The Best Hotels
in

Europe

AfricaAsiaAustralia & the Pacificthe CaribbeanMexico & Central Americathe Middle EastSouth AmericaUSA & Canada

The Schloss Bensberg was constructed as a hunting lodge by Prince-Elector Johann Wilhelm II of Duesseldorf for his wife, Maria-Luisa of the Medici family. Today, it’s the 5-star Althoff Grandhotel Schloss Bensberg, housed inside one of Germany’s largest Baroque palaces in the Cologne countryside.

Each of the rooms at this palatial hotel oozes elegance and sophistication, something that has not gone unnoticed as the Grandhotel Schloss Bensberg has been awarded for its interior design. Thick velvet curtains frame windows that look out on the hotel’s front courtyard and the city of Cologne. Plush upholstery and the finest of fabrics are paired with wood accents and pops of crimson red, giving the rooms a luxurious feel that is made only more comfortable by the modern amenities and spacious bathrooms fit for a queen.

Of course, with royal accommodations, one expects the royal treatment, and in this, the Schloss Bensberg doesn’t disappoint. Its 4 elements spa brings treatments inspired by the elements of fire, earth, wind, and water. On the dining front, the star is its two-Michelin-starred Restaurant Vendôme, which is overseen by one of Germany’s top chefs, Joachim Wissler. Located just a few minutes outside Cologne, a stay at the Grandhotel Schloss Bensberg is about as close as one can come to living out their royal fantasies.

Perched high above the pock-marked mountains of Pidgeon Valley, with expansive views stretching all the way to snow-packed Mount Erciyes is Argos in Cappadocia, the most luxurious “cave hotel” of the region. Sunken into the lunar landscape, this millennia-old monastery-turned-hotel has committed to ancient Anatolian craftsmanship, utilizing only natural stone and volcanic tuff in its construction. This gives the illusion that the hotel is integral to the fairy chimneys and mushroom spires surrounding it. Boasting simple yet modern, deluxe rooms with original stone carvings and antique furnishings to extravagant cavernous dwellings fitted with their own private hot tubs, even the most bourgeois troglodyte can’t find fault.

Argos in Cappadocia offers year-round opulence with individual terraces, a heated rooftop pool with panoramic views, and the typical out-of-hotel accouterments like sunrise hot air balloon floats, horseback, or ATV rides. The on-site restaurant, Seki, which translates to “terraces on the slopes,” is best enjoyed al fresco and focuses on “zero-mile food,” or hyper-local organic ingredients grown within the hotel’s private gardens. Pair this with a visit to the property’s 22,000-bottle-strong wine cellar, often stocked with bottles from its own sprawling vineyards, or a soothing massage within one of the caves within the hotel grounds for optimal relaxation.

Close your eyes and imagine the quintessential Tuscan resort. Do you see a centuries-old stone farmhouse? Beautiful gardens planted with flowers, herbs, and vegetables used by the cooks in the kitchen? Freestanding villas filled with antiques, chandeliers, and clawfoot bathtubs? A pool where you can relax with a book while sipping a cold glass of wine? That place really does exist, and it’s called Borgo Santo Pietro.

Located in the countryside about 45 minutes from Siena, Borgo Santo Pietro has given new life to an abandoned village. It began when Danish couple Claus and Jeannette Thottrup decided to fix up the farmhouse as a vacation home, and over the years, it has expanded into one of Italy’s most luxurious retreats spread out over a 300-acre estate, with a couple of restaurants, organic gardens, vineyards, a farm with hens, honey bees, and alpacas, a cooking school, a dairy that produces artisan cheeses, and even a lab that makes the natural skincare line used at the spa. The estate is so massive, with so many things to do, that you could easily spend your whole stay on the property and not get bored.

Walk in the shoes of a well-to-do Westie by checking into The Chelsea Townhouse, a boutique abode comprising three Victorian red-brick townhouses. Within them, a distinctly residential feel akin to a private home in which guests are warmly received by name. On the agenda may be exclusive access to the private Cadogan Gardens, a rarity in the city, or a stroll around quaint neighboring streets that lead to Harrods, The V&A, or even Kensington Palace.

