Barcelona’s getting a big upgrade.

Despite its rep for world-class architecture, this Spanish culture capital hasn’t always had much to offer in the way of great hotels. This summer it gets several impressive additions, with the Almanac leading the pack. The first entry for this nascent five-star brand (a Vienna Almanac is up next, in early 2019), it’ll have 92 sumptuous rooms with deep window alcoves just a five-minute walk from the Plaza de Cataluña. Rooms from $476.

When to go: July, when the city comes to life with tons of open-to-the-public events, or August; the city doesn’t take Europe’s month-long siesta too seriously.

What not to miss: A day trip to the beaches. It’s worth braving the crowds at Barceloneta beach to hit up Surf House, a chic interpretation of local chiringuitos (beach bars) with slushy drinks, tropical fruit paletas (ice pops), and macaron ice cream sandwiches.

And Rome was rebuilt in 18 months.

At least the Dorchester Collection’s Hotel Eden was. It has just reopened after a top-to-bottom redo. A reduction in rooms, from 121 to 98, means that the gilded accommodations (and marble bathrooms) are ultra-spacious; on the rooftop you’ll find a stunningly sophisticated restaurant with floor-to-ceiling windows that open up for an al fresco feel. That you’re around the corner from the Spanish Steps and Villa Borghese is icing on the (olive oil) cake. Rooms from $663.

When to go: June, before the summer crowds really swarm.

What not to miss: The best pizza you’ve ever tasted awaits at Antico Forno Roscioli, a third-generation operation in Campo de' Fiori. And then there’s dessert at the family’s new bakery down the block, Roscioli Caffè, where you can get flaky, cone-shaped cornetti filled to order.

If You Love Beaches ...
... skip Santorini and head to Mykonos.

There’s more to do, from prettier beaches to a vibrant old town and a stunning new hotel: Myconian Kyma, which just opened under the Design Hotels umbrella. Like everything else on this postcard-perfect island, the building is a series of sugar-white cubes. But inside are punchy pops of color: dining room chairs in cotton candy pink, lemon-colored throw pillows, plush pool lounges in navy blue, and turquoise Aegean views from every window. Rooms from $233.