A Design-Forward Escape: Highlights from London, Amsterdam & Paris

Introduction

Not all trips are meant to be once-in-a-lifetime.  Some are meant to be lived — immersive, beautiful, and with intention.

This past Summer, I returned to three cities that define European elegance in very different ways:  London, Amsterdam, and Paris.  Each offered something distinct, yet the common thread was design — both in the spaces I stayed and the experiences I sought out.  This wasn’t just a personal getaway.  It was a refresh, a research trip, and a way to stay connected to the destinations and properties I recommend to clients every day.

Below is a curated reflection, part inspiration, part insight, from a thoughtfully paced route across three iconic cities.

London:  Contemporary Calm at One Aldwych

Tucked into Covent Garden, One Aldwych is one of those rare hotels that feels both genuinely welcoming and architecturally exacting.  With its art deco bones and contemporary interiors, the property strikes a balance that’s become increasingly rare in London:  understated luxury with a sense of calm.

The rooms are sleek and residential in feel — polished without being overly polished.  The service?  Subtle but excellent.  And its location allows for quiet moments and quick immersion; ideal for first-timers or returning guests who want access without the chaos.

Bold florals and warm elegance in the lobby of One Aldwych—reflecting the property’s balance of contemporary design and genuine hospitality.

What makes One Aldwych particularly noteworthy beyond its design is the quiet integrity behind the operation.  There’s a thoughtful commitment to sustainability and purpose woven throughout the guest experience, something that increasingly defines the future of luxury travel.

It’s a property I’d recommend to travelers looking for something more distinctive than the traditional grande dames of London.  Elevated, but not intimidating.  Well-located, but not exposed.

Amsterdam: Quiet Sophistication at Hotel De L’Europe

Few hotels manage to feel like a true extension of their city.  Hotel De L’Europe does.

Situated along the Amstel River, it blends the heritage and aesthetic of Old World Amsterdam with warm, contemporary refinement.  Think elegant crown moldings, modern art, and the kind of layered design choices that reward a second glance.

Hotel De L’Europe at night—anchored along the Amstel with timeless architecture and a quiet sense of grandeur.

The suites are spacious (a rarity in Amsterdam) and many offer views worth pausing for.  But what stood out most was the ambiance — it felt like a hotel that knows who it is.  Timeless, not trendy.  Confident, not flashy.

It’s the kind of place I’d suggest for travelers who want a luxury base with personality, especially if they’ve outgrown the overly minimalist hotel scene but still want something current.

Paris:  Grand Emotion at Hotel Lutetia

There are grand hotels, and then there is Hotel Lutetia.

Positioned in the heart of the Left Bank, the Hotel Lutetia has undergone a restoration that honors its history while asserting its place in the modern luxury landscape.  It’s bold in all the right ways:  sculptural lighting, polished stone, expansive rooms with views that feel like cinematic moments.

An artistic soul at the heart of the Left Bank—Hotel Lutetia’s layered design reveals itself in quiet, compelling ways.

Staying there didn’t feel like checking into a hotel; it felt like stepping into a piece of Parisian cultural history, modernized for today’s traveler.  Every touchpoint, from the concierge’s dinner recommendations to the quiet elegance of the suite, was considered.

For those seeking a Left Bank stay with both artistic soul and five-star service, the Hotel Lutetia is unmatched and hands down one of the most superlative urban hotels in the world.

Designing the Route: London → Paris → Amsterdam

This three-city route flowed beautifully by train, allowing time to reset and enjoy the transitions between destinations.  July proved to be a particularly vibrant time to visit — long days, abundant light, and a seasonal energy that brought each city to life without feeling overly rushed.

For clients, this combination offers the best of urban summer travel:  art, food, design, and architecture, all easily accessed, and ideally paced.  Each property offered something different in both style and experience, but together they created a narrative of elevated, design-conscious travel…an itinerary that moves with rhythm rather than rush.

Let’s Plan Something Beautiful

Whether you’re thinking about a multi-stop European itinerary or simply daydreaming about where to go next, I hope this gives you a sense of what’s possible.

If London, Amsterdam, or Paris is on your horizon, I’d be happy to help you design something unique to your travel style and connect you with the kind of hotel experiences that make the stay just as memorable as the destination.