Have you noticed the pin worn by our concierges on their lapel? The golden keys are more than mere decoration. They’re a symbol that our concierges hold the keys to their local destinations and can recommend the best seats, hottest tickets and must-visit restaurants at any time of day or night.
Read on to discover the exciting events they’ve singled out for you in Europe this summer.
Concierge connections in London
Looking for exclusive access at Royal Ascot? Or the best seats at Wimbledon? Lee Boulton, Head Concierge at Brown’s Hotel, has all the right connections.
First things first, Lee and the whole team recommend a quintessential Afternoon Tea to start the summer. Pillowy scones topped with fresh cream and jam, delicate pastries and dainty finger sandwiches feel indicative of the season, all served in the historic Drawing Room. Guests can explore a sustainable tea library in partnership with the Rare Tea Company, while families will find a thoughtfully crafted menu designed especially for little ones.
Across five days in June, the grand spectacle of Royal Ascot promises a colourful display of fashion, pageantry, and horse racing tradition. Come July, it’s time for world-class tennis at Wimbledon, where you can soak up the thrill of centre court matches, enjoy strawberries and cream, and secure the best vantage points with the help of our concierge. For a more local feel, families can join in the fun at Summer in the Square in Portman Square Garden in Marylebone, a lively celebration of the neighbourhood with street performances, live music, creative workshops, and a variety of seasonal food and drink — one of Lee’s favourite annual highlights.
Music & stargazing in Munich
Munich is buzzing with activity during the summer months, according to The Charles Hotel’s Concierge. A member of Germany’s elite Hotel Concierge organisation, Les Clefs d’Or, Lena Speckmeyer expertly guides guests through the city’s cultural highlights and hidden gems.
She is looking forward to the annual Tollwood festival hosted across June and July in the Olympic Park, a lively mix of music, theatre and handmade crafts. On the third Sunday of July comes Kocherlball, a morning dance festival where thousands of people gather around the Chinese pagoda in the Englischer Garten Park.
Every August, the skies above offer a spectacular natural phenomenon: the Perseids, an annual meteor shower that lights up the night sky. Lena will be happy to arrange a stargazing trip and advise on the best way to experience this breathtaking display. Travelling with family? Enjoy a curated selection of activities for little ones, from a visit to Hellabrunn Zoo to a day at the world’s largest thermal bath.
Jazz & joyful parades in Brussels
Arrive in Brussels in early summer and you’ll be in time to hear 100 jazz, funk and blues concerts played around the Belgian city. Each year, Brussels Jazz Marathon sees vibrant sounds and rhythms soaring over the Grand Place, just moments from Hotel Amigo.
The Grand Place comes alive in late June too, says Head Concierge Haluk Sahin, the second of three generations working at Hotel Amigo. Look out for Ommegang, a parade of 1,400 horses, puppets and folk groups flying flags in memory of Charles V’s arrival to Brussels in 1549.
If you’re planning a trip in August, listen to jazz, rock and classical music during the city-wide Brussels Summer Festival. Parents can find plenty of entertainment for their kids with trips to Brussels Comics Museum, Train World Museum and a stroll around the city’s murals.
Serving aces & opera in Rome
Rome is blessed with a bounty of artistic and cultural treasures but during the summer you can also catch a major sporting match and find opera among the ruins. Hotel de Russie’s well-connected Concierge, Salvatore Maraschio, with over 20 years of experience, can source tickets to an International BLN tennis tournament at Foro Italico.
Visit Rome in June and you can hear the soaring notes of the annual opera concerts at the spectacular Roman ruins of the Baths of Caracalla with world-renowned artists – including Andrea Bocelli – having graced the stage in previous years. Meanwhile, film enthusiasts can enjoy Rome’s summer nights at Isola del Cinema. Running from mid-June to early September, this outdoor festival along the banks of the Tiber River presents a curated selection of Italian classics and international films.
To uncover hidden Rome, Salvatore recommends exploring the lakes beneath the temple of Claudius or the Jewish catacombs of Vigna Randanini – both of which offer an escape on a hot summer’s day.
For more recommendations and travel inspiration throughout the summer, get to know our concierges and their insider tips across Europe’s most captivating cities
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