Coal mining was the principal industry of the Limburg area. The Carbon Hotel takes its namesake from these seams of history that run through the rocks and culture of the area. Luckily that’s where the similarity with coal mining ends.

Your room has an iPod dock, a BOSE Soundsystem, designer furnishings, and a tropical rain shower. There is an exclusive roof garden where you can relax in the afternoons with a drink. The surrounding area is rich with culture and museums and hosts the biannual contemporary art exhibition, Manifesta.

You can visit the old coal mines that have been turned into museums, go cycling and walking or even hire specialist golf buggies to drive around. Speaking of golf, there are some spectacular courses around for you to try. Nearby, there is the Aachen spa with waters rich in sulfur and chlorine and Tongeren, the oldest town in Belgium, with a very special antique market.