Vienna
Sofitel Vienna Stephansdom
If the rest of this new hotel weren't so sleekly designed, the rooftop Le LOFT restaurant might overshadow all beneath it. At 18 storeys, the hotel is tall for Vienna. It's a gleaming glass- and-steel structure located on the Danube Canal with 182 rooms decked out — walls, floors, bedlinen — in white, light grey or black. But it's Le LOFT that is grabbing attention. Framed by floor-to-ceiling glass walls, it offers dizzying views of the city's spires all the way to the Kahlenberg Forest. Its dramatic sunset ceiling was created by Swiss artist Pipilotti Rist and can be seen at street level. The restaurant is overseen by three-Michelin-star chef Antoine Westermann, and it's worth making a reservation when you book your room. sofitel.com
Frankfurt
Roomers
The illuminated glass bubble on top of the roof of Roomers is the most obvious external sign that this former office block has become something far more special. Inside the bubble is a screening room and large Biorhythm spa and wellness area, where you can watch the city work and play from the comfort of a Jacuzzi. There isn't a traditional business centre, something designer Oana Rosen feels has become redundant because we're all "constantly connected", but three high-tech meeting rooms have space for up to 80. In case you need further encouragement to book in, the location is only 10km from the airport, and in the heart of the banking district. roomers.eu
Athens
Periscope Hotel
Athens is one of Europe's most hectic cities and one of the hardest for a nonresident to navigate. Guests at the Periscope Hotel can get a bird's-eye-view of proceedings using an electric periscope. It's installed on the roof and can be controlled remotely from the lounge, where images are beamed on to a huge plasma screen. Similar, if static, highs are available in 'superior' rooms, where ceilings are covered with aerial photographs of the city. And the top floor penthouse suite features a private balcony with stairs to a rooftop whirlpool bath with views towards the Acropolis. Periscope is part of Yes Hotels, which opens the new New Hotel in Athens this month. yeshotels.gr
Madrid
ME Madrid
You can't miss the enormous tower on top of the ME Madrid. It dominates this wedding cake of a hotel and is a great focal point should you get lost in town trying to find your way back to your bed for the night. You can even spend the night in it, soaking up the sights from one of two private terraces, or enjoying newly devised in-room spa treatments by Apivita. And guests can lounge in one of the city's most popular summer hangouts, the Penthouse terrace bar. With white banquette seats and low lighting, it's a great spot for laid-back meetings. Or book one of four large meeting rooms and remain focused on the job rather than risk being distracted by the views. memadrid.com
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