There are 36 accommodation options, spanning cozy rooms for soloists to garden suites with direct access to the aforementioned prized green. All hold on to the building’s heritage and beautifully integrate vintage pieces together with contemporary amenities. A complimentary minibar is provided, stocked with local drinks and nibbles. Meanwhile, the ground-floor dining salon supplies all-day fuel, allowing guests to enjoy snacks and sips from breakfast to nightcap. The fresh Chelsea buns are a must to grab and go—best enjoyed outside by the blooms or over a book from the living room library. Make yourself at home.

Dubbed “Home of the Original Amsterdam Luxury,” De L’Europe Amsterdam’s catchphrase has encapsulated the allure of this five-star haven since 1896. Fusing historic charm and contemporary sophistication, the hotel delivers an authentic taste of Dutch elegance in the city’s heart. Perched along the picturesque Amstel River, De L’Europe offers effortless access to attractions like the Rijksmuseum, the Anne Frank House, and Dam Square, making it the optimal base for a quintessential Amsterdam getaway.

With 107 exquisitely appointed rooms and suites adorned with classic Dutch art and contemporary touches, De L’Europe provides a sanctuary of comfort and elegance. The Superior Rooms offer intimate luxury with plush furnishings and modern amenities, while the Prestige Suite boasts expansive river views, a private balcony, and a separate sitting room. Each room showcases the hotel’s timeless craftsmanship, including marble floors, intricate woodwork, and elegant chandeliers. The design seamlessly melds traditional Dutch elements with modern opulence for a cultivated sophistication.

Culinary excellence is a hallmark of De L’Europe, with five distinct dining options. The two-Michelin-starred Restaurant Flore offers a contemporary and conscious take on fine dining, while Trattoria Graziella’s warm flavors and palettes transport diners to the Italian countryside. And De L’Europe’s renowned Freddy’s Bar, named after Alfred “Freddy” Heineken, who frequently unwound here himself, is the ultimate neighborhood retreat.

Nestled between the central Athenian neighborhoods of Plaka and Syntagma (Parliament) Square, Dolli at Acropolis–so named due to its stunning Acropolis views from most of its 46 rooms and suites–stands out as a beacon of refined luxury and thoughtful design, seamlessly blending modern sophistication with classical elegance. The hotel’s charm lies in its meticulous attention to detail, from the chic, minimalist decor of its sleeping quarters and the feminine curves of its walls, so influencing the hotel’s name, to the notable artwork (see the Picasso in the downstairs library/dining area).

The Dolli’s pièce de résistance, however, is its infinity rooftop pool with sweeping Parthenon views and rooftop restaurant, which delights with a menu celebrating Greek gastronomy traditions. The restaurant uses locally sourced, organic ingredients to create both classic and contemporary dishes.

At the weekend, enjoy a buffet brunch with a unique fusion of Asian and Greek cuisine.

From the smaller Bijou Rooms to Junior Suites and the Acropolis Pied-A-Terre, all room furnishings are 90 percent custom-made and sourced from small Greek family businesses, showcasing The Dolli as a sanctuary that respects and enhances its environment, making the hotel a standout choice for discerning travelers seeking both luxury and attentive hospitality.

Since 1931, The Dorchester has peddled glitz, hosting history’s biggest names and immortalizing their defining moments. The Harlequin Penthouse suite’s pink marble bathroom is where Elizabeth Taylor, a hotel regular, received that phone call with a record-breaking offer to star in Cleopatra. But it’s not just pop culture. Someone in everyone’s circle has a fond memory or hopeful bucket list occasion involving Park Lane’s A-List address. It could be birthday afternoon tea in the palatial promenade, a proposal at Alain Ducasse’s three Michelin-starred restaurant, or a Mother’s Day treat in The Dorchester Spa.

And for those lucky enough to spend the night, 241 rooms and suites are designed to convey the most luxurious of private residences. Hyde Park views pour in, positively singing with the soft floral interiors and a color palette inspired by English country gardens. This may be zone one, but slumbers feel a world away. A recent multi-million-dollar refurb incorporated state-of-the-art tech into Dorch’s fairytale style, and well, let’s just say there’s nothing more any guest could want. Nothing their personal butlers couldn’t handle, anyway.

