From AFAR Article – By Annie Fitzsimmons
“Trusted travel advisors share their favorite hotels in Europe—the most-booked, most-raved-about properties from Italy to Montenegro.
With Europe trips on the horizon this summer (finally!), we’re dreaming of the best places to stay—hotels that reflect the destination, like a cliffside former home where breakfast is served overlooking the Amalfi Coast, a Scottish retreat that pairs golf with personalized whisky tastings at the hotel bar, and panoramic suites that overlook the Tuileries Garden in Paris.
I asked several travel experts and luxury advisors (who can get you perks like upgrades, free breakfast, spa credits, and more) what their favorite and most-booked hotels in Europe are, both prepandemic and as travel starts to ramp up again.
Here’s a list to dream on and use as a guide when planning trips to Europe.
Italy – Le Sirenuse
“For anyone who loves luxury travel, Le Sirenuse in Positano is most probably on their bucket list, if they haven’t stayed. It feels as if you are vacationing in a relative’s holiday home, which is no surprise given it has been owned and run by the Sersale family since they opened their former summer home as a hotel in 1951.” —Tania Swasbrook
Greece – Hotel Grande Bretagne
“With every trip to Greece, we make sure to include at least two nights in Athens at the best hotel in the city, Hotel Grande Bretagne, due to its location in the city center, service, and prestige. It’s a true landmark and a constant hit with all of our luxury clients.” —Tania Swasbrook
France – Les Sources de Caudalie Bordeaux
“Les Sources de Caudalie Bordeaux is one of my personal favorites as it has it all, with incredible history and beauty. It’s a family-run, five-star hotel set among the vineyards of Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte, focusing on wine, food, and its spa. The owner is Alice Tourbier, and her sister Mathilde Thomas—inspired by the grapes—started the Caudalie brand of organic skincare, now well known around the world. It is an absolute hit for clients.” —Tania Swasbrook
