Aman tokyo
Japan
Aman Tokyo is located in the prestigious financial district of Otemachi, just steps away from Tokyo Station and the world-famous Ginza shopping district. The hotel occupies the top six floors of The Otemachi Tower, offering spectacular panoramas of the Imperial Palace Gardens and surrounding Tokyo landmarks.
Casa Cook Samos
Greece
Samos is an island rich in both history and beauty. Beyond its bustling beaches and lively town, there are countless hidden gems, including quaint churches, fresh waterfalls and lush forests in the shaded inland mountains just begging to be explored. Inspired by traditional greek houses, or kamares, found in samian villages, the architecture is down-to-earth and inclusive. The historic concept of a Grecian village has been embodied in the modern space, where the hotel’s infinite swimming pools act as the town centre of each small ‘neighborhood’ within the hotel — offering space to immerse with those around you when the mood strikes, or retreat back to your room to recharge in complete solitude.
The revival of the countryside: Szegzárd – the lodge
Hungary
When was the last time you had a good read in a hammock surrounded by vineyards and orchards? Do you remember the crisp sheets in your favourite hotels and apartments to jump out of with the first rays of sunshine to take a dip in the pool before breakfast? We invite you to a journey to the Hungarian countryside’s freshest design lodges, Szegzárd – the lodge; a true nest to modern-day seekers.
Grand Hôtel Wiesler
Austria
Have you ever thought about enjoying the cityscape while taking a hot bath? Look no further than Graz's very own Grand Hôtel Wiesler, where you can enjoy both at the same time! Laid-back elegance, unconventional luxury (just think of the freestanding bathtub) and a cosmopolitan flair are just some of the impressions that best describe our stay at the The Weitzer Welt’s hip hotel; Grand Hôtel Wiesler. The Grand Hôtel Wiesler is situated in a privileged location in a hip and dynamic area. Set in the heart of Graz, right by the River Mur, next to the Kunsthaus and an arm-sight away of the Schlossberg, it is surrounded by bars and shops of the young creative scene in the city. The Hotel welcomes digital nomads just as warmly as business travellers but also Falco, Mick Jagger and Arnold Schwarzenegger are just a few of the names on its impressive guest list. Impressive, right? Whether it’s winter, spring, summer or autumn, Graz is always a good idea thanks to it’s diversity. In every season Graz is the city to slow down whether you’re opting for sightseeing, the abundance of cultural programs or a revitalising hike nearby the city. UNESCO has declared Graz part of "Creative Cities," which means that the city now officially belongs to their international network of forward-looking places. Only a few other cities offer so much variety within such a small area contemporary architecture right next to medieval houses set in the midst of ancient alleys backdropped by mountains painted in the hues of epic sunsets. The Grand Hôtel Wiesler is no different; the hotel’s design juxtaposes hip and modern elements such as street art, bare walls with traditional and Art Nouveau details.
Christmas Giveaway: Valletta Vintage
Malta
"Valletta Vintage is a collection of vintage and contemporary finds — properties & contents — which we curate with my husband, to offer an alternative to mainstream holiday accommodation. The collection grew from one small apartment to five, and soon to be ten apartments, each housed in buildings older than a hundred years and spread around the city of Valletta and its harbour." Read our interview with Hanna - our lovely Valletta ambassador who's also the superwoman behind Malta's number one design-hospitality concept; Valletta Vintage. Scroll down for a joint Christmas surprise and follow the @localslore Instagram page for updates! Happy Holidays and a well-travelled New Year!
Stay at Autor Rooms - Interview w/ Magdalena Ponagajbo
Poland
Autor Rooms has been on our bucket list ever since, and we've finally got the chance to sit down with Creative Director and Partner, Magdalena Ponagajbo to talk about the idea behind this uniquel design-slash-hospitality concept called Autor Rooms, in the heart of Warsaw. Autor Rooms is something more than accommodation. It is an elaborate concept built with help of people from different disciplines. The hotel proudly features Polish culture and art, their very own design and craftsmanship as well as Polish hospitality. "Many guests appreciate the city’s imperfection. It disrupts their usual sightseeing routine, forces to ask questions and to meet local people." - Wondering if it's true? Visit Warsaw and book your stay today or enter our GIVEAWAY and win a two-nights-stay with your loved one at Autor Rooms.
