When the announcement came that Baku would be one of the host destinations for Euro 2020, Mister Micebook was thrilled. The Azerbaijani capital has been on his travel list for a while now and he’ll be tying in some hotel hopping with a few of the group matches to boot.

First stop by the largest city on the Caspian Sea is the five-star Dinamo Hotel Baku, which was totally revamped last year. Once the home of the Dinamo Sport Society, the elegant 28-roomed boutique property dates back to the 1930s and features beautiful artworks throughout, plus a welcoming spa and restaurant.

Luxury properties abound, with a plethora of brands including Fairmont and JW Marriott present in the city. Part of the iconic Flame Towers complex, Fairmont Baku offers 318 rooms and an array of F&B options ranging from chic bistros to juice bars and fine dining experiences, while more than 2,500 square metres of function space, including two ballrooms, sets the stage for memorable meetings or events.

Boasting the largest hotel ballroom in Baku, the five-star JW Marriott Absheron Baku is another good option for groups, with a total of 13 indoor and outdoor spaces. The city-centre property has 237 rooms with views of Baku’s skyline or the Caspian Sea and a lavish spa.

Mister Micebook also fancies an opulent overnight at the Four Seasons, set in the Old City, where facilities include 171 luxurious rooms, two gastronomic restaurants, Turkish-style baths, a spa and pool and a sleek ballroom for functions.

But no trip is complete without a hardhat tour to brag about – this time at the 202-roomed ibis Baku, which will bring a new contemporary property to this intriguing city.