New hotels across the region, and a bit beyond, that have us dreaming up our next weekend escape

In November I always feel as if I am floating somewhere between nothing and something. Summer is already far behind us, and our skin no longer shows that we have seen the sun. We have been admiring all the shades of autumn and falling leaves for a while now, we have started booking ski trips, and the season of Christmas light switch-on events on soon-to-be decorated squares is slowly approaching. I am not trying to frighten you, but Christmas is right around the corner. While writing this and thinking about where I am, what I am doing, and how the end of the year is already so close, I realized that I need a short weekend break. Ideas? A weekend in another city, with a good festival, an exhibition, or a glass of wine, and if the hotel happens to be one of the newer ones, I will gladly explore it. Below, you will find ideas for some of the newer hotels in the region and a bit beyond, all worth discovering during a quality weekend getaway.

Mandarin Oriental Vienna

Address: Riemergasse 7, 1010 Vienna

In mid October, a new hotel opened in Vienna, the elegant Mandarin Oriental Vienna, although note that it will begin accepting room reservations from November 16. Austria is always close enough, especially for those traveling from Slovenia and Croatia, that we too often forget how easy it is to get in the car and head toward its refined Austrian charm. The hotel is set in a historic courthouse building from 1908 designed by architect Alfred Keller. Renovated and thoughtfully luxurious under the direction of a global hotel brand, which is presenting its first location in Austria, it blends art nouveau style with a contemporary approach to design, placing special emphasis on the comfort of an urban hotel. It features 86 rooms and 52 suites, and offers the fine dining restaurant Le Sept, the multi concept Atelier 7 with an all day brasserie, a separate coffeehouse and tearoom, a dedicated izakaya bar with Japanese cocktails, and a spa area with an indoor pool. What more could you want for a weekend break in Vienna?

What is happening in Vienna in November?

We go to Vienna for a dose of classic refined art. Concerts of classical music are regularly held at Palais Schönborn Batthyány, so for example, you can reserve November 25 for baroque orchestral music. In the second half of the month, Christmas markets begin as well, such as the one on the square in front of City Hall (Rathausplatz), an atmospheric event that sets the tone for how Vienna begins its holiday season. I told you Christmas was near.

Courtesy of Mandarin Oriental Vienna

Radisson Collection Hotel, Basilica Budapest

Adress: Szent Istvan Ter 13-14, Budapest

The new star on Budapest’s hotel scene is a perfect choice for a weekend escape to another city. Just as Vienna draws visitors with its elegance, Budapest is close enough for a quick weekend trip. The new Radisson Collection Hotel, Basilica Budapest is housed in a historic neoclassical building that once served as a school, only fifty meters from the impressive St. Stephen’s Basilica, which means the view from the room feels almost like a postcard. The hotel offers seventy one rooms and suites, each carefully designed to blend the building’s historic character with modern luxury. High ceilings, masonry surfaces, and original architectural details have been preserved, while the furniture and artwork are adapted to a contemporary style. The result is a sophisticated, comfortable, and visually striking space that reflects the urban elegance of Budapest. As for the hotel’s dining options, The Collection Café & Lounge is the spot for morning coffee and pastries, The Arc Bistro is an all day restaurant serving international dishes along with local wines and cocktails, and ISSEI Skybar & Restaurant is a rooftop destination with panoramic city views and a Japanese Peruvian fusion menu that is ideal for an evening out. The view from this hotel will steal your heart.

What is happening in Budapest in November?

Budapest in November offers a mix of culture, music, gastronomy, and early holiday spirit. One of the main attractions is the Christmas market on Vörösmarty Square, which opens around November 14 to 15 and features about one hundred twenty stalls, concerts, and tastings of local specialties, giving the city a festive feel early in the month. Fans of classical music and jazz can enjoy concerts at Müpa Budapest throughout November. The winter experience is enhanced by the opening of the large Városligeti Műjégpálya ice rink in mid November, perfect for walks and ice skating in a charming setting. For dance lovers, Budapest Open 2025, held on November 21 to 22, brings international show dance competitions and dance performances that add extra energy to the city.

Courtesy of Radisson Collection Hotel

Centrale Luštica Bay By Angsana

Adress: Centrale Trg, Novo Naselje bb, Radovići 85320, Montenegro

The Luštica Bay complex near Tivat has recently been enriched with a new and very interesting hotel. Centrale Luštica Bay By Angsana is located right in the heart of this exclusive complex, on the Centrale Piazza, which is more than just a square. This is where you drink your morning coffee overlooking the marina, have dinner while the sun sets, exchange ideas in the bars, and experience a place designed as a small city with pedestrian zones, boutiques, and art installations. Every corner breathes a Mediterranean lifestyle, and now you can experience all of it from this new hotel. Centrale Luštica Bay By Angsana is a boutique hotel that combines the industrial charm of a former military building with a modern approach to interiors. The project was designed by Montenegrin studio NRA Atelier in collaboration with international experts. What used to be a military barracks and a workshop for logistics, storage, and military operations has now become a refined space of 3,200 square meters. Brutalist concrete frames and beams meet wooden floors, glass, and warm lighting, creating a contemporary hotel designed for rest. The spa and wellness facilities offer plenty of reasons not to leave the hotel, while the marina, golf course, and tennis courts are all close by. It is an ideal combination of relaxation and a dynamic holiday.

What is happening in Tivat in November?

November falls outside Montenegro’s main season, which means fewer crowds and a calmer atmosphere that is perfect for a peaceful break. From the end of October and throughout November, the November Days festival takes place to mark Tivat Municipality Day on November 21. The program includes concerts, exhibitions, literary evenings, theater performances, and sports tournaments. At the very end of the month, on November 29 and 30, the Festive Season Kick Off Weekend is scheduled, ushering Tivat into the holiday period with illuminated streets and music at every step.

Courtesy of Centrale Luštica Bay By Angsana

As Boutique Hotel

Adress: Čopova ulica 5a, 1000 Ljubljana

We recently mentioned AS Boutique Hotel as one of the six Slovenian recipients of this year’s Michelin Key award. For that reason alone, it is worth confirming what Michelin recognized. Opened at the end of 2023 in the very center of Ljubljana, AS is living its best urban life. It is located at Čopova ulica 5a, in an intimate small park near the city’s main arteries. The interiors were designed by Janja Bulc in collaboration with the hotel owner, Sebastijan Raspopović, with special attention given to the balance of classic and modern elements. Each space has its own character, furnished with a mix of vintage pieces and contemporary design. On the hotel’s rooftop, guests will find a chic relaxation area with a terrace, jacuzzi, and loungers, and a fully equipped gym is also available. The hotel’s dining offer includes three restaurants: Gostilna AS, which has a thirty five year tradition, Pop’s Aperitivo, which serves excellent pizzas and burgers in a relaxed setting, and the newest restaurant, Jaz by Ana Roš. This is an ideal hideaway for a quick visit to Ljubljana.

What is happening in Ljubljana in November?

November in Ljubljana brings a layered mix of culture, gastronomy, and atmosphere that makes the city especially appealing for a weekend visit. November Gourmet Ljubljana continues until November 30 and offers a full month dedicated to gastronomy with special menus, wine and beer tastings, and culinary workshops held across various locations. Until November 23, the Ljubljana International Film Festival (LIFFe) also takes place at multiple venues throughout the city.

Courtesy of AS Boutique Hotel