Top 5 Hip Hotels in Europe

The definition of "hip hotels" is "Highly Individual Places"; luxury hotels which make the visit memorable and unique. These designer boutique hotels are often small with less than 30 guest rooms and generally offer exceptional standards of personal service. There are thousands of unique hotels to choose from, but to start you off, here are our suggested top five hip hotels in Europe.

#1 Victory Hotel, Stockholm
This nautical themed hotel is crammed full of collectibles which the owner of this unique boutique hotel in Stockholm has put together over the years. Marine antiques, brass fitments, model ships and seascapes turn these rooms into Captain's quarters, complete with a trouser press and a Bang & Olufsen stereo. To complete the appeal, this luxury hotel in Stockholm has its own Michelin starred restaurant serving traditional Swedish favourites from the sea.

#2 Aria Hotel, Prague
The Aria Hotel is a boutique hotel in Prague designed for music lovers of all tastes. Each room is dedicated to different artists, composers or musical styles catering for everything from Mozart to Elvis. There is a private screening room, a music salon and a library and this classic boutique Prague hotel even has its own Director of Music for some interesting discussions.

#3 La Bastide de Moustiers, Provence
Food is the number one priority for those choosing to stay at this delightful rustic farmhouse boutique hotel in Provence created by master chef Alain Ducasse. The 12 well appointed rooms at this hip hotel are cosy and comfortable. The Michelin star restaurant has no standard menu. Instead the head chef creates dishes inspired by the availability of the hotel's kitchen garden produce which varies throughout the seasons. Order a picnic basket from the kitchen and spend the day exploring the scenery of this laid-back corner of Provence.

#4 Solar de Castelo, Lisbon
The Solar de Castelo owes much of its charm and character to being part of the old castle. This boutique hotel in Lisbon has just 14 bedrooms in the homely style of a family mansion. Features of the former palace include the old cistern and the delightful Portuguese-style doorway. They contrast well with the more modern facilities including cable TV and WiFi internet access. The piéce de résistance of this boutique hotel in Lisbon is the delightful courtyard garden.

#5 Hotel Arts, Barcelona
Last but not least in our pick of hip hotels in Europe is the Hotel Arts in Barcelona. Superbly located overlooking the marina, it is a hip hotel on a larger scale than the others. It is designed around a gallery of artworks and sculptures which even flow outdoors to the pool terrace and water garden. The floor-to-ceiling glass windows make a picture-perfect view, or guests can appreciate the fine art collection by noted Spanish artisans which is spread throughout this hip hotel.