Europe has a reputation for gorgeous architecture and historic districts that feel like something out of a movie set.
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To travel around Europe is to experience a sense of civic wonder that most Americans don’t feel often. From the stone edifices to the iconic landmarks to even the functional public transportation, it’s a treat.
That being said, many hotels in the prettiest European cities don’t do their hometowns justice. If you’re staying in a centrally located hotel in a big city, you might have cramped rooms, strange smells, noise pollution, and exorbitant room rates. In short, while the cities are often stunning, the hotels leave something to be desired.
At least, in most big cities.
A private tour company, Luxury France Tours, recently conducted a massive trawl of hotel reviews from Europe’s 30 most popular destinations.
Their goal? Figure out which hotels received reviews with the word ‘beautiful’ to narrow down cities with prettier hotels. Ones that seem to match the lovely streets outside.
Prettiest cities in Europe—based on beautiful hotels
Below, you can see which European cities had more hotel reviews with the word ‘beautiful’, which is listed as a percentage. As you’ll notice, many of these cities are smaller than the major hubs, letting you build a trip that delivers on atmosphere—even in your hotel room.
Salzburg, Austria (23%)
Of the 30 destinations surveyed, Salzburg comes out ahead by a large lead. Almost one-fourth of all hotel reviews for the city discuss beauty. Thanks to the area’s small size and status as a major vacation destination for Europeans, its hotels are top-notch.
Check out hotels in Salzburg.
Venice, Italy (14%)
Despite the city’s small size and overtourism concerns, you can find gorgeous hotels dotting Venice. They’re known for being a bit cramped, but many include historic details and even works of art that staff work hard to maintain.
Check out hotels in Venice.
Kraków, Poland (14%)
Take a step into a fairytale setting in Krakow. From its hotels to its cobbled streets to its architecture, you’re in store for a visual treat. (If you want to get off the beaten path in Europe, Krakow is in my top five recommendations! It’s a veritable winter wonderland.)
Check out hotels in Kraków.
Florence, Italy (14%)
Similar to Venice, Florence delivers on beautiful hotels with historic details. Yes, they’re small—but many are works of art in their own right.
Check out hotels in Florence.
Amsterdam, Netherlands (13%)
Amsterdam isn’t the first place that I think of for beautiful design, but many of its hotels are small, boutique establishments that offer a mix of modern minimalism with historic flair. Not a bad combo.
Check out hotels in Amsterdam.
Helsinki, Finland (10%)
Speaking of modern minimalism, Helsinki’s hotel scene is renowned for being hyper-clean, hyper-modern, and hyper-comfortable. You don’t get quite as much historic charm as in other destinations, but you will get a chic intro to Scandi sensibilities.
Check out hotels in Helsinki.
Dublin, Ireland (10%)
Whether you want a historical boutique hotel or a newly built, ultra-modern stay, Dublin has options. However, many of Dublin’s centrally located boutiques are very expensive, meaning most travelers stay at modern hotels slightly outside the city center.
Check out hotels in Dublin.
Barcelona, Spain (10%)
I live in Barcelona, so I’ve put up family and friends at many hotels. Some are incredibly lush with high-design themes. Others are very basic, comfortable, and modern. As with Dublin, there’s something for everyone—but those boutique spots are going to cost a pretty penny.
Check out hotels in Barcelona.
Lisbon, Portugal (9%)
There’s a hotel for every taste in Lisbon. You can save big by staying at a small hostel… or find your perfect room at a large and modern hotel, a small boutique with luxury amenities, and just about every other choice in between. Because Lisbon relies heavily on tourism, you can also expect great customer service at most spots.
Check out hotels in Lisbon.
Budapest, Hungary (9%)
Budapest hotels have a bit of a reputation for being grand, historic, and comfortable. Some of the city’s top hotels are located inside buildings from the 1700s, which have been carefully refurbished into hotels—and they won’t cost you an arm and a leg.
Check out hotels in Budapest.
