Beyond the Summer Hotspots: Five Under-the-Radar European City Breaks with NH Collection Hotels & Resorts

This summer, Minor Hotels invites travellers to look beyond Europe's busiest hot spots and discover destinations that deliver just as much in terms of culture, cuisine and seasonal charm, with a little more space to explore. From Copenhagen's cool waterfront lifestyle and Murano's centuries-old glassmaking heritage to León's celebrated tapas scene and Ghent's medieval charm, these alternative summer escapes WITH NH Collection Hotels & Resorts prove that some of Europe's most rewarding experiences can be found beyond the traditional tourist trail.

Helsinki Grand Hansa at the evening time

Discover Nordic Living in Helsinki

Helsinki offers a serene, understated Nordic escape. A UNESCO City of Design, the Finnish capital blends minimalist architecture and design with easy access to forests, islands and the Baltic coastline, making it an ideal gateway for culture and nature.

Stay at NH Collection Helsinki Grand Hansa

Set in two historic buildings in the city centre, NH Collection Helsinki Grand Hansa is within walking distance of key attractions including Helsinki Market Square and the Finnish National Theatre. Once a gathering place for the city's cultural elite, it now combines heritage with contemporary Nordic design across 224 rooms, alongside a spa, gym and rooftop bar. Well connected to transport hubs, it also offers easy access to day trips and nature.

Room rates from €180 per room, per night.

Bedroom at Helsinki Grand Hansa
Bar and Restaurant at Helsinki Grand Hansa
Outside view of NH Collection Gent

Discover Medieval Charm in Ghent

Known for its preserved medieval architecture, including the iconic Three Towers and charming canals, Ghent is a lively university city with a creative energy. Its canal-side bars and terraces become social hubs in the summer evenings, while its walkable historic centre is packed with independent shops, cafés and cultural attractions.

Stay at NH Collection Gent

Situated opposite the Town Hall, NH Collection Gent is within walking distance of the cathedral, castle and Graslei harbour. Its 174 guestrooms feature NH Sleep Better mattresses, premium coffee machines and rain showers, complemented by a signature breakfast buffet. Warm tones and wooden floors create a welcoming base. Warm tones and wooden floors throughout create a comfortable, welcoming base for exploring the city.

Room rates from €179 per room, per night.

Bedroom window at NH collection Ghent
Bar area at NH collection Ghent
Outside view of NH collection Leon Plaza Mayor

Discover Gothic Grandeur in León

For travellers in search of an authentic Spanish city break, León offers a captivating blend of rich history, striking architecture and exceptional gastronomy. Home to one of Spain's finest Gothic cathedrals, renowned for its extraordinary collection of more than 1,800 square metres of medieval stained glass, alongside a beautifully preserved medieval old town and lively tapas bars, the city combines authentic Spanish culture with a relaxed atmosphere and fewer crowds than many of Spain's better-known destinations.

Stay at NH Collection León Plaza Mayor

Tucked behind an elegant, cloistered walkway, NH Collection León Plaza Mayor offers an intimate boutique stay in the heart of the historic Plaza Mayor. Housed within an 18th-century manor house, the hotel blends heritage and contemporary design, with stylish interiors behind its traditional façade. Many rooms overlook the square, allowing guests to soak up the lively atmosphere of a traditional Castilian setting, just steps from León's famous tapas bars and magnificent Gothic cathedral. Guests can enjoy NH Collection's signature breakfast buffet featuring local specialities such as Cecina and peras al vino, before discovering the authentic charm of this historic Spanish city.

Room rates from €130 per room, per night.

Bedroom at NH Collection Leon Plaza Mayor
Sitting area at NH Collection Leon Plaza Mayor
NH Collection Venezia Murano Villa

Discover the Quieter Side of Venice on Murano

For travellers looking to experience Venice at a gentler pace, Murano offers a peaceful and authentic alternative to staying in the heart of the city. Just a short vaporetto ride away, the island is renowned for its centuries-old glassmaking heritage, where visitors can watch skilled artisans bring traditional glassblowing techniques to life. Once the day-trippers leave, Murano becomes much quieter than central Venice, with tranquil canals, charming piazzas and a more local atmosphere, allowing visitors to enjoy the magic of Venice while returning to a quieter base at the end of the day.

