Europe has some of the world’s best hotels. It also has a myriad of more affordable yet excellent hotels. And, like everywhere else, there are also numerous establishments aimed at the backpacker market. Most of them will have an internet presence where they claim to be the best of the bunch. How does an ordinary tourist decide which one to choose?
To a large extent it of course depends on personal preferences and the purpose of your trip. If you have already seen all the main tourist sights and the second time you want to focus more on the local food and culture, your hotel choices will also be different.
In our list of top-25 European hotels below we try to cater to all tastes. We explain our choices to make it easier for everyone to find exactly what they want.
Hotel Le Bristol
Location: Paris, France
This luxurious 5-star establishment opened its doors in April 1925. It’s a great choice for families, particularly their Family Spirit package.
Hotel Le Bristol offers 190 rooms and suites that have recently been completely renovated. It was the first hotel in Paris to be honored with the ‘Palace’ distinction.
Amenities include a restaurant with 4 Michelin stars, a huge courtyard garden, a spa, and a rooftop pool.
Link: https://www.oetkercollection.com/fr/hotels/le-bristol-paris/
Hotel de la Ville
Location: Rome, Italy
This establishment is located in a palazzo that dates back to the 18th century. It has 104 luxurious bedrooms.
The de la Ville is one of the best choices for tourists who would like to explore all the main sights of this magical city. The Trevi Fountain can be reached in 7 minutes, and the Basilica Papale di Santa Maria can be reached by car in 11 minutes. The Colosseum and the Pantheon are both also within easy reach.
Link: https://www.roccofortehotels.com/it/hotels-and-resorts/hotel-de-la-ville/
Badrutt’s Palace Hotel
Location: St. Moritz, Switzerland
This historical accommodation establishment was established in 1896. It has 37 luxurious suites and 120 stylish guest rooms.
Badrutt’s Palace Hotel is a great option for tourists who want to stay in a 5-star hotel while enjoying the numerous exciting activities available in St. Moritz. Options include: horse-drawn carriage trips, sailing, biking on beautiful trails, paragliding, horseback riding, wine tasting, and more.
Link: https://www.badruttspalace.com/
Ashford Castle
Location: Galway, Ireland
This 5-star luxury hotel is situated in what used to be a 12th-century Victorian castle.
This is the perfect choice for tourists who would like to live like royalty at one of Europe’s top luxury hotels for a few days (or more).
Amenities include a small movie theater, stunning gardens, many dining options, a top falconry school, a wellness facility, and sports courts. You can also embark on a cruise on the nearby lake, enjoy the thrills of a zip line, and go horseback riding.
Link: https://www.ashfordcastle.com/
Four Seasons Hotel George V
Location: Paris, France
This hotel was founded nearly a hundred years ago in 1928. It offers 59 luxurious suites and 244 rooms with e.g. stylish decor, plush bedding, and HDTV.
Amenities and services include a chauffeur-driven limousine service, 24-hour room service, laundry and dry-cleaning services, a 5-star spa, and a gymnasium.
Link: https://www.fourseasons.com/paris/
Il San Pietro di Positano
Location: Positano, Italy
This 5-star hotel opened its doors in 1970 and has since won numerous awards.
It’s a great choice if you want luxury accommodation close to the waterfront. The onsite Carlino restaurant offers a highly enjoyable alfresco beachside dining experience.
Nearby activities include swimming in the freshwater pool, tennis, yacht cruising along the stunning coastline, and enjoying a walk in the hotel’s beautiful organic garden.
Link: https://www.ilsanpietro.com/
Gritti Palace
Location: Venice, Italy
The Gritti Palace is part of the Luxury Collection group of hotels. It was built right on the banks of the Grand Canal in 1525.
This is the perfect option for travelers who are looking for a romantic getaway far from the stresses of ordinary life.
You and your partner will be able to sip cocktails at the beautiful lounge and bar, embark on a yacht experience, enjoy a cruise on the Venice Lagoon, or go for a couples massage at the in-house spa.
Raffles Istanbul
Location: Istanbul, Turkey
This 5-star, 27-story hotel is one of the newest on our list and only opened its doors in 2014.
There are 136 luxurious rooms and 49 suites. The Raffles is a great choice for those who are in Istanbul to enjoy the city’s amazing shopping opportunities.
There are numerous top-notch designer stores within walking distance, including Dior, Balenciaga, Tiffany & Co., Louis Vuitton, Dolce & Gabbana, Burberry, Prada, Bvlgari, and Valentino,
Rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows and come with walk-in closets and luxurious bedding.
