6 Historic Hotels in Europe That Are Truly Worth Staying In
There’s a reason why certain hotels stay iconic for centuries—because they don’t just offer a place to sleep, they offer stories. At Trippers Terminal, we love a fresh hotel opening as much as the next traveler, but there’s something special about checking into a place that’s stood the test of time. And if you’re the kind of traveler who craves experiences over checklists, this list is for you.
These historic hotels aren’t just beautiful on the outside; they blend legacy with comfort, tradition with thoughtful touches, and give you a front-row seat to European heritage (with a side of spa treatments and world-class service). Let’s get into the legends worth waking up in.
Hôtel de Crillon, Paris: A Historic Palace Hotel That Still Feels Personal
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to stay in an 18th-century Parisian palace (but without the pomp) Hôtel de Crillon might be your answer. Set on Place de la Concorde, just steps from the Seine, this landmark has hosted royalty, diplomats, and artists for over two centuries. It’s one of Paris’s oldest and most storied hotels, but what makes it stand out today is how effortlessly it balances history with modern comfort.
The building itself was commissioned by Louis XV and later became a favorite of Marie Antoinette, who once took piano lessons here. While those details give it gravitas, the experience of staying here doesn’t feel like a museum. The interiors have been fully reimagined—rich with marble, crystal, and antique woodwork, but paired with soft lighting and contemporary design choices that keep it from feeling dated or overly grand.
Why It’s Worth It
This isn’t just about luxury for the sake of luxury. The service is personal, discreet, and deeply refined. Staff remember your name, ask the right questions, and make you feel like you belong—even if you’re checking in solo.
The rooms are quiet and comfortable, not overly showy. Many overlook the Place de la Concorde or the Eiffel Tower, but the best part might be the soundproofing—hard to come by in a central Paris hotel. If you’re here for slow travel or a peaceful base to explore, it’s surprisingly calm despite being in one of the city’s busiest areas.
There’s a spa hidden behind the original 18th-century walls, complete with a pink Himalayan salt wall and a quiet indoor pool—a real bonus if you’re decompressing after a long flight. Dining is taken seriously, too, with restaurants led by Michelin-starred chefs, but you can also just order a perfectly made omelet to your room and enjoy the experience without fanfare.
Best For
Travelers who value heritage with warmth, not stiffness
Solo travelers who want to feel taken care of without fuss
Anyone planning a slower-paced Paris visit that centers on good food, art, and a meaningful stay
Travel Tips
Location: Place de la Concorde, 1st arrondissement — a short walk to the Louvre, Tuileries Garden, and Rue Saint-Honoré
Solo-friendly? Yes. Service is attentive without being pushy, and there are cozy lounge spaces where solo guests can read or relax without feeling watched
Quiet corners: Ask for an interior-facing room if you’re sensitive to street noise
Dress code: Casual elegance is fine. No need to dress up unless you’re dining at the signature restaurants
Hotel Sacher, Vienna: Historic Elegance with a Slice of Culture
In a city that takes its traditions seriously, Hotel Sacher manages to feel iconic without being out of touch. Opened in 1876, just across from the Vienna State Opera, this family-run hotel has become one of Austria’s most recognized stays—not because of flashy updates or influencer buzz, but because it’s stayed true to its roots while adapting with care.
Famous as the birthplace of the Sacher-Torte, the world’s most famous chocolate cake, the hotel is woven into Vienna’s cultural fabric. But it’s not just about desserts or old-world aesthetics—it’s about consistency, attention to detail, and that rare blend of formality and friendliness.
What It’s Like to Stay Here
Staying at Hotel Sacher is like stepping into classic Vienna—not the tourist version, but the version the locals respect. Inside, the hotel leans into its heritage: deep red velvet, polished wood, oil paintings, heavy drapes. But it’s surprisingly warm. The staff are professional but approachable, and solo travelers are treated with the same respect as guests in the top suites.
Rooms vary in size, but all include high-end touches like marble bathrooms, fresh flowers, and thoughtful soundproofing. Some face the opera house, which lights up beautifully at night, while others are tucked into quieter courtyards. The beds are comfortable, the bathrooms are generously sized, and there’s a sense that things are regularly updated—just not in a trendy, obvious way.
The Café and Cultural Experience
Even if you’re not staying here, people line up for a seat in the Café Sacher, where locals and visitors alike come for cake, coffee, and a dose of Viennese café culture. But as a guest, you can skip the queue and enjoy the same menu with a quieter view—either in the café itself or through room service, which is surprisingly prompt and well-handled.
The food is traditional but well done: Wiener schnitzel, seasonal soups, and rich breakfasts served in elegant dining rooms with attentive (but never stiff) staff.
Best For
Travelers who want to stay somewhere rooted in local culture
Anyone visiting Vienna for music, museums, or winter holidays
Solo travelers who prefer quiet elegance and personal service
Guests interested in historic hotels that still feel well-managed
Travel Tips
Location: Central Vienna, directly across from the Vienna State Opera and close to the Albertina and Hofburg Palace
Quietest rooms: Ask for an upper floor, facing the courtyard, if you want total peace
What to wear: Smart casual works fine for most of the hotel, though the restaurants lean dressy in the evening
Perks: Guests can skip the Café Sacher line and access private lounges
The Ritz, London: Iconic Without Feeling Outdated
Plenty of hotels in London have history, but few have become institutions. The Ritz, which opened in 1906, is one of them. Set along Piccadilly, just a few minutes’ walk from Green Park and Mayfair, it’s the kind of place you’ve likely seen in films, but what stands out in real life is how well-preserved and well-run it still is.
