“It's just somewhere to lay your head” is a phrase that's often thrown around when booking a city break. But after a day of clocking up 30,000 steps, squeezing in one last museum before it closes and navigating a tram system in a language you don’t speak, where you return to matters just as much as where you’ve been.

More than a place to sleep, a truly good hotel is somewhere to reset with a great barista coffee, sink into a comfy bed, enjoy a well-earned cocktail with fellow travellers, trade tales from the day and recharge before doing it all again the next morning. And that’s the thinking behind Ruby Hotels by IHG.

Now part of IHG’s premium collection, the lifestyle-focused brand has built its reputation on hotels filled with personality, each inspired by the city it calls home. From London to Zurich, every property has its own beat, pairing eye-drawing design, central locations and vibrant social spaces with small moments that’ll prove as memorable as the Colosseum and Schönbrunn Palace.

As local as the landmarks

Unlike hotel brands that replicate the same look wherever they land, Ruby Hotels by IHG takes its cues from the destination itself. Every property has its own identity, drawing on local history, culture and architecture rather than following a one-size-fits-all design.

From Germany to the UK, Ruby’s hotels are shaped by the character of the cities they call home. In Munich, Ruby Lilly channels the glamour of the 1980s, drawing inspiration from the era’s media icons with a playful take on old-school decadence, as Ruby Hanna in Stuttgart celebrates the region’s winemaking heritage through design details inspired by vineyards, copper stills and antique casks. Meanwhile, in London, Ruby Lucy brings the colourful history of the South Bank to life, borrowing from the area’s fairground past with bold interiors, vintage-inspired touches and a lively bar scene. Each stay offers a different perspective on its surroundings, making the hotel part of the destination rather than simply somewhere to sleep.

You’ll come away remembering more than the destination, and when you're whittling hundreds of photos down to ten, don’t be surprised if the hotel makes the shortlist.

Check in, chill out

Rather than overwhelming guests with unnecessary extras, Ruby focuses on getting the details right, combining thoughtful design, comfortable rooms, central locations and social spaces that make it easy to settle in and enjoy your surroundings.

Expanding on this, the prime city-centre locations mean you’re never far from the action, making it easy to wander back after a morning spent gallery hopping or an afternoon discovering tucked-away cafes. As you recover from the hubbub of the hot spots, why not enjoy a rainfall shower or a power nap atop the hotel’s generously-sized beds. Even the practicalities are straightforward, with speedy self check-in and check-out giving you more time to spend exploring rather than queueing at reception.

There’s also barista-made coffee to fuel the next day’s adventures, plus lively bars where signature cocktails are served alongside local live music. You'll remember the skyline, of course – but probably the rooftop Negroni, too.

Go while the going’s good

With more than 21 hotels open and more in the pipeline, Ruby Hotels by IHG is continuing to grow, bringing its distinctive take on city-centre stays to even more destinations. Whether you’re planning an autumn weekend in Rome, a cultural escape to Vienna, a canalside break in Amsterdam or your first visit to Florence or Munich, rest assured, there’s a Ruby hotel waiting to welcome you.

For IHG One Rewards members, there’s even an added perk, with savings from 15 per cent on participating stays across Europe when booking by 31 August. If you're not already a member, joining is free, so this is your opportunity to discover the collection for less.