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Book It: Four of the hottest hotels in Europe where you can catch the last of the summer sun

The Phoenicia is the grandest hotel in Malta's sunny capital city, and a fine place to stay for a late summer holiday
The Phoenicia is the grandest hotel in Malta's sunny capital city, and a fine place to stay for a late summer holiday

Eke out the sunny days with a cheeky minibreak to one of Europe’s capitals of culture...

Mercer Hotel, Barcelona, Spain

Best for… a peaceful oasis in the city

Despite being built around one of Barcelona’s original Roman walls, with crumbling arches and columns visible, there’s nothing remotely ancient about this cool hotel. Tucked away down a quiet street, its 28 peaceful rooms are thoughtfully put together with comfy beds, Molton Brown goodies and minibars full of free soft drinks. After a day exploring the city, head back to this little oasis for a dip in the rooftop plunge-pool and sundowners on the terrace overlooking the Catalan rooftops.

Stella loves: The sublime breakfast buffet, which includes tiny, individually wrapped baguettes packed with soft iberico ham, for you to take away for when you get peckish later.

Out and about: Don’t miss the neo-Gothic church on Placa de St Just, a stone’s throw from your door. Pay €2 to climb to the bell tower for a wonderful panorama across the city, then stroll five minutes to Barcelona Cathedral. For food and drink, you’re spoilt for choice; the El Born district (with designer boutiques and cafés) is within stumbling distance. Visit Bar Mudanzas for strong negronis, then head to restaurant Pla de la Garsa, housed in a 15th-century building, for memorable Spanish cuisine.

Rooms from £400 a night, b&b; call 00 34 93 310 74 80, or visit mercerbarcelona.com

Read the full expert review: Mercer Hotel

mercer hotel, barcelona
The Mercer is housed in a mostly medieval building built on to a section of the city's Roman wall, and includes a defence tower from that era

An insider guide to Barcelona

Villa La Massa, Florence, Italy

Best for… oldie worldie romantic charm

If you’re in town for the Madonnas and the Medicis you need a suitably grand residence for Renaissance reflections. Sitting on the banks of the Arno River, this 16th-century estate will fulfil all Tuscan fantasies. A grand entrance hall, a spa featuring elegant fountains and reliefs, coupled with elegant, spacious rooms and impeccable service. Take breakfast on the terrace and drink in the views, then stroll in the manicured grounds, complete with kitchen garden, which has the most intoxicating smell of fresh Italian herbs. If you have young children with you, there is also a sweet playground for them, as well as a pool.

Stella loves: The free shuttle service into Florence - a quick and easy 20-minute ride, that drops you right by the Ponte Vecchio.

Out and about: Even if you can’t face queuing for the Uffizi, just meandering around the streets of Florence lets you feel absorbed into this historic town. For the most exquisite porcelain do visit the Richard Ginori store (beloved – and bought – by Gucci’s Alessandro Michele). And for the best lunch in town book a table outside at Quatre Leone. Order the pear and cheese pasta. Sounds odd, tastes like heaven.

Rooms from £430 per night, b&b (includes use of the Arno SPA gym, sauna and Turkish baths); villalamassa.com

Read the full expert review: Villa La Massa

villa la massa, florence
With its peaceful, rural setting on the south bank of the Arno just upstream from Florence, Villa La Massa will appeal to those seeking the best of both worlds

An insider guide to Florence

The Phoenicia, Valletta, Malta

Best for… a city stay fit for a king

Built by the British in the 1930s, The Phoenicia was a favourite of the Queen and has undergone a major refurbishment since it changed owners in 2017 but retained its historic grandeur. It’s perfectly placed in the historic capital, right by the City Gate, and the hotel’s infinity pool, restaurant terrace and bedroom balconies overlook the Grand Harbour and sun-kissed limestone skyline. Menus show off the local seafood and wine, while the pool’s bar is perfect for sunset margaritas.

Stella loves: Breakfasting in the hotel’s grand-cafe-esque Phoenix restaurant - sit outside if it’s warm. We’re drooling, just thinking about the menu - French butter croissants with smoked salmon, brioche with marmalade, chocolate spread and honeycomb.

Out and about: For sublime views, take a boat trip and hop over to the Three Cities (Birgu, Senglea and Cospicua) where you can ogle at enormous yachts in the marina and beautiful churches. Visit St John’s Co-Cathedral to see Caravaggio’s masterpieces. Then do what the locals do, and jump into Valletta’s deep blue water from the large flat rocks that make up the city’s coastline.

Rooms from £205 per night, b&b; campbellgrayhotels.com

Read the full expert review: The Phoenicia

the phoenicia, valletta, malta
Malta’s iconic historic hotel, The Phoenicia, flanks the main gates of the capital Valletta

An insider guide to Valletta

Infante Sangres, Porto, Portugal

Best for… a touch of grandeur

This newly refurbished boutique hotel was built in the 1950s and has the air of a sumptuous 19th-century manor. The grand dining room blends Portuguese rococo design with mid-century-modern furniture, and has plenty of banquettes for regal lounging. Stop by the hotel’s stylish and modern Vogue Cafe for brunch before exploring the city on foot.

Stella loves: A glass or two of vinho verde and fresh local oysters in the company of Porto’s beautiful people at hotel’s highly Instagrammable Vogue cafe. The decor is all brass and mirrors, with red banquettes and monochrome tiles.

Out and about: Time your visit to coincide with a concert at the Casa da Musica - though it’s worth going to marvel at the building alone, an imposing futuristic concrete fantasy. Don’t miss the 19th-century stock exchange Bolsa Palace, one of the most beautiful buildings in the city. For a cracker of a brunch, visit Majestic Café, a splendid 1920s art nouveau cafe that has been serving its signature French toast with creamy custard with dried fruit for almost 100 years.

From £173 a night, breakfast included; call 00 351 220 133 115, or visit infantesagres.com

infante sagres, porto - Credit: infantesagres.com
Credit: infantesagres.com