Housed in a magnificent former bank building and situated in the heart of historic Edinburgh, Gleneagles Townhouse is the beautiful city outpost of the famously luxurious Gleneagles countryside resort. This elegant hotel combines classically handsome architecture and dignified opulence with more modern sensibilities. It is this contemporary spin–fresh color palette and stylish design, up-to-date wellness offerings–that set it apart from the other luxury Scottish hotels, making it an appealing option for guests of all ages.

The luxury gym and wellness studios, nestled down in the atmospheric vault of the bank, are a highlight– the infrared saunas and cryotherapy facilities offer holistic respite from jet lag. The Spence offers local Scottish ingredients in the palatial gilded dining room, while the rooftop bar Lamplighters is a haven with beautiful views. Despite the sweeping scale of the grand lobby and dining room, the modest size of the hotel, teamed with excellent customer service, offers an intimate sense of belonging; this is a townhouse, after all, albeit in the grandest sense of the world. The property also operates as a private member’s club, lending a certain buzz and sense of being plugged into the city at large.

Classical Mediterranean gardens, pink-toned terracotta walls, and a serene setting on a hillock above Puigpunyent village: Mallorca’s Grand Hotel Son Net quickly sets the tone for a magical getaway. This 17th-century Castillo started its life in 1672, complete with Renaissance-style frescoes in every direction. Sold not once but twice, it’s now owned by Javier López Granados, an art collector and owner of Finca Cortesin in Marbella.

Wander through this 17th-century estate’s ivy-draped archways, private Malvasia vineyard, and sun-dappled courtyards to explore manicured gardens, a tranquil chapel, and an iconic 30-meter pool framed by lush palms and panoramic vistas of the Tramuntana Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its original fittings and quirky antiques promise a suitably regal experience. The hotel’s 31 rooms and suites range from cozy Palace Rooms to the opulent Grand Suite feature breathtaking views of the Mallorcan countryside—the suites have the best views if you’re feeling spendy. Dining here is also impressive: the hotel’s Mar&Duix Restaurant is housed in the estate’s original olive press, where farm-to-table cuisine comes paired with local wines. For a casual lunch, there’s also El Gazebo, complete with sweeping island views.

In a city celebrated for its Danish minimalism, Hotel d’Angleterre stands as an exquisite exception. Overlooking Copenhagen’s Kongens Nytorv square, this grand dame has reigned since 1755. As a bastion of luxury, it has hosted royalty, celebrities, and dignitaries for over two centuries. Founded by a French servant who fell in love with a local girl, the hotel quickly became synonymous with worldliness. Today, it continues to offer a blend of historical grandeur and modern sophistication, with 92 rooms and suites meticulously designed to combine classic European decor with contemporary comforts. From the cozy Superior Guest Rooms to the opulent Royal Suite, guests experience unparalleled comfort and style.

Hotel d’Angleterre is home to the Michelin-starred Marchal, where innovative Nordic cuisine meets French culinary techniques, and Balthazar Champagne Bar, Copenhagen’s first, boasts an extensive Champagne selection and signature cocktails. Both dining venues create an atmosphere of refined indulgence and are frequented by tourists and locals alike. The Amazing Space spa offers a range of treatments designed to rejuvenate, along with a fitness center and indoor swimming pool, ensuring a comprehensive wellness experience. The property’s dedication to outstanding personal service and cultural preservation further cements its status as one of the city’s (and Fodor’s!) finest hotels. Hotel d’Angleterre seamlessly marries historic grandeur with modern luxury, making it an exceptional choice for discerning travelers seeking the best of Copenhagen.

One of France’s most iconic hotels, the Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, encapsulates the grandeur of the French Riviera. Arrive at the entrance that F. Scott Fitzgerald called the “flushed facade” in the opening scenes of Tender Is the Night, and you’ll instantly glide into a bygone era of grand hotels, glamour, old-fashioned ambiance, and Riviera playgrounds.

