The top 10 classic city hotels in Europe have luxury accommodations, world-class restaurants and convenient locations. They also offer a connection to the past and an all-knowing air of sophistication. These iconic European hotels have a cultural significance afforded to them by their enduring presence amid events of the last century. They’ve operated during war, welcomed royal patrons, amassed museum-quality art collections and tended to some of the world’s most distinguished writers, artists and politicians. The best classic city hotels in Europe are guaranteed to captivate world travelers with a sense of intrigue and nostalgia for many generations to come.
Top 10 Classic City Hotels in Europe
Ritz Paris
Courtesy of the Ritz Paris
Ernest Hemingway once said, “when in Paris the only reason not to stay at the Ritz is if you can’t afford it.” Since 1898, the Ritz Paris is one of the most revered hotels in the world. Located in Place Vendôme, this iconic Parisian hotel has 142 accommodations, including 71 luxurious suites. It’s hosted legendary guests, including Marcel Proust, F. Scott Fitzgerald and Coco Chanel, among others. In 2012, the Ritz Paris underwent a complete restoration led by architect and designer Thierry W. Despont. Guests have access to a private garden and a terrace that offers year-round dining thanks to its retractable roof and heated floors. The Ritz has several excellent restaurants and bars, including L’Espadon by Chef Nicolas Sale, Bar Vendome, Bar Hemingway and the Salon Proust. The Ritz Health Club features a stunning neoclassic indoor swimming pool, hammam and sauna, and the Chanel Spa is the first and only facility of its kind. Book Now
Gritti Palace in Venice
Courtesy of the Gritti Palace
The Gritti Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, is located directly off Venice’s Grand Canal. The property dates back to 1475 when the Pisani family transformed it into its current Gothic shape. In 1525 the building became the private residence of the Doge of Venice, Andrea Gritti, and in the centuries that followed, it was home to other noble families and illustrious visitors. Today, guests can walk in the footsteps of Peggy Guggenheim, Tennessee Williams, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. The property has 82 rooms and suites spread out over four floors. Interiors feature beautiful terrazzo floors, and the hotel boasts a remarkable art collection. Book Now
Read More: Is Venice Worth Visiting?
Claridge’s in London
Courtesy of Claridge’s
Set in London’s posh Mayfair neighborhood, Claridge’s is one of the most luxurious hotels in Europe. It opened in 1856 and quickly began building its world-class reputation, particularly after Queen Victoria and Prince Albert dropped by for a visit in 1860. It welcomed flappers in the 1920s, served as a refuge for exiled heads of state during WWII and hosted Hollywood icons, such as Cary Grant, Katharine Hepburn and Audrey Hepburn. In 1996, Claridge’s underwent a restoration led by architect and designer Thierry W. Despont. Today, this art deco masterpiece has 190 rooms and suites that reflect the hotel’s Victorian and Art Deco heritage, as well as two restaurants and two bars. Be sure to book Claridge’s legendary afternoon tea, which is served daily in the foyer and reading room. Book Now
Read More: Best London Hotels for Afternoon Tea
De L’Europe in Amsterdam
Courtesy of De L’Europe Amsterdam
De L’Europe Amsterdam is a fine art museum disguised as a luxury hotel. Independently run since 1896, the property reflects the beauty of Holland and its history, particularly the Dutch Golden Age of the seventeenth century. Located in the heart of Amsterdam on the banks of the Amstel River, De L’Europe has 111 rooms, suites and signature suites. The rooms feature classic or modern designs, unique layouts, grand windows and stunning views. In 2020, the hotel underwent a complete redesign of its ground floor led by Amsterdam-based interior design studio Nicemakers. Many rooms have private balconies and terraces overlooking Amsterdam, and each room features a dedicated piece of art from the Rijksmuseum. Bord’Eau is the hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant by executive chef Bas van Kranen. Book Now
Read More: Hotel Review for De L’Europe
The Dolder Grand in Zurich
Courtesy of the Dolder Grand
Between 1897 and 1899, the Dolder Grand Hotel was built under the direction of the Basel architect Jacques Gros. During the war years, members of European royal families flocked to this luxury Swiss hotel to escape unrest. The beginning of post-war prosperity also marks the start of a successful era for Zurich and the Grand Hotel. Previous guests have included Winston Churchill, Thomas Mann, John Wayne, Sophia Loren, and Prince Charles, among others. Today, the Dolder Grand has 175 guest rooms and suites. Its elevated location in Zurich provides guests with stunning views of the city, lake and mountains. The property’s art collection includes more than 100 works by world-famous artists, such as Andy Warhol, Salvador Dalí and Jean Tinguely. The hotel’s spa and Aqua Zone feature a large swimming pool with panoramic windows, as well as outdoor whirlpools, steam baths and snow areas. Don’t miss The Restaurant in the Dolder Grand by executive chef Heiko Nieder. It has two Michelin stars and 19 Gault Millau points and serves seasonal, innovative gourmet cuisine. Book Now
Read More: Top 10 Bucket List Hotels in Switzerland
