Ultimate Guide to
Europe’s Best Hotels
Table of Contents
Western Europe Hotels:
Grand Dames and Alpine Luxury
Western Europe is the cradle of grand hotel traditions, where opulent palaces and legendary establishments have been setting the standard for luxury for centuries. A search for the best hotels in France inevitably leads to Paris, home to iconic “palace” hotels like Le Bristol, the Four Seasons George V, and the Plaza Athénée. These grand dames offer more than just accommodation; they are historic institutions that epitomize Parisian chic, with Michelin-starred dining, couture-inspired suites, and impeccable service. Beyond the capital, the French Riviera beckons with legendary properties like the Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc, while the Loire Valley offers stays in magnificent historic châteaux, allowing for a fairytale escape into the French countryside.
In Germany and Austria, the tradition of grandeur continues in their imperial capitals. Vienna’s Hotel Sacher and Hotel Imperial are living museums, resonating with classical music and old-world charm. Berlin offers a more modern take on luxury with hotels like the Hotel Adlon Kempinski, standing proudly next to the Brandenburg Gate. The region’s natural beauty is showcased in the Alpine resorts of Switzerland and Austria. Hotels like the Badrutt’s Palace in St. Moritz or the Kulm Hotel offer world-class skiing, spa facilities, and breathtaking mountain scenery, defining the ultimate 5-star alpine experience. These destinations seamlessly blend outdoor adventure with sophisticated comfort.
The Benelux countries complete the Western European tapestry with their unique offerings. Amsterdam is famous for its stylish canal-side hotels, such as the Waldorf Astoria, set within six historic townhouses, and the Pulitzer, which is a labyrinth of 25 connected canal houses. These hotels offer a uniquely Dutch experience, blending historic architecture with contemporary design. In Belgium, Brussels boasts elegant hotels like the Hotel Amigo, just steps from the Grand-Place. From the timeless elegance of Parisian palaces to the cozy luxury of Swiss mountain lodges, the best hotels in Western Europe offer a diverse and sophisticated range of experiences, steeped in culture, history, and unparalleled service.
| Name | Location | Type | Stars |
|---|---|---|---|
| Le Bristol Paris | Paris, France | Palace Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin | Berlin, Germany | Historic Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Badrutt’s Palace Hotel | St. Moritz, Switzerland | Alpine Palace Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris | Paris, France | Palace Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Hotel Sacher Wien | Vienna, Austria | Historic Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam | Amsterdam, Netherlands | Canal House Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Hôtel Plaza Athénée | Paris, France | Palace Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| The Dolder Grand | Zurich, Switzerland | City Resort | ★★★★★ |
| Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc | Antibes, France | Iconic Seaside Resort | ★★★★★ |
| Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski | Munich, Germany | Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Hotel Amigo | Brussels, Belgium | Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Ritz Paris | Paris, France | Palace Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Gstaad Palace | Gstaad, Switzerland | Alpine Palace Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Pulitzer Amsterdam | Amsterdam, Netherlands | Canal House Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Hotel Imperial, a Luxury Collection Hotel | Vienna, Austria | Historic Palace Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Cheval Blanc Paris | Paris, France | Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten | Hamburg, Germany | Grand Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Mandarin Oriental, Geneva | Geneva, Switzerland | Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, A Four Seasons Hotel | Cap-Ferrat, France | Palace Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Bayerischer Hof | Munich, Germany | Historic Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Le Royal Monceau, Raffles Paris | Paris, France | Palace Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Kulm Hotel St. Moritz | St. Moritz, Switzerland | Historic Alpine Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Hotel Bristol, a Luxury Collection Hotel | Vienna, Austria | Historic Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| The Charles Hotel | Munich, Germany | Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Le Royal Hotels & Resorts Luxembourg | Luxembourg City, Luxembourg | Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
Southern Europe Hotels:
Seaside Splendor and Historic Charm
Southern Europe is a sun-drenched region where ancient history, vibrant cultures, and stunning coastlines converge, creating a perfect backdrop for some of the world’s most beautiful hotels. When travelers search for the best hotels in Italy, they are spoiled for choice, from timeless city hotels to breathtaking seaside resorts. In Rome, icons like the Hotel de Russie and Hotel Eden offer luxurious gardens and rooftop views of the Eternal City. Florence boasts stunning properties like the Four Seasons, set in a former Renaissance palazzo, and the cliffside retreats of the Amalfi Coast, such as Le Sirenuse in Positano and the Belmond Hotel Caruso in Ravello, are legendary for their dramatic views and romantic atmosphere.
