If you’re anything like me then a huge part of your travel experience is the hotel you’re staying in. 5-star European hotels have high standards of quality. However, with so many hotels to choose from it can get confusing for luxury lovers to decide which hotels is better. The very best hotels have that WOW factor whether it’s in the interior or facilities such as the pool or the views.
I’ve themed up with other talented travel blogger to curate the perfect list of luxury hotels for you.
10 European Luxury Hotels Recommended by Travel Bloggers:
1) The Four Seasons Hotel- Moscow, Russia
Written by Jiayi from The Diary of a Nomand (Check our her article about dream destinations)
One of the best luxury hotels in Europe is Four Seasons Hotel Moscow, a 5-star establishment located in the heart of Moscow, right next to its main attractions. This hotel is spectacular for many reasons, but the main one is that it’s situated right next to the magical Manezhnaya Square, and the views you get from the room terraces of the hotel are definitely the most stunning and breathtaking views of all Moscow. At night, you get to see the red buildings of Manezhnaya Square lit up and it feels as though you’re staring at a fairytale scene! In fact, the views from Four Seasons Hotel Moscow are definitely a big reason why Moscow is one of the dreamiest destinations on earth.
Four Seasons Hotel Moscow also has a spa, a gorgeous swimming pool, 24-hour in-room dining services, a wellness center, a bar, and tons of fine dining options. I recommend visiting Moscow in the spring (April or May) for the best weather and for more affordable prices at this hotel (prices are the highest during the summer, as with most hotels in Moscow). However, if you prefer to witness a winter wonderland, then definitely stay at this hotel during the Christmas season!
To get to Four Seasons Hotel Moscow, you can either use their airport shuttle or take the Aeroexpress Train from Sheremetyevo International Airport to Okhotny Ryad Metro Station, which is just a minute walk from this hotel.
2) The Ritz- Paris, France
Written by Elisa from World in Pais (Check out her Hotels in Paris article)
The Hotel Ritz is one of the most famous historic hotels in Paris, perfect for a luxury stay in the French capital. It has an unbeatable location at 15 Place Vendôme, in Paris 1, considered by some the most beautiful and most elegant square in Paris. From the Ritz you are at a walking distance to the Louvre Museum, the Tuileries Gardens, Place Concorde, and some of the most luxurious boutiques in Paris.
The Ritz Hotel is part of the history of Paris. Founded in 1898 by the Swiss entrepreneur César Ritz, this fabulous hotel has hosted since then many celebrities, royals, and other important people. Coco Chanel had her permanent residence at the Ritz and Ernest Hemingway liked to go to the hotel’s bar for its dry martini. Still today you can get Hemingway’s favorite drink at the Hemingway’s saloon decorated with pictures and other objects related to the American writer.
Rooms at the Ritz are bright and spacious, decorated with elegant furniture. Some of the rooms are named after their famous guests. In addition, the hotel proposes its guests great facilities like a spa, the biggest private swimming pool in Paris, and different restaurants managed by important chefs.
There’s no best time to visit this hotel, the Ritz and Paris are always a good idea!
3) Negresco Hotel- Nice, France
Written by Chrissy from Travel Passionate (Check out her Nice recommendations article)
The luxurious Negresco Hotel in Nice is one of the top places to stay in the city not least because of its spectacular location overlooking the famed Promenade des Anglaises on the shores of the Mediterranean. Built at the beginning of the 20th century, the Hotel Negresco began as a place of Louis XIII opulence and has transformed into a space of modern beauty and elegance.
Each room at the Negresco is individually decorated, so every time you stay you’ll be able to enjoy new design features and styling. The spacious rooms feature high ceilings, period furniture, and luxe bathrooms, as well as features we’ve all come to expect like complimentary toiletries, plush bedding and free WiFI throughout.
Another highlight of the Negresco Hotel is the Le Chantecler restaurant, a Michelin-starred eatery offering gourmet meals and fine drinks pairings thanks to the help of Head Sommelier, Florian Guilloteau. Le Chantecler is run by esteemed chef, Virginie Basselot, and provides guests with treats like tartar of sea bass and artichokes and herb gnocchi. Alternatively, guests can dine at the La Rotonde restaurant (where breakfast is served).
The Negresco Hotel is situated on the Nice seafront, around 15 minutes from Old Town and the Nice-Ville train station. This is a lovely, picturesque location in which to relax and enjoy your stunning surroundings. As you would expect with a five-star hotel like Negresco, there are additional guest services available such as access to a private beach (Neptune), private parking and limousine shuttle service. Guests can arrive in Nice from all over Europe by plane or train and can easily transfer to this central, city hotel. Having a limo and driver waiting for you when you arrive at the Nice airport is a great way to start your trip in style, starting with chicness as you mean to go on!
