The Best Luxury Hotels in Europe That Aren't Overrated
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Luxury hotels in Europe are everywhere, but which ones are worth it? From palatial icons to discreet hideaways, these hotels redefine five-star indulgence with history, exclusivity, and unparalleled service.
If you're looking for the best luxury hotels in Europe that deliver on every promise, this list is for you. Because when you're used to luxury travel, hotels that offer something different, fun or memorable tend to make their mark and stand out in a sea of high-end options. This curated list unveils some of the best luxury hotels in Europe that offer something more than ‘just’ five stars or a famous name: they bring something unique to the table in terms of exceptional service, refined design, rich history, or unparalleled guest experience.
How We Chose These Hotels
Not all five-star hotels are created equal. Here's what we think makes a luxury hotel genuinely worth it in our opinion:
Historic significance or architectural beauty
An exceptional or unexpected ambience
A remarkable legacy or offering something fresh in terms of owners' vision, passion or design
A seamless blend of heritage and modern comfort
We curated four hotels that offer something extra-special that can't always be quantified by amenities. So many (many) fantastic hotels didn't make the cut. That's not reflective of their quality; it simply underlines that we went searching - this time at least - for a little je ne sais pas quoi. A rule we did have, though, was if a hotel was expensive and had few other redeeming features and no character, you won't see it here.
Hotel de Russie, Rome – Understated Roman Elegance
Rome, Italy
Adam Eastland Rome / Alamy Stock Photo
Hotel de Russie is already known as one of Rome's best hotels, and for good reason. It's ideally located, and the staff's attention to detail is second to none. It's no surprise that the glitterati of Rome, Italy and travellers from further afield choose to stay here. The hotel is undeniably luxurious, but it's not got that over-the-top and heavy feel (looking at you, fiddly decor) that some luxury hotels can have. In terms of in-room comfort, the hotel delivers everything you'd expect of the Rocco Forte stamp, but it's (perhaps) the courtyard that's the hotel's pièce de résistance.
The word courtyard suggests a bare and slightly utilitarian space, but at the Hotel de Russie, the courtyard drips greenery and sweeps into a luscious 'secret' tiered garden. (Naturally, it's so beautiful that everyone and their mother knows about it, but it does feel like a calm sanctuary in the middle of Rome, so we'll allow it). The hotel is a marvel at any time of year, but it comes into its own when it's warm enough to sit outside for aperitif, cocktails or meals. Guests, naturally, have priority for tables at the Stravinskij Bar in the courtyard and at Le Jardin, with tables nestled amongst the greenery.
Badrutt's Palace, St. Moritz – Where Royalty Stays
St. Moritz, Switzerland
Olaf Protze / Alamy Stock Photo
Badrutt's Palace Hotel is a sort-of fairytale castle in the Swiss mountains. With 155 rooms, six restaurants (more in winter) and a luxury shopping mall, the hotel knows how to make its mark, dominating the St. Moritz skyline, complete with turrets and towers.
Badrutt's Palace would be imposing wherever it was, but its location, set against the backdrop of the Swiss mountains, gives it enduring allure and charm. Le Grand Hall - aptly named given its size and luxury decor - is known as the living room of St Moritz. Badrutt's Palace remains one of the best luxury hotels in Switzerland, attracting the global elite.
The Badrutt family owned the hotel from its inception until as recently as the early 2000s. Various hotel operators have run the hotel alongside the family (most recently Rosewood), but today, it's once again a private hotel, albeit no longer under the Badrutts’ ownership. The hotel's architecture, lake and mountain views, amenities and flourishing touches of personalised opulence (think Rolls-Royce transfers from the train station) make it one of the most special hotels in the world, and it’s naturally seeped in history: the hotel built the first indoor tennis court in Europe, with restaurant La Coupole now sitting on top of where it used to be.