Spain and Portugal offer their own unique brand of luxury hospitality. The best hotels in Spain include historic properties like the Alfonso XIII in Seville, a landmark of Moorish-inspired architecture, and chic urban hideaways in Barcelona and Madrid. On the coast, the Marbella Club Hotel continues to define glamorous resort living. In Portugal, Lisbon’s burgeoning hotel scene features charming boutique hotels and grand establishments like the Four Seasons Ritz. The Algarve coast is famous for its world-class resorts like Vila Vita Parc, which combine clifftop views with award-winning spas and Michelin-starred dining, making it a premier destination for a luxury beach holiday.
No guide to Southern Europe would be complete without the idyllic islands and coastline of Greece. The best hotels in Santorini are famous for their caldera views, with whitewashed boutique hotels like Canaves Oia and Grace Hotel offering infinity pools that seem to melt into the Aegean Sea. On islands like Mykonos and Crete, sprawling luxury resorts and exclusive villas provide the perfect setting for a glamorous Mediterranean escape. From the historic palazzos of Venice to the sun-bleached cliffs of Santorini, the top 5-star hotels of Southern Europe offer an irresistible blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, all delivered with warm, heartfelt hospitality.
| Name | Location | Type | Stars |
|---|---|---|---|
| Le Sirenuse | Positano, Italy | Iconic Seaside Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Marbella Club Hotel | Marbella, Spain | Luxury Beach Resort | ★★★★★ |
| Canaves Oia Suites | Oia, Santorini, Greece | Luxury Boutique Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Splendido, A Belmond Hotel | Portofino, Italy | Iconic Seaside Resort | ★★★★★ |
| Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon | Lisbon, Portugal | Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Hotel Alfonso XIII, a Luxury Collection Hotel | Seville, Spain | Historic Palace Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Caruso, A Belmond Hotel | Ravello, Italy | Historic Palace Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Grace Hotel, Auberge Resorts Collection | Imerovigli, Santorini, Greece | Luxury Boutique Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Vila Vita Parc Resort & Spa | Armação de Pêra, Portugal | Clifftop Resort | ★★★★★ |
| Hotel de Russie | Rome, Italy | Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona | Barcelona, Spain | Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens | Vouliagmeni, Greece | Seaside Resort | ★★★★★ |
| Four Seasons Hotel Firenze | Florence, Italy | Urban Resort | ★★★★★ |
| Bela Vista Hotel & Spa | Portimão, Portugal | Historic Boutique Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid | Madrid, Spain | Historic Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Aman Venice | Venice, Italy | Palazzo Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Blue Palace Elounda | Elounda, Crete, Greece | Luxury Beach Resort | ★★★★★ |
| Il San Pietro di Positano | Positano, Italy | Clifftop Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Reid’s Palace, A Belmond Hotel | Funchal, Madeira, Portugal | Historic Clifftop Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Finca Cortesin Hotel Golf & Spa | Casares, Spain | Luxury Golf Resort | ★★★★★ |
| J.K. Place Capri | Capri, Italy | Boutique Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Villa Dubrovnik | Dubrovnik, Croatia | Seaside Boutique Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Cap Rocat | Mallorca, Spain | Fortress Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Six Senses Douro Valley | Douro Valley, Portugal | Wine & Spa Resort | ★★★★★ |
| Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco | Tuscany, Italy | Countryside Estate | ★★★★★ |
United Kingdom & Ireland Hotels:
Timeless Tradition and Countryside Charm
The United Kingdom and Ireland are home to some of the world’s most iconic and storied hotels, where timeless tradition meets contemporary luxury. The search for the best hotels in the UK almost always begins in London, a global hub for five-star hospitality. Legendary establishments like Claridge’s, The Connaught, and The Savoy are the epitome of British elegance, renowned for their art deco glamour, personalized butler service, and quintessentially English afternoon tea. Alongside these grand dames, modern icons like The Shard’s Shangri-La offer breathtaking panoramic views of the city, while chic boutique hotels in neighborhoods like Mayfair and Knightsbridge provide intimate and stylish retreats.
