Where to stay for your next European city break

Words: Ina Yulo Stuve

The beauty of European travel lies in its diversity. Whether you’re a business traveller looking to mix work with pleasure or an art aficionado seeking inspiration, Europe delivers on every front. With 12 brands spanning luxury, premium and midscale segments, Minor Hotels offers travellers a wealth of opportunities to discover the best of Europe in their very own way. From nhow Hotels’ design-led destinations to the sophisticated charm of NH Collection, the trusted comfort of NH Hotels or smart, practical and spot-on stays with iStay by NH, modern travellers enjoy essential comforts, seamless experiences and great value in well-connected city locations.

So, whether you’re keen to see Amsterdam through an artist’s eyes, explore Berlin like a local or cruise through Copenhagen’s waterways, these three properties by Minor Hotels will make the perfect base for exploring Europe’s hottest cities this summer. 

A design-led stay in Amsterdam’s business district

Narrow, gingerbread-like houses peer over the winding canals as cyclists pootle past on their daily commute. Colourful tulips sway in the breeze while stroopwafel-loving children skip by on the way to school. Amsterdam’s city centre may be a tourist favourite, but it’s the Dutch capital’s Zuidas neighbourhood that’s spotlighting the city’s position as an international hub of design, business and culture. 

Where to stay

A key landmark of the district, nhow Amsterdam RAI is a towering 91m design-led property – the brainchild of renowned architecture firm OMA. Natural light floods in through the floor-to-ceiling windows that feature in each of the 650 concept-driven rooms, while a Latin American restaurant and bar offers panoramic views from the 24th floor. From the outside, the three triangular segments of the building resemble a vertical compass that showcases Amsterdam’s position as a global hotspot. The RAI Amsterdam conference complex, bustling Schiphol International Airport and the city’s main attractions are all within easy reach, making the hotel the perfect choice for mixing business with pleasure. 

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A swish harbourside getaway amid Copenhagen’s famed canals  

Copenhagen has long been considered Scandinavia’s capital of cool, and with Christianshavn’s eclectic mix of picturesque houses, waterside food markets and cobblestone streets, it’s an excellent base for a canal-side adventure. Cultural highlights such as the opera, Royal Library and popular Nyhavn neighbourhood are all close by. Hop aboard a water taxi and take in famous landmarks such as The Little Mermaid statue and Amalienborg Palace.

Where to stay

The district’s nautical heritage is well preserved at NH Collection Copenhagen, where a former 1950s shipyard headquarters designed by Danish Modernist architect Palle Suenson has been reimagined into a stylish hotel. Each of the 394 rooms features sleek Nordic design elements and includes Nespresso machines, a mini bar, iPhone docks and speedy Wi-Fi, offering a tranquil space in which to unwind. Many of the rooms feature harbour views, and the ROOF Bar & Lounge (open from April-October) is the place to be to watch the sun as it dips into the horizon.

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Smart convenience in a characterful Berlin neighbourhood

Berlin is a multi-layered city that thrives on its dynamism. With each street you walk through, a different story unfolds: landmarks such as Checkpoint Charlie and the East Side Gallery tell tales of the past, while the street art in Kreuzberg and the electronic music thumping through the walls of its famous techno clubs are a nod to a modern culture that’s been evolving over time.  

Where to stay

Travelling smart has never been easier than with at iStay by NH Berlin City Ost. Nestled in the Lichtenberg district – a ten-minute subway ride away from Alexanderplatz and a stone’s throw from Friedrichshain’s bars and restaurants – this 99-room property provides a solid base for travellers seeking a more relaxed, residential location with all the modern comforts of a big city hotel. With seamless connectivity, efficient service and 24/7 grab-and-go meal options, iStay by NH Berlin City Ost delivers an uncomplicated travel experience that’s a true fit for today’s modern jetsetter. 

Book your stay

All British Airways Holidays packages are ATOL protected, include a generous checked baggage allowance and a 24-hour holiday helpline. Secure your holiday at nhow Amsterdam RAI, iStay by NH Berlin City Ost or NH Collection Copenhagen with a low deposit and enjoy flexible payments until you fly.*

*Full balance due four weeks before departure for short-haul holidays. Subject to availability. T&Cs apply. See ba.com/deposits.