Townhouse hotels are a great option for a short city break. Smaller than other city hotels they tend to have a more homely feel with personalised service and a very warm welcome.
The Place Firenze
The Place Firenze, Italy
Occupying a charming historic townhouse in Piazza Santa Maria Novella, The Place Firenze features a rooftop terrace with a view over central Florence across the Duomo and the Tuscan hills beyond. The Place, with its 20 sublime rooms and suites, really is elegance defined and is more sophisticated private residence than hotel. Friendly discreet service, working fireplaces, beautiful antiques and exceptional attention to detail throughout makes staying here a pleasure and leaving rather difficult! A frothy hot chocolate and large slice of homemade cake by the fire is the best way to spend a cold afternoon; from spring to autumn, you can dine al fresco on The Kitchen’s outdoor terrace in the piazza, or head indoors for some organic snacks and cocktails at The Bar.
Rates from £480 per night B&B
www.thehotelguru.com
Chichester Harbour Hotel & Spa
Harbour Hotel Chichester
Following a £1m renovation of all the bedrooms, Chichester Harbour Hotel & Spa re-opened in the summer of 2021. Located in the heart of historic Chichester this 37-room boutique hotel with spa is set in a restored Grade II listed Georgian property boasting full height sash windows, magnificent fireplaces, and a sweeping central staircase. A neutral colour palette has been used as a base in keeping with the period of the property with sisal floors, velvet curtains, bespoke furniture and limited-edition prints. The beds are large and the bathrooms are luxurious, just the way I like them! The hotel’s restaurant The Ship is a relaxed affair and perfect for a quick coffee, decadent Afternoon Tea or leisurely dinner. The kitchen is led by renowned chef Alex Aitken. The underground spa has a steam room, hydrotherapy pool and a spa menu featuring holistic remedies. The perfect choice for a cosy weekend getaway.
Rates from £149 B&B
ROSA ET AL Townhouse, Portugal
Rosa et Al, Porto
This 7-suite architectural project was created by Emanuel de Sousa. You’ll find this contemporary little gem in Rua do Rosário in one of the trendiest neighbourhoods in Porto, home to concept stories, studios and art galleries. This 19th-century townhouse is more home than hotel with tall, ornate ceilings, wooden floors and pretty balconies. An eclectic mix of old and new furniture sits alongside design pieces from Charles and Ray Eames and Hans Wegner amongst others. It might be small, but ROSA ET AL doesn’t skimp on the luxuries; guests can enjoy in-room spa experiences and there’s a restaurant, coffee shop and concept store. Book Suite 7 if you can; it’s the newest deluxe suite located in the garden with its own patio.
Rates from €158 per night B&B
www.rosaetal.com
Hotel San Régis, Paris
Hotel San Régis has been a favourite of the fashion world since it opened in 1923. This handsome townhouse hotel sits on a quiet residential street with the designer shops and boutiques of the Champs-Elysées and Montaigne less than five minutes' walk away. The 42 luxury bedrooms are paired with wonderful marble bathrooms, all complemented by a smart restaurant, bar, salon, winter garden and a bunch of friendly staff. French designer fabrics, owners’ antiques and contemporary design pieces give the hotel a sophisticated look and feel.
Rates from £408
Eight in Bath
Eighteen bedrooms are spread across two townhouses in the historic heart of Bath. Small and independent Eight in Bath is as cute as a button with rooms decorated in individual styles, some panelled, others with shutters, some with in-room rolltop baths others with large walk-in showers. What they all have in common is every creature comfort you could think of. Just a hop and a skip from the Abbey, shops and Roman Baths the location is perfect; after a day’s sightseeing, you can enjoy a drink at the bar before heading to the restaurant on the ground floor on Tuesdays to Saturdays.
Rates from £120 per night
Batty Langleys
Just a 5-minute walk from Liverpool Street station behind a genuine Georgian façade is the loveliest hotel in East London.
A warm welcome, fresh flowers and lit fires are ready and waiting as you arrive at this cosy home from home in the heart of Shoreditch. Wood-panelled drawing rooms painted in a moody Georgian colour palette feature plush velvet sofas, comfy chairs and honesty bars. The traditional bedrooms and suites are named after reputable and irreputable characters from Shoreditch’s history including the infamous Kitty Fisher. Bath machines, hidden rooms and private terraces are just some of the delights you’ll find at this little hidden gem in the heart of the city. Real old-fashioned hospitality at its best.
Rates from £170