Beyond the capital, the British countryside is dotted with magnificent stately homes and historic manors that have been converted into luxurious hotels. These countryside estates, such as Cliveden House in Berkshire and Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons in Oxfordshire (famous for its two-Michelin-starred restaurant), offer a perfect escape for relaxation, fine dining, and classic country pursuits. In Scotland, the romance of the Highlands can be experienced by staying in a historic castle hotel like Glenapp Castle or at world-class golf resorts like Gleneagles. These properties provide a unique sense of place, blending baronial splendor with warm, tartan-clad hospitality.
Across the Irish Sea, Ireland offers its own brand of heartfelt luxury and historic charm. Dublin’s five-star scene is led by The Merrion, a beautifully restored row of Georgian townhouses, and the legendary Shelbourne Hotel, a hub of Irish history and society. The Irish countryside is renowned for its enchanting castle hotels and grand country estates. A stay at Ashford Castle in County Mayo or Adare Manor in County Limerick is like stepping into a fairytale, with opulent interiors, sprawling grounds, and activities ranging from falconry to golf on championship courses. From the sophisticated city hotels of London and Dublin to the baronial castles of Scotland and Ireland, this region provides a rich tapestry of luxurious experiences steeped in history and character.
| Name | Location | Type | Stars |
|---|---|---|---|
| Claridge’s | London, England | Iconic Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Adare Manor | Adare, Ireland | Manor House Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| The Connaught | London, England | Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Gleneagles | Auchterarder, Scotland | Luxury Resort & Golf | ★★★★★ |
| The Savoy | London, England | Historic Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Ashford Castle | Cong, Ireland | Castle Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons | Oxfordshire, England | Restaurant & Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| The Ritz London | London, England | Iconic Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| The Balmoral, a Rocco Forte Hotel | Edinburgh, Scotland | Historic Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| The Merrion Hotel | Dublin, Ireland | Georgian Townhouse Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London | London, England | Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Cliveden House | Berkshire, England | Stately Home Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Coworth Park – Dorchester Collection | Ascot, England | Countryside Estate | ★★★★★ |
| The Shelbourne, Autograph Collection | Dublin, Ireland | Historic Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Shangri-La The Shard, London | London, England | Skyscraper Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| The Goring | London, England | Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Ballyfin Demesne | Ballyfin, Ireland | Regency Mansion Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| The Grove | Hertfordshire, England | Luxury Resort & Golf | ★★★★★ |
| Old Course Hotel St Andrews | St Andrews, Scotland | Iconic Golf Resort | ★★★★★ |
| The Dorchester | London, England | Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Ballynahinch Castle Hotel | Connemara, Ireland | Castle Hotel | ★★★★ |
| Heckfield Place | Hampshire, England | Georgian Manor Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh – The Caledonian | Edinburgh, Scotland | Historic Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| The Berkeley | London, England | Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| The Europe Hotel & Resort | Killarney, Ireland | Lakeside Resort & Spa | ★★★★★ |
Northern Europe Hotels:
Design, Nature, and the Avant-Garde
Northern Europe offers a completely different vision of luxury, one that is deeply intertwined with minimalist design, dramatic nature, and innovative concepts. The best hotels in Scandinavia and the Nordic countries are often architectural marvels that blend seamlessly into their extraordinary surroundings. A search for a unique hotel experience might lead you to the world-famous Icehotel in Swedish Lapland, which is rebuilt from ice and snow each winter, or the Treehotel, with its quirky, design-led rooms suspended in the forest canopy. These hotels offer more than just a place to sleep; they are immersive art installations that provide a once-in-a-lifetime experience, often complete with views of the Northern Lights.