Giveaway: Autor Rooms x Yanina
Poland
We have teamed up with our favourite Polish Ambassador, Yanina & Warsaw's coolest design hotel, Autor Rooms for a GIVEAWAY. Stay two nights with your loved one at Autor Rooms - a unique designer place and get a glimpse of the authentic Warsaw with Yanina's Local's Lore guide. How to participate? 1. Download the Local's Lore APP and create your own city guide! 2. Follow @diaryofdays, @autor_rooms and @localslore. 3. Tag the person in the comment section you'd like to travel with and spend two wonderful nights at @autor_rooms. The winner will be announced on the 11th of November, 8pm CET via Yanina's Instagram stories. Best of luck! Xxx Yanina Magdalena from Autor Rooms Team Local's Lore
Atlantis By Giardino
Switzerland
Zürich is an architecture enthusiast’s dream - that’s a fact. Take for instance the architectural masterpiece of Santiago Calatrava, serves as the library of Zürich University’s Faculty of Law. Or the last work by the great architect, Le Corbusier, stands in a beautiful location on Lake Zürich. The building of the exquisite Atlantis by Giardino is no exception. Built between 1968 and 1970, Atlantis by Giardino is recognised as an important example of post-war Modernist architecture, with parts of its façade and a spiral staircase being listed. Situated in the realm of nature at the Uetliberg mountain, Atlantis by Giardino provides a real escape from the city within the city. Within and arm’s reach of Zürich’s center, you’ll be able to enjoy a slowed-down, tranquil countryside retreats just like we did a couple of weeks ago. The hotel strikes the perfect balance between a luxurious treat and a close-to-nature getaway. Not only the nature is astonishing, but you’ll have a spectacular view over the city from the top and the restaurants' terrace. Four words sums up our experience the best; We will be back!
Le Méridien Munich
Germany
Returning to Munich is always a heart-warming experience; the kindest of people and the coolest of hotspots can be found if you’re willing to explore beyond its traditional cityscape and festive beverages. Staying at Le Méridien for the first time has now just been added to our heartfelt Munich experiences. The hotel occupies a central location in the heart of the Bavarian capital, directly opposite the main railway station. You can easily reach the city’s hip cafés, restaurants, museums and locally-loved hidden gems. Despite the business-like attribute, Le Méridien had not only stylish interior, both the lobby area and rooms were filled with art, while such details like fresh flowers, design-oriented books and the super attentive stuff made us almost forgot about business.
The Charles Hotel
Germany
Checking in at the The Rocco Forte-owned Charles Hotel in Munich felt not only pleasant but like the sweetest homecoming after an eight-hours-drive. Upon arriving and the fine details such as the fresh flower selection, welcoming staff and sculptures made by Gábor Török and The Library made it straight to our hearts. You’ll immediately find yourself amidst the lobby, restaurant and terrace overlooking the Old Botanical Garden that give a feeling of tranquillity and harmony in the middle of the busy Bavarian Capital. We quickly prepped for a delicious three-course dinner at the hotel’s cozy restaurant, Sophia’s. Read on to a real treat in the heart of Munich.
Madrid's Coolest Hotel: CoolRooms
Spain
When was the last time you had THE hotel experience? Something calming but mind-blowing at the same time? When the bed felt like you never want to leave, the furnishing of the room that you’d like to move in as it’s so your taste and the showers were like waterfall on your shoulders after a hot day? Well, welcome at COOLROOMS Atocha, you’ve arrived. With its 35 rooms, the hotels feels both exclusive but at the same time home away from home. COOLROOMS Atocha is a new concept of luxury hotel with its spacious rooms in a renovated building from 1852 in the heart of the Barrio de Las Letras in Madrid. COOLROOMS Atocha is an accommodation with soul, capable of uniting the comfortable with the stimulating. In other words: the hotel that Madrid lacked.
