Luxembourg may not be the first destination that springs to mind for a luxury weekend break, but with just about the highest GDP per capita globally, and a regular footfall of tourists passing through every day, there is a diverse population with plenty of disposable income to cater for.
Having heard many complimentary things about the beautiful Luxembourgish countryside and its many picturesque small towns, we opt to venture away from Luxembourg City in search of something a little more off the beaten track. Our stay takes place in Esch-sur-Alzette – Luxembourg’s second city – located on the river Alzette and hugging the border of France to the west (although in reality nothing is far in Luxembourg and we’re still only around 20mins drive from the capital).
We’ve chosen The Seven Hotel, located just a few minutes’ walk from the centre of Esch-sur-Alzette. The defining feature of The Seven has to be its unique location, right in the middle of the city’s Gaalgebierg park, offering guests the opportunity to sample both city life and the tranquility of the surrounding nature at the same time.
The experience begins before check in, as you drive up a winding path through the forested park, the strong scent of pine and clean air washing over you as you step outside. From the exterior it’s difficult to know what to expect from The Seven. It’s a large futuristic building that seems to jut out of the trees, and appears oddly out of place in this secluded surrounding. The first thing you see is a large outdoor terrace – a welcoming sight and a place for guests to dine outside in summer or warm up with a coffee on brisk autumn days like this one.
Despite its location, ensconced in Luxembourg’s greenery, The Seven embodies a mix of cultures that reflects the melting pot of the country itself. The hotel’s manager and head chef are both Catalan, injecting a Mediterranean flair that is most strongly felt through the hotel’s gastronomic offering. The Seven is home to two restaurants, both listed in the Gault & Millau guide.
The restaurants have a strong reputation, attracting visitors for the culinary experience alone.
The menu at Bosque FeVi, the more fine dining option, reads like a highlight reel of Catalan and Iberian delicacies. It reflects the background of the hotel’s patrons, even taking its name from a portmanteau of head chef Fernando Andreu and manager Violant Tarrach. There is a tasting menu bringing together Iberian favourites such as sobrasada, manchego, aubergine and churros (what else?), and paired with carefully-selected Spanish wines.
If you prefer to go a la carte, tapas is the order of the day, with a choice from the sea, land and sun. Despite the Mediterranean flavours, the menu bears resemblance to classic French cuisine.
The Seven’s other restaurant, FeVi Gaudium, offers a relaxed menu of traditional tapas dishes to be enjoyed in a more casual setting. The house speciality is croquetas, fried to crispy perfection and available with a host of fillings.
These restaurants aren’t the first example of dining in this unique setting in the middle of the park; a restaurant first opened here in 1955, providing park-goers a spot to stop and recharge while enjoying the green space around them. Plans were later made to build a design hotel was built on the site in 2010 and The Seven Hotel was born. The name alludes to the heavenly symbolism of the number seven (the apples on each pillow a reference to temptation, perhaps?), and points to the building’s seven floors. There’s an offering for everyone, from the stylish functionality of the Premium rooms to the more indulgent penthouse suite over two floors.
The rooms are comfortable and unpretentious; not necessarily a hotel designed to spend the whole day luxuriating in, but rather a restful place to return to and wind down after a day of exploring. The spacious rooms have all of the comforts you’d expect: coffee station, television and an open-plan bathroom. Some of the rooms open out onto terraces that carefully angled for privacy and create a forested haven to relax and breathe in that deliciously clean air.
The penthouse suite is the hotel’s real differentiator: a duplex with a generous living space on the first floor – ideal for retiring with a nightcap – with a wooden staircase leading to an upper floor with bedroom and bathroom. The bed is centre-stage, flanked by floor-to-ceiling windows – the pièce de résistance – that display a panoramic view of the surrounding countryside, green as far as the eye can see. A glass partition separating the bathroom means that you won’t miss out on the views even for a moment while showering.
The Seven has a small wellness space – perfect if you’re tired after a day of sightseeing. Massages can be organised on request and there’s a hammam to soothe any aches and pains. A gym is available 24/7.
In the morning, you’ll enjoy a continental breakfast of pastries, cereals and breads with a select menu of prepared dishes such as charcuterie, a mini cheeseboard and eggs in various styles.
In summary, The Seven is a great jump-off point to experience a Luxembourg less well-travelled, totally immerse yourself in nature, and enjoy some excellent Spanish cuisine in the process. Whether you plan to spend a day or two getting acquainted with Esch-sur-Alzette, concentrate your time in Luxembourg City (this could be a less expensive accommodation option) or are simply travelling through en route to another part of Europe, The Seven Hotel provides a comfortable night’s stay without compromising on style.
And if you’re looking for something a little more luxurious, we recommend taking the lift to the seventh floor and checking into the panoramic suite. When you’re waking up to that view of the Luxembourgish landscape, you’ll feel like you’re in seventh heaven.
We stayed
in a Deluxe room, from €202 per night including continental breakfast.
For best rates, book directly through The Seven Hotel’s website.
This was a media visit – all opinions are our own.
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