Nothing lets you escape the ordinary quite as traveling. Whether you are a European or not, this continent attracts everyone for its wide variety of experiences and a unique combination of the old and the new. 

In this article, we offer some inspiration in the form of a small selection of Europe’s ‘crème de la crème’ hotels, which are far from being just a place where you sleep while on your vacation but are extraordinary ‘sights’ by themselves.  

Passalacqua (Lake Como, Italy)

Let’s start grand, shall we? La Passalaqua, rated enviable 9.9 on booking.com, is THE winner of the ‘World’s 50 Best Hotels’ list. It certainly would be difficult to find a flaw in this resort located at Lake Como, resembling earthly paradise. Passalacqua offers three types of accommodation: romantic and private Palazz that just screams ‘honeymoon’, opulent Villa that makes every visitor feel like on old-world aristocrat, and effortless Casa al Lago, carrying the very essence of a perfect Italian getaway. 

The hotel dates back to 1787. It was designed by leading Milanese architect for count Passalacqua and has a rich history of famous owners. Its expansive gardens are a masterpiece themselves, and the nearby lake calls for a sailing day.

Le Bristol (Paris, France)

When thinking of a trip to Europe, Paris is a staple on bucket lists. The French are known for many things, some of them being their famous cuisine, elegance and ‘joie de vivre’ – living in the moment. All of this can be found in Le Bristol, a hotel as proud of its heritage as French are.

The rooms are furnished in a romantic, yet tasteful way with just the right amount of luxury. And of course, the hotel is located in a convenient proximity to the city’s most well-known sights, including the Eiffel Tower. Le Bristol lets you borrow an electric bike you can use to explore the City of Light. It is suitable also for families with children and even has a permanent feline resident – a Birman cat named Socrate. 

Four Seasons (Madrid, Spain)

Also making it to the Top 50 is the big name everyone probably heard about – the Four Seasons. Although the Torontian hotel chain has branches in many European cities, this time we’ll focus on the one in Madrid, the Spain’s capital well known for its football team and original architecture influenced by Antoni Gaudí. 

You can find an artistic touch also in the Four Seasons, masterfully mixed with opulence and classic elegance, creating a luxurious, yet fresh vibe.  The hotel is strategically located in the heart of the city, and it offers (or even exceeds) the gold standard you’d expect from a five-star accommodation.

Inverlochy Castle (Fort William, Scotland)

Perhaps you’re not the typical tourist seeking out sunny seaside or city life destinations. The Inverlochy Castle built in the middle of Scottish mountains looks like some magical place from a Harry Potter movie. The stay here feels luxurious yet cozy, and (more than just) a bit Victorian.

Worried you and your company will get bored in a castle in the middle of wildlife? Unlikely. The hotel offers an array of activities such as horseback riding, golf, rafting, archery, or hunting. 

Not surprisingly, the castle is a popular place for weddings and outside the nearly perfect romantic scenery, it offers specialized wedding packages. It’s also equipped to hold corporate meetings and conferences – here, these can feel special too!

Hotel Clark (Budapest, Hungary)

Picking out a stay at a beautiful hotel may be all sunshine and gumdrops – until you check an actual price the place is asking you to pay for one night. You don’t have to give up on a fancy hotel stay altogether, though. A stay in some hotels can give you a feeling of luxury for quite an affordable price, so you don't have to hope for a win at an online casino or lottery. One of such places is Hotel Clark in Hungary’s capital, Budapest.

Located right under the city’s castle and crowned with several Tripadvisor prizes, the place sports a unique rooftop bar that allows guests to enjoy the lookout. The design leans towards artsy modernism and incorporates its surroundings, so you really feel like you’re getting the most out of the visit. But watch out, this hotel is marketed as ‘adults only’, which means it doesn’t accept families with children.