Juno Hotel Sofia

Bulgaria’s capital city is having a moment, and Junó Hotel, on a quiet side street in Sofia’s historic center, may be a sign of things to come. This boutique hotel is modern and minimalist, yet grounded in its place, featuring locally made custom furnishings, original oil paintings by the Bulgarian artist Tatiana Harizanova, and a stylish restaurant and bar focused on contemporary Balkan cuisine and wines. The angular six-story corner building is unmistakably modern, but carefully designed to complement its historic neighbors.

Every room has floor-to-ceiling windows and French doors that open onto a private balcony or terrace; especially appealing are the corner rooms, with a curving row of windows revealing views over Sofia’s streets, and the top-floor loft and penthouse suites with large wraparound verandas. All rooms have elegant parquet flooring, Nespresso machines, Bang & Olufsen sound systems, and spacious marble bathrooms, most with freestanding tubs. Downstairs, Junó’s designers decided against a formal reception area in favor of a sleek lobby lounge that flows seamlessly into the art-filled wine bar and farm-to-table restaurant. Sofia's many attractions, both old and new, are practically just outside the front door.