While many of us have grown accustomed to the familiarity chain hotels offer, the best hotels are usually the biggest ones, and they are rarely part of a brand name hotel chain. For many, boutique hotels are the only way to stay in a foreign country. The smaller, boutique hotels provide a personal touch when it comes to service. With the smaller number of rooms, you are never fighting through crowds and won’t have to share the pool or gym with throngs of people. You’ll also have the chance to better immerse yourself in local culture and history at many of them. And, in a few cases, the hotel itself will be as beautiful as the tourist destinations you came to see. Here are 10 of the most beautiful boutique hotels in Europe.
Little Green Bay, Hvar, Croatia
In destinations that are more off the beaten track, a boutique hotel is the only way to get great service and luxurious amenities. The only other options are someone’s spare bedroom, modest hotels or a vacation home someone isn’t using. This is why Little Green Bay in Hvar is so hot right now. The old farmhouse on a lovely ocean bay is beautiful and provides immediate access to the water. With 15 rooms, it is large enough to host large groups but not be overrun by tourists.
Cliveden House, Berkshire, England
Cliveden House is an hour’s drive from London, yet it feels like another world. Or some might say another era. Cliveden House was built in the 1850s and showcase a mix of Roman and British architectural styles. The spacious old house has 38 suites, and they all have an antique style and mystique to them. You also have the chance to enjoy the historic English gardens complete with a maze and parterre garden. Or take a swim in the heated pool at the end of a long day.
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La Granja, Ibiza, Spain
Ibiza has gotten a reputation as a party scene, but it also has a great historic area that begs to be discovered. Enter La Granja. What was originally a sixteenth-century farmhouse has now become a private retreat where people have the chance to immerse themselves in the history and culture of the area. The hotel has ten rooms in total, which makes for a cozier, more intimate experience. You can also throw up a Bedouin tent to host larger gatherings like weddings and parties.
Monastero Santa Rosa, Amalfi Coast, Italy
The Monastero Santa Rosa was originally a monastery built in the 1600s. It is now a historic building and luxury hotel in one. They’ve kept the long, arched corridors that were part of the original monastery and the wooden floors and historic artifacts have been lovingly restored. But its greatest attraction is the amazing views of the Amalfi Coast. You can enjoy them either from your room or from the modern heated infinity pool perched on the edge of a 200-meter cliff overlooking the ocean.
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Milestone Hotel Kensington, London, England
The Milestone Hotel Kensington is located between the Kensington district and Knightsbridge district in central London. This five-star hotel is a departure from the ultra-modern hotels, immersing you in historic décor and downtown London. It is a ten-minute walk to Hyde Park and the Royal Albert Hall. You can enjoy a wide variety of traditional foods, most of which are locally sourced. If you’re looking for a great place to stay next time you’re in the city, you can book it through 7boutiquehotels.com. If you want more options, they also handpick the best boutique hotels across the UK and Europe, so you can find the very best boutique hotels in any region you’re thinking of visiting.
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Ammos Hotel, Chania, Crete, Greece
If you ever wanted to take your family to Greece, this hotel should be one of your top destinations. It is family-friendly in addition to giving you a mix of local culture, cuisine, and modern design. The hotel goes above and beyond to cater to their guests, and you’ll be able to order everything from local Cretan food to a babysitter.
The Peninsula Paris, Paris, France
The Peninsula Paris used to be known as the Hotel Majestic. The hotel is notable for being where George Gershwin wrote “An American in Paris”. The building’s stone façade has been restored to its original glory. Similar marble artwork and mosaics are found inside the building along with modern artwork. This hotel has 200 spacious rooms and a modern spa. This hotel is most famous for its rooftop restaurant. From there, you enjoy 360-degree views of the city.
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Ashford Castle, Cong, Ireland
Ashford Castle is the oldest castle in Ireland. Built-in 1228, it now serves as one of its most beloved hotels. It has 82 rooms, most of which have classic four-poster beds and fireplaces. It is located on the shores of Lough Corrib, the second largest lake in Ireland.
Hotel Firenze, Florence, Italy
If you wanted to know how it feels like to live in a Tuscan country estate, then there’s no better place than Hotel Firenze. The hotel consists of two large buildings: The Palazzo Della Gherardesca, or palatial building, and La Villa, which was a former sixteenth-century convent. Both buildings have retained their original frescos and other historic artifacts.
This boutique hotel also provides a welcome break from the big city thanks to the Giardino Della Gherardesca which is Florence’s largest private garden and covers eleven acres in total.
Four Seasons Hotel, Sultanahmet, Istanbul, Turkey
The Four Season Sultanahmet, while having a familiar name, has a personality of its own. As a matter of fact, the magnificent hotel was built out of an ancient prison, but you’d never know it by looking at the magnificent architecture.
The bright yellow hotel was built nearly a century ago and the neoclassical property has 65 rooms filled with Turkish artwork, handwoven rugs, and luxurious furniture. This boutique hotel is in the heart of the “Old City”, which is filled with great sites and historical monuments. It is a short walk from here to the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and the Hagia Sophia.
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Conclusion
The best boutique hotels combine access to natural beauty and local attractions with their own unique style. All these hotels have something different to offer and will give you a chance to get a taste of the local people, culture, and cuisine without having to venture too far.