Four Fresh Takes On Travel

Four Fresh Takes On Travel

From Porto and Rotterdam to Sofia and Hong Kong, Design Hotels™ certainly didn't put these spots on the map, but we can stake a claim in the new discovery of them.
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Located on Rotterdam's historic harborfront, Mainport is the perfect starting point in a city ripe with new unearthings. With a cutting-edge creative class driven by architecture and design, Rotterdam is re-defining Dutch tradition. Modern tourism and ancient history meet in Bulgaria's capital city. Sense Sofia Hotel is a portal into the city's thriving culinary and nightlife culture. These days there's more to Porto than the wine named after it. Contemporary art and bookish browsings surround in the historic center housing Hotel Teatro. Among the pulsing bars and galleries of the Wan Chai district, Mira Moon is championing the new Hong Kong. Late-night karaoking, gritty market haggling and edgy fine dining invite eclectic adventures in the bustling city.

Mainport, Rotterdam, Netherlands
The harbor-hugging and spa-centric hotel with 215 rooms, sits centrally located at the foot of the architecturally revered Erasmus Bridge. Neighborhood wanderings include the world-class Museum Boijmans van Beuningen, with works ranging from Rembrandt to Warhol. The nearby Witte de Withstraat offers alternative shopping for one-of-a-kind finds, or catch the local talent at the nearby Rotown bar.

Sense Hotel Sofia, Bulgaria
At the very heart of vibrant Sofia, the 71-room property sits steps away from the landmark Aleksander Nevski Church. Explore the fashionable district brimming with the cultural treasures of the National Opera House and Ballet, while post-performance cocktails await one of the many stylish neighborhood haunts.

Hotel Teatro, Porto, Portugal
With 74 rooms in the riverside Portuguese city of Porto, Hotel Teatro is steeped in the rich cultural traditions of the area. The one-time theatre is a well connected outpost within the city, with recommendations for one of the world's most beautiful bookstores, Lello, and the Rem Koolhaas designed concert house, Casa da Música.

Mira Moon, Hong Kong
The 91 room hotel, well-placed in the business district, invites guests to get a glipse of the changing face Hong Kong's Wan Chai district. Old buildings co-exist with modern skyscrapers and old-world markets inter-mingle with luxury storefronts. The nearby Star Street has gained a reputation as hosting edgy fine dining nights while the slower street of St. Francis offers quaint shopping opportunities.