10 Historic European Hotels All Americans Must Visit

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Europe’s landscape is dotted with hotels that are repositories of history, offering guests a unique window into the past. This guide is designed for travelers who wish to immerse themselves in European culture and heritage. Each hotel featured in this guide has been carefully selected for its historical significance, architectural grandeur, and the stories it holds secret. From the grandiose palaces of Italy to the elegant manors of England, these hotels offer a journey back in time, allowing guests to experience the luxury of bygone eras while enjoying modern comforts. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a cultural expedition, or simply looking for an extraordinary place to stay, this guide will lead you to some of Europe’s most remarkable historic hotels.

1. Hotel Sacher, Vienna, Austria

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Established in 1876, Hotel Sacher in Vienna is as much a part of the city’s cultural heritage as the State Opera or the Belvedere Palace. Famous for being the birthplace of the original Sacher-Torte, a chocolate cake culinary symbol of Vienna, the hotel offers an exquisite blend of luxury, tradition, and the fine art of Viennese hospitality. Beyond its sumptuous rooms and suites, the hotel houses a significant collection of Austrian art, adding to its historic ambiance. Guests can enjoy modern amenities surrounded by décor that harks back to the Austro-Hungarian Empire, making for a truly opulent stay.

2. The Ritz, Paris, France

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The Ritz Paris is an institution in the heart of the city, embodying the essence of Parisian chic and elegance. Opened in 1898 by César Ritz, the hotel quickly became a gathering place for the elite and the glamorous, including names like Ernest Hemingway, Coco Chanel, and Princess Diana. Located on the prestigious Place Vendôme, the Ritz offers an unparalleled luxury experience, with rooms and suites hosting royalty, celebrities, and literary legends. The hotel’s bars and restaurants, particularly the Bar Hemingway, are steeped in history, offering guests a chance to dine and drink where the world’s luminaries once did.

3. The Savoy, London, England

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Opened in 1889, The Savoy in London is a landmark of luxury and the famed British hospitality. Situated on the banks of the River Thames, the hotel has played host to royalty, celebrities, and literary figures, including Sir Winston Churchill, Marilyn Monroe, and Claude Monet. The Savoy was the first luxury hotel in Britain to feature electric lights, elevators, and en-suite bathrooms, setting a new standard for elegance and innovation. The hotel’s Edwardian and Art Deco interiors are meticulously preserved, offering guests a timeless experience of London’s golden age of travel.

4. Grand Hotel et de Milan, Milan, Italy

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Nestled in the heart of Milan’s fashion district, the Grand Hotel et de Milan has been a favorite among the artistic and cultural elite since its opening in 1863. The hotel retains its period charm, with rooms and suites that have welcomed illustrious guests such as Giuseppe Verdi, Maria Callas, and Caruso. Its proximity to La Scala Opera House has made it a preferred choice for opera lovers and performers. The hotel’s interiors, adorned with antique furniture and art, evoke the elegance of 19th-century Milan, offering a luxurious retreat in the bustling city.

5. Hotel Alfonso XIII, Seville, Spain

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Commissioned by King Alfonso XIII for the 1929 Ibero-American Exposition, Hotel Alfonso XIII remains one of Seville’s most prestigious landmarks. Designed in the Neo-Moorish style, the hotel is a masterpiece of Andalusian architecture, with its elaborate courtyards, ornate tiles, and elegant arches reflecting the region’s rich cultural heritage. Situated in the heart of the city, close to the Reales Alcázares and the Cathedral, the hotel offers guests the perfect base to explore Seville’s historical treasures. The rooms and suites blend Moorish, Castilian, and Andalusian décor, offering modern luxury amidst traditional craftsmanship. The hotel’s restaurants and bars, particularly the terrace overlooking the lush gardens, provide a culinary journey through Andalusian cuisine, with dishes that are as visually stunning as they are delicious.

