Travellers looking to swap a beach escape for a city break this summer can check out some of Europe’s quirkiest events in Valencia, Berlin and Venice whilst staying at a selection of well-located NH Collection and nhow hotels, all with late availability for August and September stays.
Valencia, for La Tomatina:
The Spanish town of Buñol, near Valencia, hosts the world’s biggest food fight every August. La Tomatina is an hour-long frenzy that sees 20,000 attendees battle it out with 120 tonnes of overripe tomatoes, all in celebration of the town’s patron saints. This year’s juicy event takes place on 28 August and by tradition, can’t begin until one participant has clambered up a greasy pole to reach a ham – then it’s toms away!
Tickets for La Tomatina are available to buy online, and accommodation in the tiny town is limited so it’s best to stay in nearby Valencia.
NH Collection Valencia Colón is a boutique hotel with just 47 elegant rooms, a rooftop bar, restaurant and interior piano bar styled as a traditional English members club.
Many of Valencia’s main attractions, including the Marqués de Dos Aguas Palace, the famous silk exchange, cathedral and central market are within walking distance. Rooms start from €200 per night from 27th-29th August.
Berlin, for Beer Week:
Berlin becomes Beerlin for the first week of September this year, with a city-wide festival that celebrates the world of craft beer. More than 100 local and international breweries will take part in 35 events over 10 days from 30 August, with six themed Brews Cruises on the River Spree giving fans the chance to taste-test a wide variety of beers in the company of their brewers.
Overlooking the river, the futuristic design classic nhow Berlin offers guests the chance to continue the party back at their hotel. Tuned into the city’s musical heritage, the property offers 24-hour room service with guitars and keyboards on the menu, plus exclusive concerts and club events in the bar.
There are 304 eye-catching rooms and guests can enjoy views of the river from the hotel’s Envy Bar and terrace, or relax in the gym and spa, where there’s a Finnish sauna, bio sauna and steam bath. Room-only rates start from €185 per night in September.
Venice, for the world’s oldest film festival:
Oozing Hollywood glitz and Italian style, Venice will be home to the world’s oldest film festival this summer. Starting on 28th August, the 10-day event marks the start of the awards season and attracts film stars and directors keen to promote their latest movies. Unlike Cannes it’s open to the public and anyone can buy tickets to screenings. For a glam stay, guests can choose NH Collection Venezia Grand Hotel Palazzo dei Dogi, a five-star property packed full of history.
It was once a 17th-century palace, monastery and an embassy and an early owner was a renowned botanist who created one of Venice’s most famous private gardens, which guests can still enjoy today.
There are 64 rooms which have been recently revamped in a classically Venetian style, a restaurant overlooking the garden and a private pier for boat rides along the canals. Rooms start from €600 per night in September.