In the region’s vibrant capitals, the focus is on chic design and “hygge”—the Danish concept of cozy contentment. Copenhagen is a hub for design hotels, with properties like the Nimb Hotel, which looks like something out of a fairytale with its location in Tivoli Gardens, and the Hotel Sanders, offering understated luxury with a theatrical flair. In Stockholm, Ett Hem is a celebrated boutique hotel that feels more like a private, impeccably decorated home. These hotels prioritize atmosphere, craftsmanship, and a sense of refined comfort over overt opulence, reflecting the Scandinavian design ethos of functional beauty.
The wild, dramatic landscapes of Norway and Iceland are home to some of the most spectacular hotel settings in the world. In Iceland, the Retreat at Blue Lagoon offers direct access to the famous geothermal spa, with lava rock walls and floor-to-ceiling windows that erase the boundary between inside and out. In Norway, hotels perched on the edge of fjords provide breathtaking views and serve as luxurious bases for exploring the country’s natural wonders. From the architectural spectacle of the Icehotel to the cozy elegance of a Copenhagen design hotel, the best 5-star hotels in Northern Europe offer a unique and memorable take on luxury, defined by innovative design, a deep connection to nature, and an atmosphere of serene sophistication.
| Name | Location | Type | Stars |
|---|---|---|---|
| Icehotel | Jukkasjärvi, Sweden | Ice & Snow Hotel | ★★★★ |
| The Retreat at Blue Lagoon Iceland | Grindavík, Iceland | Luxury Spa Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Nimb Hotel | Copenhagen, Denmark | Fairytale Boutique Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Ett Hem | Stockholm, Sweden | Luxury Townhouse Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Treehotel | Harads, Sweden | Unique Design Hotel | ★★★★ |
| Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort | Saariselkä, Finland | Glass Igloo Resort | ★★★★ |
| The Thief | Oslo, Norway | Design Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Hotel Sanders | Copenhagen, Denmark | Luxury Boutique Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Grand Hôtel Stockholm | Stockholm, Sweden | Historic Grand Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Hotel Kämp | Helsinki, Finland | Historic Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Sommerro | Oslo, Norway | Art Deco Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| The Reykjavik EDITION | Reykjavík, Iceland | Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Upper House | Gothenburg, Sweden | Luxury Hotel & Spa | ★★★★★ |
| Villa Copenhagen | Copenhagen, Denmark | Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Arctic TreeHouse Hotel | Rovaniemi, Finland | Design Hotel | ★★★★ |
| Storfjord Hotel | Skodje, Norway | Luxury Boutique Hotel | ★★★★ |
| Bank Hotel | Stockholm, Sweden | Luxury Boutique Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Deplar Farm | Ólafsfjörður, Iceland | Luxury Adventure Lodge | ★★★★★ |
| d’Angleterre | Copenhagen, Denmark | Historic Palace Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Britannia Hotel | Trondheim, Norway | Historic Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Hotel Haven | Helsinki, Finland | Luxury Boutique Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Arctic Bath | Harads, Sweden | Floating Spa Hotel | ★★★★ |
| Amerikalinjen | Oslo, Norway | Boutique Hotel | ★★★★ |
| Nobis Hotel Copenhagen | Copenhagen, Denmark | Design Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Lapland Hotels Bulevardi | Helsinki, Finland | Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
Central & Eastern Europe Hotels:
Imperial History and Modern Revival
Central and Eastern Europe is a region where imperial history and a dynamic modern revival collide, creating a fascinating and increasingly luxurious hospitality scene. The “Golden City” of Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, is a treasure trove of stunning hotels. A search for the best hotels in Prague will lead you to properties like the Four Seasons, with its unparalleled views of Charles Bridge, and the Augustine, a Luxury Collection Hotel, which is housed in a former 13th-century monastery. These hotels offer a deep sense of history, allowing guests to stay in buildings that have stood for centuries, now impeccably restored with five-star amenities.
