Assambleya Nikitskaya Hotel offers a superb location, reasonable prices (for Moscow) and Russian charm.

BBC: Mini guide to Moscow, Russia

Every morning, I consulted an impressive array of topographic maps while conferring with the hotel's superb guides.

FORBES: Far Away

Vila Arte is a superb, art-stuffed boutique hotel.

BBC: Mini guide to Bucharest, Romania

It is now the home of the intimate Flocons de Sel hotel, which is actually better known for the superb restaurant of chef Emmanuel Renaut.

FORBES: Flocons de Sel: A French Alpine Gourmet Sanctuary

More show-offy fabulousness comes with superb cocktails at the grand, Corinthian-columned Merchant Hotel.

BBC: Postcard from Belfast