2022 - The year of the independent hotel experience
Spending time at an independent hotel is rewarding for many reasons. Across an industry that has suffered throughout covid related lockdowns, 2022 should be the year to enjoy a long awaited break and discover unique surroundings, staying in historic hotels with real personality, run by enthusiastic and passionate teams of hospitality professionals. Here we look at independent hotels in Denmark, England, Moldova, Morocco, Portugal and Wales, each with a unique experience to share.
Denmark (Copenhagen)
Absalon Hotel
The Absalon Hotel, in the same family for over 80 years and still family-run is one of the largest independent hotels in central Copenhagen. Fully refurbished a few years ago, the Absalon Hotel’s classical architecture exterior stands out during the day with its white façade and by night with its bright changing lights. Home to 161 suites and bedrooms, the bold designs including wallpapers and fabrics by the UK’s Designers Guild make this hotel really stand out from the usual minimalism associated with accommodation in the city. The Absalon Hotel is home to a vibrant bar, cosy lounge area, games room and courtyard. Guests can hire the latest bikes to explore the world’s leading cycle friendly city.
Andersen Hotel
Award-winning boutique Andersen Hotel is home to 69 bedrooms and suites. The hotel also features a small courtyard and large lobby area with fire place and varied seating areas. The hotel offers a daily complimentary ‘Wine Hour’ between 5pm and 6pm to all guests. The hotel has a strong design story with bold designs including wallpapers and fabrics by the UK’s Designers Guild. Furniture across the hotel is from a selection of Danish designers. The hotel operates a CONCEPT24 package which allows a late departure at no extra cost meaning the guest can keep the room for 24 hours, no matter the time of arrival. The hotel also offers a CONCEPT GREEN promotion. For guests staying for more than one night an option to decline housekeeping and opt for one of several experiences instead is available. This is the original boutique hotel in Copenhagen which has won numerous awards.
England (Buckinghamshire and York)
Hartwell House
Hartwell House is a stately home of rural Buckinghamshire, set in a tranquil setting of over 90 acres of English countryside with landscaped gardens and parkland. Accommodation is found in the 48 rooms and suites all individually designed in a traditional country house style and superbly furnished with antiques and fine paintings. Dine in style in a historic setting and choose from the delicious seasonal dishes in the two AA Rosette main restaurant. The Spa is situated within the Hartwell Court, just a short walk from the main house, and welcomes Spa Club members, hotel guests and non-resident guests for spa treatments and Spa Day experiences. All weather outdoor tennis courts are also available for guest use and guests can embark on their own tree exploration journey with a booklet to explore the many trees throughout the parkland.
Middlethorpe Hall
Middlethorpe Hall has achieved a graceful transition from country house to first-class hotel without losing its character. Middlethorpe Hall is known for its comfortable, luxurious atmosphere and the 29 guest rooms and suites in the main house and Courtyard are no exception. Enjoy the best of country house dining, awarded two AA Rosettes, having twice won ‘Restaurant of the Year’ in the Visit York awards, in the panelled dining rooms overlooking the gardens or al fresco on the south-facing terrace. Secluded in its own private garden, is the boutique Middlethorpe Spa waiting to take the stresses of the day away from guests. The city of York is a short drive away and offers plenty of attractions throughout the year. The hotel can also propose several walking routes to explore the Yorkshire countryside.
Moldova (Chisinau)
Castel MIMI
This is the ideal destination for a unique wine experience in a country famous for wine. Castel MIMI is the gateway to Moldovan wine. The destination is a unique concept of wine resort, spread over almost 200.000 m² of a land that connects past with present and future. Built in 1893 by Costantin Mimi this has always been the only authentic Wine Castle in Moldova and nowadays it proudly represents its country and national heritage. Bulboaca wines were among the most popular in the country and famous beyond its borders since the year 1900. Kings and heads of state have visited and appreciated the castle and the vineyards since they were established. New luxury accommodation and award-wining dining is available throughout the year. Airport transfers can be organised ensuring a smooth transition from airport to vineyard. A complete Moldova travel wine experience can be organised by wine tourism specialists winerist.com
Morocco (Essaouira and Fez)
Le Jardin des Douars
Set within a stunning botanical garden overlooking the Ksob River, the independently owned Le Jardin des Douars is Essaouira’s leading hotel. The ‘boutique’ hotel offers luxurious yet affordable accommodation nestled in the heart of the Essaouira hills only 12 minutes by shuttle to the medina. There are 19 bedrooms and 6 suites in total and 6 luxury villas with their own heated swimming pools. The hotel’s facilities include two outdoor heated pools, three dining areas including a large open plan restaurant, a ‘couples’ dining room and alfresco dining on the terrace. Other facilities include a hammam and spa where treatments are offered using Argan oils. A new outdoor bar has also been unveiled allowing for all meals to be taken alfresco with plenty of social distancing.
