Fairmont Monte Carlo, Monaco
Turning up to a meeting in a sports car, hot off a gin palace, or by helicopter is pretty par for the course in Monte Carlo, so make a less-is-more impact with pedal power. Fairmont has rolled out BMW Cruise Bikes to most of its hotels, and guests get to use them for free. The bikes are part of the Fairmont Fit programme. Join up (for free) and you'll also be able to borrow Adidas training gear and pre-loaded MP3 players. The hotel is built in a 70s zigzag pattern on pillars above the Med and backs on to the famous Fairmont Hairpin bend. Recently refurbished suites deliver this view, but arguably the best vantage points are from the rooftop pool, or in the new seventh floor restaurant. fairmont.com/montecarlo
Pavillon de la Reine, Paris
Hip bars, galleries, cobbled streets and hotels established in ancien régime mansions characterise Le Marais, the oldest corner of central Paris. Pavillon de la Reine is a perfect example of this stately but discreet architectural style, and it's the only luxury hotel situated on Place des Vosges. A recent restyle by Jacques Garcia protégé Didier Benderli includes a small but chic day spa. And if you book a Learn How to Speak French break, you get a 20-minute French lesson, plus French-English dictionary. There's no restaurant, but the breakfast room has a bookcase where you can put your new-found language skills to work over a Molière or Dumas. pavillon-de-la-reine.com
The Halkin, London
One of London's first design boutique hotels, the Halkin turns 20 this month and celebrations will be ongoing for the next few weeks. Paris and New York-based publisher Assouline is taking over the bar to create a pop-up Culture Lounge. Browse some of the imprint's beautiful coffee-table books, or make your visit coincide with a reading - literary events run until the end of October. A new afternoon tea menu features creations by 'baking couturier' Pierre Hermé, including his signature macarons. Brain and body nourished, move on to one of the new 20th anniversary suites. Each has a balcony overlooking the hotel gardens, and vast windows. If you've more time on your hands, enjoy a bespoke perfume consultation or gastronomy package. halkin.como.bz
25Hours Hotel Hafencity, Hamburg
In addition to showcasing Hamburg's hottest DJ talent, 25Hours Hafencity also runs so-called Tea-J sessions. Hotel guests can take part in a tea masterclass and create their own blend in the hotel's Vinyl Room. Drink your unique tipple at breakfast, before borrowing one of the hotel's Mini Coopers or bikes to explore or head to your meeting. In keeping with its location, the hotel has a strong maritime theme and rooms are called cabins. Each has a logbook written by a real or fictitious seafaring type. If you book the Bunk Bed Cabin, no fighting over who sleeps on top. design hotels.com; 25hours-hotels.com
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