The Best Boutique Hotels in Europe

The Mercer Sevilla embodies the ideal balance of heritage and modernity. The 19th–century Casa Palacio Castelar has been transformed into an opulent boutique hotel in the historic heart of Seville: one of the most magical cities in southern Spain. It has just 12 rooms and suites, a glass–domed courtyard and a rooftop pool where you can watch the sunset over the city. Chic, contemporary décor complements the building’s grand architecture and storied past.

A stay at 29|2 Aurland invites you to reconnect with nature and fully enjoy the world around you – and here, that means exploring the spectacular landscape of the Norwegian fjords. This family–run property offers a handful of rooms, suites and cabins, each designed to reflect its history as a fishing lodge and the culture of the surrounding Aurlandsdalen valley. Just a three–hour drive northeast of Bergen, it’s a cosy and homely addition to any tour of Norway.

Borgo Pignano is the Tuscan estate of our dreams, perched high above the rolling fields and vineyards that make this region of Italy so idyllic. There are 14 suites, eight private villas and 10 maisonettes to choose from, each imbued with its own unique character. The property is truly vast, including a scenic infinity pool, a wellness centre housed in the former winery, an organic farm and vegetable garden and a Michelin–starred restaurant serving refined local cuisine.

A Greek getaway may bring to mind sunny isles, but MANNA proposes an alternative. High on the slopes of Mount Mainalos on the Peloponnese Peninsula, this hotel is set in a former sanatorium, which once called upon the healing properties of the region’s fresh air and pristine nature. You can reap the benefits of this singular setting during your stay by exploring the nearby forests and rivers, relaxing in your serene suite or enjoying a holistic spa experience.

Located steps away from the Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara – one of Lisbon’s most beautiful viewpoints – Palácio Ludovice is a love letter to Portuguese history, design and wine. The building itself is an 18th–century palace with an iconic yellow facade, 61 rooms and suites, a luminous inner courtyard and a Caudalie spa. The restaurant fuses French and Portuguese cuisine; try a three–course ‘wine experience’ with thoughtful pairings by the chef and sommelier.

Opus XVI is an oasis of urban elegance in the centre of Bergen. The entire hotel is a tribute to Edvard Grieg, one of Norway’s most renowned classical composers, and features an exhibition on his life and work. It’s housed in a former bank from the late 1800s, and the sumptuous decor matches its stately architecture. Indulge in afternoon tea in the hotel’s exquisite restaurant – or save your appetite for a three– or five–course tasting menu of locally sourced cuisine for dinner.

With its soaring ceilings, white marble and shimmering gold details, The Dolli isn’t just our all–time favourite place to stay in Athens – it’s also on our list of the best hotels in the world. Boasting picture–perfect views of the Acropolis, this stylish boutique hotel is a genuine sanctuary amid the hustle and bustle of Greece’s capital. When you’re ready to explore, embark on a private tour of the nearby ruins, a bespoke art experience or a day trip to the Athenian Riviera.

There’s nothing quite like spending a night (or several) in a grand castle in the Irish countryside – especially if it’s Dromoland Castle in County Clare, located near Ireland’s stunningly beautiful west coast. Once home to the country’s High King, today the castle is a luxurious five–star hotel with ornate rooms and suites, opulent dining spaces, a whimsical cocktail bar and 450 acres of grounds offering everything from falconry to stand–up paddle boarding on Dromoland Lough.

Caudalie is known worldwide for pioneering the use of vinotherapy, and there’s no better place to experience this innovative approach to wellness than Les Sources de Caudalie. Just half an hour south of Bordeaux, France, this boutique hotel is located among the vineyards of Château Smith Haut Lafitte, where the Caudalie concept was born. Naturally, the spa is truly exceptional – but so is the Michelin–starred cuisine, the gourmet wine bar and the bucolic estate itself.

Inspired by the creative energy that pulses through London’s entertainment district, The Soho Hotel is bright, bold and entirely one–of–a–kind. Each of its 96 rooms and suites is individually decorated in vibrant colours and patterns, with floor–to–ceiling windows. The Refuel restaurant, library, drawing room and cinema rooms also boast modern and eclectic decor. The hotel hosts regular events such as live music and film screenings accompanied by dinner or afternoon tea.

La Fiermontina isn’t just a hotel; it’s a luxury home away from home in the historic quarter of Lecce. Offering only 16 rooms and three suites, the property is surrounded by olive trees and decorated with an abundance of art in homage to the Pugliese artist Antonia Fiermonte, whose grandchildren founded the hotel. The experience here is all about slowing down to appreciate the beauty – natural and artistic – that infuses both the hotel and this corner of southern Italy.