When was the last time you traveled just to stay in a specific hotel? Most people travel for destinations, but why not make your hotel the primary goal of your trip? Design aficionados and hotel lovers; you’re in for a treat, as I’ve collected some of Europe’s most remarkable design hotels that are definitely worth traveling for.
1. Olea All Suite Hotel, Zakynthos, Greece
Set on a picturesque hill surrounded by olive trees and just 10 minutes by foot from Zakynthos town, you’ll find this stunning resort with 93 rooms and 3 restaurants designed by block722 architects+. If you love the Mediterranean climate and nature but prefer more minimalistic and contemporary interior design, you’re going to love Olea.
Did I mention that a 4.000 sqm pool surrounds the hotel? Here, the presence of water is ubiquitous.
More information here.
2. Hotel Marqués de Riscal, Elciego, Spain
Sometimes, a picture says more than a thousand words. This is the case for Hotel Marqués de Riscal, which is located in the midst of a Medieval Spanish village and looks like something straight out of Alice in Wonderland. Designed by the renowned architect Frank Gehry, this intriguing structure, which looks like flowing ribbons from afar, houses a luxury hotel with an award-winning wine-themed (!) spa.
More information here.
3. Nhow Rotterdam, Holland
A design hotel boasting 278 rooms on the banks of river Maas in Rotterdam – you certainly don’t want to close your curtains with a view like this! It’s supposedly the first European architecture hotel combining art and design together with luxury. I’d say an ideal location for urban geeks!
More information here.
4. Sobreiras-Alentejo Country Hotel, Grândola, Portugal
If pure rural charm is what you’re looking for, this might be the ideal holiday destination for you. Sobreiras-Alentejo Country Hotel is located just an hour’s drive from Lisbon and so close to the coast that you could easily go for an evening swim. The hotel’s 24 minimalistic rooms take inspiration from the surrounding landscape, which means you’ll feel completely connected to nature when staying here. In fact, the idea of this place is to create a unique symbiosis between nature and architecture. Guests can enjoy total privacy and calmness on the 25 hectares of land. What more could you ask for these days?
More information here.
5. Fontevraud L’Hôtel, Fontevraud-l’Abbaye, France
When your hotel is located inside one of Europe’s best preserved abbeys, there’s no discussion; you go.
The historical abbey of Fontevraud was founded in 1101 and became a royal necropolis housing the tombs of Henry 2nd and Richard Lionheart. A place that has long been synonymous with silence and simplicity has been turned into a four-star hotel – in the most elegant way imaginable. Including 54 sophisticated rooms and a restaurant led by Michelin chef, Thibault Ruggeri; Fontevraud L’Hôtel is the perfect sanctuary if you wish to escape everyday life and dive into history, heritage and haute cuisine. If only walls could speak…
More information here.
