Small-Scale Boutique Hotels for a Personalised European Experience

In a time where large-scale resorts dominate the hospitality playing field, there are several international boutique hotels who are emphasising their guest-experience by maintaining an essence of small-scale charm.

The properties below all offer less than 25 rooms, a unique sense of design and craftsmanship, and they perfectly encapsulate their surroundings.

Maison Proust Paris, France

A member of the Collections Maisons Particuliers, officially opening in January 2023, Maison Proust Paris is located in the heart of Le Marais, and inspired by Marcel Proust, considered one of the greatest writers of the 20th century and a literary legend. The cinematic palette of design can be found in each of its 23 rooms and suites, plush bar, library and winter garden, as well as its hidden jewel – a spa, Hammam and swimming pool, with treatments led by Dr. Max Huber, and his legendary skincare brand, La Mer.

NEWS: The hotel’s bar is now playing host to Colin Field, crowned the world’s best bartender by the prestigious Forbes and Travel + Leisure magazines, who is joining as a Permanent Guest, preparing his world famous cocktails every Friday. Colin has curated a list of 10 unique cocktails, inspired by Proust and the hotel, priced from €25. Please see more information here.

Locanda La Raia, Gavi, Italy

La Raia is a Demeter-certified biodynamic farm located in the Piedmont region’s Gavi hills. The Rossi Cairo family bought La Raia in 2002 with the intention of restoring and valuing the original ecosystem through a massive biodynamic intervention and project. The farm and winery currently span 180 hectares of vineyards, pastures, and forest, and include a 12-room boutique, a farm-to-table Chef’s restaurant, hotel “Locanda La Raia” housed in a former post office, equipped with a spa and gym, an outdoor art foundation, “Fondazione La Raia”, and a Demeter-certified biodynamic winery. La Raia produces three types of multi-awarded Gavi D.O.C.G. – Gavi, Gavi Riserva Vigna della Madonnina, and Gavi Pisé – as well as two types of Piemonte D.O.C. Barbera.

NEWS: Locanda La Raia, is seasonal, and closes for the winter period. The hotel will reopen on Wednesday, March 27th.

Villa Brown Ermou, Athens, Greece

Opened in 2021, this boutique hotel offers a sophisticated urban escape amidst the bustling city of Athens. Conveniently located near key attractions like Syntagma Square, the enchanting Plaka neighbourhood and the renowned Ermou shopping street, lies Villa Brown Ermou, a luxurious 16-room city-retreat, reminiscent of Parisian charm, with a curated Bistro and an Acropolis-view rooftop.

Villa Brown Ermou’s interiors are a testament to sophisticated design, blending refined glamour with Greco-French influences. The hotel’s aesthetic is characterised by a striking black-and-white monochromatic palette, complemented by subtle accents of soft pink and copper. Embracing traditional design principles and the use of natural materials, each of the 16 rooms exudes elegance with classic panelled walls, rich wooden parquet flooring, and ornate marble mantelpieces.

NEWS: Guests can book a stay at Villa Brown Ermou this winter with a 25% discount. Please click here to view the offer.