Château de la Messardière, St. Tropez – Hidden Riviera Elegance
Ludovic Maisant / hemis.fr / Hemis / Alamy Stock Photo
St. Tropez, France
St. Tropez is one of the most famous and luxurious towns on the Côte d'Azur luxury hotels. Every summer, the global jet set flock to the region - 'St Trop' is an annual favourite - staying on super yachts, in luxury villas, and fabulous hotels. But the glitz, glamour and A-listers also bring heaving crowds to town, which isn't everyone's cup of tea.
For anyone who wants to enjoy proximity to St Tropez away from the flashiness of centre ville, Château de la Messardière is a perfect option. The refined hotel - once a family home - effortlessly blends historic charm with light, fresh design.
Everything about the hotel whispers romance, from the stunning Pampelonne Bay vistas to the quiet but luxurious seclusion of the hotel's hilltop perch. The Château itself is literally an ode to love: in the days when castles could be wedding gifts, Gabriel Dupuy d'Angeac, a wealthy cognac merchant, had the property built for his daughter, Louise. The castle was his wedding gift to her when she married her husband, Henry Brisson de La Messardière, and was given to them on their wedding day.
When Henry died, Louise turned her home into a hotel, which became a hit with the Parisian elite: apparently the parties were out of this world. The property has exchanged hands several times since it was Henry and Louise's home, and it's been significantly enlarged, but it still oozes understated charm.
The hotel has an abundance of pools (five), and its inland position doesn't mean you can't hit the beach, which is a priority if you're visiting the French Riviera. Of course, we're not just talking about any old stretch of sand. Château de la Messardière has its own exclusive private beach club in St. Tropez: Jardin Tropezina. Naturally, transfer from the hotel is by Rolls Royce (don't worry about the sand on the way home) or Mini-Moke for less ostentatious fun and the wind in your hair. Breakfast (enjoy exceptional pastries by social media hit Cedric Grolet), the minibar and a plentiful buffet lunch are included in the room price, as is spa access.
Ludovic Maisant / hemis.fr / Hemis / Alamy Stock Photo
The Fife Arms, Scotland – The Most Beautiful Hotel You've Never Heard Of
Braemar, Scotland
James McKay / Shutterstock
Creating a truly one-of-a-kind luxury hotel is an art. Luckily, art is what Iwan and Manuela Wirth know best. The couple, along with Ursula Hauser, founded Hauser & Wirth in 1992. It's now a global art gallery, and the Wirths are some of the most influential figures in the global art scene. They also own The Fife Arms in Braemar, Scotland, which is revered by those in the know but perhaps not as widely recognised as other luxury hotels.
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'Boutique hotel' is a phrase used a lot in the hospitality industry, mainly by institutions trying to make something small seem grander. In the case of The Fife Arms the term almost doesn't do it justice. This is a luxury but cosy retreat that seamlessly blends Scottish heritage with world-class art, antiques, and bespoke interiors, making it one of the most unique and magical hotel experiences in the UK. It's a luxurious lodge with 46 rooms and 16,000 works of art and antique objects carefully curated and collected by the Wirths, displayed cohesively throughout the hotel. There are 'classics' (a couple of Picassos), unexpected artists (a sketch by Queen Victoria), and fantastic commissioned pieces, including a contemporary chandelier by Indian artist Subodh Gupta.
The Wirths' dedication to the hotel and passion for art shine through, but there's also fun in the mix: the hotel has its own tartan, and there's a fondue hut in a nod to the owners' Swiss origin. The Fife Arms reflects the Wirths' love for the area, art, antiques, and artists, the history of the building, and the guest experience and feel of the place.
Final Thoughts: True Luxury Isn't Overrated
When it comes to staying somewhere extra-special, and money is (nearly) no object, it’s often legacy, exclusivity, and distinctive character that make a hotel unforgettable and set it apart from its peers. These carefully chosen destinations offer an alternative to the overhyped hotels with a balance of heritage, service, and authentic luxury that ensures an exceptional stay. Each one embodies a rare blend of character, history, and exclusivity - and proof that true luxury isn't just about price, but an experience that's memorable long after you've checked out.
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