6. Belmond Hotel Caruso, Ravello, Italy

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Perched on a cliff overlooking the Amalfi Coast, the Belmond Hotel Caruso is a restored 11th-century palace offering breathtaking Mediterranean Sea views. The hotel’s infinity pool, seemingly suspended between sea and sky, is one of its most iconic features, providing a serene oasis of luxury. The rooms and suites are elegantly furnished, blending historical details with contemporary comfort, and many offer private terraces or gardens with panoramic views. The hotel’s gardens, filled with roses, jasmine, and citrus trees, celebrate the region’s natural beauty. Dining at the Belmond Hotel Caruso is an experience in itself, with the Belvedere Restaurant offering exquisite Italian cuisine in an unforgettable setting.

7. The Grand Hotel Kronenhof, Pontresina, Switzerland

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Nestled in the Engadin valley with stunning views of the Swiss Alps, The Grand Hotel Kronenhof is a monument to the grandeur of 19th-century hotel culture. Built in 1848 and expanded in its current neo-baroque style in 1897, the hotel offers a perfect blend of historical elegance and modern luxury. Its majestic facade and opulent interiors, including a stunning lobby that evokes the glamour of a bygone era, make it a landmark of Swiss hospitality. Guests can indulge in gourmet dining, a world-class spa, and a range of outdoor activities that change with the seasons, from skiing in the winter to hiking and golfing in the summer months. The hotel’s commitment to preserving its heritage while offering contemporary comforts makes it a timeless retreat in one of the most breathtaking settings in Europe.

8. The Gritti Palace, Venice, Italy

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Overlooking the Grand Canal, The Gritti Palace is a jewel of Venetian history, originally built in 1475 as a residence for the noble Gritti family before being transformed into a hotel in the 19th century. The hotel embodies the spirit and splendor of Venice, with its sumptuous rooms adorned with precious fabrics, antique furniture, and artworks that reflect the city’s rich artistic heritage. The Gritti Palace has hosted illustrious guests, including royalty, artists, and writers, who have all been captivated by its timeless beauty and impeccable service. The hotel’s terrace, offering panoramic views of the Grand Canal, is a perfect spot for savoring Venetian cuisine and watching the city’s vibrant life unfold.

9. Ashford Castle, County Mayo, Ireland

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With a history dating back to 1228, Ashford Castle is a magnificent five-star hotel set on a 350-acre estate in the west of Ireland. This medieval castle has been exquisitely restored, offering guests the opportunity to live like royalty amid luxurious accommodations, fine dining, and a wealth of activities, including falconry, fishing, and horse riding. The castle’s rich history is palpable in every stone and tapestry, offering a unique window into Ireland’s past. The estate’s stunning natural beauty, encompassing lush woodlands and serene lakes, adds to the enchantment of a stay at Ashford Castle, making it a quintessential Irish experience.

10. Pera Palace Hotel, Istanbul, Turkey

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Opened in 1892 to host passengers of the Orient Express, the Pera Palace Hotel in Istanbul is a bridge between East and West, embodying the mystique and allure of the late Ottoman Empire. The hotel’s elegant guest rooms, including the Agatha Christie Suite, where the author is said to have written “Murder on the Orient Express,” are a testament to its storied past. The Pera Palace has welcomed numerous distinguished guests over the years, from Ernest Hemingway to Greta Garbo, making it a living museum of hospitality. Its location in the vibrant Beyo?lu district allows guests easy access to Istanbul’s rich tapestry of history, culture, and cuisine.

The Bottom Line

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Staying in one of Europe’s historic hotels offers way more than just a luxurious escape; it’s an immersion into the continent’s history and culture. These hotels are custodians of stories and traditions, offering unique stays to explore Europe’s past and present. Whether it’s the alpine majesty of The Grand Hotel Kronenhof, the Venetian elegance of The Gritti Palace, the regal splendor of Ashford Castle, or the cross-continental charm of Pera Palace Hotel, each stay promises an unforgettable journey through time.