Budapest, the “Pearl of the Danube,” offers its own brand of historic grandeur. The Gresham Palace, now a Four Seasons hotel, is a masterpiece of Art Nouveau architecture, while the Matild Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, brings a new level of glamour to the Hungarian capital. These establishments are more than just hotels; they are city landmarks that reflect Budapest’s golden age. In Poland, Warsaw’s historic Hotel Bristol and Raffles Europejski Warsaw represent the city’s resilient spirit, beautifully rebuilt and restored to their former glory, blending pre-war elegance with contemporary sophistication. A stay in one of these top-tier hotels offers a gateway to the rich history and vibrant culture of the region.
Beyond the main capitals, luxury is expanding into other fascinating destinations. The Adriatic coast of Montenegro is home to the stunning Aman Sveti Stefan, a fortified island village converted into a unique and exclusive resort. In Romania, hotels in Bucharest are on the rise, while the Transylvania region offers unique stays in historic towns. The hotel scene in Central and Eastern Europe is defined by this blend of old and new—the careful restoration of historic gems and the arrival of global luxury brands. This creates a diverse range of options for travelers, from opulent palace hotels that echo with imperial history to chic, modern properties that symbolize the region’s bright future.
| Name | Location | Type | Stars |
|---|---|---|---|
| Four Seasons Hotel Prague | Prague, Czech Republic | Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace | Budapest, Hungary | Art Nouveau Palace Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Hotel Bristol, a Luxury Collection Hotel | Warsaw, Poland | Historic Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Augustine, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Prague | Prague, Czech Republic | Monastery Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Aman Sveti Stefan | Sveti Stefan, Montenegro | Island Village Resort | ★★★★★ |
| Matild Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel | Budapest, Hungary | Historic Palace Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Raffles Europejski Warsaw | Warsaw, Poland | Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Aria Hotel Prague | Prague, Czech Republic | Music-themed Boutique | ★★★★★ |
| The Ritz-Carlton, Budapest | Budapest, Hungary | Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| The Marmorosch Bucharest | Bucharest, Romania | Historic Bank Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Mandarin Oriental, Prague | Prague, Czech Republic | Monastery Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Bachleda Luxury Hotel Krakow MGallery | Kraków, Poland | Luxury Boutique Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Anantara New York Palace Budapest | Budapest, Hungary | Historic Palace Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Kempinski Palace Portorož | Portorož, Slovenia | Seaside Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| The Grand Mark Prague | Prague, Czech Republic | Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Saint TEN Hotel | Belgrade, Serbia | Luxury Boutique Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Kanonicza 22 | Kraków, Poland | Luxury Apartments | ★★★★★ |
| Mystery Hotel Budapest | Budapest, Hungary | Luxury Boutique Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Athenee Palace Hilton Bucharest | Bucharest, Romania | Historic Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Esplanade Zagreb Hotel | Zagreb, Croatia | Historic Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| BoHo Prague Hotel | Prague, Czech Republic | Boutique Hotel | ★★★★ |
| Sheraton Grand Warsaw | Warsaw, Poland | Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Kozmo Hotel Suites & Spa | Budapest, Hungary | Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Grand Hotel River Park | Bratislava, Slovakia | Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Regent Porto Montenegro | Tivat, Montenegro | Luxury Waterfront Hotel | ★★★★★ |