Staying here isn’t about flash, it’s about old-school service, beautifully maintained spaces, and small details done right.
What It’s Actually Like
Yes, the interiors are ornate: gold-leaf ceilings, towering flower arrangements, antique furniture polished to a glow. But nothing feels frozen in time. The team here knows how to make guests feel comfortable, whether you're arriving in a designer coat or something more casual after a red-eye flight.
Rooms are traditional (floral wallpaper, plush carpets, silk curtains), but well-insulated, spotlessly clean, and surprisingly quiet for central London. The beds are comfortable, the lighting is soft, and everything works without needing instructions—exactly what you want when you’ve just stepped off a train or flight.
Afternoon Tea That’s Worth It
Even if you’re not staying here, Afternoon Tea in the Palm Court is a London classic—but as a guest, it’s easier to book and much more relaxed. It’s not just about the tea and scones (though those are excellent); it’s about the experience: live piano, silver service, and staff who genuinely enjoy what they do. It feels more like a ritual than a tourist moment.
If you prefer something more low-key, the Rivoli Bar offers a beautifully atmospheric space for a quiet cocktail, especially ideal for solo guests or those who prefer an evening wind-down without a scene.
Best For
Travelers looking for a historic hotel in London with full service and zero fuss
Those who want to enjoy classic British luxury without the modern trend-chasing
Solo travelers who want a polished, safe, and welcoming base
First-timers to London who want to stay somewhere central, walkable, and memorable
Travel Tips
Location: Right next to Green Park and the Piccadilly line—great for walking or public transport
Solo-friendly? Yes. The staff are attentive but not overbearing, and solo guests are treated with genuine courtesy
Best rooms: Ask for a city-facing room on a high floor if you want views and quiet
Dress code: Smart casual for most spaces; more formal for afternoon tea
Parador de Granada: A Rare Chance to Stay Inside the Alhambra
If you’re visiting Granada, chances are the Alhambra is already on your list. But staying inside its grounds? That’s something very few travelers get to do. Parador de Granada offers that chance. This historic hotel in Spain sits on the site of a 15th-century monastery—built by Catholic monarchs after the fall of the Nasrid Kingdom—and parts of the original Moorish architecture are still visible throughout the building.
This isn’t a themed hotel. It’s the real thing: a deeply atmospheric stay with arched stone corridors, carved wooden ceilings, and windows that open onto the Generalife gardens. And yet, despite its historic bones, the hotel is quiet, clean, and remarkably comfortable.
What It’s Like to Stay Here
The experience is intentionally low-key. The rooms are modern in function (air conditioning, updated bathrooms), but simple in design. Think heavy doors, terracotta floors, and just enough detail to remind you where you are.
What makes the stay special isn’t flash—it’s access. You can wake up early and walk the grounds before the daytime crowds arrive. At night, the gardens are silent. You hear the fountains. The scent of jasmine. The stone walls lit by golden lamplight. It feels like you’ve stepped out of time.
Staff are friendly and informal—not luxury-trained in the traditional sense, but warm, attentive, and clearly proud of the place they work in.
The hotel’s terrace restaurant offers local Andalusian cuisine, and while you’re here for the setting more than the menu, sipping a glass of wine with the Alhambra behind you is hard to beat.
Best For
Travelers seeking a unique hotel experience in Spain
History lovers and culture-focused travelers
Solo travelers looking for a calm, meaningful stay
Anyone visiting Granada who values atmosphere over amenities
Travel Tips
Location: Inside the Alhambra complex; you’ll need to pass through a checkpoint to reach the hotel
Rooms: Book early. There are only a few, and they fill up quickly—especially in spring and fall
Quietest rooms: Ask for one that doesn’t face the central courtyard if you’re noise-sensitive
Dining tip: Reserve the terrace early—sunset is popular, even with locals
Castel Monastero, Tuscany: Medieval Silence Meets Modern Wellness
Tuscany has no shortage of beautiful hotels, but few are as quiet and rooted in history as Castel Monastero. This 11th-century monastery turned luxury retreat sits in the hills of Chianti wine country, surrounded by vineyards, olive groves, and that soft golden light Tuscany seems to produce on demand.
Despite its polished look today, the village-style layout remains intact. Narrow cobbled lanes, stone facades, and views that stretch for miles. The setting alone is enough to slow you down—but Castel Monastero offers more than just scenery.
What It’s Like to Stay Here
The rooms are understated, not overly ornate. Exposed beams, terracotta floors, neutral tones. It’s peaceful. And the focus here is clearly on wellness and rest, not extravagance.