Guests come for the spectacular Mediterranean views, the magnificent landscaped gardens, and impeccable hospitality. There’s no private beach, but the saltwater infinity cliff-side pool is divine. The rose gardens in the secure 22-acre site are among France’s finest. With climate change in mind, the hotel collaborates with Campus Vert d’Azur High School to garden more sustainably using plants requiring less water. You’ll discover secluded places to relax, be indulgent in the spa, or sip cocktails under a rainbow-colored pergola.

Rooms are luxurious and traditional in style, reflecting the hotel’s deep heritage. For a special occasion, book a balcony or sea view. The sea-view Louroc restaurant serves delicious classic dishes, and the new pastry chef’s creations are tempting. For lunch, reserve your private sea-view cabana and enjoy a Niçoise salad al fresco. Come to celebrate a special occasion or simply for joyous escapism.

Luminous, cheerful, and unabashedly charming, La Fantaisie blurs the line between city and countryside, indoors and out. Set in a lightly touristed, fashionably louche quarter of Paris, this summery lodging conveys all the giddy pleasure of the first day of vacation—birdsong in the elevators, flower and vine motifs on ceilings and in hallways, and a rooftop bar with a garden terrace offering stellar city views. Pale sherbet colors complement the 63 rooms and 10 suites’ straw, rattan, and linen furnishings punctuated with flowery prints to convey uplift even under a leaden Paris sky.

La Fantaisie restaurant overlooks the sprawling ground-floor garden’s lush fruit trees and climbing trellises. Guests and locals alike enjoy a small but superb menu of French haute comfort food (think king crab salad with a hint of wasabi; turbot on a bed of black rice with razor clams; melt-in-your-mouth pork confit) in the charming dining room or the garden in warm weather. The more casual indoor-outdoor café fronting bustling Rue Cadet, serves top-notch coffee, a range of small plates, and cocktails until 11:30 p.m. The overall enchantment extends to the Holidermie spa: a quartet of mosaic baths you can slip between in the order of salt-hot-cold-and whirlpool, with a sauna and steam room on the side.

When the resident cat, Lilibet, is pampered like a royal corgi, paying guests can expect the full royal treatment. The Lanesborough’s personnel is meticulous; doormen remember names, bellboys dutifully speed luggage up to rooms as their guests sip Champagne at check-in, and butlers prepare each space based on individual preference. There are no kettles or Nespresso pods in rooms or suites, as the property insists on making freshly brewed craft coffee 24/7. Many of the team have been perfecting operations right here for decades, essentially keeping up with the Mountbatten-Windsors in Buckingham Palace down the street.

In terms of aesthetics, the former home of Viscount Lanesborough echoes Regency wall to wall, where Corinthian columns and gold leaf gilding accentuate neo-classical opulence, not to mention the vast art and sculpture collection on display throughout the property. Even the in-room smart TVs are concealed behind framed paintings. The Lanesborough Grill serves the capital’s best Beef Wellington under a glass-domed roof and chandelier, and there’s an underground wellness facility so large it’s housed within a separate wing. And Lilibet’s favorite spot? The Withdrawing Room, where guests lounge over tea on Hyde Park Corner like cats that got the cream.

Set on terraced slopes tufted with olive groves, the Mandarin Oriental Bodrum cascades down to the sea. Inside, Scandi décor punctuated by Turkish rugs and Asian-inspired lighting frames seamless views over the Aegean. The 59 generously sized guestrooms, ten suites with private plunge pools, 31 apartments, and 22 villas make for the perfect escape from worldly cares.

Guests can melt away their stress in the well-appointed hammam or with spa treatments from highly qualified therapists. The more active will enjoy the changing monthly fitness program. Tiered pools and two sandy beaches offer respite from the heat, but the sunshine doesn’t go to waste. Solar panels installed discretely throughout the grounds harness nature’s bounty, rooftop gardens reduce energy consumption, and water is recycled using reverse osmosis technology.

The hotel’s 12 restaurants and bars include Turkish, Asian inspired, and European options. Lunch on delectable Japanese Peruvian acevichado rolls filled with avocado and tempura shrimp at Ioki on the Beach. Dine on grilled lobster and other Italian seafood specialties at Lucca by the Sea, with a soundtrack of waves lapping beneath your feet. Do leave room for dessert at Vakko L’atelier, serving exquisite lighter-than-air pastries, sublime chocolates and refreshingly healthy ice cream.

