Beautiful Boutique Hotels To Stay In Across Europe, According To Reviews
Europe has been a continent of wonders for travelers of all ages. For generations, people have marveled at the natural beauty of this part of the world and the things people have built across its boundaries. From the towering Alps that dominate the continent's low interior to the statues and memorials that abound throughout European capitals, there's more to see here than you're likely ever to find the time for. But travel in Europe can be augmented by staying at one of many boutique hotels scattered throughout the landmass' countries. No matter where your travels may take you, a beautiful hotel is waiting to provide a remarkable stay.
Boutique hotels are a unique bunch. Rather than focusing on creating as many rooms as possible, these hotels are small establishments that pride themselves on the little details that can transform a holiday. A boutique hotel is identified by its smaller number of rooms and the inclusion of high-luxury features and amenities. Perhaps a boutique is characterized by its spa, maybe it's a specialized design language that smacks of elegance, or the boutique feel could be integrated through the natural beauty of the surroundings. These boutique hotels, found across Europe and listed from east to west, are curated based on trusted reviews. Many are located in The Telegraph's (a UK publication) list of notable boutiques, and all come highly recommended based on firsthand knowledge of the properties and their guest-driven experiences.
The Retreat at Blue Lagoon - Grindavík, Iceland
Anyone who dreams of expansive European travel has likely come across the Blue Lagoon. The Icelandic spa destination is high on many bucket lists and is often lusted over for repeat trips by those who have already been. The Blue Lagoon is a naturally occurring hot spring that sports inviting, milky blue water caked in minerals and silica. A dip in the waters results in silky smooth skin without really any effort. Bathing in the pools is all it takes to come out refreshed and rejuvenated. But anyone who has planned a trip to Iceland knows that securing a time slot here can be a bit challenging—especially last minute. Fortunately, there's a fabulous boutique hotel that takes the stress out of planning a perfect getaway to this haven of relaxation.
The Retreat at Blue Lagoon is a 60-suite boutique hotel situated right on the edge of the magnetic tourist draw. Guests can eat at the hotel's Michelin-starred restaurant and visit the underground spa—an inclusion in the cost of the room. Moreover, when staying at the Retreat at Blue Lagoon, you'll have access to a private segment of the warming waters. There's no need to fight over entry slots or continue checking the site for a better time. Instead, you can wade into the waters at your leisure. A night here is a fantastic way to kickstart (or end) a visit to the land hosting Europe's most northerly capital city. Reviewers rate it at a 9.5 on Booking.com (with nearly 200 reviews), and Tripadvisor users class it at 4.5 stars out of 5.
Ballyseede Castle Hotel - Kerry, Ireland
Ballyseede Castle is a highly rated destination in the west of Ireland. It's the only castle hotel in Kerry, even among historic destinations in the county like Valentia Island, Annascaul, and Killarney. Ballyseede Castle Hotel is a 45-room boutique that's overflowing with charm. The restaurant serves up classical Irish fare, and each room has its own name (corresponding to wings such as historic Irish leaders). The castle itself is a 15th-century building that has been added onto systematically over the years by the family-run team. Visitors rate Ballyseede Castle highly, with Booking.com offering up a 9.2 average across nearly 900 reviews.
Every detail of the property is cared for with immaculate perfection, and the grounds include 30 acres of woodland and garden landscapes that guests can wander through and explore. The Ballyseede Woods are an almost 80-acre forest next door that holds the remnants of another ancient estate (of the Blennerhassetts, who have lent their name to a modern town nearby, Blennerville). The hotel was also named a finalist for the WOL Awards 24's castle venue of the year and has earned numerous other awards for its service. The hotel is a calming pocket of tranquility with everything you might need to enjoy a fantastic stay. Moreover, the hotel is just an hour and a half down the scenic coastal roads connecting Kerry to Clare's Shannon Airport.
Vila Vita Parc - Algarve, Portugal
Located in Portugal's famed Algarve region, Vila Vita Parc is just a 40-minute drive from Faro Airport, making it incredibly accessible for travelers from abroad. The hotel sports the elegant whitewashed color palate standard for the region and showcases immaculate tiling throughout the interior spaces. This hotel is rated extremely highly by critics and visitors alike. The Telegraph gave it a 9 out 10, while Tripadvisor's nearly 3,500 reviews come back with a perfect 5-star rating, and Booking.com's 900-plus reviewers average out at 9.5.