Link: https://www.raffles.com/istanbul/
Four Seasons Hotel Firenze
Location: Florence, Italy
This 5-star hotel is a true urban oasis. It has 116 luxurious rooms and offers a wide range of amenities.
It offers spa treatments, an outdoor swimming pool, a lush garden with lovely flowers and impressive statues, and a play area for the kids.
The Four Seasons also unique hot-air balloon trips, guided tours of Florence and nearby attractions, and the option to rent a sports or luxury car, including a Ferrari!
Link: https://www.fourseasons.com/florence/
Mandarin Oriental
Location: Paris, France
This 5-star establishment opened its doors to the public in 2011. It offers 39 suites and 99 guest rooms – and there are 3 world-class restaurants.
There are also quite a few tourist attractions literally minutes from the hotel. Examples include the Place de la Concorde, a beautiful, large public square that draws tourists from across the globe, and the Palais Garnier, a stylish opera house dating back to the 1800s.
Link: https://www.mandarinoriental.com/en/paris/place-vendome
Hôtel Plaza Athénée
Location: Paris, France
This 5-star hotel is Bruneian-owned and dates back to 1913. It has 54 lovely suites and 154 guest rooms.
This is the perfect choice if you would love to have views of the Eiffel Tower from your hotel. The Eiffel Suite in particular offers unforgettable views of the tower. It also boasts a private bedroom, stylish decor, embroidered cushions, its own minibar, and a marble bathroom.
Other facilities include various restaurants, a gymnasium, a spa, and a sauna.
Link: https://www.dorchestercollection.com/en/paris/hotel-plaza-athenee/
Le Sirenuse
Location: Positano, Italy
This 5-star hotel dates back to 1951 and offers 58 amenity-rich rooms plus various onsite amenities. The Le Sirenuse also has a number of spacious suites that are suitable for groups.
The 2-bedroom Sea View suite comes highly recommended. It has a super-comfortable living area, 3 bathrooms, a terrace, and a whirlpool tub.
Link: https://www.sirenuse.it/
Hotel Eden
Location: Rome, Italy
This is yet another 5-star luxury hotel. It opened its doors to the public in 1889 and thus offers the charm of an historical building combined with modern amenities.
If you are traveling with your beloved, the Romantic Getaway package is a great deal. It features a complimentary bottle of champagne, breakfast at the hotel’s rooftop restaurant, plus a 3-course dinner.
Link: https://www.dorchestercollection.com/en/rome/hotel-eden/
J.K. Place Firenze — Florence, Italy
Location: Florence, Italy
J.K. Place Firenze is a 5-star boutique hotel located in the heart of Florence, Italy. The hotel offers 57 individually designed rooms and suites, all of which feature luxurious amenities such as Frette linens, marble bathrooms, and Bang & Olufsen sound systems.
The hotel also has a Michelin-starred restaurant, a champagne bar, and a rooftop terrace with stunning views of the city. It is within walking distance of many of Florence’s most famous landmarks, including the Duomo, the Uffizi Gallery, and the Ponte Vecchio. Nearby museums include the House of Dante and the Bargello National Museum.
Link: https://www.theplacefirenze.com/
La Réserve Paris Hotel and Spa
Location: Paris, France
This cozy 5-star establishment has its roots in the 15th century. Its 40 luxurious rooms cater to groups of all sizes.
The La Réserve is a luxury hotel located in the heart of Paris. All the rooms are decorated in a classic French style. The hotel also has two Michelin-starred restaurants, a spa and wellness center, plus a rooftop terrace with views of the Eiffel Tower.
Link: https://www.lareserve-paris.com/en/
Grand Hôtel Cala Rossa & Spa Nucca
Location: Corsica
This luxury hotel is situated in the south of Corsica, France. It lies on a private peninsula with its own beach, and offers stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea.
It has 55 rooms and suites, all of which are decorated in a contemporary style. The Grand Hôtel Cala Rossa features a spa, a fitness center, a restaurant, and a bar. It is the perfect place to stay for a relaxing and luxurious holiday in Corsica.
Link: https://www.hotel-calarossa.com/
Hotel Alcuzcuz
Location: Marbella, Spain
The Alcuzcuz was built in 1850 and boasts stunning accommodations with an artistic ambiance and a well-maintained garden.
The hotel offers walks through lovely gardens, relaxing in rooms with antique furniture, and going on guided tours of the surrounding area.
The delicious breakfast features dishes such as muffins, pastries, and croissants with fresh fruits, homemade jam, omelets, and cereals.