There’s a full spa on site—one of the best in the region. With a Finnish sauna, Turkish bath, sensory showers, and signature treatments developed in partnership with medical professionals, it goes far beyond your typical hotel massage setup. If you’re coming to reset after a long stretch of travel (or life), this is a good place to do it.
Food is taken seriously. The culinary team draws from traditional Tuscan ingredients but presents them in a refined, modern way. Evenings are quiet here—dinner under the stars, then back to your room for a long night’s sleep with nothing but countryside air and stillness outside your window.
Best For
Slow travelers looking for a true reset
Couples or solo travelers who want peace, not distractions
Anyone seeking a wellness-focused stay in Tuscany
Travelers who want to stay somewhere historic but not crowded
Travel Tips
Location: About 30 minutes from Siena. You’ll need a car to get here—and to appreciate the surrounding wine region
Wi-Fi: Reliable throughout, but the vibe encourages logging off
Solo-friendly? Yes. There’s enough space to keep to yourself, and the staff are used to wellness-focused solo guests
Seasonal tip: Spring and fall offer the best balance of good weather and fewer guests
Schloss Fuschl, Austria: A Lakeside Castle Stay That Feels Like a Secret
Just outside Salzburg, on the edge of a clear alpine lake, sits Schloss Fuschl—a 15th-century castle turned luxury hideaway. Originally built as a royal hunting lodge, it has hosted everyone from Austrian archdukes to 20th-century film stars. But despite its history, it’s not flashy. It’s calm. Quiet. Unassuming in the best way.
This is the kind of place you check into when you want to disappear from the world for a few days—no pressure to sightsee, no crowds, just forest, water, and comfort.
What It’s Like to Stay Here
Rooms and suites are spread across the main castle and adjacent buildings, many with views over Lake Fuschl. Interiors lean traditional but feel warm and refined—antique furniture, soft rugs, and windows that open onto still water and fresh mountain air.
There’s no over-design. No Instagram corners. Just a natural elegance that makes it easy to slow down. And the service is what you’d expect from a Relais & Châteaux property: discreet, intuitive, and quietly polished.
The spa includes a lake-view sauna, steam rooms, and a long indoor pool, perfect after a walk along the wooded shoreline. The hotel also offers rowing boats, and there’s a small lakeside dock where you can swim in summer or sit with a book when the weather cools.
What Makes It Special
The real value of Schloss Fuschl is the atmosphere. It’s peaceful in a way that feels personal, not empty. Even at full occupancy, there’s space to breathe—along the walking trails, in the quiet library, or during breakfast on the terrace.
If you’re a solo traveler, it’s one of those rare luxury hotels where you’ll never feel out of place. You can dine alone without a second glance, walk the grounds for hours, and feel completely at ease doing nothing at all.
Best For
Writers, solo travelers, and couples looking for peace and privacy
Anyone visiting Salzburg who wants to stay outside the city
Travelers drawn to historic lakeside hotels in Austria
People who love castles—but without the theatrics
Travel Tips
Location: About 25 minutes by car from Salzburg. A rental car is useful but not essential—transfers are available
Quietest rooms: Lakeside suites in the main building offer the most peaceful views
Dining tip: Book dinner in advance—the restaurant has limited tables and sunset views go fast
Seasonal highlights: Come in summer for lake swimming, or late autumn for near-total solitude
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FAQ: What to Know About Staying in Historic Hotels in Europe
Are historic hotels really worth it, or just overpriced?
It depends on what you value. Historic hotels often cost more than modern ones in the same area—but what you're paying for isn't just a room. You're getting character, location, and atmosphere that can’t be replicated. If you're someone who appreciates architecture, history, and thoughtful service, it’s often worth the extra spend—especially for a special trip.
Will I feel out of place staying alone at a historic hotel?
Not at all. Many historic hotels—especially the ones in this guide—are excellent for solo travelers. Staff tend to be attentive without being invasive, and there are often quiet lounges, gardens, or libraries that make solo downtime feel comfortable, not awkward. Places like Hotel Sacher and Schloss Fuschl are particularly welcoming for independent guests.
Are these hotels super formal? Will I need to dress up?
Most historic hotels have softened their formality over time. While some restaurants may encourage smart-casual attire, you don’t need to pack evening gowns or tuxedos. A simple, polished outfit is more than enough if you want to enjoy dinner or afternoon tea without feeling underdressed.
Can I visit a historic hotel if I’m not staying there?
Yes—many iconic hotels welcome non-guests in their cafes, restaurants, or bars. You can enjoy afternoon tea at The Ritz, have a slice of Sacher-Torte at Café Sacher, or dine at Castel Monastero’s restaurant without being a guest. It’s a great way to experience the space without booking a room—just check ahead for hours or reservations.
Do historic hotels have modern amenities?
The good ones do. All the properties in this guide offer modern comforts like strong Wi-Fi, air conditioning, updated bathrooms, and quality bedding, while still preserving the building’s original features. You won’t have to trade comfort for charm.
Are historic hotels loud or outdated?
That’s a fair concern—but most of the hotels listed here are well-maintained and thoughtfully updated. If you're sensitive to noise, request an interior or upper-floor room when booking. Places like Hôtel de Crillon and Castel Monastero are known for being both quiet and well soundproofed.
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