Imagine walking into a Parisian building where the walls have stories, the floors are tiled in old mosaic, and the staircases curve like they belong in a black-and-white film. That’s Hotel Rochechouart. It’s tucked into Pigalle, a neighborhood that’s part boho, part retro, and fully alive. The rooms? Warm, wood-accented, and stylish without trying too hard. If you're lucky, your window frames a perfect shot of Sacré-Cœur. And the rooftop? Let’s just say it’s where evenings are meant to be spent. All that for around £135? Feels like cheating the system in a good way.

We all know Mykonos has a party side. But there’s another version of the island quiet, minimal, sun-soaked. Amyth lives in that version. Set in Agios Stefanos, this boutique stay has just 17 rooms, most with private pools or jacuzzis, which is basically your own bubble of peace. The design is all clean lines and crisp whites, like someone pressed the “reset” button on your brain. You’ll sip fresh cocktails by the pool, eat well without overthinking it, and genuinely relax. Starting at £193, it’s not the cheapest but for what you get, it’s seriously fair.

Rome usually means antique furniture and grand chandeliers, right? Chapter Roma tosses that playbook. Instead, it leans into something bolder exposed brick, dim lighting, art that actually makes you stop and look. It’s got the vibe of a creative loft in Brooklyn, but smack in the middle of Rome’s historic Jewish Quarter. You’re close to everything, but the hotel itself feels like its own little scene complete with a buzzing bar and a quiet courtyard. Rates start around £260, but the personality here is worth every cent.

Picture this: endless vineyards, the sound of trees swaying in the breeze, and a glass of local wine in your hand. That’s the energy at Quinta do Paral in Portugal’s Alentejo region. It’s intimate just 22 rooms each designed to feel like part of the land around it. Some have balconies, others marble-clad bathrooms, all of them beautifully done. But the real gem? You can sleep outdoors, under the stars, in a custom-made bed. It’s romantic, unexpected, and totally serene. For around £250 a night, it’s a rural escape done right.

Venice can be stunning but let’s face it, many of its hotels feel a little too... museum-like. Il Palazzo Experimental flips that with bold colors, funky design choices, and a refreshing sense of fun. Housed in a centuries-old building right on the Giudecca canal, it somehow feels both historic and brand-new. There’s a charming garden, a modern bar, and rooms that balance elegance with a hint of playfulness. At £220 a night, it’s Venice with a wink instead of a curtsy.

In 2025, luxury doesn’t always mean paying more. It means choosing smart. These hotels prove that great design, top-notch locations, and thoughtful service can come at a price that still lets you splurge on something else like that second bottle of wine at dinner. Or dessert. Definitely dessert.