Looking for the best European hotels in the world to book for your next trip of a lifetime? Summer is around the corner and to celebrate, we have partnered with Fora Travel, your luxury hotel hookup.
Fora is a modern travel agency with a twist – one that is thoughtfully designed, proactively inclusive, tech-driven and, well … cool. They make it dead simple for you to travel like an insider, with killer perks and data-driven recommendations – all for the same price as doing the heavy lifting yourself. We tapped them for the best hotels in Europe to book this summer, whether you are looking for a vibrant Mediterranean retreat, relaxed United Kingdom getaway, or a slice of the sweet Italian life. It’s time to check into your dream boutique hotel and let your stress melt away in the sunshine! ☀️
Photo: Flytographer in Amsterdam. Lauren and partner celebrate their engagement in Amsterdam with a couple photoshoot.
1. Conservatorium Hotel | Amsterdam, Netherlands
Like the city itself, the Conservatorium in Amsterdam blends classic sophistication with cutting-edge style. 🌷 The grande dame beckons travellers with its privileged location in the museum quarter – making sightseeing a breeze – and luxurious wellness centre. But locals are known to flock here as well, thanks to the buzzy lobby lounge, glass-enclosed courtyard, and award-winning Asian restaurant.
Fora perks
Book through Fora and receive:
- Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
- Full breakfast daily, for two guests per bedroom, in the restaurant
- $100 resort credit
Photo: Steven in Amsterdam for Flytographer. Shiela and partner celebrate their anniversary in Amsterdam with a couple photoshoot.
2. The Carlton Tower | London, England
The shiny new Carlton Tower rises proudly above the Belgravia neighbourhood of London, delivering some of the best views the city has to offer. Add a serene indoor swimming pool and access to a leafy private park (perfect for photography, we might add), and the ultra-plush hotel is a competitive addition to London’s tony hotel scene. It is also a 6-minute walk to world-renowned Hyde Park and a part of the luxury collection in the UK. 🌳
Fora perks
Book through Fora and receive:
- $100 food/beverage credit
- Breakfast daily
- Guaranteed upgrade at time of booking for Superior and Deluxe rooms & extended check-in/out whenever possible
Photo: Hector in London for Flytographer. Karen and daughter celebrate a new chapter in London with a family photoshoot.
3. Lupaia | Tuscany, Italy
If you are looking to break away from the larger touristy areas of Italy like Florence, Venice, Milan, the Italian Riviera or Lake Como, perhaps a vacation in the Tuscan countryside is exactly what you need. Lupaia is in the heart of Tuscany, about a 1-hour drive from Siena. Many guests choose Lupaia for its superb location, a cypress-lined hilltop in between the towns of Montepulciano and Pienza. This family-owned country estate is far more than just an ideal home base. On the contrary, Lupaia boasts an infinity pool and cottage-style suites with private gardens and enchanting views. When not wine-tasting, guests can spend their days truffle-hunting or exploring Tuscany by e-bike. 🚲
Fora perks
Book through Fora and receive:
- Complimentary welcome gift in room on arrival
- Breakfast daily
- Upgrade to next room category whenever possible
Photo: Flytographer in Tuscany. Ed and partner celebrate their engagement in Tuscany with a surprise proposal photoshoot.
4. Four Seasons Hotel George V | Paris, France
Michelin-starred dining, epic Eiffel Tower views, an enviable location off the Champs-Élysées… need we say more? You can’t go wrong with a classic palace hotel in the City of Light, and George V is one of the most iconic. Its charms include a spa oasis, topiary-lined orangerie, and gilded suites with panoramic terraces. 🍊 Another plus: the hotel is famous for its exceptional service, which is surprisingly hard to come by amongst the five-star hotels in Paris.
Fora perks
When you book Four Seasons through Fora, you will enjoy exclusive Four Seasons Preferred Partner benefits. Your advisor will be pleased to give you more details.
Photo: Kirill in Paris for Flytographer. Diana and partner capture memories in Paris with a couple photoshoot.
5. Dromoland Castle | Galway, Ireland
Just a 2.5-hour drive from Dublin and a 1-hour drive from Galway, guests are transported to Old-World Ireland at this castle estate in County Clare. 🏰 Dromoland dates back to the 16th century and has been meticulously maintained, boasting the opulence and grandeur of a real-life fairy tale (not the cheesy kind, we promise)! When not indulging in high tea or hitting balls on the golf course, guests can try their hand at archery, clay shooting, or falconry. No surprise here: it’s a big hit with families.
Fora perks
Book through Fora and receive:
- $100 food / beverage credit
- Breakfast daily
- Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible
Photo: Flytographer in Galway. Kaitie and partner capture memories in Galway on a couple photoshoot.
