Chez Papa, Barcelona
This bohemian-looking guesthouse close to the Sagrada Familia has a homey feel. Decorated with flea market finds with tile floors and a woodburning stove for the winter, it’s cosy and welcoming, while the multilingual French owner Hervé is always spot on with his dinner recommendations. Many have said that it’s more like staying with a friend than at a hotel. Hervé’s devotion to organic food comes to the fore with Chez Papa’s legendary breakfasts of cheeses, breads and local honey. Lovely views, too.
• Doubles from €85B&B, +34 692 788 821, sawdays.co.uk
Casa Amora, Lisbon
Casa Amora has five rooms in a beautifully renovated early-20th century building. It’s in the charming Praça Amoreiras neighbourhood not far from the city centre. Each room has been decorated as a homage to important artistic figures from the last century, with period features such as tiled kitchens and bathrooms, cornicing and wrought-iron balconies remaining intact. There are also six studio rooms in an adjacent building, the latest of which honours conceptual artist Leonel Moura. Home-cooked breakfasts are served on the leafy courtyard terrace, and Lisbon’s famous aqueduct is nearby.
• Doubles from €90 B&B, studios €145, +351 919 300 317, casaamora.com
Une Chambre Chez Dupont, Bordeaux
What better way to spend your time in Bordeaux than above a bistro renowned for its delicious menu of fresh, locally produced food? The restaurant’s terrace is overlooked by the neo-gothic church of St Louis des Chartrons in a trendy quartier on the edges of the old town. Opened three years ago, the guesthouse upstairs offers comfortable, spacious rooms decorated in contemporary style. Gâteaux, tea, coffee and fruit juice are included in the price.
• Doubles from €125, breakfast options from €5-€9, +33 6 95 15 77 37, chez-dupont.com
Atelier Lidia Polla, Trieste
This elegantly decorated, centrally located guesthouse has two rooms available: the Carmen (a double) and a suite of two adjoining rooms for multiple occupancy – the Madame Butterfly and the Barber of Seville. The legendary breakfasts are served in the kitchen, with cakes and jams homemade by Laura, the manager and granddaughter of Lidia, the original owner who was a sculptor. Laura shares her grandmother’s love of art and has filled the apartment with paintings and sculptures; there’s even a piano.
• Rooms from €55 B&B, +39 334 715 0231, atelierlidiapolla.com
Arcadia residence, Prague
There’s a reason why the Arcadia consistently gains five-star ratings. These “looked-after apartments” are tasteful, spacious and spotlessly clean, as well as being very close to Prague’s old town (some rooms have views of the clock tower). Large, generous breakfasts are delivered directly to your room (guests have remarked that it’s almost too much food), while the “two Marks” who run the place are happy to help with restaurant reservations, concert tickets and private transfers. The attic apartment has a gorgeous freestanding bath.
• Apartments from €80 B&B, +420 7240 27525, arcadiaresidence.com
Cima Rosa, Venice
Cima Rosa is a 15th-century palazzo overlooking the Grand Canal and is a short walk from the Rialto bridge, but it nevertheless provides a tranquil escape from the crowds of tourists. Owners Brittany and Danielle are Venice experts who are happy to point out the best restaurants or hidden sights. Both are also architects and interior designers and have poured their love of renovation and design into the building. The rooms are modern and stylish, the beams are exposed, and the bathrooms are a generous size. The private courtyard terrace looks like a film set, as do the views, especially when illuminated at night.
• Doubles from €190 B&B, +39 333 354 8525, sawdays.co.uk
The Old Lady, Amsterdam
The Old Lady is a B&B in a 400-year-old canal house that is a 10-minute walk from Dam Square and the Royal Palace. Though on the edges of the Red Light District, this corner of town is picturesque and quiet. The house is tastefully decorated, with muted colours and simple but elegant furnishings. There’s a first floor apartment with a large living room available to rent, as well as two rooms on a B&B basis (the double showers are a plus). Gijs, the owner, lives upstairs and is on hand to provide any local knowledge and a generous breakfast.
• Doubles from £110 B&B, +31 6339 0364, theoldlady.nl
Sint Niklaas B&B, Bruges
In the building that was once the Sint Niklaas hospital, dating back to the 14th century, this B&B’s three bedrooms offer views of the bell tower, which is particularly beautiful when lit up at night. There is a friendly, intimate atmosphere and with its central location, just off the Markt Square, it’s a stone’s throw from most of the city’s tourist attractions. For those visiting in winter there’s an open fire, and guests will be struck by the gigantic medieval map of the city – you see it as you enter – that takes up an entire wall.
• Doubles from €130 B&B, +32 50 61 03 08, i-escape.com
Hommage à Magritte, Berlin
Fans of surrealist art will love this B&B dedicated to Belgian artist René Magritte – homages to his work by JULL appear throughout. Furnishing is minimalist, and comfortable – all the better to offset the art. The ceilings are high and stuccoed, the rooms are spacious, and there’s a verdant courtyard garden. It’s hard to beat the location, in the very centre of west Berlin, and close to the bustling Kurfürstendamm – but guests have also hailed its quiet and peaceful environment.
• Doubles from €79 B&B, +49 30 89567087, hommage-a-magritte.com
Town House 62, Rome
This B&B in central Rome is perfect for tourists who want to be within easy walking distance of the sights, particularly the Vatican, which is 10 minutes’ walk away. It’s on the third floor of an elegant early-20th century building, though there is a lift. Rooms are luxurious and modern, and there are excellent shops and restaurants nearby. Private transfers to and from the airport are also available. Continental breakfast is served in your room.
• Doubles from €72 B&B, +39 391 159 9077, townhouserome.com
