So many things change in a single year in a tourist hotspot like Europe.
But there are some heritage hotels in Europe that are always a true marvel of architecture that withstand the test of time. These oldest hotels in Europe are like a time capsule and have such enthralling personalities that you feel like you are walking in the footsteps of royalty.
Call them the most iconic hotels or grandest hotels of Europe, they have undergone extensive renovations, have heritage characteristics and modern amenities, and stand in the same spot where they were built.
From the historical Lisbon to Prague Old Town, here are the unforgettable heritage hotels in Europe that are worth a visit.
Top 10 Heritage Hotels In Europe
Corpo Santo Lisbon Historical Hotel
Address: Largo Corpo Santo 25, 1200-129 Lisbon, Portugal
Phone: +351 21 828 8000
The Corpo Santo Lisbon Historical Hotel is among the best heritage hotels in Europe, an understated, luxurious space that bedazzles with history and modernity, and is perfect for a traveler who wants an unforgettable and luxurious experience which is also quite laid-back.
Located on seven hills, and in Cais do Sodré neighborhood, where the hotel stands was once a gathering place for shipyard and fishermen. The hotel is a cosmopolitan charm and welcomes everyone who loves heritage hotels. A part of its first floor is dedicated to Fernandina Wall, a preserved section of the 14th-century Muralha Fernandina, making it one of the most iconic hotels in Europe.
So, if you want to stay in a grand hotel in Europe, but love a rich backstory, but also want to be a part of the city’s storied past, The Corpo Santo Lisbon Historical Hotel might be the best fit for you.
Hotel Calimala Florence
Address: Via dei Lamberti, 5, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy
Phone: +39 055 093 6360
If you’re looking to stay in a heritage hotel in Europe during your Florentine visit, Hotel Calimala will definitely make an impression on you.
It is a standout, a masterpiece, and among the best heritage hotels in Europe, because housed within two heritage buildings, one, a Gothic-inspired edifice, and the other, a 19th-century Eclectic building, is a hotel which is carved with medieval influence and polished with modern amenities.
Calimala The East and Calimala The West, restored to the former glory of their heritage, have all the original features like pietra serena, velvet, brass, and Tuscan marble, and it really shows every other old hotel in Europe how a reimagining of heritage is done for a modern audience.
Only YOU Boutique Hotel
Address: Calle del Barquillo, 21, Centro, 28004 Madrid, Spain
Phone: +34 910 05 22 22
If you want to stay in a 19th-century mansion, which feels very exclusive, but you also want to stay within an avant-garde neighborhood of Madrid, then we have the best heritage hotel in Europe. The Only YOU Boutique Hotel.
The interior is breathtaking, a courtesy of Lázaro Rosa-Violán, a respected designer. The former palace, which was once the home of Elvira, Marquesa of Alhama, is one of the most iconic hotels in Europe, not only because of its prime location, but because it still preserves the colonial architecture, wooden beams, marble features, and the traditional azulejo tiles.
Lázaro Rosa-Violán took inspiration from Barcelona’s tradition hence the hotel is decorated in mostly blue and white tiles, but the vibrant decor is complemented with the antiques, like Jonathan Adler vases and modular sofas, and if you are a millennial traveler who loves places with historic roots and energetic neighborhoods, this heritage hotel in Europe will definitely be an unforgettable stay for you.
Hotel Kaiserhof Wien
Address: Frankenberggasse 10, 1040 Vienna, Austria
Phone: +43 1 5051701
Hotel Kaiserhof Wien is a turn-of-the-century hotel. It is also one of the most unique heritage hotels in Europe in the grand city of Vienna.
Built in 1896 on the former Glacis grounds, the grand hotel has come a long way with modern innovations such as central heating, running water in every room, and a guest lift. However, the original Viennese character of the Kaiserhof hotel still dominates like an imperial claim, and so do other traditions, for example, this heritage hotel has always been run by family, making it perfect for a discerning traveller who doesn’t want a strict 5-star luxury, but also prefers a historical feel.
The two-floor extension and the addition of a breakfast room and a winter garden were the beginnings of the hotel’s modernity. The redesigning of suites is also a permanent development at Hotel Kaiserhof Wien, and if you want to explore the nearby cultural sites, the heritage hotel in Europe offers great accessibility to the Belvedere Palace and the Vienna State Opera.
Avenida Palace
Address: R. 1º de Dezembro 123, 1200-359 Lisbon, Portugal
Phone: +351 21 321 8100
The Avenida Palace in the center of Lisbon is a part of the city’s heritage. It is one of our most favorite exquisite, grand hotels in Europe.
After its inauguration in 1892, Avenida Palace opened its doors to let everyone see its marvelous Belle Époque style, and the stay of a Portuguese prince added an even more romantic charm to it, earning attention both from European aristocracy and the Brazilian bourgeoisie.
If you are visiting Europe with your girl gang, might as well book a stay at The Avenida Palace because girls love aesthetics, don’t they? The silk lining, leafy velvets, and leather paper on the walls might have weathered, but this heritage hotel still intrigues history-loving travelers because every corner tells a story.