Cross the footbridge to the Monkey Island Estate, a secluded historical paradise full of birdsong, an hour from London. Monkey Island most probably got its name from monks who lived there in the 10th century. From the 18th century, there was a trend of painting monkeys as humans. In 1723, the Third Duke of Marlborough built the pavilion and temple that form part of today’s hotel. Visitors come for uninterrupted views of the River Thames, the exquisitely landscaped grounds, and fine dining.

There are 41 bedrooms with suites and three cottages on the estate. Famous guests include H.G Wells, Dame Nellie Melba, and Edward Elgar, who wrote his Violin Concerto here. Most rooms are modern and elegant, with the iconic Wedgwood Suite, where original 18th-century plasterwork remains a highlight. No further building is permitted on Monkey Island, so there’s a riverboat spa where the floating massage is divine. Sustainability is a priority, with energy coming straight from the river, food sourced from local producers, and the hotel smoking its salmon on site.

Take a traditional afternoon tea in the Monkey Island Brasserie or dine a la carte in the Monkey Room, resplendent with its 17th-century-inspired monkey frescoes. If you feel like stepping off the island to explore the neighborhood, there are Michelin-starred restaurants in nearby Bray.

Some hotels seem to cultivate an Instagram aesthetic; others are just naturally photogenic. Palazzo Avino is the latter. On Italy’s fabled Amalfi Coast, the “pink palace” is Instagram gold, with terraced gardens cascading down the side of a mountain, an outdoor pool, and pink-and-white striped two-tiered umbrellas overlooking the sea. But this member of the Leading Hotels of the World is much more than just its looks—it’s the embodiment of warm, southern Italian hospitality.

Sisters Mariella and Attilia Avino run the property—the oldest part of which dates to the 11th century—with style and aplomb. They’re constantly making updates and improvements to it, working with local artisans to design bespoke ceramics for the Michelin-starred restaurant Rossellini’s, bottling their own wine, curating the clothes and accessories for sale in the Pink Closet, and renovating the rooms and suites. After a few days relaxing by the pool and at the beach club, sampling the original cocktails at the Lobster & Martini Bar, and savoring gourmet tasting menus at Rossellini’s, you’ll leave with memories that are far more precious than Instagram pics.

The Italian capital is in the midst of a hotel boom, with international brands setting up shop all over the city. Our pick of the pack is the Rome EDITION, the Italian debut of the trendsetting EDITION brand by Ian Schrager and Marriott. Set in a 1940s rationalist building on a quiet street near Via Veneto, it has a clean-lined design that verges on minimalist but has enough plants and pops of color to keep things interesting. (We especially love the plant-covered patio where you can sip creative cocktails.)

The hotel is a true dining and nightlife destination, with not one but three bars (the rooftop pool bar, the speakeasy-inspired Punch Room, and the snug Jade Bar) and the restaurant Anima, helmed by Paola Colucci, the self-taught chef behind cult favorite restaurant Pianostrada. It plays a fittingly hedonistic part in the revitalization of Via Veneto, the street made famous by the debaucheries of its Dolce Vita-era frequenters.

Located in the heart of London’s posh Mayfair neighborhood, the St. James Hotel & Club is a 5-star boutique hotel offering elegantly styled guest rooms and superb suites. Designed by a team of international architects and designers led by the award-winning AMJ design firm (based out of Berlin), each of the 60 guest rooms is spacious (especially by London hotel standards), with many offering enviable views of the historic St. James District from private balconies and, in the case of the Penthouse Suite, a rooftop terrace. The rooms are modern and comfortable, with sustainable and tailor-made mattresses from Hypnos and toiletries from Penhaligon, a historic British perfume house.

In a city brimming with hotel options in various styles and price points, what sets the St. James Hotel & Club apart is not only its impeccable hospitality but also its prime location. While the hotel is smack dab in the heart of Mayfair, it’s situated on a quiet cul-de-sac a block away from a constant stream of red double-decker buses and tourists.