In addition to a two Michelin-starred restaurant, Ocean, Vila Vita Parc is home to a massive portfolio of activities guests can partake in. The hotel's sprawling complex offers direct beach access, two outdoor pools, and one shaded by a full cover for a chilled-out afternoon. The on-site spa has staff specialists in various therapies for a full range of treatment and relaxation options. For those looking for a more sport-driven experience, Vila Vita Park includes water sports options like sailing, kayaking, and paddleboarding, tennis courts, a driving range, mini golf, and a pitch and putt course.
Palé Hall - Llandderfel, Gwynedd, Wales
Palé Hall was built in 1871 for Henry Robertson, a railway engineer. The hotel offers just 18 rooms in the primary residence and four additional garden suites on its 50 acres of gardens and wooded landscapes. The manor can be found near Snowdonia National Park in North Wales, placing it somewhat out of the way for the typical visitor to England and the broader U.K., but also worth the trip. The northern reach of Wales is perhaps one of the most breathtaking landscapes in the whole of Britain, and the people who call this corner of the nation home are welcoming and friendly.
The hotel is also home to a Michelin Green Star restaurant, showcasing its remarkable culinary experience and the eco-friendly credentials of the facilities. Palé Hall boasts an onsite hydroelectric plant to augment the elegance that shrouds the entire hotel in old-world charm. The hotel is stunningly beautiful, from its immaculate room design with stunning wooden accents to go along with luxurious stone and wallpaper highlights to the brilliant green spaces that abound outside the doors. Winston Churchill and Queen Victoria likely thought so, as both have vacationed in the mansion. Modern explorers also hold the hotel in high esteem, with The Telegraph offering up a perfect 10 and Booking.com reviewers rating it a 9.4 across over 350 reviews.
Hotel Pulitzer Barcelona - Barcelona, Spain
Hotel Pulitzer Barcelona is a family-owned accommodation in the heart of Barcelona's thriving community. The hotel is situated right off Plaça de Catalunya at the northern end of La Rambla. It's found in a 19th-century construction, and the roof terrace bar hosts more than 100 live music guests every year, adding a captivating element to the experience.
Hotel Pulitzer Barcelona matches dark wood accents with bright, white shades throughout the rooms, making for a light and airy experience during a stay in the city. The proximity to the community's famous sights also makes it a one-of-a-kind trip. Not only do visitors enjoy the amenities and atmosphere of the hotel, but the ability to walk out onto the street and get swept up in Barcelona's nightlife (or afternoon charm) is truly amazing. The Telegraph rated it a 9 out of 10, while Booking.com users give it an 8.8 across 1,500 reviews (and a 9.7 by couples).
HUUS Gstaad - Gstaad, Switzerland
"Picturesque" is a word that could be used to describe much of Switzerland. The country is situated among some of Europe's most dominating mountain peaks, and between these sky-scraping monoliths, there are dozens of serene, alpine lakes. Visitors throughout Switzerland will find a unique charm in the décor and the people who make the place what it is.
HUUS Gstaad, built in the classical style of Swiss chalet, is found in the town just above Saanen. The sprawling complex includes spa treatments, skiing instruction (free for those under nine years old), and even two complementary Range Rover convertibles that make exploring the surrounding landscape more accessible. HUUS Gstaad also sports a sizeable indoor pool and numerous saunas for the most relaxing alpine experience imaginable. The Telegraph gave it a 9 out of 10 while complementing the stylish accommodation as "a perfect marriage between Alpine hut and luxury design hotel." Booking.com reviewers agree, with over 1,000 reviews averaging an 8.6 rating.
La Villa Hotel - Piedmont, Italy
La Villa Hotel is nestled in Northern Italy's Piedmont winemaking region. The 16th-century palazzo has been transformed into a small boutique hotel by family owners Chris and Nicola (who make their presence felt both on the hotel's website and as in-person hosts, according to reviews). Guests love the Italian hamlet, with Tripadvisor showcasing a 5-star average across 460 reviews. Booking.com provides an equally glowing recommendation of the property, with 100-plus reviewers giving it an overall 9.1 rating.