4) Belmond Hotel- Madeira, Portugal
Written by Amandine from Beaux Voyages
One of the most beautiful and luxurious hotel in Europe is situated on the small island of Madeira. The Belmond Madeira is the perfect place to relax while on the island. The 5 star hotel is located in a pink building that is built on top of a hill and is overviewing the Atlantic ocean and the bay of Funchal, the main city on Madeira Island. Don’t miss an afternoon tea at the hotel, one of the top things to do in Madeira, for admiring the view and taste some local patisseries with the Reid’s own blend tea.
For relaxing, the Belmond has 3 pools, one of them having sea water and a relaxing platform with direct ocean access.Such a beautiful and peaceful spot!
The Belmond Madeira also has the William, a Michelin-starred Restaurant where you can have dinner even though you are not a guest of the hotel. A popular happening is when the chef invites other Michelin chef to cook dinner. A true gastronomic experience!
5) Aria Hotel – Prague, Czech Republic
Written By Samantha from The Wandering Wanderlust (Check out her romantic things to do in Prague article)
Prague is a city that oozes romance. The narrow cobbled lanes of the Old Town and Mala Strana paired with the pastel coloured Baroque buildings sets the scene for the perfect romantic city break in Prague. And what better way to top a romantic weekend in Prague than by staying at one of its most luxurious hotels, the Aria Hotel Prague. Located on one of Mala Strana’s serene cobbled streets just a few steps from Charles Bridge and the Church of St. Nicolas, the 5 star luxury hotel is like no other in the city. The hotel is a world class luxury music themed hotel that will please lovers of luxury, quality and music.
The 5 star hotel features 29 Deluxe rooms, 16 Junior Suites and 6 Signature Luxury Suites that are all musically themed and dedicated to a specific artist, including Elvis Presley, Mike Jagger or Bille Holiday. The suites include the musical geniuses of Beethoven, Dvorak, Smetana and two other suites which are themed Blues and American Rock. The favourite however is the Mozart Suite which comes complete with two bedrooms and stunning views over the Baroque Vrtba Garden which is adjoined to the hotel.
The Vrtbovska Garden, to which hotel guests have direct access to free of charge from the hotel lobby, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that can be visited daily from April through to the end of October. This is just one of the many benefits guests can enjoy when staying at the Aria Hotel. The hotel also features a modest fitness centre, a private cinema, an intimate lounge with a fireplace, and a fully stocked music library with hundreds of CD’s, DVD’s and music literature books for guests to use during their stay.
If that wasn’t enough, the Aria Hotel also has two romantic dining options. The Coda Restaurants is one of Prague’s best fine dining restaurants which can be found on the rooftop of the hotel. Offering beautiful views across Prague’s rooftops and a delicious menu, it is certainly one of the best places to dine in the city. Planning to propose or celebrate a special anniversary or birthday? Go all out and hire the entire Baroque garden for a private dining experience, just the two of you. During the colder months, you can also relax in the Winter Garden Atrium after a day of exploring where daily complimentary afternoon tea is served and you can enjoy listening to the local pianist on the grand piano.
6) The Pera Palace Hotel- Istanbul, Turkey
Written by Stella from Around the World in 24 Hour
The Pera Palace Hotel in Istanbul, Turkey is one of the most impressive and glamorous luxury hotels in Europe. When you arrive in the stunning lobby, you are greeted by several staff members who take your luggage up to your room and offer you a (non-alcoholic) welcome beverage. Then you are taken up to your room in the first electric elevator ever installed in Istanbul, which still works perfectly. When you enter your room, you’ll be greeted with a tray of delicious macarons. Other amenities include a full breakfast spread every morning with excellent coffee and a turndown service with sweets at night.
The Pera Palace Hotel isn’t just beautiful, it’s also historically important. The hotel was created in the late 19th century just for guests riding the famous Orient Express. Agatha Christie herself stayed at the Pera Palace Hotel when she was writing Murder on the Orient Express. But other famous writers like Ernest Hemingway stayed here as well. If you want to learn more about the hotel’s history, the store at the hotel sells the fascinating book Midnight at the Pera Palace.
The Pera Palace Hotel has a chic location in the Beyoglu neighborhood within walking distance of Galata Tower and many excellent fine dining restaurants. Most visitors to Turkey will be coming from the airport, so email the hotel and ask if they can help arrange a pickup from the airport. They will also gladly arrange for a taxi to the airport when you leave. Any time of year is great to visit Istanbul, but it’s very hot in the summer, so if you prefer milder weather you may want to visit in spring or autumn.
