Culture Trip Deals of the Week – Places to Stay

Parisian class permeates Les Jardins du Marais, from the elegantly designed rooms to the calming spa facilities and the private gardens – one of the largest of its kind in Paris – which, come nightfall, bathes in the warm light of traditional street lights. The hotel is infused with a 1930s aesthetic, with art-deco motifs and rich details such as maple wood and marble bathrooms. Meanwhile, its position in the Marais district leaves you close enough to the action, with the Louvre just a 30-minute walk or 20-minute Metro ride away.

It’s the little things that set Arlo SoHo apart. Well-designed storage squeezes every useable inch from the 150sqft (14sqm) sleek and comfortable rooms, leaving space for mini-coolers and under-bed storage. Opt for the Queen Terrace rooms to add a private outdoor terrace with the only outdoor showers in Manhattan. Don’t worry, there’s a rain shower inside, too. Borrow a bicycle, and head to the Strand Bookstore or Pier 25 for a round of mini-golf. Or check out in-house Harold’s for some seasonal American cuisine, before heading to the rooftop bar, where you can relax with views over Manhattan, including up-close views of the Empire State Building and surrounding skyscrapers.

This modern three-star hotel is located in the trendy El Born district of Barcelona and offers a range of different rooms – from the affordable Tiny Room to the more luxurious Junior Suite. The hotel has been awarded Class A building certification for its thermal insulation system, smart climate-control system and highly efficient lighting and machinery. Hotel Yurbban is also a member of the Barcelona Sustainable Tourism Association, which seeks to promote sustainable tourism in the city. Its crowning glory, however, is the magical rooftop pool and bar that offers exclusive views of the city skyline.

Redefine luxury here at the Secrets the Vine Resort and Spa. This adults-only resort embodies the history and culture of the Yucatán Peninsula without sacrificing modern comforts. Enjoy the balcony or patio that come as standard in each of the nearly 500 marble and teak outfitted rooms and take a dip in one of the four pools available. Alternatively, just soak up the ocean view from the floor length windows. The restaurants at Secrets the Vine Cancún are flavorful and diverse, with each dining experience offering a different tour of the four corners of the world. Nebbiolo Ristorante continuously ends up at the top of every traveler’s lists, matching authentic flavors with unbeatable service; it’s like a slice of Italy on the east coast of Mexico. Buffets, outdoor cafe bars, oceanfront seafood grills and cozy cafés make Secrets an optimal choice for those who like to pick from all sorts of plates.

The Spanish-colonial-style Figueroa opened in 1926 as a safe haven for female travelers, making it one of Downtown LA’s oldest and most historic hotels. Original touches – such as exposed-brick showers and stone fireplaces – abound, but the 268-room Fig’s 21st-century credentials are impeccable: guests can relax around Downtown’s only ground-floor pool, take private yoga classes at the 24/7 fitness center, or sample the creations of celebrated chef Adrian Garcia at in-house restaurants Breva and Veranda. Head to one of the two classy bars, Figueroa or Alta, for a pre- or post-dinner cocktail.

This modern resort is the perfect place to soak up the Caribbean vibes. From spacious rooms with quick access to the pool, to the vibrant dining area and beachy pool complex, this place is what you imagine when dreaming of your tropical escape. The resort caters for all needs. Those looking to be active can get stuck into a catalogue of sports and activities, while those not wanting to raise a pinky can gently swing in their hammock or book a series of luxurious treatments at the onsite spa.

Wake up to glorious ocean views after the best sleep you’ve had in months at Sun & Sea Plus Resort on the island of Crete, Greece. Your suite will have a fully equipped kitchen, so you can wake yourself up with a freshly made coffee and enjoy it on the outdoor terrace, which is also home to a shared pool. Dine in at the Riviera restaurant, or take a gentle stroll past several taverns, bars and eateries as you make your way to the peaceful Almyrida beach, the most pleasant 10-minute walk you could imagine, and a classic slice of Greek living.

Meliá Jardines del Teide is about a mile inland from Playa del Duque, the best beach in the area. A lovely meandering pool and three acres of pretty gardens dominate the hotel grounds, and there are several food and drink options, including a themed buffet with plenty of options for picky eaters. With kids’ activities led in a shallow pool or the kids’ club, and a family-friendly party atmosphere at night, the experience at Meliá can be as relaxed or as amped-up as you want.

It can be hard to find a hotel in the heart of Rome that’s worth booking. That’s where Hotel Art steps in, an extremely impressive design hotel housed inside an ancient college. The old and new blends remarkably well, and the passion for art can be seen in every little detail, from the parquet floors to the colourful cushions that adorn every sofa and chair. The outdoor terrace screams modern art, while the Crystal Bistrot restaurant makes the most of the high-vaulted ceiling it inherited from an ancient chapel. All the while you’re never far from the city’s many attractions, with the Spanish Steps, well, merely steps away.

The fourth London property in Hilton’s Curio Collection brand, this smart spot feels more like a boutique bolthole than a chain hotel. Its name was inspired by the building’s former owners, a family of cabinet makers in the 1800s. Interiors nod to the area’s industrial heritage with a sweeping wrought-iron staircase and mahogany accents. Elegant rooms come with herringbone flooring, concrete vanity units and built-in sound systems, while some have freestanding baths with skyline views. You can tuck into a Levantine feast of flavourful sharing plates at Barboun before heading to Tavla for a barrel-aged nightcap to a soundtrack provided by trendy East London DJs.