From Rotterdam and Porto to Taormina, Seville and Hamburg, the short break experts at NH Hotels have picked out five inspiring getaways to towns and cities that make eye-catching alternatives to their countries' capitals.

Porto – Charismatic and laid back

Porto offers a charismatic alternative that is more laid-back and less touristy than Lisbon, the Portuguese capital. Porto's highlights include the sweet red wine that takes the city's name, the cobbled streets and ancient buildings of the Ribeira district, and the Douro River, which cuts through dramatic gorges. The city's cuisine of hearty traditional dishes and seafood rivals Lisbon's, and often at more affordable prices. 

Where to stay: NH Collection Porto Batalha is set in a 300-year-old palace in the heart of Porto's golden triangle, close to fashionable Rua de Miguel Bombarda where art galleries, independent shops and stylish restaurants provide an unbeatable buzz. Rooms are tranquil, and there's a hydrotherapy pool, sauna, steam room and water circuit for relaxing. The restaurant serves a delicious menu of both formal and informal dishes, and the hotel's signature drink is a Porto tonic, replacing gin with local white port.

Taormina – Diverse influences

Skip crowded Rome for idyllic Taormina, on the east coast of Sicily. This hilltop town offers a diverse tapestry of ancient sites with a mix of Arab, Norman, and Greek influences. There are intimate piazzas for people gazing and a culinary scene that champions rich Sicilian flavours. It's a destination that has a classic celebrity seal of approval, with The Godfather and The White Lotus both shooting here, and Truman Capote, Greta Garbo and Gregory Peck among the suave stars who holidayed in the town.

Where to stay: NH Collection Taormina is a boutique five-star hotel that oozes star quality. There's an infinity pool, spa and panoramic terrace for drinking in breathtaking views of Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea, and a bar and restaurant serving light snacks and Sicilian specialities. The hotel's town centre location puts guests close to the main sites, with a shuttle service available to the beautiful coast.

Seville – Vibrant culture

Seville is at the heart of Andalusian culture with vibrant traditions such as flamenco, orange-scented streets, shaded plazas and a warmer climate that make it feel very different to Madrid. The city's historical gems, such as the Real Alcázar and the Seville Cathedral with its Giralda tower, are steeped in Moorish history, and Seville's cuisine is famed for its tapas culture that provides a more intimate experience than Madrid's larger restaurants.

Where to stay: NH Collection Sevilla is a stylish and modern upper upscale choice with great links to explore the city - San Bernado is just a two-minute walk away, and the medieval Santa Cruz district is a 15-minute stroll. There's an open-air pool and sunshine terrace for enjoying the Andalusian sunshine, more than 250 relaxing bedrooms, and a bar and restaurant serving modern Mediterranean and Andalusian cuisine.

Rotterdam – A bold alternative

Rotterdam is home to bold modern architecture and innovative design that are a complete contrast to Amsterdam's historic canals and crowded streets. The city is spacious and efficiently planned, with a rich culinary scene, historic shipyard and a Maritime Museum that provides a deep dive into the city's nautical heritage. 

Where to stay: nhow Rotterdam celebrates the city-style with minimalist rooms, a striking roof terrace, and a sense of fun that includes neon signs, oversized room numbers and huge mirrors that double as TVs. The hotel is located in one of Rotterdam's most iconic skyscrapers, with views to match, and the gastro bar serves a mouthwatering mix of small-dish street foods.

Hamburg – Maritime charm

Hamburg's bustling port provides a unique maritime charm that Berlin cannot match, and the city's waterways and lakes, including the beautiful Alster Lakes in the centre, provide a landscape totally unlike the capital's. Hamburg has an impressive cultural scene, with architectural highlights that include the modern Elbphilharomie to the historic Speicherstadt warehouse district, plus there are high-quality museums, theatres, and music venues without the overwhelming crowds of the capital. 

Where to stay: NH Collection Hamburg City is a sophisticated, four-star hotel on the edge of the historic St Pauli district, with great access to the harbour, the incredible culinary experiences of Grosse Elbstrasse, famous for its fish restaurants, and the Portuguese quarter, and Hamburg's high energy nightlife hub, the Reeperbahn. The hotel's exquisite rooms are furnished in a minimalist style, and there's a rooftop wellness area with a sauna and steam room, plus a relaxing garden terrace for evening sundowners. 

-Ends-

Editor's Notes: 

About Minor Hotels

Minor Hotels is an international hotel owner, operator and investor currently with more than 550 hotels in operation. Minor Hotels passionately explores new possibilities in hospitality with a diverse portfolio of properties designed intelligently to appeal to different kinds of travellers, serving new passions as well as personal needs. Through our Anantara, Avani, Oaks, Tivoli, NH Collection, NH Hotels, nhow, Elewana, Marriott, Four Seasons, St. Regis, Radisson Blu and Minor International properties, Minor Hotels operates in 56 countries across Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Africa, the Indian Ocean, Europe, South America and North America.

With dynamic plans to expand existing brands and explore strategic acquisitions throughout opportunistic markets, Minor Hotels pursues a vision of a more passionate and interconnected world.

For more information, please visit www.minorhotels.com. 

For media information and images, please contact Hume Whitehead

Daniel Johnson: Tel: +44 (0)7429 256 670 / Email: dan@humewhitehead.co.uk 

Rebecca Pasha: Tel: +44 (0)20 3375 4050 / +44 (0)20 3375 4054 / Email: rebecca@humewhitehead.co.uk