London - From Brussels to Melbourne, Nick Bolous goes in search of six of the best rooftop hotel rooms.
St Jerome's - The Hotel, Melbourne
Taking glamping to a whole new level is this “hotel” in Melbourne, which actually comprises upmarket tents atop a city-centre shopping mall.
But abandon any thoughts of cold nights in a sleeping bag, because these tipi-style tents are anything but rudimentary. Think queensized beds, minibars stocked with local craft beer and breakfast served with barista-made coffee, all against a backdrop of towering high-rises. From A$330 (about R3 600), with breakfast (stjeromesthehotel.com.au).
A photo posted by St. Jerome's - The Hotel (@stjeromesthehotel) on Apr 1, 2016 at 10:30pm PDT
Hotel Daniel, Austria
Enjoy a taste of the high life in the highest suite in Graz, Austria's second city, where the glass-sided LoftCube takes pride of place atop the Hotel Daniel. The minimalist interior of the modern 12-tonne box was created by Berlin designer Werner Aisslinger and comes with a “jungle rainfall shower”, decorative plants and home cinema system. But why watch a movie when you have views of the Baroque Schloss Eggenberg palace to savour? From €350 (about R6 00), with breakfast (hoteldaniel.com).
A photo posted by Peter Schernhuber (@peter_schernhuber) on Nov 9, 2015 at 10:50am PST
Brooks Guesthouse, Bristol
Venture up to the roof of the Brooks Guesthouse and you're in for a surprise. Not a bar or terrace, as you may expect, but three aluminium vintage caravans spaced out on an astroturf lawn. Inspired by classic American Airstreams, the retro “Rusty Rockets”, as they're known, range in size from 16ft to 20ft. There's little in the way of space but what they lack in size, they make up for in novelty factor and views over the rooftops of Bristol. From £99 (about R2 000), with breakfast (brooksguesthousebristol.com).
A photo posted by Brooks Guesthouses (@brooksguesthouses) on Jan 27, 2016 at 6:05am PST
Hotel Pashmina Le Refuge, Val Thornes
Of all the 42 elegant rooms at this five-star hideaway in Europe's highest ski resort, none are more sought after than the rooftop igloo pod. After a day on the pistes and an evening enjoying the hotel's live band beside a crackling open fire, retreat to the roof for a night under the stars in this glass-fronted capsule. The best bit? This 21st century igloo, which sleeps up to three, offers stop-in-your-ski-tracks mountain views from the comfort of a warm and toasty bed. From €180, with breakfast (hotelpashmina.com).
A photo posted by PASHMINA, le refuge ★★★★★ (@hotelpashmina) on Mar 22, 2016 at 11:12am PDT
Train Hostel, Brussels
Trainspotters rejoice! Perched precariously (or so it seems, at least) on the roof of a new locomotive-themed hostel in the Belgian capital, the Train Suite is housed in half of a repurposed carriage. Designed by artist Francois Schuiten, it's kitted out in vintage furniture with train posters adorning the walls, and a comfy double bed. The private terrace is accessed, naturally, via a carriage door. From €90, with breakfast (trainhostel.be).
The Independent