Autumn is a glorious time to explore Europe and the Middle East – an opportunity to delve deeper into historical treasures, savour the season on gourmet adventures or party like a local at the many festivals and events. From Porto and Amsterdam to Doha and Muscat, Marriott Bonvoy has handpicked eight city destinations that guarantee an Autumnal experience to remember. 

Marriott Bonvoy offers a range of member exclusives, special savings and family offers at select destinations, making it even easier for guests to unlock their autumn travel goals.   

 

Destination: Porto 

Where to stay: Renaissance Porto Lapa Hotel 

 

Why go: October and November bring sunny and warm temperatures to Porto, the birthplace of port wine and a designated UNESCO World Heritage site. Alongside centuries-old architecture and captivating Baroque churches. Porto is popular with foodies with its many taverns and bars offering excellent wines produced in the nearby Douro Valley alongside traditional Portuguese dishes. 

Where to stay: Perched on Lapa’s hills, Renaissance Porto Lapa Hotel offers panoramic views of the city skyline and autumnal scenery. This property features 163 stylish guest rooms and suites, with neutral furnishings in walnut wood, chic design pieces and floor-to-ceiling windows that allow plenty of natural light to pour through the space. Guests can enjoy dining at any of the hotel’s three restaurants and bars throughout the day; on the ground floor, all-day dining takes place at a.typical Restaurant and Bar, which transforms into a cocktail and live music venue in the evening, and the rooftop Sky Bar offers unobstructed views alongside locally inspired cocktails. Guests looking to discover the city’s hidden gems can take recommendations from The Navigators, the hotel’s neighbourhood experts. 

Room rates start from £106 per night. To book visit: www.marriott.com 

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Destination: Amsterdam 

Where to stay: The College Hotel Amsterdam, Autograph Collection 

Why go: As the seasons turn in Amsterdam, so do the colours of this leafy city. The fall foliage transforms the parks and canals, making it the perfect time to take leisurely strolls with a camera in hand. Autumn also marks the start of Amsterdam’s cultural season, offering a full calendar with an array of theatre and music festivals, such as Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE), Dutch-style Oktoberfest and International Documentary Film Festival.  

Where to stay: Housed in a former school building, The College Hotel Amsterdam, Autograph Collection is located the city’s centre, only a ten-minute walk from Stedelijk Museum and Van Gogh Museum. Guests can access all the hotspots on foot or by bike. In the autumn, the terrace and garden come to life, while the Shiraz Food & Wine Bar provides a homely environment to settle into on a crisp evening. At The College Restaurant & Terrace, guests can enjoy a feast with its plush armchairs and dark wooden panels, comfort is guaranteed. 

Room rates start from £150 per night. To book visit: www.marriott.com 

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Destination: Bucharest  

Where to stay: The Marmorosch Bucharest, Autograph Collection 

 

Why go:  One of Europe’s most affordable destinations, Bucharest, Romania’s capital city, is a melting pot of bars, restaurants and museums that make an idyllic city escape this autumn. For architecture aficionados, the city is full of treasures, from its charming monasteries to its Brâncovenesc style churches that contrast with numerous brutalist flat blocks built in the Communist era. Travellers can walk through woodlands of crimson and bronze in Herastrau Park, and paddle on its peaceful lake in rowing boats.  

Where to stay: Set inside a former bank which was built at the end of the La Belle Époque, The Marmorosch Bucharest, Autograph Collection honours its past through design. Art Deco artwork and fabrics have been used throughout, and references to banking are incorporated into the design aesthetic, including old scales and brass features. Guests can discover Bucharest’s best-kept secret by visiting The Vault, the hotel’s speak-easy bar situated in an old bank vault, with dim lighting and a cosy mellow atmosphere. Alternatively, to restore from a day of sightseeing, guests can switch off at Balance SPA, where everything from hydromassage to hot stone massages is available to achieve total relaxation. 

Room rates start from £150 per night. To book visit: www.marriott.com 

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Destination: Madrid 

Where to stay: JW Marriott Hotel Madrid 

 

Why go: Featuring world-class museums and buzzing nightlife, Madrid ticks all the boxes for a cosmopolitan trip this autumn, come rain or shine. Art lovers can embrace the Spanish capital’s Golden Triangle of Art – where the three most famous art galleries are located within close proximity to each other. The Prado, Reina Sofia and Thyssen-Bornemisza are full of artistic wonder, and the crisp yet sunny October climate is perfect for ambling around Madrid’s sites. Retiro Park comes into its own as the season changes, with autumn leaves dancing around its expansive avenues and greens.  

Where to stay: JW Marriott Hotel Madrid offers an urban retreat within the cultural charm of the Canalejas zone, next to the iconic and bustling Puerta del Sol. Sitting in the heart of Barrio de las Letras, where some of the most iconic Spanish literary figures once lived, the hotel is best placed for a cultural exploration of the city. Whether it is soaking in the striking views of the city from their guestroom terrace, immersing in the botanical oasis of El Patio JW Garden where ingredients used by the restaurant and cocktail bar are grown in-house, or enjoying an autumnal picnic of local produce arranged by the hotel in Retiro Park, guests are guaranteed an elevated experience during their stay. For dining to remember, renowned Michelin-star chef Mario Sandoval has created an innovative cocktail and dining menu at QÚ, where traditional dishes take a seasonal twist for the most autumnal of cuisines.  