The hotel offers 15 rooms for guests, each sporting its own style and charm. Every room pairs up vintage-inspired furnishings with the modern amenities that travelers require for a magical stay. La Villa also offers a spa, other wellness inclusions, and an elegant pool. Guests can take a bike out for the day to explore the vineyards and surrounding countryside or even traverse Piedmont by horse for a majestic experience that's sure to be remembered for many years to come.
Schlosshotel Kronberg - Kronberg im Taunus, Hesse, Germany
Near Frankfurt, Schlosshotel Kronberg was once the home of Empress Victoria Friedrich. In addition to a laundry list of regal visitors, from Wilhelm II (her son and later Emperor of Germany) to Tsar Nicholas II and King Edward VII. The establishment now sports 62 rooms and suites on the property, with opulence acting as an overarching theme throughout the hotel. The grounds are teeming with elegant gardens, and guests can eat and drink in style at the gourmet dining room, Victoria Lounge, and Jimmy's Bar. There's even an 18-hole golf course onsite for those looking for an outdoor excursion to augment their stay.
The Telegraph gave Scholsshotel Kronberg a 9 out of 10, praising its "gothic exterior, sumptuous interiors and extraordinary historic resonance." The hotel is a hit with visitors, too. It sports a 4.6 out of 5-star rating among 1,250 Google reviewers, an 8.9 out of 10 on Booking.com (with 1,150 reviews), and a 4.5 out of 5 on Tripadvisor (with just over 1,000 reviews).
Pater Noster - Hamneskär, Sweden
Pater Noster takes its name from the Latin for "the Lord's Prayer." It's said that sailors would utter these words regularly upon gazing up at the lighthouse, in equal parts reverence and fear of the treacherous waters surrounding this beacon in the murky darkness. Pater Noster has stuck, and the lighthouse on Hamneskär, a rocky island situated just off the Swedish coast near Gothenburg, is now home to a boutique hotel unlike any other. The island itself is safe, but the waters that separate it from mainland Sweden have been anything but throughout history. The lighthouse was built in 1868, and after over a century of use as a safety beacon for sailors, guests can stay in one of nine fabulously luxurious rooms on the island.
The boutique getaway is one of Europe's most unique places to stay. You'll have to catch a RIB (a small boat) or helicopter ride to get to your accommodation, adding a transcendently exhilarating dimension to the experience. The trappings of sea life are found throughout the hotel, but there are also elegant modern touches that round out a visit here. Phenomenally fresh seafood, outdoor vistas that are truly unparalleled, and a traditional sauna complete the experience. The Telegraph rated it a 9 out of 10, Google reviewers (120 total) gave it a 4.8, and Tripadvisor scored it a 4.5 — both out of 5.
PineTree Boutique Apartments - Mljet, Croatia
PineTree Boutique Apartments is a contemporary yet traditionally-rooted night's stay on Croatia's Mljet island. It's found at the bottom of the landmass, alongside some of Croatia's only sandy beaches. Guests can look out over the Adriatic Sea from a beautiful infinity pool. The accommodation includes 12 apartments in either one-bedroom or studio styles, and each one offers balconies or terraces (depending on the floor level) that face out over the sea.
Guests staying at this marvelous hotel will be treated to a welcoming atmosphere, guided by the owners' example, Ana and Ivo Dabelic. From PineTree Boutique Apartments, guests can jump on a ferry for the short hop over to Dubrovnik, the ancient walled city that was the backdrop for numerous "Game of Thrones" scenes. A zip up the island will also bring you to Mljet National Park. Guests love it in this boutique spot, with 100-plus reviewers on Booking.com combining to give it a 9.4 rating alongside The Telegraph's 9 out of 10.
