Oftentimes, we spend a lot of time in our hotel rooms during trips abroad, at least during the morning and night. However, the views outside the window, are not always the best. So, what if the best part of your next European holiday was not just the itinerary, but the view from your hotel room too? Picture waking up to the Swiss Alps, looking across Lake Como, or sipping wine as the sun sets over the Mediterranean. The right address can turn a holiday into an experience you’ll want to relive long after you’ve returned home. These 5 scenic European luxury hotels for your next getaway promise just that, from the legendary Alpine glamour of Badrutt’s Palace in St. Moritz, Switzerland, the lakeside elegance of Passalacqua in Moltrasio, Italy, the dramatic Atlantic views at Akelarre in San Sebastian, Spain. Add Burgenstock Resort overlooking Lake Lucerne and Hotel Santa Caterina on Italy's Amalfi Coast, and you have five spectacular settings worth travelling to and staying in for.
Few hotels capture the glamour of St. Moritz quite like Badrutt's Palace. Overlooking Lake St. Moritz and the surrounding Swiss Alps, this legendary address combines old-world grandeur with a distinctly Alpine sense of occasion. Days here can revolve around mountain adventures, leisurely meals and simply admiring the view from your room. The hotel operates seasonally, making the timing of your visit especially important.
Badrutt's Palace room prices start at CHF 1,879 per night, including taxes.
There is nothing better than a European holiday with a lake around. And Lake Como has no shortage of glamorous addresses, but Passalacqua offers a more intimate take on Italian luxury. Set in an 18th-century villa in Moltrasio, this boutique hotel has 24 accommodations spread across three restored buildings, surrounded by seven acres of landscaped gardens. A private jetty, historic interiors and lake views make it easy to imagine spending an entire afternoon here without a single plan.
Passalacqua room prices start at €9,000 per night excluding taxes.
Perched above the Bay of Biscay in San Sebastian, Akelarre is an appealing choice for travellers who like their coastal escapes with a side of serious gastronomy. Its 22 rooms and suites feature balconies or terraces, with the Atlantic providing the backdrop. The hotel is also home to chef Pedro Subijana's celebrated restaurant, which has held three Michelin stars since 2007.
Akelarre room prices start at ₹47,000 per night including taxes.
Set on a mountain ridge around 500 metres above Lake Lucerne, Burgenstock Resort makes a compelling case for a holiday built around wellness and spectacular views. Its hotel collection pairs contemporary design with the dramatic Alpine landscape, while the Burgenstock Alpine Spa is a major draw for guests who want to alternate between treatments, swimming and doing absolutely nothing.
Burgenstock Resort room prices start at CHF 1,860 per night, excluding taxes.
For travellers who would rather trade mountain air for Mediterranean sunshine, Hotel Santa Caterina offers a classic Amalfi Coast escape. Overlooking the sea near Amalfi, this family-run hotel combines traditional Italian interiors, hand-painted majolica floors and balconies with sweeping coastal views. Terraced gardens and a beach club add to the appeal, while the surrounding coastline makes boat trips and excursions to nearby Positano and Ravello tempting additions to the itinerary.
Hotel Santa Caterina room prices start at €810 per night, excluding taxes.
Whether your ideal escape involves a Swiss mountain panorama, an Italian lakeside villa or an Atlantic-facing terrace, these hotels offer a reason to slow down and stay a little longer. The experience of being there makes the journey worthwhile and it is views that make you stay.