THE SMART GUIDE room THE SMART GUIDE room Alcron hotel, the new contemporary design is enhanced by a concept store, rooftop terrace and specialty coffee shop. Like Prague, Budapest resonates history without having the attraction of eyecatching hotels that such as destination deserves. The opening of W Hotel Budapest (marriott.com) in the magnificent Drechsler Palace, former home of the Hungarian Institute of Ballet, helps to redress the balance. The 151 rooms and suites have been stylishly reimagined by British firm Bowler James Brindley and the Hungarians Bánáti + Hartvig, while three dining options add to the attractions on Andrássy Avenue, a Unesco World Heritage Site. Perhaps, the star spot is the AWAY spa – an oasis away from the increasingly busy city, with secret spaces offering a true escape (fittingly with inspiration from that most famous of sons of Budapest, Harry Houdini). Heading back west, Zurich may seem to offer a more sedate experience than its close metropolitan neighbours, yet the appeal of its old town and allure of namesake lake make the Swiss city an understated but enticing destination in Central Europe. Its credentials have been further embelliehed by the opening of Mandarin GRAND LOCATIONS From top: the ornate decor of the Almanac Palais Vienna; Bar Montez at Rosewood Munich Oriental Savoy, Zurich (mandarinoriental.com). The reimagining of the hotel, which was built in 1838, was carried out by French interior designer Tristan Auer. The 80-key hotel also features a selection of outstanding dining options, including Orsini, helmed by Antonio Guida from the two-Michelinstarred Seta restaurant at Mandarin Oriental, Milan. Italian fine dining, Swiss style are a match made in heaven. While so much of MittelEuropa’s grandeur lies in its cities, there is still discoveries to be made in more remote outposts. Take the islet of Mamula (mamulaisland. com), in Montenegro’s Unesco-protected Bay of Kotor. A former prison colony, a fortress built by the governor of Dalmatia in 1853 has become to an opulent accommodation consisting of 10 room and 22 suites, where the modcons of a typical high-end residence are complemented by the fascinating history and ornate frescoes that were discovered during the restoration. Nods to it past – both good and bad times – echo throughout but this is modern location offering a host of amenities. Like much of what is on offer in this fascinating part of the world, the past and present go hand in hand to make a bright future. © ALMANAC HOTELS DAVIDE LOVATTI 14 NetJets
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