Four Seasons Hotel George V in Paris
Courtesy of the Four Seasons Hotel George V
The George V Hotel was built in 1928 and converted into a Four Seasons property in 1999 following a two-year renovation. This art-deco landmark is located in the Golden Triangle of Paris, just off the Champs-Elysees. There are 244 rooms and suites with interiors designed by Pierre-Yves Rochon. Many of the suites offer spectacular views of the Eiffel Tower and surrounding areas. The property is adorned with classical French furnishings, seventeenth-century Flemish tapestries, and eighteenth-century Florentine chandeliers. Spaces are decorated with more than 9,000 flowers delivered fresh from the Netherlands each week. It has three restaurants, Le Cinq, Le George and L’Orangerie, which hold five Michelin stars among them. If you consider its exceptional dining options and legendary wine cellar, Hotel George V offers its guests one of the best culinary experiences in Europe. Amenities include a luxury spa, indoor swimming pool, fitness center, on-site boutique and courtyard. Book Now
Hotel Sacher in Vienna
Courtesy of Hotel Sacher
Culture and hospitality go hand in hand at Hotel Sacher. This classic Viennese hotel has been an important part of the city’s history since it opened in 1876. Hotel Sacher has hosted several royal patrons, including Emperor Franz Joseph, King Edward VIII, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Rainier III of Monaco, among others. In 1969, John Lennon and Yoko Ono used the hotel to host a press conference about Bagism, a satirical campaign about peace. The hotel has 152 rooms and suites that combine modern in-room amenities and traditional Viennese designs. Hotel Sacher’s dining options provide guests with a wide variety of sweet and savory dishes. Restaurant Rote Bar and Restaurant Grüne Bar offer both Austrian and international specialties, and the Sacher cafés are known for serving Original Sacher-Torte, a chocolate cake with apricot filling, which is still hand-made daily using Franz Sacher’s recipe from 1832. Book Now
Read More: The Ultimate Arts & Culture Guide for Vienna
Hotel Les Trois Rois in Basel
Courtesy of Hotel Les Trois Rois
Hotel Les Trois Rois is situated on the banks of the Rhine River in the heart of Basel, Switzerland’s third most populated city. The hotel’s central location is ideal for enjoying the city’s museums, galleries and theaters. Hotel Les Trois Rois has been operational since 1681 making it one of the oldest city hotels in Europe. It’s hosted numerous artists and literary giants, such as Voltaire, Charles Dickens, and Marc Chagall. In 1798, Napoleon Bonaparte dined at the hotel while discussing French-Swiss relations with Basel officials. Today, its motto is “rich in history, young at heart” – a refreshing concept for a luxury property. In addition to its 101 guest rooms and suites, the hotel offers excellent dining options. Onsite restaurants and bars include Cheval Blanc by chef Peter Knogl (three Michelin stars and 19 Gault Millau points), Brasserie Les Trois Rois by chef Urs Gschwend (14 Gault Millau points), Italian restaurant Chez Donati (13 Gault Millau points), Bar Les Trois Rois and Salon du Cigare. Book Now
The Savoy in London
Courtesy of the Savoy
The Savoy is one of the UK’s most historic luxury hotels. Situated on the River Thames within steps of Covent Garden and the West End, the Savoy is conveniently located in the heart of one of the most exciting cities in the world. From Marlene Dietrich to Marilyn Monroe, from Giacomo Puccini to George Gershwin, from Rhianna to Taylor Swift, the hotel is a favorite among the world’s most famous people. Throughout the twentieth century, the hotel was frequented by every member of the British Royal Family. It features 267 rooms and suites with either Edwardian or Art Deco design, and guests of suites are looked after by the Savoy Butlers. The hotel also offers some of the best restaurants and bars in London, such as Simpson’s in the Strand, the River Restaurant, Gordon Ramsay’s Savoy Grill and the American Bar. Afternoon tea remains a tradition in the Thames Foyer, which turns into a lovely lounge in the evenings with live entertainment. Book Now
The Grand Hotel in St. Petersburg
Courtesy of Belmond
Situated in St. Petersburg’s Nevsky Prospekt, the Belmond Grand Hotel Europe has been attracting international travelers since it opened in 1875. With sparkling chandeliers, Art Nouveau interiors, stained glass windows, soaring ceilings and marble flooring, the Grand Hotel is certainly one of the most beautiful hotels in Europe, if not the world. It’s known for having hosted many distinguished guests, such as H. G. Wells, Igor Stravinsky and members of the Romanov dynasty. Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky and his wife Antonina Miliukova honeymooned at the hotel in 1877. George Bernard Shaw met Maxim Gorky at the hotel bar, and Fyodor Dostoevsky found inspiration for Crime and Punishment while lingering around the historic floor. Grigori Rasputin, a mystic who befriended the family of Nicholas II, conducted business in the alcoves of the hotel’s restaurant, L’Europe, which is one of Russia’s oldest continually-serving restaurants. The hotel was restored in the 1990s and has 266 rooms and suites. Don’t miss the fine selection of caviars and vodkas at the hotel bar. Book Now
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Cover image: Courtesy of De L’Europe Amsterdam
