £340 (+33 145 502231, lebellechasse.com).
HOTEL 25 HOURS, FRANKFURT
WHY? Germany’s fifth largest city is everything a good pair of jeans should be: casual, confident and effortlessly stylish.
WHERE? Located in an old office building, right in the heart of Frankfurt’s financial district.
STAY INSIDE While the quirky exterior is designed to resemble a large cardboard box, the interior décor is inspired by the Levi’s headquarters next door, so expect plenty of nods to American pop culture. Each floor is dedicated to a decade and various shades of blue are used to unify the look of the hotel. The prevailing feel is one of playful minimalism, so feel free to put your feet up without worrying about ruining the décor.
THEFT WITH STYLE Rock memorabilia doesn’t have to be vulgar; Give design prestige to iconic photos by placing them in brightly colored frames.
OUT AND AROUND Head to Zeil for high-end and high street shopping, or for independent shops, visit Leiziger Strasse. Completed shopping missions, curb your hunger with a stroll down Freshgass’s culinary mile (eat sausages optional). When night falls, visit the designer nightclub and futuristic Cocoon restaurant – it’s like stepping aboard the starship Enterprise.
MORE INFO Rooms from £88 per night (25hours-hotels.com).