If it's time you lack and not travel spontaneity a city break can be a quick fix for all those 'fear of missing out' woes. Here are our top 10 hotels for just such a break.
Riad El Fenn, Marrakech
Every sun seeker's secret weapon, Marrakech is a real goodie for winter sun and even summer sun (if you can handle the heat). El Fenn is hot, literally red hot, with the colour prominent throughout the traditional riad. Vanessa Branson has done wonders to create a bold, funky and unique style. The USP, however, is the rooftop pool and terrace - a welcome retreat from the hustle and bustle of the Moroccan Capital.
Ellerman House, Cape Town
Located in the premier Cape Town suburb of Bantry Bay, Ellerman House is perhaps Cape Town's most exclusive address, the cream of the crop you might say. The former private mansion sits on the slopes of the Lion's Head, with panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. South African artworks adorn the richly decorated interiors, whilst the exteriors see manicured lawned terraces and a large swimming pool amidst palm trees.
Lydmar, Stockholm
Stockholm undoubtedly is becoming more and more fashionable for a city escape with stylish places to eat, see and stay. Lydmar is so hip it might need a replacement; the boutique hotel is an elegant affair with Swedish interiors and trendy Pelle Lydmar photography adorning the walls. Located on the waterfront with views across the water to Stockholm's Old Town, Lydmar is the perfect base to explore all that this Swedish capital has to offer.
Brody House, Budapest
Budapest is possibly a city escape that isn't harped on about enough, with excellent shopping and culture, and Brody House is a private members' club and boutique hotel in the heart of the beautiful Hungarian capital city. The original building dates back to 1800 and is now kitted out with contemporary art and eclectic furniture in abundance, and a fun and bohemian atmosphere pervades.
Hotel de Russie, Rome
Venice might be romantic but Rome is cool - and we mean that in the totally hipster sense of the word - spend your days zipping around on a vesper or sipping aperitifs in trendy bars and coffee shops. Hotel de Russie, although not whacky and off the wall in design, has a traditional, almost palatial-style architecture which is blended seamlessly with contemporary interiors and beautifully manicured gardens. For a city known for its infamously small hotel rooms, guests are in for a real treat at Hotel de Russie, that and the fact that it is conveniently located for many of the top attractions of the Eternal City; the Borghese gardens and gallery, the Pantheon and the fashion houses of Via Condotti.
The Yeatman, Porto
We at Original Travel have known about Porto as a great city escape for years, but alas stumped we were for recommending a decent hotel. No more. The Yeatman, owned by the family behind Taylor's port, is in Vila Nova de Gaia, an area rich in port warehouses and stunning panorama views of the river, bridge and old town - and as a result, every room and suite has wonderful views. The award-winning chef at the hotel is seemingly single-handedly responsible for ensuring you are impressed by Portuguese cuisine, and if that sort of thing isn't your bag the Caudalie Vinotherapie treatments or wine and port tasting are guaranteed to make you a happy traveller.
Aman, Tokyo
The buzzing metropolis that is Tokyo has a handful of really great places to stay but we think the new Aman is set to knock your socks off! This five star urban sanctuary occupies the top six floors the Otechami Tower and therefore has amazing vistas over the twinkling city. The design is archetypal Aman - minimalist, sleek and totally chic. Foodies will delight in the Restaurant by Aman which serves anything from super fresh sashimi to spicy curries. And lastly, like any other luxury Aman, the Spa has to be experienced to believe how truly great it is.
Fasano, Rio
Fasano is situated on Rio de Janeiro's fashionable Ipanema Beach, and just so happens to be one of the slickest hotels in Rio. Designed by Philippe Starck, the elegant interiors give a modern twist to 1950s and 60s retro style. Panoramic beach views and a simply stunning rooftop infinity pool aside, the rooftop bar is perfect for a fresh juice or an aptly recommended caipirinha (whilst admiring the glorious Brazilian sunset, of course).
Soho Beach House, Miami
If a city has a Soho House it is officially fashionable and the glamour of London, New York and LA are examples that this brand is a cut - or ten - above luxury. Miami's Soho Beach House brings a little something different to the table, in that it blends the best of a city and a beach side location. Not only are no two rooms the same, the pool and private sandy beach are totally fabulous. And speaking of fabulous the chef's 'farm-to-fork philosophy' means that the food here is wonderfully fresh and delicious.
The Lyall, Melbourne
Melbourne is Australia's cosmopolitan hub with a very trendy European feel to it. The Lyall fits the bill for a contemporary hotel featuring original art by local French artist Thierry B and being located in the fashionable South Yarra district. Bistro Lyall boasts a menu designed to emulate the multicultural nature of the city and there is also an al fresco terrace and a Champagne bar - chez chic!
