Top 10 Historic Luxury Hotels in Europe

 

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Are you a history buff looking to soak up the great culture and the centuries of stories and folklore that shaped European history? Here are our top 10 historic luxury hotels in Europe, where you can feel the tales come to life.

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Argos in Cappadocia

Photo Courtesy of Argos in Cappadocia

Best For: History buffs and groups traveling together.

The Argos hotel in Cappadocia is located on the hillside of Uçhisar Village, directly above the magical landscape of Cappadocia. First discovered under the grounds of an ancient monastery, it has undergone 19 years of detailed restoration and has became known as “an ancient village with a reception desk.” Guest rooms and suites are spread across six mansions, including a monastery church restored into a concert hall, an extraordinary underground cellar, and part of a 1200-year-old underground tunnel. Seki Restaurant & Lounge serves delicious fare overlooking the  Pigeon Valley and Mount Erciyes.

If you’re seeking ultimate luxury and pampering book a Splendid Suite. All of Splendid Suites include a private plunge pool in addition to a view of the garden. These accommodations are partly stone and partly carved into living rock.

JK Place Capri

Photo Courtesy of JK Place Capri

Best For: Romance, R&R, and foodies.

Located on Capri’s world-famous and stunningly beautiful island, the discreet charm, comfort, and luxury service is the philosophy behind the creation of the JK Place. Inaugurated as a hotel in 1885, it quickly became a gathering place for the wealthy nobility. Although not as old as some other properties, it still makes our list for the top 10 historic luxury hotels in Europe. Full of small lovely touches, such as precious marbles with grey and white mosaics in the bathrooms and elegant black-and-white carpets, the hotel feels like you were invited to stay in your friend’s home.

Perfectly positioned on a cliff to take in the views while providing convenient access to the sea, the hotel offers a splendid pathway to the water.

Photo Courtesy of JK Place Capri 

Spa

The J.K. Spa offers guests the ultimate wellness experience. This luxurious sanctuary, nestled in the heart of Capri, provides the perfect environment where your adventure begins as you leave the world behind and begin your journey to complete relaxation.

Mandarin Oriental Prague

Photo Courtesy of Mandarin Oriental Prague

Best For: Multi-generational families

The Mandarin Oriental in Prague is a perfect example of historic preservation with careful planning and execution. Originally a 14th-century monastery surrounded by the quiet cobbled streets of Mala Strana, just beneath Prague Castle, the hotel allows guests to soak up this splendid city and embrace tradition while being pampered with all the modern amenities now required. This is where history and tradition meet, making this a sure bet for our top 10 historic luxury hotels in Europe list.

Photo Courtesy of Mandarin Oriental Prague 

This luxury hotel offers 99 guest rooms and suites full of unique features, some with magical views across the city’s ancient spires and red rooftops.

The wonderful holistic spa is housed in a former Renaissance chapel.

Châtea Saint-Martin & Spa, Oetker Collection

Step back in time 800 years and picture yourself as a guest inside the castle built for the Templar

Commander. Perched high atop the hills of the incredibly preserved medieval walled city of Saint Paul de Vence, overlooking the Côte d’Azur, you will find the Chateau Saint- Martin. This sophisticated property offers only 40 elegant guest rooms and suites along with six villas to retain the essence of the original castle. The grounds boast a magnificent infinity pool, tennis courts, and an of course an award-winning spa.

To honor the rich gastronomic traditions of France, Savor the Michelin-starred cuisine at Le Saint-Martin or sample Mediterranean flavors at L’Oliveraie

Best For: A romantic weekend getaway

Monastero Santa Rosa

Photo Courtesy of Monastero Santa Rosa

Best For: Families who want to explore the Amalfi coast.

When the sun sets behind the Amalfi Coast’s Lattari Mountains, visitors who gaze up from the Bay of Salerno find a glow – “a superb vision which hovers over the coast like the wing of an angel.” Perched on the cliff’s edge, Monastero Santa Rosa Hotel & Spa stands in majestic solitude.

Photo Courtesy of Monastero Santa Rosa

Originally a 17th-century monastery, Monastero Santa Rosa has been carefully restored and transformed into an exclusive boutique hotel and luxury spa. Ideally located between Positano and Amalfi, this property offers yet another reason to love the region.

