Sofia
Formerly a hostel, Canapé reinvented itself as a guesthouse in 2016, retaining its same attention to cleanliness and a refreshingly simple, rustic design…
Must-see hotels in Eastern Europe
Transylvania
This swish, four-star complex with spacious modern rooms and flower-filled balconies acts as a luxurious one-stop shop for stays in Poiana Braşov…
Russian Caucasus
For a touch of luxury at 3912m, LEAPrus is worth splashing out on. There are 12 bunks in two barrel pods with a third pod for the dining room and a…
Veliko Târnovo
Sitting pretty on Veliko Târnovo's oldest street, with blooms spilling over its wooden balconies and agricultural curios littering the exterior, the Gurko…
Split
Set into the Roman-built wall of Diocletian's Palace, this wonderful boutique B&B has only three rooms, the best of which is the slightly larger one in…
Ruse
City Art offers 19 artfully styled rooms with trendy colour schemes, giant headboards and upbeat philosophical quotations stencilled on the walls. The…
Arbat & Khamovniki
With 15 rooms in an exquisite art deco building, the Russo Balt is as intimate and elegant as it gets in Moscow. Standard rooms are on the small side, but…
Kotor
Loaded with character and filled with antiques, this venerable 600-year-old palazzo is a memorable place to stay, right in the heart of the Old Town…
Yekaterinburg
This excellent hostel opened in 2014 and has quickly established itself as a comfortable, very professionally run place, with 44 beds divided among male,…
Wallachia
On the shortlist for the best three-star hotel in the country. Ultra-clean rooms with high-thread-count linens, thick-weave carpets, sparkling baths and a…
Khabarovsk City Boutique Hotel
Khabarovsk
Khabarovsk’s most foreigner-friendly hotel has large, attractive rooms adorned with black-and-white photos from a bygone era. Throw in gorgeous bathrooms…
Pirin Mountains
The right blend of old-world nostalgia and modern comfort has made this one of Melnik's favourite hotels. The Bolyarka has elegant rooms, a snug lobby bar…
Central Ukraine
The Vin is everything you'd want in a hostel: beautiful bunk beds with personal sockets and lights; a big, bright kitchen and common area outfitted with…
Arbat & Khamovniki
The classy rooms, graced with high ceilings and Master and Margarita inspired art, are as good as it gets in Moscow for this price, especially considering…
Dubrovnik
These four inviting apartments enjoy a great location a stone’s throw from Ploče harbour. All have plenty of character with art, splashes of colour,…
Central & Eastern Istria
Three immaculate and imaginatively decorated rooms are on offer here, each themed around a local grape variety. The bathrooms are excellent, and the…
Pula
Feel like a local as you ascend the wonky stone stairs in this wonderful building right by the Forum. The rooms are spacious, stylish and surprisingly…
Vama Veche
Clean, well-run hostel with a perfect perch, on the northern end of Vama beach. There are a handful of private doubles as well as a couple of multibed…
Central Montenegro
With its gorgeous rear garden and pervading sense of tranquillity, this period house captures the essence of old Cetinje. The clean, antique-strewn rooms…
Krk Island
Beautifully designed rooms with lavishly painted walls and ceilings that follow a wine theme make this place a real contemporary standout; each room is…
Budva
There's a seductive glamour to this modern block, hemmed in within a rash of new developments near the Old Town. A chandelier glistens in the lift and the…
Sofia
This bohemian hostel stands out from the crowd with its summertime art exhibitions, live music, dance performances and more. Dorms are appropriately arty…
Zadar
Wonderfully colourful dorm rooms and stylish, white-and-black doubles and suites, some with top skyline and partial water views, make this easily the best…
Northern European Russia
With three double-storey log houses, a fine restaurant and a woodsy setting, this is the island’s poshest hotel. Standard rooms are cosy, with wi-fi,…
Transylvania
Housed in former 18th-century barracks within the citadel, this five-star belle beguiles guests with carved hardwood furnishings, occasional antiques and…
Trebinje
Run by a friendly American/Polish couple, this much-loved hostel offers dorms and two private doubles; bathrooms are shared. It's a ten-minute walk from…
Volga Region
Smallish, family-run hotel located on a quiet alley, about 2km southwest of the centre. Spotlessly clean rooms, panelled in light woods, with crisp sheets…
Lahemaa National Park
On the southern fringe of Käsmu, this peaceful retreat is set around a lovely large garden right on the bay. Ideally you’ll plump for an apartment with a…
Krk Island
Four-star style has come late to Vrbnik, but this place is part of the new wave. Rooms are stunners, with exposed brickwork, splashes of bright colours,…
Cavtat
Within the peachy shell of this modern block, elegant white-stone stairs lead up to 12 attractive apartments with balconies and sea views. If you get sick…
Old Rīga
Not to be confused with Konventa Sēta next door, the 600-year-old Ekes Konvents oozes wobbly medieval charm from every crooked nook and cranny. Curl up…
Kaliningrad
Part of the Fish Village development, this stately hotel overlooking the river offers spacious, light-filled rooms, friendly and gracious service and a…
Mali Lošinj
Luxury rooms here – especially those with water views – may come at a premium price, but there's a real sense of style, space and sophistication that you…
Varna
With its own art gallery and themed rooms, this modern designer hotel is one of Varna's more colourful options. Super-efficient staff, a chic spa and gym,…
Varna
Shiver your timbers at this cheerful, pirate-themed place, with four- and 11-bed dorm rooms, an all-female dorm and private options. Staff offer free pick…
Elafiti Islands
If it's peace and quiet you're after, you could do a lot worse than this modern 30-room hotel on Šipan. Shuffle from the pool to the beach terrace and…
Kaliningrad
On a leafy street near the picturesque Amalienau area, the ‘Seagull’ is a delightful 28-room property occupying an early-20th-century mansion and…
Danube Delta
A likeable version of a boxy high-rise, with the biggest selling points being the friendly staff and very good inhouse restaurant. The rooms are plain but…
Bucovina
Gerald's Hotel is among Moldavia's nicest hotels. Unexpectedly, it's loaded with business-class amenities, like a fitness centre and elegant baths in…
Braşov
A regal feel permeates Bella Muzica, housed within a 400-year-old building, thanks to its tastefully restored wooden beams, exposed brick, high ceilings…
