Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona’s Terrat Rooftop, Photo Credit: Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group
When Forbes Travel Guide revealed the 2017 annual Star Awards list on February 22, it welcomed a new batch of Five-Star hotels. The winners spanned all over the globe, but some of the brightest stars came from Europe. From an intimate boutique hotel in London to a grand former palace in Budapest, the one thing these properties have in common is that they deliver unforgettable experiences.
Let us introduce you to our newest Five-Star hotels in Europe:
Residing on Passeig de Gràcia, Barcelona’s toniest street, the sleek, modern hotel gives you a respite. You’ll find it in the rooftop bar with its dazzling infinity pool and views, the mimosa-and-lavender-filled Mimosa Garden restaurant, the atmospheric Four-Star spa with its own lap pool and hammam or the utterly chic rooms. Upgrade to a suite to receive a 24-hour butler.
Hotel 41’s Executive Lounge, Photo Credit: The Red Carnation Hotel Collection
At this boutique hotel, there are only 28 one-of-a-kind rooms. The intimate size allows Hotel 41 to shower you with exclusive perks, including a champagne trolley that wheels over to greet you at check-in; a cozy guest-only Executive Lounge that serves bites all day long; and a pantry stocked with cheeses, quiches, pies and more that you’re invited to plunder after hours.
Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, Photo Credit: Four Seasons Hotels Limited
Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, A Four Seasons Hotel, French Riviera
The Côte d’Azur nabs its first Five-Star with this 1908 seaside retreat. There are 17 acres to explore, but you’ll spend your entire trip at Club Dauphin, whose striking infinity pool dramatically sits on the rocky Mediterranean coast. Though make time to relax in the hotel’s Four-Star Le Spa, which lets you take your massage outside in the Spa Garden with sea vistas.
Ritz Paris’ Suite Vendome, Photo Credit: The Ritz Hotel Limited
This Paris icon emerged from an extensive four-year renovation even more glorious than when Cesar Ritz opened it in 1898. Sumptuous suites with Louis XIV details, the city’s largest indoor pool, a terrace with a retractable roof, the world’s first Chanel spa and a flexible policy that allows you to check in and check out whenever you want all helped this opulent hotel hit Five-Star status.
Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest’s Royal Suite, Photo Credit: Four Seasons Hotels Limited
Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest
A former palace on the banks of the Danube, the art nouveau beauty sits at the end of the eminently Instagrammable Chain Bridge. Inside the hotel, admire design details like the Zsolnay mosaic tiles in the arcades of the Zrínyi Passage in the lobby. Add top-level service by friendly, intuitive staff and you get the full picture of why this photogenic property was named Budapest’s first Five-Star hotel.
Portrait Roma’s Via Condotti Suite, Photo Credit: Lungarno Alberghi Srl
Portrait Roma – Lungarno Collection, Rome
Expect high fashion in every corner at this Rome hotel, which sits next to the city’s top shopping street, Via dei Condotti. Italian designer Salvatore Ferragamo inspired the contemporary interiors, which come with soft leather couches, Ferragamo linens and photos of 1950s Rome and Ferragamo’s shoe design sketches. The 24-hour lifestyle and guest assistant teams ensure that your trip isn’t style over substance.
Belmond Hotel Cipriani, Photo Credit: Belmond Management Limited
Belmond Hotel Cipriani, Venice
This storied hotel stole the only Five-Star honor in Venice. Here are some reasons that it will take your attention: The beloved brunch beverage the Bellini was invented at the hotel’s Harry’s Bar, the Cipriani boasts the only pool in Venice, beautiful Italian accents (Murano glass, Fortuny fixtures, Rubelli fabrics) add a sense of place and the charming waterfront Cip’s Club bar affords amazing views of the canal and San Marco.
We just revealed our 2017 Forbes Travel Guide Star Ratings. Click here to see the complete list of winners.