The neoclassical architecture and the luxurious decoration retain the heritage of the place, whereas panoramic views over Lisbon and the courtyard cling to their historic roots, and soundproofing of rooms, Wi-Fi connectivity, and featured bathrooms offer a touch of modernity.
Hotel Antiche Figure
Address: Santa Croce, 687 Fondamenta San Simeon Piccolo, 30135 Venice VE, Italy
Phone: +39 041 275 9486,
Overlooking Canal Grande, the Hotel Antiche Figure stands on what was once a historical palace in the 15th century, but now, it is much more modern than the original, quintessential Venetian space.
The location, the atmosphere still breathes ancient times. The staff is extremely hospitable, and they all point towards the name, inspired by the Renaissance frescos that furnish its facade in the 18th century. Hotel Antiche is a great example of how modern attractions still retain their rich history, and is considered one of the best heritage hotels in Europe.
Try visiting in December, cause Venice is one of the most beautiful places in Europe in December. It lies right across the Santa Lucia train station, making it an incredibly convenient option for travelers who want to explore Venice without hassles. While there is an antique Venetian charm here, the rooms, especially the De Luxe Rooms and Superior Rooms, are still occupied with modernity, and when luxury is catered to modern times, it results in a stay that will completely change your life as a tourist.
Ambassade Hotel
Address: Herengracht 341, 1016 BA Amsterdam, Netherlands
Phone: +31 20 555 0222
Fond of writing? Looking for a muse? The Ambassade Hotel in Amsterdam might be the fittest heritage hotel in Europe for your needs.
Spread across sixteen historic canal houses, it is one of the most distinctive and grand hotels in Europe. These canal houses aren’t ordinary. They were the offices and residences of bankers, merchants, and prominent figures in the past.
Ever since this building opened in 1953, The Ambassade Hotel has been a haven for writers. The impressive guest list of this heritage hotel in Europe has had Umberto Eco, Orhan Pamuk, Mario Vargas Llosa, Herta Muller, and others on it, and the hotel pays an ode to them with its impressive art collection and a library with more than 5,000 books.
The Ambassade Hotel also retains its heritage by letting the canal-side houses retain their small sets of stairs as well as landings, which you can find in the halls and some of the rooms as well. For those who want a warmly, home-like atmosphere, check out this old hotel in Europe. The prime location in the Canal District is perfect for you as a tourist as it puts you in a place from where it is easy to explore the city.
Hotel Pod Věží
Address: Mostecká 58/2, 118 00 Malá Strana, Czechia
Phone: +420 257 532 041
Hotel Pod Věží is a heritage boutique hotel in Europe which is composed of two historical buildings only a few steps away from each other.
Located right next to the Charles Bridge, you will find this old hotel in the heart of Prague, which not only provides a charming vantage point but also a notoriously friendly staff, and rooms made cozier by the shadow of the Lesser Town Bridge Tower, making it an iconic hotel in Europe.
The Malá Strana district location keeps you only a few steps away from Prague Castle, and very close to Vltava River, Old Town Square, and Kampa Museum, so if you want to live in a big city but also want cozy, historical vibes from your hotel room, then Hotel Pod Věží will give you just that, without the excessive price tag.
Hotel Sultania
Address: Hoca Paşa, Mehmet Murat Sokak Number 4, 34110 Fatih/Istanbul, Türkiye
Phone: +90 212 528 08 06
Hotel Sultania in Istanbul follows the tastes and style of the Ottoman Empire and how they used to decorate the places they lived in.
Hotel Sultania feels like a showcase of power and magnificence, as it balances the Ottoman design and decoration with the metropolitan lifestyle of Istanbul. The rooms in this heritage hotel in Europe also speak history as they are named after the most prominent sultan’s wives. All this is done to let the guest reimagine how royal their residences felt. The rooms are beautifully decorated, and it feels like they match the heritage of the Fatih district with their marble walls, Turkish baths, traditional Ottoman furniture, and much more.
And when we are staying in a Turkish heritage hotel, we definitely expect world-class spa services. Hotel Sultania doesn’t disappoint in that area, cause there is a Sultan Spa, a luxurious Hamam, sauna, as well as a fitness center and swimming pool, all within the same hotel.
Hotel Moments Budapest by Continental Group
Address: Budapest, Andrássy út 8, 1061 Hungary
Phone: +36 1 611 7005
Hotel Moments Budapest is a heritage hotel in Europe, situated on Andrássy Avenue, a World Heritage site. The building was constructed on the plans of Hungarian architect Adolf Feszty in the 1880s, and has housed several insurance companies, banks, and other institutes before it was finalized for a hotel in 2013.
The 4-star hotel, built on 99 rooms, stands as one of the most stylish heritage hotels in Europe, and is now the perfect choice for travelers who are looking for laid-back and luxurious getaways. The location is unbeatable, and the hotel’s modern design still retains the charm of open spaces, with sunlit living rooms, extra-large windows, breathtaking city views, and comfortable amenities like Nespresso machines and spacious bathrooms.
The Basilica Suite is where you get the most stunning Saint Stephen’s Basilica views from the terrace. This heritage hotel in Europe is also famous for its services like 24-hour concierge, internet corner, and lounge-bar services.
