Authentic Experiences: The Perspective From Within

Authentic Experiences: The Perspective From Within

When you visit a place for the first time, it's always nice to know someone
who lives there. Someone who understands the rhythms of your destination, who knows all the best spots for food and drink. Someone with knowledge gleaned from experience rather than the pages of a guide book. A local.

Join Design Hotels™ on an insider's guide to insider's guides, highlighting five hotels that can show you the real side of the cities they inhabit.

The House Hotel Galatasaray, Istanbul, Turkey

The 20-suite House Hotel Galatasaray, located in one of the oldest districts of Istanbul (Çukurcuma), has a lot of very friendly neighbors. Visit Çukurcuma Koftecisi to taste the region's delicacy, köfte, before losing yourself in the warren of antique stores, street vendors, and coffee houses. Join the weekly rooftop social, when the city's movers and shakers are invited to mix and mingle with guests of the hotel. Share your haggling highlights of the day with fellow antiquing enthusiasts, swap stories with other travelling nomads, or just let the stunning view envelop you as the sun sets over a thriving contemporary city built with ancient stones.
www.designhotels.com/the-house-hotel-galatasaray

Mainport, Rotterdam, Netherlands

Mainport's location right on the water in the Leuvehauven district of Rotterdam affords so many possibilities that newcomers might be a little overwhelmed. Fear not, though, because this 215-room property designed by
the experts at MAS Architectuur has you covered. --The Explorer'', the hotel's own exclusive city guide, is your key to one of the busiest harbors in the world. Being split up not only by category (Architecture, Shopping, Culinary, Going Out) but also by type of journey (Luxury & Glamour, Urban & Vintage, Indulge & Unwind) guarantees that you'll find something to perfectly suit your mood.
www.designhotels.com/mainport

Ovolo Southside, Hong Kong, China

Hong Kong's first warehouse-turned-hotel, Ovolo Southside, is your exclusive guide to the South Coast of the city. Using the hotel's customized directory, venture out to one of the more than 20 art galleries hidden in factories in the surrounding area. The hotel itself features a multimedia events space and a Mediterranean restaurant, CIRQLE. The rooftop bar ABOVE is frequented by local tastemakers as well as a bevy of DJ's, ensuring that good times last well into the night. 162 rooms and more complimentary services than you can shake a stick at mean that the morning after will be very comfortable in this groundbreaking hotel, regardless of your bedtime. www.designhotels.com/ovolo-southside

Copperhill Mountain Lodge, Åre, Sweden

It's good to get an early start at the Copperhill Mountain Lodge, as fresh powder is the best to ski on. As you breakfast on locally produced meat and cheese, let the friendly and knowledgeable staff point you to all the best
hidden ski spots in the area. From there it's a simple matter of strapping on your gear and flying out the door, as the hotel's ideal location features a true ski-in, ski-out experience. 112 Peter Bohlin-designed rooms and suites, indoor and outdoor hot springs, two saunas, and a large lap pool await you after an exhilarating day on the slopes.
www.designhotels.com/copperhill-mountain-lodge

H15 Boutique Hotel, Warsaw, Poland

The 46 rooms of the H15 Boutique Hotel are located at one of Warsaw's most exclusive addresses, Poznanska St., in the Śródmieście (downtown) district of the Polish capital. Start your day with a visit to the Rabbithole Art Room and Gallery, run by the interior designer of H15, Mariola Tomczak. Afterwards, retreat to the Aficionado Room, a high-end whiskey and cigar lounge, or browse the wares of Eleven, a chic boutique filled with must-have items. In the evening, sample the international cuisine at the hotel's multiple award-winning and Michelin-recommended restaurant, Signature.
www.designhotels.com/h15-boutique-hotel