These urban luxury rentals take chic to the next level with exclusive locations, elegant décor, and exceptional views. What’s more, these high-end properties also offer convenient access to the world’s most coveted museums, restaurants, and shops. Here’s our pick of the best places to stay for a chicer kind of city break.
Luxury Palacete, Barcelona
Features & Finishes: Decadent paintings, crown moldings, and plush upholstery bring old-world glamour to this colorful city apartment in the heart of Barcelona. It is equipped with modern conveniences, but rich touches such as intricate chandeliers and handmade curtains bring a sense of history to the space, while a full library increases its grandeur. The architecture waiting just outside the door promises to inspire you, and the beach is just a few minutes away.
Shopping & Dining: The nearby Metro takes you nearly everywhere in the city. But, if you’re looking for something special, you’ll probably find it along the Passeig de Gracia. This glamorous Art Nouveau shopping district is only three blocks away and features high-end shopping from the likes of Gucci, Lladro, Cartier, Armani and more. Browse to your heart’s content and then visit The Mandarin Oriental’s restaurant Moments for the memorable twelve-course Catalan tasting menu by chef Carme Ruscalleda.
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Luxury City View, Hollywood
Features & Finishes: “Lighthearted Sophistication” is the best way to describe this ultra-modern home set high in the Hollywood Hills. Clean lines and tailored furnishings pair with vibrant pop art to set this Mulholland estate apart from typical Hollywood residences. Open the retractable glass walls to let the breeze blow through its 6,402 square feet, or admire the golden glow of Los Angeles from one of several living areas.
Shopping & Dining: L.A. is a shopper’s paradise. Sunset Strip, Rodeo Drive and The Grove are all under 10 miles away. Enjoy the spectacular Pacific sunset at the Santa Monica Pier and beach, and then stop in at one of the many Tinseltown nightclubs nearby. Reserve a table and take advantage of the excellent bottle service (required) at the exclusive Lure dance club, while rubbing shoulders with celebrities and enjoying the skills of world-class DJs.
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Casa Paraiso, Puerto Vallarta
Features & Finishes: From it’s perch overlooking the Bay of Banderas, Casa Paraiso invites visitors to slow down and enjoy the good things in life. Every detail evokes a sigh, from the custom furniture to the handmade tiles and hand-woven textiles. This hacienda-style property’s best feature is the terrace grande just off the main living area. Lounge outdoors with your favorite cocktail and enjoy the sunset or the twinkling lights of the town below.
Shopping & Dining: Located in the Alta Vista neighborhood on the south side of Old Town, Casa Paraiso offers easy access to quaint shops and sidewalk cafes, art galleries, elegant restaurants, and a bustling nightlife. Try Puerto Vallarta’s Old Town “Romantic Zone” for authentic jewelry, fine glassware, custom sandals, and one-of-a-kind folk art. When you’re done exploring, La Palapa Beach Club on Los Muertos Beach provides fine dining right on the white sand, an ideal spot for people-watching and margaritas.
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L’Agnolo, Florence
Features & Finishes: Looking out over the iconic red-tiled rooftops of Florence, L’Agnolo is decorated in a blue and white color scheme that is refreshing and light. Enjoy a traditional Tuscan meal at home surrounded by ornate china and shimmering mirrors; it’s the perfect place to enjoy a bottle of local chianti with friends.
Shopping & Dining: Situated in lovely downtown Florence, you will be within walking distance of the spectacular Duomo and the world-famous Uffizi Gallery where you can see Botticelli’s Venus in all her glory. Legendary luxury brands such as Gucci, Emilio Pucci, and Roberto Cavalli were proudly founded here, and you’ll find all of them within a ten minute walk. Stroll along Ponte Vecchio near the end of the day, before enjoying an authentic pasta dinner and an amazing view at the nearby Caffè dell’Oro.
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Poincare, Paris
Features & Finishes: This stunning Parisian combination of gorgeous historic architecture and modern chic décor is sure to please urbanites everywhere. Located in a historic Belle Epoque building in the 16th arrondissement, Poincare still has its original moldings, trim, wood floors and high ceilings, dating from the Haussmann era. The décor is traditional and rich, with gorgeous chandeliers, gold-trimmed mirrors, and tufted blue sofas. Its setting in the ‘village’ of Passy, just behind Trocadéro, is idyllic and charming, with winding lanes and a charming cemetery where Manet and Debussy are buried.
Shopping & Dining: Imagine walking out the door and finding yourself beneath the Eiffel Tower, or admiring the many exciting window displays and shops of the 16th Arrondissement. It’s only a short hop to the Louvre, and just a bit father to the hip neighborhood of the Marais, if you’re feeling more adventurous. When you need a rest, immerse yourself in the quiet calm (and intriguing wine list) of Le Pré Catelan, the most elegant of French restaurants, found in the Bois de Boulogne.
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*Originally published in Luxury Retreats Magazine
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