Grand Hotel les Trois Rois

Photo Courtesy of Grand Hotel les Trois Rois

Best For: Foodies, oenophiles, multi-country itineraries

Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois in Basel is one of the oldest luxury hotels in Europe and has been in existence since 1681. In its illustrious history, the hotel has played host to some of the most renowned figures of their time, including Empress Michiko of Japan, James Joyce, Pablo Picasso, and Thomas Mann, to name a few.

Photo Courtesy of Grand Hotel les Trois Rois

The city is an ideal starting point to discover the region or venture out to neighboring Alsace in France and Germany’s Black Forest.

For foodies the world-renowned Cheval Blanc by Peter Knogl definitely lives up to its reputation and 3 Michelin Guide stars.

Belmond Villa San Michelle

Photo courtesy of Belmond Villa San Michelle

Best For: Families, foodies, and oenophiles

Set just far enough away from the bustle of Florence and nestled on the Fiesole hills, Belmond Villa San Michele seamlessly blends 14th-century artistic flair with the region’s otherworldly beauty. Originally built by a community of Franciscan monks today the hotel honors its past and embraces the future. The facade of the building is attributed to Michelangelo and perfectly enhances the stunning panorama over Florence and the Chianti hills just beyond.

Although this well-kept secret has been known to Hollywood elite and British royalty like Julia Roberts, The Prince of Wales, and John F. Kennedy for decades, it maintains an aura of exclusivity and charm.

Stroll the gardens and grounds to take in the scene where in 1506, Leonardo da Vinci first demonstrated his flying machine from Montececeri Park.

Those tired by the museums and shopping of Florence may enjoy a cooking class with world-renowned executive chef Attilio Di Fabrizio or a cocktail masterclass led by the hotel’s head barman.

Family Fun

Try your hand at sculpting at the Galleria Romanelli.

Go rafting with experts down the San Niccolo weir, under the Ponte Vecchio, as you admire the urban sights.

Embark on a fun-filled museum treasure hunt where you can uncover hidden gems.

Grand Hotel Tremezzo

Photo Courtesy of Grand Hotel Tremezzo

Best For: Romantic escape, girlfriends getaway

Grand Hotel Tremezzo may have an impressive 100-year history, but this five-star property fully embraces modern amenities. Careful attention to detail, impeccable service, and a prime location on Lake Combo come together to create one of the most beautiful hotels on the Italian Lakes.

For an ultra-exclusive experience, book your stay at one of the eight brand new Rooftop Suites

Photo Courtesy of Grand Hotel Tremezzo

The Grand Hotel Tremezzo is a true “resort” providing a comprehensive array of comforts: 3 breathtaking pools, lakefront classic-style lido, private Venetian motor-launch for exclusive tours of the lake, the luxurious T Spa, lush parks, floodlit clay tennis court, fitness, and saunas.

Rooftop Front Suite

Rosewood Castiglio del Bosco

 Best For: Cultured foodies, golf aficionados

This property, founded by Massimo and Chiara Ferragamo, is situated within the UNESCO-listed Val d’Orcia Natural Park in the heart of the Brunello di Montalcino wine-making region. A 5,000-acre country estate ennobled by eight centuries of history, it has been managed by Rosewood Hotels & Resorts since 2015. The hotel is really a living community dedicated to the preservation of Tuscan cuisine. The property boasts two restaurants, a cooking school, and an organic kitchen garden. Those seeking a little pampering will not be disappointed by the treatment options offered at the  Spa.

The estate also features an exclusive private Golf Club and a leading Brunello di Montalcino winery.

The Lanesborough Oetker Collection, London

Photo Courtesy of The Lanesborough – The Withdrawing Room

Best For: Families, Royalty

The only hotel in London to offer round-the-clock, dedicated butler service in each room and suite, guests can be assured that their every need will gladly be met.

Housed in an elegant grand residence honoring Regency-era luxury, the hotel is ideally situated between Knightsbridge, Hyde Park, and Mayfair. It is located at the heart of the capital’s best boutiques and restaurants. The Michelin-starred Céleste offers a truly memorable fine dining experience, while Afternoon tea at The Lanesborough is an occasion to be treasured.

Photo Courtesy of The Lanesborough – Royal Suite

Hotel guests are offered access to the Lanesborough Club & Spa which is one of London’s most exclusive private member fitness and health clubs.

Child Friendly

Families are especially welcome at The Lanesborough. With a special welcome gift on arrival, movies, games, butler training, specialty bedding, daily treats, popcorn, and milkshakes from their dedicated butler, children can feel like the petite princess and princes that they are.

Photo Courtesy of The Lanesborough – Child Friendly