Link: https://www.alcuzcuz.es/
Hotel Albatroz Cascais
Location: Cascais, Portugal
This affordable 5-star hotel boasts 52 luxurious guest rooms, many with views of the Atlantic Ocean.
This is a great choice for travelers who want luxury combined with stunning natural beauty at a price that won’t bankrupt you.
Attractions include a crystal-clear swimming pool, wine tasting, cooking classes, and more. And of course, the beach is a stone’s throw away.
Link: https://www.thealbatrozcollection.com/albatrozhotel/m/
Santa Clara 1728
Location: Lisbon
Santa Clara 1728 is a historic 18th-century building converted into a charming boutique hotel with six suites. Each suite is decorated in a minimalist style with eggshell blue walls, plush bedding, and spacious seating areas.
The hotel is located in a culture-rich neighborhood with many architectural wonders, historical landmarks, and shops selling local goods and artwork.
Link: https://www.silentliving.pt/houses/santa-clara-1728/
Grace Hotel, Auberge Resorts Collection
Location: Imerovigli
The Grace Hotel is a 5-star boutique hotel in Santorini that opened in 2008. It offers stunning views of the caldera and a variety of activities for guests to enjoy, including:
- Swim in the infinity pool and enjoy the stunning views of the caldera.
- Go on a cruise aboard a private yacht and explore the surrounding islands.
- Participate in sunrise or sunset yoga sessions and relax your mind and body.
- Spend the day at the coastline and soak up the sun.
- Get a traditional Greek massage, an anti-aging facial, a holistic body wrap, or an essential oil-infused treatment at the spa.
Link: https://aubergeresorts.com/gracehotel/
Il Sereno Lago di Como
Location: Torno, Italy
This luxurious establishment has 30 rooms and offers a seemingly endless selection of attractions and activities.
If good food is your thing, the Culinary Getaway will no doubt appeal to you. It includes a 5-course tasting session at the hotel’s onsite restaurant and continental breakfast every morning.
The Helicopter Package allows you to enjoy the region’s incredible beauty from thousands of feet up. The Spa Retreat is for those who want to truly unwind and includes a facial and a 30-minute massage.
Link: https://ilsereno.com/
Canaves Oia Epitome
Location: Oia, Greece
This is a 5-star hotel that opened its doors in 2018. It has 24 luxurious rooms and is located on a stunningly beautiful Greek island.
Facilities and amenities include an outdoor pool with sun loungers, a spa, a fitness center, luggage storage, babysitting services, an airport shuttle, walking tours, and scuba diving.
Link: https://canaves.com/canaves-oia-epitome/
Hotel Il Pellicano
Location: Porto Ercole, Italy
This boutigue style features Mediterranean architecture with 50 lovely guest rooms. It offers stunning views of the Tyrrhenian Sea and has a private beach
There are a variety of activities and tours available to guarantee that your time here will be unforgettable. The nightlife in Porto Ercole is laid-back but there are still many bars where you can sip cocktails and enjoy listening to live music.
Link: https://www.hotelilpellicano.com/
Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria
Location: Sorrento, Italy
The Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria is located in a historic building that was built during the 1830s. It has 79 rooms and suites spread across six floors.
The hotel offers amazing sea views. Rooms are decorated in a classic style and feature luxurious furniture, plush bedding, and large living areas.
The Excelsior Vittoria also has an impressive selection of amenities, including a heated swimming pool, a jacuzzi, a spa, and a restaurant where local cuisine is served. Guests can also charter a private boat to explore the coastline.
Link: https://www.excelsiorvittoria.com/
Brenners Park-Hotel & Spa
Location: Baden-Baden, Germany
The Brenners Park has 250 rooms and suites, all of which are decorated in a classic style.
This is the top-rated hotel in the Black Forest region and is known for its luxurious accommodations, world-class spa, and Michelin-starred restaurants. The town where the hotel is located is literally surrounded by the Black Forest.
It is located in the heart of Baden-Baden, a spa town that is popular for its thermal baths, casinos, and hiking trails.
Link: https://www.oetkercollection.com/de/hotels/brenners-park-hotel-spa/
Information about ETIAS and Schengen visas
Currently citizens from around 63 countries do not require a Schengen visa if they want to visit Europe. The majority of the rest have to apply for a Schengen visa before they will be allowed entry into the region.
From 2024, however, travelers from the countries that at the moment do not require a Schengen visa will have to apply for an ETIAS, the European Travel Information and Authorization System. This includes those from the U.S.. More info on this can be found at the etias.com website.
