Europe's 5 Best Hotels & Resorts For A Lavish Getaway In 2026, According To Travelers

Imagine spending your vacation wandering through perfectly manicured gardens located on a historic estate in Tuscany, or swimming in your own private pool with views of the sparkling Mediterranean Sea in Crete. If that sounds like your idea of the perfect vacation, you've likely dreamed of planning a lavish European getaway. The European continent is home to some of the world's finest hotels, but with so many options it can be challenging to choose the perfect place to stay. We've rounded up a handful of some of Europe's best hotels and resorts according to luxury travelers to help you plan the perfect vacation.

Whether you're a history buff who hopes to stay on a centuries-old estate, a nature enthusiast who longs for peace and quiet far from city lights, or someone who just wants to relax in the sun and dine on delicious food — you're certain to fall in love with one of our luxurious picks. From the Italian countryside to the Greek Islands, there's something for every type of traveler. We researched "best of" articles, searched out stories from travel bloggers, read reviews from real guests, and scoured social media accounts like TikTok and Instagram in order to find the spots that luxury travelers adore.

Properties like Passalacqua, Acro Suites, Borgo Santo Pietro, Adare Manor, and Le Bristol have received rave reviews on multiple platforms. If you're looking for the perfect honeymoon destination, or you're in the midst of planning the opulent European solo trip of your dreams, these gorgeous hotels and resorts deserve a spot at the top of your bucket list.

According to Leila Najafi, a luxury travel advisor based in Los Angeles, California, you've probably already seen photos of Passalacqua on your social media feed. Passalacqua is a 5-star hotel located on the shores of Lake Como in Italy. Lake Como is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. It's located about an hour away by train from Milan, one of the most famous cities for clothes shopping.

"The grounds are beautiful. It's overlooking the lake," Najafi said in a video she posted on TikTok. She also noted that they offer "lots of fun things on property," like gelato-making classes and wine hours. Najafi called it, "one of those places you don't even want to leave." Passalacqua was named the fourth-best hotel in the world and the best boutique hotel by 50 Best Discovery in 2025. However, Najafi warns travelers that getting a reservation can be tough. The property tends to book up well in advance and it's easy to see why. Located in a historic 18th-century villa, the 24-room hotel is nestled within pristine gardens and perched on the shores of the sparkling lake. Decked out in baroque-style decor and crowned with original frescos, it's the kind of place that will have you feeling as though you've wandered back in time. After exploring the lake by boat, head back to the hotel and enjoy a mouth watering meal prepared by Chef Viviana Varese.

Rooms at Passalacqua start at around $3,000 per night and guests will receive a complimentary breakfast daily. According to reviews, it's worth the splurge. "Passalacqua exhausts superlatives. It is the single best, best-run hotel I have ever set foot in," a guest called Harry I wrote in a review on Tripadvisor.

Acro Suites was another top recommendation offered by Leila Najafi, who has more than 40,000 followers on TikTok. She called it, "a beautiful family-owned property," that is focused on wellness. Acro Suites is located on the Greek island of Crete and is perched on a rocky shoreline overlooking the Aegean Sea.

Crete is known for its crystal clear waters and pink sand beaches, so it makes an ideal getaway for travelers in search of a scenic coastal retreat with plenty of European elegance. The hotel's architecture is chic, minimalist, and organic. Relaxing neutral shades and natural lighting create an ambiance that's perfect for wellness-focused travelers. There are 49 different suites and villas for guests to choose from on the property, and each has a private plunge pool. If you're looking for a truly unforgettable stay, consider booking one of the Cave Suites that are carved into the cliffside. There are four restaurants, a fitness center, yoga shala, and a spa for guests to enjoy on the property.

Acro Suites has dozens of rave reviews on Tripadvisor and Google. "I'm a bit late in writing this review, but every time I close my eyes I'm taken back to this amazing place," a guest named Danielle T wrote in her Tripadvisor review. "It is the most beautiful place I've ever been, it's what I imagine heaven to look like. Everything is perfect, from the architecture, the food, the staff, the atmosphere, I honestly couldn't fault our stay. We chose Acro Suites for our honeymoon and we are so happy we have found this gem of a resort." 

Imagine waking up in a 12th-century villa on 200 acres in the Tuscan countryside. You're surrounded by lush gardens and a working farm full of over 300,000 plants. When you aren't exploring the grounds, you can relax at a luxurious spa and dine on food prepared by Michelin-star chefs. If that sounds like your cup of tea, then Borgo Santo Pietro is a must-visit spot in Tuscany.

