Focus on: Autumn getaways to European capitals

With the risk of repeating myself, the Autumn is for city breaks

In the northern hemisphere when I am writing this, the Autumn is almost upon us. It is the end of August and it is funny how after a long, warm Summer with bright nights I feel so ready for the opposite. I know this is provocative to some but come end of August I am longing for darkness, thick woolly sweaters, red wine and a crackling fire place. I understand this is the Swede in me talking.

If Summers are for hotels where you actually don’t stay inside the hotel that much Autumn is the opposite. This is when the hotel becomes even more important.

In this post I have focused on 5 European capitals and 5 really great Autumn suitable hotels that are perfect to return to after a long walk through the city, passing through parks where the leaves have turned a golden red, when there is a chill in the air and the pale sun is struggling to keep you wam. Ok, that is on a good day. These hotels also work when the rain is hammering on the windows, when winds are ready to blow you off the face of the planet and all you want to do is to stay indoors.

So what is a typical, perfect Autumn hotel? I want them to be fairly dark. I say out with Scandi blond wood and minimalist design. Bring on colors, thick curtains, dimmed lights and if possible an open fireplace doesn’t hurt. I want the hotel to feel like a warm, comforting embrace.

These 5 Autumn-perfect Selected by RG hotels are on my wish list to return to this and every Autumn:

Paris, France and Hotel Les Deux Gares

I know people are always talking about Paris in the Spring, and if you haven’t been, yes it is magical. But I think that Paris is even more magical in the Autumn. With all the parks, the strolling Parisians stopping for a coffee at some curb side café. When you can take time to peruse the many flee markets and visit one of the countless world class museums. Paris in Autumn is a hit.

Read more about my stay at Hotel Les Deux Gares here.

Berlin, Germany and Hotel Provocateur

Some cities feels like they were invented for Autumn. Berlin is such a city where you spend the afternoon in a Kneipe drinking a beer or two with friends or just find a quiet corner in a café to sit and write something profound, if that is your thing. Or even better, to people-watch and eavesdrop on other people’s conversations which is one of my favorite pastimes. If you do want to venture out Tiergarten in the centre of town is a city forest rather than a park, perfect for an Autumn stroll. And Berlin has so much to offer when it comes to culture. Basically, Berlin in the Autumn is a safe and great bet.

Read more about my stay at Hotel Provocateur here.

Stockholm, Sweden and Ett Hem

It is funny, both times that I have stayed at Ett Hem I have actually not left the hotel. This hotel is too darn cozy and homey that you really don’t want to leave. So when I started to write something about Stockholm and all the great things you can do here in the Autumn it felt wrong if you are staying at Ett Hem because the risk of doing what I did, and stay put indoors is too great. But if you choose another hotel, Stockholm in the Autumn is great. Walking on Djurgården, taking a boat out to one of the islands or to watch the world go by in one of the many cafés. Or just book a room at Ett Hem and stay in.

Read more about my stay at Ett Hem here.

Amsterdam, Netherlands and Hoxton Hotel

If you haven’t been to Amsterdam in Autumn you have missed something. The combo of canals lined by trees dressed in rich Autumn colors is just too amazing for words. It is so great to walk aimlessly until you get lost in the city and stumble upon an area you have never seen before. A point of advice, remember to ALWAYS bring an umbrella. Amsterdam is notoriously rainy in Autumn. So when (not if) you need to head indoors, there are some excellent museums and of course an array of great restaurant and bars. But once again, bring an umbrella. Even if it looks like you won’t need it, trust me, you will!

London, UK and Redchurch Townhouse

London… I guess words are redundant. London in the Autumn is a classic. Pubs, museums, walk along the Themes, Borough Market, Liberty’s… Enough said!

Read more about my stay at Redchurch Townhouse here.

So what are you waiting for? Chose your city, fix your travel arrangements,, book a room and just go!

See you somewhere in the rain!

/RG