Now is the time when the call of the tropics is at its wildest. We present some delicious options plus, for those staying in Europe, reviews from the hotel industry’s heartland

1 SCHLÖSSLE HOTEL, Tallinn

WELCOME: We were pounced on with gracious efficiency by the chap at the door, and treated like dignitaries as we breezed through the cosy reception area. This warmth from the staff continued throughout the stay.
THE ROOM: Wooden beams and higgledypiggledy walls contrast with hi-tech phones, TVs and audio equipment; the colour scheme is a tasteful blend of muted white and light pastels. The furnishings balance the feel of the hotel well.
THE HOTEL: The Schlösse is the first luxury hotel in Estonia and has been created entirely in keeping with Tallinn’s gorgeous, mazy old town centre. Spread across townhouses dating back to the 13th century, it’s a carefully crafted, but nevertheless very luxurious, boutique-chic bolthole with all mod cons for the business traveller.
GASTRONOMY: The atmospheric Stenhus restaurant, in a 13th-century room with bare-stone walls, is considered Estonia’s finest. The cuisine combines traditional Baltic ingredients (scallops, goose liver) with some Italian flair. It also takes risks: my goose liver cannelloni in Valrhona chocolate was not for everybody.
DOWNSIDES: Everything is on the small side, because of the nature of the building.
www.schlossle-hotels.com

LUX RATING: 17/20

2 HOTEL SKT PETRI, Copenhagen

WELCOME: Brisk and efficient, in true Scandinavian style. We were ushered up a short escalator, past white curtain-clad walls and to the reception area of Copenhagen’s celebrated Design Hotel.
THE ROOM: The Skt Petri’s rooms are classified as small, medium, large and XL. The large room has light wood floors, colourful decoration, a black leather armchair and footstool, and minimalist desk and bathroom. It is very pleasant, and definitely boutique chic.
THE HOTEL: In the heart of the city, the Skt Petri is bristling with contemporary designer touches: if Danish modern is your thing, this is the place to go. The bar is buzzing as well, despite the steep prices. There is also a very pleasant rooftop terrace for guests in summer.
DOWNSIDES: Terrace apart, there are no views to speak of, and the smaller rooms looked just a teeny bit Ikea for our tastes.
www.hotelsktpetri.com

LUX RATING: 16.5/20

3 CIRAGAN PALACE KEMPINSKI, Istanbul

WELCOME: The doorman was slightly distracted as we walked in, so we found our own way to reception, where the staff were polite and business-like.
THE ROOM: Kempinski has recently created some new suites in the Ottoman palace at the heart of the hotel complex, and ours was spectacular. Floor-toceiling windows deliver views straight across the Bosphorus to Asia, floors are clad with Persian carpets and the ceiling has delicate inlays carefully restored.
THE HOTEL: The Ciragan, created around an original Ottoman palace, has a resort feel, as it’s a 10-minute taxi ride away from the city centre, on the waterfront. There’s a big infinity pool for visiting in summer, and it’s a refreshing place to be after the bustle of the bazaar.
GASTRONOMY: Tugra, the restaurant, has had a recent refurb and the beiges and browns of the décor work well within the historic building. The food, a modern take on Turkish classics, is good, although the atmosphere rather formal.
DOWNSIDES: Many rooms and public areas aren’t in the palace itself but in characterless modern annexes.
www.kempinski-istanbul.com

LUX RATING: 17.5/20