7) Hotel Alfonso XII- Seville, Spain
Written by Paulina from Visit Southern Spain (Check out her hotels in Seville article)
The luxurious Hotel Alfonso XII was commissioned by the honorable king of Spain, who played the host to the hundreds of international dignitaries during the 1929 Exhibition in Seville. Hotel Alfonso XIII Seville was constructed by King Alfonso XIII for the royal individuals and VIPs attending during Seville’s 1929 world fair.
Since then, the Hotel Alfonso XIII Seville remains a glamorous attraction for the travelers and an iconic cultural landmark, situated in Santa Cruz, next to Reales Alcázares and Seville Cathedral.
The Hotel Alfonso XIII is the best world-class luxury you could ever witness or experience. The hotel is an epitome of Andalusian design along with mosaic-covered arches, soaring towers, and an amazing courtyard with where orange blossoms blooming around. Hotel Alfonso XIII illustrates the rich Andalusian history.
You will experience the most amazing stay here. It’s the hotel’s unique and antique architecture that has charmed the humankind ever since it was built. The Moorish detailing and the native Andalusian design have enriched its existence in the city.
The sculpted designs and it’s distinguishable heritage have always inspired the new generation of travelers. Hotel Alfonso XIII, Seville allures you with its elegant decor, all over the lobby and inner courtyard.
The decor reflects the Sevillian style and showcases the boundless beauty it holds.
Moreover, the outdoor ambiance serves you with an enormous garden and swimming pools. Besides, this is one of the best family hotels in Seville. The hotel refreshes the guests under the Andalusian sun and embraces their life with positivity. Among every hotel, Hotel Alfonso XIII, Seville is a must stay.
8) Le Sirenus- Positano, Italy
When imagining the perfect luxury hotel in Italy you are probably imaginig Le Sirenus. Its magnificent view, amazing location and unique interior- is what makes this hotel stands out amongst the rest.
Le Sirenuse is located in the picturesque Italian village of Positano situated on the Amalfi Coast. Being a part of many people’s travel bucket list, Positano is a very popular holiday destination. The best way to arrive to Positano is by ferry from Naples. However, pack light because taxis are not available when arriving to the port and you will need to carry your luggage up the hill.
Le Sirenus is the ultimate place to stay in Positano for luxury lovers. It features a Michelin-starred restaurant and a trendy bar with magnificent views. Its swimming pool is also a popular facility of the hotel.
9) Arctic Treehouse Hotel- Rovaniemi, Finalnd
Written by Bradley from Dream Big, Travel Far (Check out his full hotel review)
Of all the luxury hotels we’ve stayed at in Europe, the best one that pops to my mind is the Arctic Treehouse Hotel in Rovaniemi. As the capital of Finish Lapland, Rovaniemi itself is a fantastic place to stay, wth natural beauty for hundreds of miles all around. But the exact location of Arctic Treehouse is what helps make it stand out even more.
Outside of the busy city, you are surrounded by woodland, with the ability to enjoy mesmerising views of the canopy right from your bed. And if you do want to head out and visit Santa himself, you are in luck as the hotel is located right over the top of santa’s grotto! And if you visit in the heart of winter, like we did, then you get to enjoy snow capped trees and a truly unbeatable Christmassy experience; all with a lot of luxury thrown in!
The rooms are out of this world, each being a self-sustaining pod rooted into the side of the hill to maximise views. The rooms are dominated by a full height and full width glass wall from which to gaze out of at all hours. Everything inside the room is decorated to blend into the surroundings and it really does feel like you’re nestled inside of the trees.
One of my favourite things about the Arctic Treehouse Hotel is the restaurant area which is incredibly modern and dominated by a large wood fire in the centre. It’s the perfect place to chill in the daytime with a nice hot cup of chocolate. And even better at night with a cheeky glass of wine or two!
It really is no surprise that the hotel has won multiple luxury hotel awards in it’s relatively short existence. But it also holds awards for it’s incredibly eco-friendly approach to hospitality.
10) Cavo Tagoo – Mykonos, Greece
The island of Mykonos is a very popular upscale tourist destination. It is known for its beautiful beaches and its old down with white pavements.
When visiting Mykonos look no further than Cavo Tagoo Hotel. It has established itself as one of the best hotels of the world and in Mykonos it has no competition in the luxury sector.
Known for its exclusive private suites, Cavo Tagoo is the perfect hotel for couples in their honeymoon especially. The hotel prides itself in its Diamond Villa containing a huge pool and breathtaking views. You also have the choice of the Cave Pool Suite. The beautiful pool cave is well worth the high price tag for its unique scenary.
The best time to visit the island is in summertime from May to September when the weather is great. Arrival to Mykonos is possible via a flight or a ferry.
