1. Germany

One of the most original hotels in Europe, the Hotel im Wasserturm in Cologne is housed in an old watertower. The restaurant - one of the most popular in the city - has a terrace with panoramic views.

From €180, hotel-im-wasserturm.de

2. Portugal

Pousada Alcacer do Sal in the Alentejo region, the setting for Monica Ali's new book, is an historic castle that combines chic design with Roman, Phoenician and Moorish artefacts. £71.50pp pn, B&B. keytel.co.uk

3. Scilly Isles

Star Castle was built in 1593. The dining room was the original officers' mess, the bar was the dungeon and rooms are irregular in shape with plenty of nooks and crannies.

£99 for a garden room until Sept 21. 01720 422317, star-castle.co.uk

4. India

The Indian headquarters of the Dutch East India Company for nearly 150 years, Trinity in Fort Cochin, Kerala, is now a stylish bolthole with three suites. Guests dine at the nearby Malabar House hotel.

From €170, i-escape.com

5. Holland

Built as a college in 1894, The College Hotel in Amsterdam is an odd mix - a designer four-star run by students from the nearby School of Tourism. But the listed building with its high ceilings and stylish decor should make up for any slackness in service.

From €200, 00 31 2057 11 511, thecollegehotel