Seaside hotels, spa resorts, boutique hotels in the world’s coolest cities – what are the best hotels in Europe to book right now? Some of them just sit head and shoulders above the rest, offering unforgettable experiences from the moment you walk through their grand doors. Our pick of Europe’s (and the UK’s) most magnificent luxury stays is here. We hope it inspires you to stop dreaming, and book that Luxury Gold journey to Italy, France, Ireland, Spain, Switzerland or Sweden.
Four Seasons Firenze, Florence
A true classic – there’s scarcely a list of luxury hotels the Four Seasons Firenze doesn’t appear on. The building itself is a restored 15th century palazzo and it sits surrounded by Florence’s largest private garden – flamboyant with fountains, statues, umbrella pines, yews and sweeping beeches. Some rooms have views of the Duomo and the interiors are opulence itself: dramatic bouquets, frescoes, bronze sculptures, mosaics, moldings – the full Italian Renaissance.
Le Bristol, Paris
Another icon in the world of luxury hotels, Le Bristol has been offering a haven to luxury-loving artists since 1925. Among the people to have graced its sumptuously oversized suites: Coco Chanel, Pablo Picasso, Charlie Chaplin, Christian Lacroix. The rooms are full of light, as well as period furniture and antique mirrors. Close to the Champs-Élysées, Le Bristol’s courtyard is the ideal escape, with its serene white and green palette. And the restaurant – Epicure – has three Michelin stars.
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Raffles London at the OWO, London
The Old War Office (OWO) on Whitehall is now (as of 2023) one of the best hotels in Europe – a super-sumptuous luxury stay imbibed with history and subterfuge (there’s a hidden bar in the underground interrogation rooms once used by MI5 agents, for instance). Over an eight-year renovation, the original floors and staircase were preserved – where Winston Churchill delivered his wartime announcements. The rooms are nothing short of spectacular.
Passalacqua, Lake Como
This 18th century villa opened as a hotel in 2022 and has quickly emerged as one of the most idyllic luxury stays in the world. Surrounded by the impossible blues, greens and turquoises of Lake Como, the hotel is resplendent with Murano chandeliers, gilded mirrors, original frescoes and manicured gardens. The pool scene has to be one of the most glamorous in the world, with its pine green loungers and lily-petal parasols, against the lake backdrop.
Adare Manor, Ireland
This neo-Gothic manor house sits within 840 acres of formal French gardens, parklands and the River Maigue and is quietly one of the best resorts in Europe. Activities on offer include falconry, fishing and archery, and the spa is world-class. The padel club is tucked in the woods, with a gym, sauna, steam room and enormous swimming pool alongside the courts. The interiors are all oak, leather, monumental stone-vaulted ceilings, chandeliers and red velvet. Adare’s got it all (including a chocolate shop). If you’re enamored with our Castles & Kingdoms journey, you’ll adore it here.
For more breathtaking stays read: How You Can Stay in Europe’s Finest Private Castles
Gran Hotel Ingles, Madrid
This boutique hotel in the middle of Madrid’s Barrio de las Letras is tucked down a narrow street – soothing, but full of life. At its heart, the glamorous lobby is abundant with gold, bronze and velvet; it has a central bar surrounded by cocktail lounge space, designed as a gathering space, inspired by the Café Inglés of the 19th century, which attracted writers and artists. The rooms are white and grey with lots of straight lines and sharp angles.
Borgo Santandrea, Amalfi
If Amalfi isn’t on your luxury hotels bucketlist, put the Borgo Santandrea on there right now, truly one of the best beach hotels in Europe. Built dramatically into the rockface (as only the Amalfi Coast knows how), looming directly over the glimmering sea, with a private beach club, suitably serene white and blue rooms and all the Negronis and fritto misto you could dream of, this address is simply special.
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Kalesma, Mykonos
Another of the most glorious beach hotels in Europe, Kalesma sits up a Mykonian hill, out of reach of the parties, surrounded by olive trees, bougainvillea and the scent of rosemary, basil and lavender. With only 25 suites and two villas, this luxury boutique hotel is arranged across gorgeous whitewashed buildings, inspired by Cycladic architecture, but with chic, modern interiors. The dining options – meze, pool bar, sunset lounge and private dining – make it difficult to leave.
Experimental Chalet Verbier
Soul-reviving views of snow-capped peaks, tartiflette by Gregory Marchand, an epic hammam, cosy rooms with mountain terraces, and Winter Cup cocktails (Pimm’s, Fino sherry, lemon, cucumber, bitters) make this one of the best hotels in Europe. From outside, it looks like a regular luxury chalet, but the flashes of scarlet on the shutters let you know that what lurks within is far more stylish than all of the others, bar none.
Bookmark for later: How to Spend 48 Hours in One of Norway’s Most Scenic Hotels
Hjortviken Country Club, Sweden
One of the hot new boutique hotels of the year, this unique escape just outside of Gothenburg is worth having on your list, particularly if you’re considering our Timeless Scandinavia journey, which starts in Copenhagen. Low-key glamor is the vibe – there’s cross-country skiing in winter, lake activity in summer, and plenty of lounging under coral, fringed parasols, plus a Swedish brasserie, some Cali-inspired tapas and an eighties New York City-style nightclub.
Discover how magnificent stays bookend each day on every Luxury Gold journey.