Palais Amani
The leading independent hotel in Fez, Palais Amani, located in the medina is home to 18 suites and bedrooms. This art deco building was partly rebuilt in the 1930s and today offers a restaurant, roof top bar and cookery school and hammam, all open to non-residents also. Palais Amani showcases the finest authentic and traditional Moroccan decoration. A large garden of 600m2 is at the centre of the palace filled with orange trees where birds, permanent residents here, provide the birdsong in this tranquil haven. The Fez Cooking School offers visitors to Fez a unique insight into this magical city combining a foodie tour of the medina followed by a cookery class, all in a new purpose-built cookery school on Palais Amani’s roof terrace. Private and group workshops are available and offer a wonderful hands-on experience including time in the medina and then cooking.
Portugal (Lisbon)
As Janelas Verdes
As Janelas Verdes is an 18th century townhouse and was once the home of famous writer Eça de Queiróz. This 29 bedroom boutique hotel is located in- between the chic neighbourhood of Lapa and the design district of Santos on the banks of the River Tagus. Spend time outdoors at the hotel enjoying a drink in the private garden or relaxing in the library with uninterrupted views of the river.
Heritage Avenida Liberdade
Heritage Avenida Liberdade is located on Lisbon’s main boulevard, in the historic heart of the city leading to the city’s most beautiful park. This 18th century building is home to 42 luxury bedrooms, a library, lobby bar, fitness room, jet pool and gym. The hotel retains its 18th century façade and original iron work throughout and Pombaline tiles in the interior.
Hotel Britania
Just off the tree-lined boulevard of Avenida da Liberdade on Rua Rodrigues Sampaio sits Hotel Britania. This 1940s Art Deco building was part of a project by illustrious Portuguese architect Cassiano Branco. This is Portugal’s only art deco hotel. The unique and impressive door is like nowhere else and opens to an equally unique, totally restored interior. Guests will encounter marble columns, vaults and frescoes all in the striking lobby. The 33 bedroom hotel is also home to a library and bar. All furniture is original and the cork floor is also original. A true dream hotel for fans of art deco.
Hotel Lisboa Plaza
Hotel Lisboa Plaza is also situated just off the Avenida da Liberdade. Inaugurated in 1954 and fully refurbished in 2015, this 94 bedroom hotel was designed to be a place of tradition in the heart of Lisbon. The hotel is home to a bar, roof terrace and cafe serving snacks throughout the day. It is the largest of the Lisbon Heritage Hotels and also ideal for events and meetings. The hotel is also pet friendly.
Solar do Castelo
Solar do Castelo is the only hotel located within the walls of Lisbon’s São Jorge Castle, on the top of Alfama, Lisbon’s oldest neighbourhood. This 18th century small palace has been transformed into an intimate 20 bedroom hotel home to a small garden for guests only. The hotel features its very own museum in the basement. The castle theme is evident in every detail of the hotel’s design.
Each of the above Lisbon hotels serve breakfast daily until midday.
Wales (Llandudno)
Bodysgallen Hall
Set on Pydew Mountain, Bodysgallen Hall and Spa is a luxury hotel set in over 200 acres of wooded parkland and beautiful formal gardens, with magnificent views across to Conwy Castle and Snowdonia. Discover this historic country house hotel set in award-winning gardens near Victorian seaside town Llandudno and enjoy a luxury break. Accommodation at Bodysgallen includes 31 rooms and suites; 15 located in the main house and 16 cottages in the grounds, all individually designed in a traditional country house style and thoughtfully furnished with antiques and fine prints and paintings. Relax in a historic setting and enjoy imaginative menus from the best and freshest local produce and organic fruit and vegetables grown on the estate for the three AA Rosette awarded restaurant. The hotel celebrates its 40th anniversary this year and has never looked better.
Main photo: Chris Lawton
