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Title: The 30 Best Hotels in Europe for 2025 — Featuring a Stunning Cliffside Retreat in Greece
By Stacey Leasca | Travel + Leisure | July 8, 2025
American travelers are returning to Europe in record numbers. In May 2024 alone, over 2.3 million U.S. tourists crossed the Atlantic, making Europe the second most visited international destination that month, according to the U.S. National Travel and Tourism Office. This surge highlights the continent’s lasting appeal for those seeking culture, relaxation, and luxury.
Each year, Travel + Leisure invites readers to participate in the World’s Best Awards survey, where they rate their favorite travel experiences across the globe. For the 2025 edition, nearly 180,000 readers cast over 657,000 votes, evaluating more than 8,700 properties, including hotels, resorts, cities, cruise lines, and more.
Hotels were categorized by type—resort, city hotel, inn, or safari lodge—and rated on five key criteria:
– Rooms/facilities
– Location
– Service
– Food
– Value
Respondents rated each on a scale from poor to excellent, with final scores based on the average of these responses.
Top City Hotels in Europe
This year, readers gravitated toward iconic cities like Istanbul and Paris, praising their blend of history, culinary excellence, and world-class service. Istanbul claimed three of the top five spots, while Paris secured five places on the list.
The No. 1 city hotel in Europe for 2025 is Raffles Istanbul, located in the upscale Zorlu Center. Guests raved about its sweeping views of the Bosphorus, luxurious spa with three traditional Turkish hamams, and elegant rooms with private balconies. Its proximity to top attractions like the Grand Bazaar, combined with on-site fine dining and shopping, made it a standout.
Top 15 City Hotels in Europe for 2025:
1. Raffles Istanbul – Istanbul, Turkey | Score: 99.91
2. Fauchon L’Hôtel Paris – Paris, France | Score: 99.53
3. Shangri-La Bosphorus – Istanbul, Turkey | Score: 99.04
4. Hôtel de Crillon, a Rosewood Hotel – Paris, France | Score: 98.44
5. The St. Regis Istanbul – Istanbul, Turkey | Score: 98.25
6. Le Bristol Paris – Paris, France | Score: 97.87
7. Grand Hotel du Palais Royal – Paris, France | Score: 97.30
8. Hotel Calimala – Florence, Italy | Score: 97.25
9. Shangri-La The Shard – London, England | Score: 97.07
10. Hotel Splendide Royal Roma – Rome, Italy | Score: 96.89
11. Baur au Lac – Zürich, Switzerland | Score: 96.69
12. The Westbury – Dublin, Ireland | Score: 96.32
13. Hotel de la Ville, a Rocco Forte Hotel – Rome, Italy | Score: 96.27
14. Le Royal Monceau, Raffles Paris – Paris, France | Score: 96.23
14. The Merrion – Dublin, Ireland | Score: 96.23
Top Resorts in Europe
In the resort category, readers favored Southern Europe’s scenic coastlines and countryside. Italy, Greece, and France dominated the list, with Santorini’s Grace Hotel taking the top spot.
Perched in the village of Imerovigli, Grace Hotel, part of the Auberge Resorts Collection, offers breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea. Its minimalist Cycladic design, cliffside infinity pool, and private plunge pools make it a dream destination. Guests also praised the attentive service and the on-site fine dining at Varoulko Santorini, led by Michelin-starred chef Lefteris Lazarou.
Top 15 Resorts in Europe for 2025:
1. Grace Hotel, Auberge Resorts Collection – Santorini, Greece | Score: 99.00
2. Castelfalfi – Montaione, Italy | Score: 98.94
3. Hôtel Crillon le Brave – Crillon-le-Brave, France | Score: 98.48
4. Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa – Champillon, France | Score: 98.10
5. Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc, Oetker Collection – Cap d’Antibes, France | Score: 97.33
6. Villa d’Este – Lake Como, Italy | Score: 97.27
7. (tie) La Residencia, A Belmond Hotel – Mallorca, Spain | Score: 97.18
7. (tie) Santa Marina, A Luxury Collection Resort – Mykonos, Greece | Score: 97.18
9. Anantara Convento di Amalfi Grand Hotel – Amalfi, Italy | Score: 96.80
10. Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp – Antwerp, Belgium | Score: 96.26
11. Grand Hotel Timeo, A Belmond Hotel – Taormina, Italy | Score: 96.22
12. Le Sirenuse – Positano, Italy | Score: 96.00
13. Gleneagles – Auchterarder, Scotland | Score: 95.83
14. Sheen Falls Lodge – Kenmare, Ireland | Score: 95.73
15. Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria – Sorrento, Italy | Score: 95.71
From the romantic streets of Paris to the sun-drenched cliffs of Santorini, these hotels represent the very best of European hospitality in 2025.
Read the full list and more travel inspiration at Travel + Leisure.
Source: aol.com