Hotel Reviews
Honest impressions from the places I've laid my head across Europe
My Review Philosophy
Every hotel on this page is one I've personally stayed in — no sponsored placements, no freebies. I review each property through the lens of a solo traveller: value for money, neighbourhood charm, the quality of sleep, and those small thoughtful touches that make a stay memorable. From intimate pension rooms in Lisbon to design-forward boutique hotels in Berlin, these are my honest, firsthand accounts.
Featured Hotel Stays
Six stays that left a lasting impression — for all the right reasons
Casa do Bairro, Lisbon
A sun-drenched boutique guesthouse tucked into Alfama's cobblestone lanes. Azulejo-tiled walls, handmade breakfast pastries, and a rooftop terrace with sweeping river views made this one of my favourite sleeps of the year.
★★★★★ Exceptional
Das Loft Hotel, Berlin
Industrial-chic meets Bauhaus sensibility in Mitte. Exposed concrete walls softened by velvet furnishings, a curated vinyl collection in the lounge, and a killer espresso bar downstairs. Perfectly positioned for gallery-hopping.
★★★★★ Exceptional
Palazzo Verde, Florence
A converted Renaissance palazzo steps from the Uffizi. Frescoed ceilings, antique four-poster beds, and a secret garden courtyard where they serve aperitivo at dusk. Pure Florentine romance without the tourist-trap prices.
★★★★☆ Excellent
The Pulitzer, Amsterdam
Twenty-five 17th-century canal houses knitted into one glorious hotel. Every room is different — mine had exposed oak beams, a canal view, and a reading nook I barely left. The in-house bookshop sealed the deal.
★★★★★ Exceptional
Hotel Salvator, Prague
A quiet gem one street back from Old Town Square. The vaulted breakfast cellar — stone arches, candlelight, and warm bread rolls at 7am — is worth the stay alone. Genuinely friendly staff who give real local tips.
★★★★☆ Excellent
Casa Bonay, Barcelona
A 19th-century Eixample building reimagined as a low-key creative hub. The rooftop pool, natural wine bar, and independent bookshop on the ground floor attract a wonderfully mixed crowd of locals and travellers.
★★★★★ Exceptional
What I Look For
Four pillars guide every review I write — no matter the price point
Sleep Quality
Blackout curtains, noise levels, mattress comfort, and temperature control. A great hotel starts with a great night's sleep.
Location & Access
Walkability to key sights, public transport links, and the feel of the surrounding neighbourhood after dark.
Value for Money
Does what you get justify the nightly rate? I compare across budget tiers and flag outstanding deals and hidden costs alike.
Character & Soul
The intangibles: warm staff, local art on the walls, a sense of place that no chain hotel can replicate. This often tips my rating.
Stayed Somewhere Wonderful?
Have a hidden gem you'd love to share, or a question about one of my stays? I'd love to hear from you — drop me a message any time.