Mini but mighty: 7 spectacular short breaks

The City of Light looked chicer than ever during last year’s summer of sports, but some locals say that visiting Paris this year will be even better: The crowds have dispersed, the streets are still aglow following 2024’s capital-wide makeover, and the long-awaited reopening of the Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral has lifted local happiness levels even further. Intimate and elegant, the 18-key Hôtel Providence (also shown in video, top) makes a plush base for explorations of the revived city. Thoughtful touches, like in-room cocktail bars, make stays here even more welcoming and memorable. 

New York needs no introduction, and travelers need no excuse to visit: There’s something spectacular to enjoy here every day of every year, guaranteed. And LUMA Hotel Times Square captures all of the fun and eclecticism of this one-of-a-kind city. Luminous lighting displays are flattering on date nights, as well as pretty; interacting with Alina, the hotel’s robot butler, is memorably quirky; while AperiBar, helmed by celebrated chef Charlie Palmer, serves excellent Italian dishes and a punchy $10 happy hour negroni. 

In 2025 Rome marks its Jubilee: a rare gathering where millions of Catholics from all over the world will participate in special religious and associated events held throughout the Vatican and the Eternal City. Of course, visitors of all creeds are warmly welcome to enjoy the atmosphere. By the banks of the Tiber, Palazzo Dama features a sublime outdoor pool, impeccably designed interiors and a pisco bar—plus, it makes a tranquil, central base from which to enjoy the proceedings. 

Countless leafy parks, exceptional national museums that offer everyone free entry, avant-garde dining, and no end of shopping—there are so many reasons to love London. Facing the red-stone grandeur of St Pancras International station and by the mishmash of bars and markets that make up King’s Cross, The Standard, London captures the spirit of its surroundings. Quirky, colorful, creatively minded and all about diversity, it’s widely recognized as one of the most convivial and exciting hotels in the city.

It’s billed as the ultimate party: Through late October, Amsterdam is celebrating its 750th anniversary with concerts, colorful regattas, special sports events, and all-night techno sets. Given the milestone celebration, you’ll want to stay in a hotel that conveys some of the history of this great city. In a handsome converted 17th-century canal house, Hotel The Craftsmen features cleverly themed rooms and lots of characterful original features, from Delft wall tiles to attractive exposed beams.

Running from October through December, the Lisbon Architecture Triennale will round out a year of festivals, exhibitions and activities in the Portuguese capital. Right by one of the city’s most celebrated, elevated scenic viewpoints, Palácio Ludovice Wine Experience Hotel makes a great base for architecture aficionados—and everyone else—to take in the dainty red rooftops of this higgledy-piggledy city. But, as the name suggests, there’s more in store here: Set an evening aside to sample some of the hotel’s first-class wine collection.

Smack in the center of Ginza, The Gate Hotel Tokyo by HULIC is encircled, thrillingly, by neon-lit towers and countless incredible eateries—but its allure extends far beyond its location. Accessible only to hotel guests, the rooftop terrace offers Blade Runner-style views alongside complimentary drinks and treats, while romantic penthouse suite The Gate features its own outdoor Jacuzzi.