Our Jungle-Fantasy Nest: Hotel Zoo Berlin
Germany
A few weekends ago we’ve got a busy but rather fruitful stay in Berlin for two (main) reasons. One is obvious; it was ITB and Berlin Travel Festival going on and the second reason is thanks to Hotel Zoo’s exceptional hospitality. After two exhausting days, nothing was more needed than the hotel’s comfort and lush design accompanied by relaxing facilities such as the gym, outdoor lounge, the Living Room or its famed restaurant and bar, The Grace. We adored as the hotel operates with all sorts of animal references; animal shaped fruit gum candies, a long lush carpet upon entering called catwalk, featuring beautifully woven tigers, and the lovely giraffes in the yard. The 127 rooms and 14 suites housed in this over 120-year-old building are all unique so as its interior and incredible hospitality. Welcome to this surreal jungle-fantasy, let’s take a virtual tour around. Each room has its own layout and character. Some feature open plan bathrooms, exposed brick or curved walls, and others have steps leading into the room. The panorama rooms offer views of either Kurfürstendamm Boulevard or across Berlin's rooftops. The spacious rooms come with equally sumptuous bathrooms with double sinks, super comfy Maison Margiela bathrobes, exclusive April Aromatics natural bath products, and rainshowers. A custom created nail polish by trendy Berlin brand Uslu Airlines can also be found in the rooms.
Ruby Marie
Austria
Thanks to our recent visits and welcoming atmosphere, Vienna has started to feel a lot like home. When there’s no GPS needed to get around our favourite neighbourhoods, the Wi-Fi connects instantly in certain coffee shops or you know the menu by heart at Naschmarkt’s greatest gems, each visit feels a lot like homecoming – quite rightfully. This feeling’s just got spoiled by Ruby Hotels’ one-off hospitality. We’ve stayed at Ruby Marie the other week, which is situated right in Vienna’s 7th district at the corner of Mariahilfer Straße, 10 mins walk from Museums Quartier. Ruby Hotels approach to hospitality is so-called ‘lean luxury’, which is all about having a lean organizational structure and concentrating on the essentials. Minimalism, if you like. Ruby strives to create a contemporary, design-oriented yet affordable accommodation for the modern travellers.
GIVEAWAY: Palisociety x Local's Lore
United States
On the occasion of the oh-so-special VALENTINE'S DAY, we have a lovely surprise for you! We have teamed up PALISOCIETY in LA to give away a one-night-stay slash three-course-dinner for two lovebirds. By entering our GIVEAWAY one of you'll have the chance to win an overnight with dinner included at the wonderful Palihotel Melrose Avenue. Wondering how to participate? Simply do as follows: 1. Follow @localslore, @palisociety and @handtheh on Instagram. 2. Tag your lover, friend or secret muse in the comment section on Instagram you'd like to share the experience with. 3. Log in to "CREATE YOUR MAPS" on localslore.com and create your very own map in any city of your choice. We will announce the lucky winner via Instagram 14th February 10 a.m. PST. Please note that the winner shall book the stay within the next 3 months. We wish you the best of luck and the best V-DAY to come! xx Local's Lore & Palisociety
Four Seasons: Tea Afternoon
Hungary
Do you fancy having an unforgettable festive experience that is both intimate, calming and luxurious? We certainly did, so on this occasion we switched from a brunch or lunch for something more sophisticated in the lavish surroundings of the Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace in Budapest; a Tea Afternoon. It’s finally that time of the year again to have an excuse to celebrate the festive season in style. The perfect place to seize the season, Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest presents festive experiences such as Afternoon Tea. Advent Herend Afternoon Tea has been a stalwart of the Afternoon-tea scene for some years, as one of the hotel’s special offerings. At Four Seasons, they pay attention to every single detail; from the fresh pinewood scent, through prime service to the type of tea and the shape of cake is being served. To give the experience a dash of a local touch, the tea is served in the famous Herend Porcelain Manufactory’s hand-painted fine porcelain sets. While Four Season’s Herend Porcelain sets were made originally for the King and Queen of England as presents, Ronnefeldt Tea is known as one of the oldest tea companies in the world. The tea leaves are harvested by hand at the best times of the year and are processed with care and respect. Perfection – each cup of Ronnefeldt tea has a characteristic colour and flavour that make it a unique sensory experience.
Nobis Hotel
Denmark
Copenhagen is a true epitome of Scandinavian style; a set of designer furniture in almost every space you enter, fashionable cycling commuters, hidden waterways, new-wave coffee shops filled with hygge and breath-taking design hotels, such as Nobis Hotel. The latter is known for its love for contemporary design and architecture, but also for the classic and the timeless in contrast. With a prime location next to Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen Central Station, City Hall Square and the internationally renowned Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek museum, guests can easily enjoy the comfort of being within walking distance to all the delights that the capital has to offer. But thet are also welcome to stay in and discover the Scandinavian architecture in this historic building from 1903. We just had our ambassador, Andreia from Lisbon enjoy Nobis’ world-famed hospitality, attentive service and prime design. And so she did.
