The Hotels of Europe

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Some specialty hotels become the focal point of a vacation because of their distinct qualities. Here are four unusual European hotels. More details and photos are available at travel.azcentral.com.

Netherlands

In the harbor at Harlingen, a town full of interesting hotels about a 75 minute ride from Amsterdam, stands Harlingen Lighthouse, last used to guide ships 11 years ago. Alterations to the harbor rendered the lighthouse unnecessary, and it’s now a luxury hotel for two people at a time (staying together), an aerie about 80 steps up, where three floors of round-walled living space serve as accommodations.

The lantern room on the highest level, opens onto a balcony; binoculars are provided, but guest say there is plenty to see without them.

Details:

Harlingen Lighthouse, Havenweg 1, Harlingen Netherlands, 011-31-517-414-410.

France

Once a Roman fortress carved from a rocky mountainside, Le Prince Noir in Provence in a rarefied B&B. In the village of Les Baux-de-Provence, about a half hour drive from Aries, the convereted fortress has three accommodations: a double-bed room ($125 a night), a family suite (about $285) and a small apartment with a private terrace (about$340). Guest like the breakfast, panoramic views and comfort. There’s a two-night minimum stay.

Details:

Le Prince Noir, Rue de Lorme, 13520 Les Baux-de-Provence, France, 011-33-6-2007-8267, leprincenoir.com

Sweden

The last convict left Stockholm’s Crown Prison in 1975. Fourteen years later, the jail became Lengholmen Hotel. The early 19th- Century building, on an island, has 89 single and 13 double cells-yes, cells-with private doors and showers.

The is also an atrium, a 24 hour cafeteria in the old prison entrance, an adjoining full restaurant and museum, Free Internet, parking within the prison walls, and jogging paths outside for a little prison rec. “A captivating experience,” warns the management, which does not promise to give you a key. Singles run about $135

Perconviction, er, Night: doubles, $195.

Details:

Lengholmen Hotel, Lengholmuren 20, 10272, Stockholm, 011-468-720-8500, langholmen.com/En/Hotel/AboutHotel.aspx.

Italy

Atop a hill in a 14th century village just a few min-

European Hotels (Cont)

Splendid sprawl of a house, then abandoned, it’s now an art gallery-hotel, rich with fireplaces, old stone walls, and rooms with with panoramic views of the village, Torrita dedi Siena.

The management, through the community, offers massage therapy, painting and cooking classes, cultural and wine tours of Tuscany, horseback riding and mountain bike trips. Or you can just relax, or shop, 45 minutes away at an outlet center that offers Gucci, Fendi and others for enough of a discount to make the euro bearable. Now, in low season, junior rooms at the hotel run about $190 per night; superior rooms, $250, and a suite, $330.

Details:

Residenza D’Arte, Poggio Maddona Dell’Olivio, 53049, Torrita di Siena, Italy, 011-39-338-481-4384.

See more:
Top Hotel Deals in Amsterdam
Top Hotel Deals in Florence
Europe Travel Hotspots