Best City Hotels in Europe

Many of Europe’s best city hotels have the built-in benefit of centuries’ worth of history. You see it in the lavish design, the white-glove service, and the profound sense of place that emanates from the walls. However, far from resting on their laurels, these hotels are in constant reinvention mode. Consequently, they create amenities and experiences that go above and beyond to defy guest expectations. For this reason, Europe’s top city hotels continue to impress.

Every year, for the World’s Best Awards survey, readers share their opinions on travel experiences around the globe, including their favorite hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Hotels were rated based on their facilities, location, service, food, and overall value, categorized as either city or resort based on their locations and amenities.

Notable Hotels

Several grandes dames made it onto this year’s list, including the Peninsula Paris, which earned the No. 7 spot. Set inside a classic late-19th-century French building near the Arc de Triomphe and the Champs-Élysées, this stunning hotel has hosted notable figures like Marcel Proust and George Gershwin, who wrote An American in Paris while residing at the property.

Readers also loved the sense of history at Hotel Bristol Warsaw (No. 4), an old-world beauty dating back to 1901. With its Art Nouveau interiors, atmospheric bars and restaurants, and stunning city views, the landmark property has endured as one of the city’s preeminent stays. “It is one of the nicest hotels I’ve ever stayed in,” gushed one guest. “Everything was perfect.”

However, plenty of newcomers made it onto the list as well, like La Réserve Paris Hôtel & Spa, this year’s runner-up. Despite its historic address within a 19th-century mansion, the boutique hotel opened its doors in 2015. Still, a sense of history pervades the opulent property, which features lavish touches such as velvet drapery and silk damask walls. “This hotel stands above all the rest in Paris,” wrote one respondent.

Top 10 City Hotels in Europe

10. Ham Yard Hotel, London

Score: 94.24

9. 41, London

Entrance to Hotel 41 — Courtesy of Hotel 41

Score: 94.46

8. Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam

Pool at the Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam — Courtesy of Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam

Score: 94.57

7. The Peninsula Paris

Rooftop at the Peninsula Paris hotel — Courtesy of The Peninsula Hotels

Score: 94.74

6. The Milestone Hotel, London

Score: 95.33

5. Le Meurice, Paris

Le Meurice hotel — Courtesy of Le Meurice

Score: 95.44

4. Hotel Bristol, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Warsaw

Exterior of the Hotel Bristol in Warsaw — Courtesy of Hotel Bristol, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Warsaw

Score: 95.60

3. The Lanesborough, London

Room at The Lanesborough Hotel — Courtesy of The Lanesborough

Score: 95.80

2. La Réserve Paris Hôtel & Spa

La Reserve Hotel & Spa in Paris — Courtesy of La Réserve Paris Hotel & Spa

Score: 96.00

1. J.K. Place Firenze, Florence

Room at the JK Place Firenze hotel — Courtesy J.K. Place Firenze

Score: 97.27

You’ll feel like you’re staying in the private home of a Florentine aristocrat at this stylish boutique hotel on the lively Piazza Santa Maria Novella. The property’s atmosphere is cultivated to ensure warmth and intimacy. Sumptuous rooms feature four-poster beds with heavy drapery, while public spaces are adorned with antiques. Additionally, the breakfast spread includes fresh pastries, scrambled eggs, and pillowy slices of French toast. “Outstanding,” commented one reader on his stay.

Discover readers’ favorite hotels, cities, airlines, cruise lines, and more in the World’s Best Awards.