Go on, treat yourself to a weekend away? Whether it's a spa package, hard partying or a luxury retreat, we pick some of the best European hotel experiences to suit every budget. So get your passport, luggage and travel insurance sorted and take off - what are you waiting for? A gourmet gathering in Italy For a taste of the good life, head to the Castello di Gabbiano hotel and winery in Italy's kitchen, Tuscany. Guestrooms are available in the renovated 12th century castle, once home to distinguished Florentine families. Wines produced on the estate include Chianti and Pinot Grigio, and there's opportunity to participate in expert-led wine tasting events. Go one step further by pairing your tipple with local produce served in the Il Cavaliere restaurant. Dine on game birds, artisan cheeses, smoked meats and estate-grown olives. No matter what time of year you visit the Castello, there's an opportunity to witness rural workers in action. During the summer months grapes are harvested for wine, while in November olives are picked and pressed to produce luscious olive oil. Rooms start at €65 per person per night (based on two sharing). Prepare to party in Berlin From burlesque cabaret to banging techno, Berlin has a reputation for being Europe's premier party city. Book a trip with friends and store up energy reserves for a never-ending bar and club crawl. With 24-hour licensing in operation, there's always somewhere to enjoy a refreshing beer. If you manage to see any daylight, there are plenty of sights. Take a trip to the historic Brandenburg Gate or climb the iconic Fernstehrturm (TV tower) in Alexanderplatz for a bird's eye view of the city. Alternatively, take a perch in one of the many independent and quirky cafes, and order a coffee or late breakfast - conveniently served until 4pm! From restaurants in the dark to clubs in atomic shelters, Berlin is full of curious locations. Get into the spirit by booking a room on the Eastern Comfort Hotel - a friendly hostel boat moored up alongside a remaining section of the Berlin Wall. Many of the rooms have portholes looking onto the water and there's even space to pitch tents on deck! Prices range from €12-76 per night. Turkish delight for all the family Thanks to the recent addition of the adult-only Serenity Beach, pure parental paradise can now be experienced at the luxurious Hillside Beach Club. Safe in the knowledge the kids are being entertained in the security of Hillside's Blue Flag bay, tired mums and dads can relax with only the sound of gentle, lapping water to disturb the peace. Mums can enjoy a spa treatment in the SANDA Nature Spa, a Balinese-inspired sanctuary, while the little ones are entertained at Kid Side by a team of enthusiastic staff. Non-stop activities keep dads occupied such as scuba diving, sailing and watergym sessions. From approx £103 per person per night on a full board basis. Hillside Beach Club, Mulga, Turkey. And for great deals on family travel insurance, always compare quotes. Young at heart in Lisbon Once considered fit only for backpackers and impoverished students, hostels are moving up in the world. Many now offer comfortable and secure accommodation, with the option of booking a private room. The quality of design could also rival a number of boutique hotels - but at a fraction of the price. So cast aside all preconceptions and pay a visit to the award-winning Travellers House in Lisbon. Conveniently located in the Baixa, the hostel is within easy reach of Lisbon's top sights, bars, cafes and shopping district. Housed in a 250-year-old building, The Travellers House features four common rooms, including a music lounge and TV room. Guests have access to free wi-fi, towels, tea, coffee, lockers and even a CD-burning service. For those who prefer a little more privacy, two doubles and a single room are available in the Little Travellers House. Prices from €18 per person per night. Lithuanian spa soother Leave the men at home for an indulgent girlie spa weekend. While trips in the UK can be heavy on the wallet, Eastern Europe offers a number of budget options. Try Spa Vilnius, a hotel with wellness centre in the Lithuanian forest resort of Druskininkai. Thanks to the discovery of thermal springs, this was a popular Soviet spa in the 19th century. While several of the harsh concrete blocks still remain, a revamp has left the place looking more like a slick Bond-style movie location. As well as a number of bathing treatments, guests can indulge in massages and beauty therapies, all at very reasonable prices. An Individual Wellness Programme based on a three-night stay, including use of the mineral baths and two treatments each day, costs €55 (including breakfast) and €73 (including all meals). Prices are based on two sharing a double room. And whilst there, why not pop into Vilnius - the European Capital of Culture 2009 - to enjoy the sightseeing and cultural treats of the Lithuanian capital. Luxury London If you don't travel well but need a change of pace head to the capitial and enjoy a little R&R at the posh Hyatt Regency London - The Churchill. The hotel is a stone's throw from leafy Hyde Park and some of the best designer and high-street shopping in Europe. It's also home to many a celeb's favourite Michelin star restaurant, Locanda Locatelli. As part of the Hyatt's Balance package, you can unwind in The Ritual Rooms Spa after a day taking in the sights. As well as manicures and pedicures, cult treatments include a one-hour Bespoke Massage, a one-hour Aromatherapy Associates Facial and a one-hour Couple Massage Course. The Balance Package includes king or twin room, full English breakfast in the Montagu restaurant, two hours of treatments at the award-winning Ritual Rooms and late checkout until 3pm, from approx £235 per night.
Please Rate this Article 5 out of 54 out of 53 out of 52 out of 51 out of 5
Not yet Rated