Cinco hoteles urbanos donde la ciudad le come terreno a la playa este verano

This summer, five urban hotels in cities around the world are attracting travelers who prefer exploring city life over beach vacations. In Madrid, the sunset occurs at 20:51, while in Paris it sets at 20:38, New York at 19:33, Mexico City at 18:55, and Cape Town at 18:25. Travelers are increasingly opting for city breaks and cultural experiences, accounting for up to 16% of travel preferences this summer, according to the Virtuoso Travel Week in Las Vegas.

Francesc Escónez, CEO of luxury travel agency Atlantida Travel, attributes this shift to cities reinventing themselves, offering a combination of gastronomy, art, shopping, exclusive events, wellness, and private experiences that appeal to affluent travelers. Successful cities provide a multidimensional experience, allowing visitors to become part of the city rather than just a tourist attraction.

Paris, for example, is a popular destination for last-minute summer getaways, with luxury hotels like The One Alma Paris offering cultural and leisure activities such as sunset walks along the Seine, picnics in the Luxembourg Gardens, exploring neighborhoods like Le Marais and Saint-Germain-des-Prés, and ending the day with drinks at a terrace.

Similarly, New York City becomes lively in summer, with parks, rooftop terraces, and outdoor cultural programming. Travelers visiting New York in the summer often include it in a longer itinerary for the USA. The growing trend of urban travel combines both culture and relaxation, appealing to travelers who want a diverse and sophisticated experience.

Cities and hotels that can offer this dual experience will thrive, predicts Patrick Fisher, general manager of Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel, in Cape Town. Hotels catering to this urban traveler, who is often more sophisticated and demanding than their beach-going counterparts, will also succeed. Climate change poses a significant challenge for accommodations, especially in urban centers.

Cities like Madrid, while hot, offer numerous indoor attractions such as museums, shopping centers, and restaurants. The Four Seasons Hotel Madrid provides early hours, indoor activities during peak times, climate-controlled spaces, green spaces, and intelligent daily planning to combat climate change. The question remains whether climate change will alter the travel calendar or if travelers will adapt their travel habits to the climate.

Paris, as the city for this summer, is offering a more relaxed and authentic experience, with five-star hotel The One Alma Paris providing art deco-inspired design, a Murano lamp, contemporary art collection, and a spa to unwind after a day of sightseeing.