In classic British fashion, don’t skip on the St. James’ afternoon tea, designed by Executive Chef William Drabble of the hotel’s Restaurant Francatelli. Sweet and savory bites are paired with traditional English tea and, if you’re feeling fancy, Champagne. While there are thousands of London restaurants vying for your attention, a meal at the Restaurant Francatelli is well worth a visit. Chef Drabble partners with local suppliers to create 19th-century-inspired dishes that honor the culinary legacy of Charles Elmé Francatelli and his iconic 1846 cookbook.

In Santorini, it’s unusual to find a hotel that isn’t stacked on top of other white-washed hotels, flanked by travelers all vying for the same photos. But the newly opened, 5-star, adults-only Santo Mine Oia Suites manages to give you the best of Santorini sans crowds.

Connected to Oia via a short 10-minute walking path, Santo Mine affords its guests the true luxury of switching between peaceful seclusion and the bustling streets of Oia. Santo Mine is nestled on a hillside, flanked by towering volcanic rock on one side and endless views of the Aegean Sea and Ammoudi Bay on the other. Because of its location, each of Santo Mine’s 37 suites affords its guests the utmost privacy with private plunge pools and uninterrupted views.

Each of the suites is designed in the style of Cycladic minimalism, blending raw materials—such as clay, stone, and black lava rock—to create an ambiance that feels as though it’s pulling the beauty of the outdoors inside. Santo Mine also boasts stellar restaurants, including Ālme (its fine-dining concept with a focus on fish). For wine lovers, the private wine tasting held within a cellar mimicking the volcanic hillside is not to be missed.

Northern Ireland’s 125 year old Victorian grand dame, with its signature red bricked render and high pitched tower, is fresh from a world class makeover. Slieve Donard is located at the foot of the magnificent Mourne Mountains. It’s also close to a fine sandy beach and next door to The Royal County Down Golf Links. The resort’s health club has a variety of treatments for hair, mind, and body, along with a state-of-the-art gym and 20-meter swimming pool.

Slieve Donard’s guest rooms, decorated in florals and soft tartans with shades of blues and greens and a splash of crisp white linen, are inspired by the wild coastal countryside. The rooms vary in size, from standard king-size beds with floor-to-ceiling mountain views to suites overlooking the seascapes. There are four restaurants with thoughtful menus that focus on the best of locally sourced food. JJ Farrall’s is a honeycombed timber paneled retreat with a wide-open fireplace. Mourne Mountain lamb or market fresh catch cooked with wild mushrooms are hallmarks of the indigenous produce. Sustainability is the invisible ingredient here from the energy efficient wood pellet boilers to the on-site food waste processing plant.

You’ll find no shortage of historical palaces-turned-hotels in this ultra-romantic Italian city. But The Venice Venice Hotel, in Venice’s Canareggio district near the Rialto Bridge, turns traditional Venetian style on its head, in what it dubs post-venezianità, or post-Venetian. Inside one of the city’s oldest palazzos, 13th-century Ca’ da Mosto, frescoed and beamed ceilings contrast with contemporary art pieces, plus there’s an intimate spa and gym, rare amenities in a Venetian property.

The juxtaposition of ancient and modern makes sense when you consider the hotel’s owners and creative masterminds: Alessandro and Francesca Gallo, founders of the cult Venice-based sneaker brand Golden Goose. All 43 guest rooms are unique and individually designed, from the cozy post-Venetian rooms to the expansive family lofts and suites, some of which include freestanding tubs, steam rooms, exercise equipment, private balconies overlooking the Grand Canal—and, for the ultimate luxury, your very own pool. Artworks borrowed from the Gallos’ private art collection, from the likes of Cy Twombly, Joseph Beuys and Bruce Nauman, adorn the walls throughout the hotel.

Food and drink don’t take a backseat to style, however. Aperitivo on the terrace overlooking the Grand Canal is a can’t-miss event, especially the Erose Americano cocktail paired with a fine selection of cichetti, Venice’s version of tapas. And as befitting the brand, the Venice M’Art concept store attached to the hotel sells not only Golden Goose sneakers, but a carefully curated selection of covetable objects, from bath products to housewares, so you can take a taste of Venice Venice’s impeccable aesthetic home with you.