Stay at NH Collection Venezia Murano Villa

Set within the former De Majo Glass Factory, NH Collection Venezia Murano Villa offers guests an authentic immersion in Murano's glassmaking heritage. Retaining elements of its industrial past, including the original furnace chimney, the hotel is located beside the Museo del Vetro, where guests can discover the island's centuries-old craftsmanship. A short vaporetto ride connects guests to Venice's iconic sights, while the hotel's lagoon-side terrace, Italian dining and guestrooms with uninterrupted views across the Venetian Lagoon provide a tranquil retreat at the end of the day.

Room rates from €169 per night in a Double Room including breakfast.

Dinning area at NH Collection Venezia Murano Villa
Outside dinning area at NH Collection Venezia Murano Villa
Bird eye view of NH Collection Copenhagen

Discover Scandinavian Summer in Copenhagen

With cooler temperatures than much of Europe and long daylight hours, Copenhagen is the ideal destination for embracing Scandinavian summer escape. During the warmer months, the Danish capital comes alive with its waterfront lifestyle, vibrant neighbourhoods and relaxed outdoor culture, inviting visitors to explore colourful harbours, world-class design and innovative Nordic cuisine by foot, bike or boat.

Stay at NH Collection Copenhagen

Located next to the harbour, NH Collection Copenhagen offers an idyllic setting for soaking up the best of Scandinavian summer living. Perfectly balancing the vibrant atmosphere of the nearby Christianshavn neighbourhood with the tranquillity of the waterfront, the hotel offers a peaceful retreat in the heart of the city. During the summer months, guests can make the most of long, sun-filled days and balmy evenings at ROOF, the hotel's rooftop bar and lounge, where breathtaking views stretch across Copenhagen's picturesque rooftops and historic towers as the sun sets over the city.

Room rates from €268 per night for a Superior Room including breakfast.

Restaurant at NH Collection Copenhagen
Rooftop at NH Collection Copenhagen

About Minor Hotels

Minor Hotels is a global leader in the hospitality industry, with more than 640* branded hotels, resorts and residences in 59 countries. The group designs innovative and enriching experiences through its hotel brands —Anantara, Elewana Collection, The Wolseley Hotels, Tivoli, Minor Reserve Collection, NH Collection, nhow, Avani, Colbert Collection, NH, Oaks and iStay— as well as a diverse portfolio of restaurants and bars, travel experiences, and spa and wellness brands. With more than four decades of experience, Minor Hotels builds strong brands, cultivates long-lasting partnerships and drives business success by always focusing on what matters most to its guests, team members and partners.

Minor Hotels is a member of Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) and recognises its guests through a unified loyalty programme, Minor DISCOVERY, which is part of GHA DISCOVERY.

Discover our world at minorhotels.com and connect with Minor Hotels on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube

*The number of hotels includes both operating properties and confirmed projects under ownership, joint ventures, and lease and management agreements.

You may also be interested in

Be honeymoon ready with Linzi

Be honeymoon ready with Linzi

The first signs of autumn have arrived at LINZI, with a fresh drop of new-season footwear tapping into AW26's biggest...

READ ARTICLE

Passport to K-Beauty

Passport to K-Beauty

easyJet has announced the launch of a brand new Korean beauty box now available onboard, becoming the first airline in the UK...

READ ARTICLE

4 New Exclusive Offers Unveiled for Wild Wakati Camp, Serengeti

4 New Exclusive Offers Unveiled for Wild Wakati Camp, Serengeti

From unforgettable family adventures to once-in-a-lifetime honeymoon escapes, Enduata...

READ ARTICLE

P&O Cruises colleagues tie the knot on board Iona

P&O Cruises colleagues tie the knot on board Iona

P&O Cruises colleagues René Palguta and Yricka Espinosa Fausto are celebrating after meeting...

READ ARTICLE

Follow Your Midlands Wedding Magazine on YouTube

VISIT SITE

Follow Your Midlands Wedding Magazine on Facebook

VISIT SITE

Submit your wedding to be featured in Your Midlands Wedding Magazine

VISIT SITE

Cheylesmore Manor

VISIT SITE