Aria Hotel Budapest - Budapest, Hungary
Aria Hotel Budapest is perhaps the most highly acclaimed boutique hotel on this list. Booking.com rates it at a 9.6 out of 10 with nearly 500 reviews, while the 2,300-plus reviewers on Tripadvisor give it a full 5 stars. The Aria Hotel Budapest is a luxurious and central hotel that's themed with four musical wings: Classical, Jazz, Contemporary, and Opera. Rooms throughout the hotel are designed with artwork celebrating titans of the musical world, including James Brown, Maria Callas, Bob Dylan, and Franz Liszt, a Hungarian composer of astronomical talent and importance to music as a discipline.
The Telegraph awarded the hotel a 9 out of 10, noting the phenomenal restaurant on its premises and the underground spa ready to provide sumptuous treatments to guests looking to unwind. The central location of the Aria Hotel makes it a fantastic spot for any visitor heading to Budapest to consider. Not only will you enjoy a fabulous stay in the elegant accommodation, but the entire city will be waiting just outside its doors for you to explore.
Autor Rooms - Warsaw, Poland
Autor Rooms only sports four rooms, but each one is intimately special. They offer their own particular style and character, and the whole space is dedicated to local art and creativity. The areas have been meticulously crafted to provide an elegant feel while capturing the vibrancy of Warsaw's artistic scene. The hotel's tall windows and parquet floors add to the classic style and uniquely old-school European sense of space.
To make the experience even more appealing, Autor Rooms is located in a 1914 building just around the corner from Konstytucji Square. This makes the artistic haven inside the building contrast sharply with the burgeoning architectural style of the surrounding centerpiece of the town. Many buildings were constructed shortly after World War II, but the art nouveau structure that houses the hotel is its own slice of paradise. Visitors give the Warsaw establishment glowing reviews, with Tripadvisor offering a perfect 5-star rating and Booking.com giving it a 9.1.
Kókkini Porta Rossa - Rhodes, Greece
This boutique hotel was once the home of a 14th-century knight. Today, it's run by Nikos and Angela, proprietors who have restored the space and are thrilled to speak to guests about the rich history of the island and their boutique accommodation. The six rooms found at Kókkini Porta Rossa, named in reference to the local moniker of the red St. John's Gate nearby in Rhodes' Old Town, are warm and immensely comfortable. An outdoor terrace and brilliant décor throughout complete the hotel, making for a welcoming experience from start to finish.
As with every other boutique lodging option on this list, visitors can't stop gushing about Kókkini Porta Rossa. The Telegraph gave the boutique hotel a 9 out of 10, while 550-plus reviewers on Tripadvisor combine for a perfect 5, alongside a 9.9 review from Booking.com. The varied history of Rhodes (sitting closer to Turkey than mainland Greece) and the hospitality of the owners come together for a magical stay in an otherworldly hotel.
Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort - Saariskelkä, Finland
The last boutique hotel on this list is another niche inclusion that offers a comfortable and luxurious stay with a one-of-a-kind addition. The Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort is found in the far north of Finland, and its main attraction is the fact that hotel rooms come with the prospect of an incredible view of the Northern Lights. Visitors give the resort a 7.9 on Booking.com and a 4 out of 5 on Tripadvisor (with more than 2,100 reviews).
The Arctic Resort is built with a variety of different accommodation types. There are glass igloos, log chalets, snow igloos, and four-person igloos that include a glass section for immaculate sky viewing. At this latitude, guests can sit and marvel at the night sky for many long hours in the wintertime or enjoy the Midnight Sun phenomenon in the summer. Guests can also forage for berries and mushrooms or enjoy a traditional Lapland sauna while hunting for those spectacular, haunting lights.
How we picked the boutique hotels
Many of the rankings used to select boutique hotels for this list came from The Telegraph, a U.K. publication with plenty of experience sending journalists into the field to report on all sorts of stories. Among boutique European destinations, the outlet had reviewed over 1,000 hotels, many of which were equally stunning but lacked something intrinsic that every one of our chosen hotels brought to the table. Booking.com reviews, Tripadvisor, and other review outlets assisted in providing contextual details and additional first-hand perspectives. While we have traveled to many of the cities where you'll find these hotels, we've only stayed in one—Ballyseede—and have offered personal knowledge of the area and reporting from other guests online.