The 5-star hotel is ranked among the best hotels in the world year after year. It's been featured in almost every travel magazine. In 2024, it was ranked the 16th-best hotel on earth by the Telegraph Hotel Awards. In 2025, it was dubbed one of the 20 Best Hotels in Italy by Condé Nast readers. All the press is well deserved according to people who have stayed at the property. "This was truly the most magical place I have ever been to. From the moment we arrived to the moment we left, everything about this place was absolutely perfect," guest Julia Savage wrote in a Google review. Travel influencers have also taken notice. Maz, a London-based content creator, has a TikTok called Where To Find Me with over 400,000 followers. She called Borgo Santo Pietro, "one of the most impressive hotels in Italy and arguably the entire world." She said that it felt like something "straight out of a fairytale." She loved the infinity pool overlooking the grounds, the spacious suites, and the onsite activities like pasta-making lessons and art workshops.

Guests can choose between 22 luxurious rooms, each of which is uniquely decorated with charming antique details. There are two restaurants: La Trattoria sull'Albero, which has a large oak tree at its center, and Borgo Santo Pietro Saporium for a fine dining experience. Rooms start at around $1,500 per night.

Adare Manor is a 5-star hotel located in County Limerick, Ireland, on an expansive 842-acre estate. The little village of Adare, which is as pretty as a picture, is just a stone's throw away and guests can walk there in just over 20 minutes. The manor was originally constructed in the 1800s and was once inhabited by the 2nd Earl of Dunraven. It remained in the family until the 1980s when it was sold and converted into a luxurious hotel.

Adare Manor has received multiple prestigious awards over the past few years. In 2024, it won first place for best resort in Europe in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards. The Michelin Guide awarded the hotel three Michelin Keys. In 2025, it was included in Forbes Travel Guide's 5-Star Awards, and U.S. News & World Report ranked it as the No. 1 hotel in Ireland and in all of Europe. In 2026, it was once again dubbed the No. 1 hotel in Europe by U.S. News & World Report. "Our stay at Adare Manor was nothing short of magical — a perfect blend of grandeur, history, and heartfelt hospitality," guest Carlos Garcia Quinoa wrote in a Google review. "From the moment we arrived, the majestic façade and immaculate gardens set the tone for an unforgettable escape."

There are 104 stately guest rooms, and they're all decked out with every possible luxury. The 12 Dunraven Staterooms are the grandest of all, and each has its own original fireplace. Guests can enjoy activities like golf, archery, hiking, horseback riding, falconry, and shopping without ever leaving the property. When it's time for dinner, head to the Michelin-starred Oak Room restaurant for a delicious meal prepared with seasonal ingredients. Rooms start at around $1,700 per night.

Paris is one of the most romantic cities in the world, and it's the perfect destination if you're looking for a luxurious vacation. With incredible museums, historic architecture, delicious restaurants, quaint cafes, and vibrant streets with excellent shopping – every type of traveler will find something to love about the City of Light. If there is one place where it's worth splurging on lavish accommodations, it's Paris. Throughout the city there are dozens of 5-star hotels to choose from, but Le Bristol Paris consistently ranks among the best in the city.

Le Bristol Paris has been offering luxury travelers incredible hotel stays for over 100 years. It is a Palace hotel, a special distinction awarded by the French Ministry of Tourism, which is the highest distinction a hotel can receive. It's a step above a 5-star hotel. There are only 31 hotels in France that have been awarded the "Distinction Palace," according to Explore France, the country's official tourism website. U.S News & World Report also ranked it among the top hotels in Europe for 2026.

"Le Bristol is one of my absolute favorite hotels in Paris! From the moment you arrive, you're greeted with impeccable service that makes you feel right at home," guest markos paterakis states in a Google review. "The rooms are beautifully designed, spacious, and luxurious — everything you'd expect from a top-tier Parisian hotel. The attention to detail is unmatched, and the staff goes above and beyond to ensure a perfect stay. The location is fantastic, making it easy to explore the best of Paris while still enjoying a peaceful, elegant retreat. Whether it's the world-class dining, the stunning interiors, or the exceptional hospitality, Le Bristol never disappoints."

In order to create our list of Europe's five best hotels and resorts for lavish getaways in 2026, we studied multiple critic awards and "best of" lists from 2024, 2025, and 2026. We also read dozens of reviews from real travelers and searched through social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram for recommendations from content creators and travel influencers. We limited our search to 5-star hotels with plenty of luxurious amenities. If you're looking for even more swoon-worthy places to stay, check out 50 hotels totally worth the splurge.