How to choose the perfect hotel for a couple's getaway

On a couple's getaway the hotel is not just a place to sleep: it is a big part of the trip. It is where the days begin and end, where breakfast is slow and where you toast at sunset. That is why it deserves the same attention as the destination. These are the questions we ask ourselves before recommending one.

Small hotel or large?

For a romantic getaway, a small hotel is almost always better. Fewer rooms mean more quiet, more personal service and the feeling of having a place of your own. Boutique hotels, country houses and inns with few rooms tend to have an intimate atmosphere a large resort rarely achieves.

Is it worth paying for the view?

In most cases, yes. Waking up facing the sea, a lake or the mountains changes the tone of every morning. If the budget forces a choice, we prefer a lower room category in the right hotel over the best room in the wrong one. And it is always worth asking what exactly you see from the window.

Where should it be located?

It depends on the plan. If the idea is to rest, a secluded place where the hotel is the destination works best. If the idea is to explore, stay a few steps from the center, so you can walk to dinner and back without a car. What does not work is ending up halfway, far from everything and without the calm of the countryside.

Which details make the difference?

• A private terrace or balcony for breakfast or a drink at sunset.
• A good restaurant in the hotel, for the nights you do not feel like going out.
• A spa or a quiet pool, ideally not designed for children.
• A team that remembers your name and what you like.

Should you mention it is a special occasion?

Always. An anniversary, a honeymoon or a birthday opens the door to small gestures: an upgrade if available, a bottle waiting in the room or a better table. There is no guarantee, but hotels that care for their guests usually take it into account.

Choosing the right hotel is one of the parts of our work we enjoy most. If you are planning a getaway, tell us what you are looking for and we will suggest places that suit you both.