6. Canaves Oia Sunday Suites | Santorini, Greece
As far as postcard-worthy views go, Sunday Suites may take the cake (which, in the town known for its dazzling vistas, certainly says something). This pint-sized boutique gem in Oia, Santorini has only eight suites, making it perfect for a group of friends or family takeover. Despite its small size, the hotel’s high-touch amenities include yoga classes and a tapas restaurant with (you guessed it) panoramic views.🍹
Fora Perks
Book through Fora and receive:
- Complimentary drinks by the pool upon arrival
Photo: Kimon in Santorini for Flytographer. Courtney and partner celebrate their honeymoon in Santorini with a couple photoshoot.
7. Martinhal Chiado | Lisbon, Portugal
Nothing says “best of both worlds” quite like this family-friendly hotel in the centre of one of Europe’s coolest cities – Lisbon. 🚡 Located a stone’s throw from the Bairro Alto neighbourhood, Martinhal Chiado offers a luxurious residential experience, with colourfully-decorated apartments (complete with kitchens and washer-dryers) and ample resort amenities. There’s even a baby concierge.
Fora perks
Book through Fora and receive:
- One complimentary lunch per stay
- Complimentary bottle of wine and plate of custard tarts in room on arrival
- Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible
Photo: Claudia in Lisbon for Flytographer. Sara and partner celebrate their anniversary with a couple photoshoot in Lisbon.
8. Bürgenstock | Zurich, Switzerland
Part of the magic of Bürgenstock, an exquisite spa resort in Switzerland, is the journey to get there. Located just 1-hour into lake country from Zurich, this location is a magical mountain oasis. From the base of Lake Lucerne, guests board a funicular and are whisked to the hotel lobby, where they are met with a dramatic lookout over the dizzyingly beautiful alpine landscape (hello, photo opportunities). 🏔 The “wow” factor continues with the hotel’s ultra-modern design and countless outdoor activities – including hilltop hiking, complete with a symphony of cowbells in the distance.
Fora perks
Book through Fora and receive:
- $100 resort credit
- Breakfast daily
- Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible
Photo: Veronika in Zurich for Flytographer. Romina and family capture memories near Zurich with a family photoshoot.
9. Mandarin Oriental | Barcelona, Spain
Located on the Passeig de Gràcia, the beating-heart of Barcelona, this grand hotel blends world-class luxury with Catalan warmth and style. 🌞 Come for the 19th-century, sleek suites and rooftop pool, and stay for the see-and-be-seen lobby – you never know, you might see a few fútbol coaches shaking hands before the latest trade hits the newsstands.
Fora perks
Book through Fora and receive:
- $100 food / beverage credit
- Breakfast daily
- Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible
Photo: Ramon and Sonia in Barcelona for Flytographer. Yasifina and family capture memories in Barcelona with a family photoshoot.
10. The Bank Hotel | Istanbul, Turkey
Located in a neo-Renaissance building that was formerly a bank, this five-star hotel in the Karakoy neighborhood is one of Istanbul’s most stylish. The hotel retains much of its former identity – the wine cellar 🍷 is housed in a restored bank vault – and industrial touches are offset by warm jewel tones and colourful artwork throughout. Not to be missed is a trip to the spa to experience the traditional Turkish hammam made of white marble.
Fora perks
Book through Fora and receive:
- A traditional evil-eye bread and a box of chocolates
Photo: Murat G. in Istanbul for Flytographer. Belinda and partner celebrate their anniversary in Istanbul with a couple photoshoot.
Capturing memories in Europe
Whether you are planning a trip to one of these destinations or seeking a unique adventure like the movie, The Grand Budapest Hotel – Fora has got the spot for you. No matter where you end up, our local Flytographers are looking forward to capturing your memories in Europe this summer. 📸
“Stathis was absolutely amazing! We had a photoshoot in Oia and are blown away with how the photos turned out. Stathis was kind and provided great direction with my husband who was really anxious about taking pictures in front of people. Despite the streets being crowded you would think from the photos we had the village to ourselves! I would highly recommend him to anyone looking for absolutely beautiful photos.”
Katherine
“We loved having Spyros as our photographer while we were visiting Santorini for our vacation. It was our first time there, and we loved how he took us to all of the best spots, and even some lesser known areas. He was very personable and made us feel comfortable right away and since we do not do hire photographers often, we appreciated his direction and love every single one of our photos. We would highly recommend Spyros and we are so happy with how everything turned out.”
Heather
“I had an amazing experience with Christina and Stathis from the planning process all through the proposal. They suggested ideas taking into consideration my expectations and zero knowledge about the city. They updated me promptly as plans changed along the way, they made sure the entire process was discreet as I wanted, they helped us through the photoshoot with exciting ideas and they were relatable. Christina and Stathis showed understanding of what we wanted and executed impeccably. I would not hesitate to recommend them to anyone. Cheers!”
Stanley