Room rates start from £333 per night. To book visit: www.marriott.com 

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Destination: Valencia

Where to stay: The Westin Valencia

 

Why go: Boasting Europe’s largest fresh produce market, sun-kissed promenades and a soft sandy shore, Valencia has everything travellers could need for a walkable city break this autumn. Temperatures can reach 24°C throughout October and the sea is still warm, making autumn the best time to bask in the sun on Valencia’s beaches. Foodie travellers will delight in exploring the birthplace of paella in numerous restaurants serving their version of the world’s best-known Spanish dish. For nature lovers, Saler Devesa is a wild, quiet spot in El Saler National Park, a 15-minute drive from the city.  

Where to stay: Nestled in the heart of Valencia’s city centre, close to the historic centre and The City of Arts and Science, The Westin Valencia stands out for its desirable location and its Mediterranean, leafy grounds. Each of the 135 rooms is designed in the elegant Art Deco style and filled with natural light. The airy and modern Rosmarino Restaurant welcomes guests to begin their day with its breakfast menu, while El Jardi Restaurant and Bar exudes a cosy atmosphere perfect for autumnal evenings at the end of a day of exploration. For those looking to wind down in style, the Wellness Health Club offers a broad range of options, from a full Westin Workout Fitness Studio to a swimming pool. 

Room rates start from £190 per night. To book visit: www.marriott.com 

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Destination: Rome  

Where to stay: W Rome 

 

Why go: Renowned as one of the world’s most historically significant cities, Rome is a must-visit destination when the leaves start to turn. With fewer crowds and comfortable temperatures in Autumn, visitors are spoilt for choices of sightseeing with the Sistine Chapel, the Vatican Museums and architectural marvels like the Pantheon. Art fanatics can join Rome Art Week which will land in the city this month, featuring over 170 exhibitions and 170 open studios from up-and-coming and established artists.  

Where to stay: Ideally situated near the famous Spanish steps and fashionable boutiques of Via Condotti, W Rome is a stylish haven set inside a historic palazzo, capturing the Italian attitude with its vibrant and modern interiors. At W Rome’s Giano Restaurant, Head Chef Ciccio Sultano shakes up the city’s food scene with authentic Sicilian cooking and bold taste experiences. Whether guests are looking for a sweet treat at Zucchero x Fabrizio Fiorani, a cocktail with upbeat music at W Lounge, or even live entertainment at Giardino Clandestino, guests can enjoy iconic moments on every floor of W Rome.  

Room rates start from £417 per night. To book visit: www.marriott.com 

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Destination: Doha

Where to stay: Al Messila, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Doha

 

Why go: If sun is top of the check list, Qatar is always an excellent Autumn trip option with temperatures in October averaging 35°C. This dynamic Gulf destination boasts a remarkable blend of tradition and modernity, with its gleaming skyscrapers contrasted against historical landmarks like the Souq Waqif. Qatar's pristine coastline invites visitors to indulge in water sports and sun-soaked relaxation, while its thriving cultural scene showcases world-class museums and art exhibitions.  

Where to stay: Nestled between desert sands and the vibrant buzz of the city, Al Messila, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Doha offers the best of metropolitan living and an oasis escape for holistic epicurean experiences. Guests can lounge around the outdoor pool, unwind at the expansive Al Messila Spa for a calming start to the day, and end the night with pure indulgence in the resort’s unique restaurants and lounges led by Michelin-starred Executive Chef Pino Lavarra. For those who wish to explore the city, the hotel is easily accessible to the West Bay, the National Museum of Qatar and the Museum of Islamic Art. 

Room rates start from £250 per night. To book visit: www.marriott.com 

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Destination: Muscat

Where to stay: W Muscat

  

Why go: Autumn temperatures in Oman sit around 30°C, offering a guaranteed sunny retreat for sun-seeking travellers. Oman beckons travellers with a unique blend of natural beauty, rich heritage, and modern comforts. Muscat's pristine beaches, rugged mountains, and desert landscapes offer outdoor enthusiasts a playground for adventure, from diving in the crystal-clear waters of the Gulf of Oman to exploring ancient forts and souks. The city's welcoming atmosphere and architectural gems like the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque provide cultural immersion and historical intrigue. With a commitment to preserving its traditions and embracing progress, Muscat is an alluring destination for those seeking authenticity, adventure, and relaxation. 

Where to stay: Nestled where the Gulf of Oman meets the city, W Muscat is a foodie haven offering a fantastic range of dining venues from global flavours at CHAR, the hotel's signature steakhouse, to the renowned Siddharta Lounge by Buddha-Bar offering stunning sea views and exquisite cocktails for a chic unwind. The Living Room is the ideal place to gather for an afternoon coffee, while Barvie is the go-to spot for nightlife serving up creative cocktails and a lively atmosphere. The hotel blends coastal calm with urban sophistication featuring 279 rooms and suites offering a retreat of sophistication and relaxation after a day of exploring the city. Spend the day at WET Deck lounging by the infinity pool sipping on a selection of iced cocktails and light bites, indulging in an array of rejuvenating spa treatments at AWAY Spa, and taking in the ocean views from the fully equipped fitness centre.  

Room rates start from £188 per night. To book visit: www.marriott.com 

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Good Travel Starts with Great Offers 

Marriott Bonvoy offers all guests a range of exclusives and deals at select destinations in Europe, Middle East and Africa. Guests can travel with peace of mind with flexible cancellation and best rate guarantee. To find endless travel inspirations across its extraordinary portfolio of 31 leading brands, please visit www.emea.marriott.com/en/offers.