Hotel Rum
Hungary
When we’re asked to suggest a boutique hotel in Budapest, Hotel RUM pops immediately to our minds. This is the hotel that appeals the most to modern urban explorers, like us, like you. The hotel is perfect for those who are looking for a cozy, fun and vibrant hotel in the heart of the city. Each 40 rooms are different; furbished with Budapest-based designers’ and artist’s pieces, they made sure to have an authentic Budapest experience. The hotel brilliantly juxtaposes local furniture pieces with contemporary artworks and designer goods. Our favourite room called “Peacocks” is equipped with a fun peacocks-patterned carpet, highly coveted Position vases, a freshly painted art piece from Zsofi Barabas and a vintage dresser of our dreams. Wondering what’s the cherry on top? Hotel RUM’s Skybar, TOPRUM offers a scenic view over the city while serving you the best of the flavours in terms of cocktail- and dinner choices. Let’s take a tour, shall we?
25hours Hotel - Zürich
Switzerland
Which one is the coolest hotel you've ever been to in Zürich? Could you guess which one is ours? On the occasion of Forward Festival, we’ve stayed at the oh-so-hip 25hours Hotel Langstrasse (there is another one in Zürich West too), which really is the ultimate nest if you are in for anything that's cool, modern and stylish. Oh and if you love sharing things like work space, good food and your stories with like-minded creatives it’s also your place to be. It's a hotspot where Zürich natives and urban explorers can meet, work, chill or create. The little universe right beside the central station, with oriental world cuisine, artist residency program, co-working space and design shop is a completely new form of hospitality. You are welcome to stay in and enjoy all the facilities, events and different types of experience the hotel is ready to offer. 25hours is a young hotel idea characterised by personality and a charming and relaxed service, which seeks to find contemporary answers to the demands of urban, cosmopolitan travellers. The brand focuses on individuality, authenticity and character, and designs each of its hotels in partnership with various designers and in a unique style, under the motto 'Know one, know none'. If you are into fresh initiatives, cool typography and colorful interior, you will love staying there, we promise! Are you loving it already?
Antwerp: Hotel Pilar
Belgium
Those of you who follow our Instagram account might have noticed that we're in Antwerp - for the very first time. The occasion is rather special though; we've got invited by the awesome team of This is Antwerp, which is the coolest touristic initiative so far. They've gathered a bunch of creatives, artists and writers from all over Europe to Discover Antwerp Through Experience (D.A.T.E.), and luckily, we're amongst them. D.A.T.E. is not just a way of putting Antwerp on the map as a creative, innovative city. It's also a great way for them to bring foreign creatives together with the local scene. They didn't only put together the coolest program for the week, but made sure that we'll feel home, and have our beauty sleeps in the best surroundings. The sunniest corner of Antwerp’s Het Zuid quarter recently gave home to Hotel Pilar, an eclectic spot designed for exciting encounters. Hotel Pilar is a home away from home for globetrotters and local residents alike. This colorful 17-room hotel-slash-foodbar is providing us nest throughout the week. PS It's in high demand, if you know what we mean!
Where to stay in Münich: Louis Hotel and Cortiina
Germany
For those that are traveling frequently, finding a home away from home is essential. Do you all know the moment when after an exhausting day filled with meetings and traveling you enter your hotel room with great curiosity? We guess you are, and so are we. Though the magic does not happen everywhere instantly! Yet it did happen both in Cortiina and Louis Hotel throughout our stay in Münich, our newly discovered treasure destination. Actually the magic immediately happened when checked in at Cortiina; just hardly stepped in the door when the receptionist called our names already, with the cards in his hand. How did he know? - we’re wondering, but just let it go and kept the wow-effect for ourselves and rated the service as excellent already. If you are keen on prime service, eternal kindness, fresh design and great food, both Cortiina and Louis Hotel are the hotels to check-in. Not least they both have the best location in town, located only five minutes of walking from each other. Apparently we’ve been praising Münich since three lores now and won’t stop. Read on for our best memories in our temporary homes in Münich.