While many travelers visit Europe for its centuries-old history, there are those who appreciate the Continent's au courant attractions — cutting edge restaurants, sexy nightclubs and, of course, sleek hotels. One of the most exciting things about European hotels is that you can have the best of the past and present, sometimes in a single lodging. With that in mind, we have chosen these ten hotels. From a sophisticated Tuscan farmhouse to a stylish island hideaway, they offer a range of décor and architectural style. At the same time, one element remains constant: warm, traditional hospitality.
1 Hotel Plaza Athenee, Paris, France
Hotel Plaza Athenee
Few hotels are as revered as the Hôtel Plaza Athenée Paris, where shades of gold, bronze and the property's signature red create an atmosphere of regal luxury. Located in one of Paris's most exclusive districts, the hotel opened in 1911 and has wisely chosen not to rest on its laurels. Guest rooms are over-the-top (in the best of ways), with Louis XVI, Art Deco and Regency furnishings – the most coveted have views onto the Eiffel Tower. Keeping the property at the forefront of the city's competitive culinary scene is Alain Ducasse's eponymous restaurant. Also of note is a 35,000-bottle wine cellar, which offers tastings led by the house sommelier. On-site bars include the outdoor La Terrasse Montaigne and La Galerie des Gobelins, where harp music and pastries draw chic shoppers throughout the day. Rounding out the hotel's attractions is Dior Institut, a decadent spa for those seeking the ultimate in indulgence.
2 Soho House Berlin, Germany
Soho House
This sexy hotel
3 Hotel Amigo, Brussels, Belgium
Rocco Forte Hotels
Refurbished by the Rocco Forte Hotel Group, Hotel Amigo
4 Miura Hotel, Beskydy Mountains, Czech Republic
Miura Hotel
While we love golf resorts, rarely do we choose them for their high style. But in this case, golf is just the bonus at a property worthy of its own museum. In a tranquil setting in the Beskydy Mountains flanking the 36-hole Čeladná Golf Course (home to the European PGA Tour Czech Open), Miura Hotel
5 Belgraves, London, England
Thompson Hotels
To belong to the Thompson Hotels
6 Mystique, Santorini, Greece
Mystique Resort
Dramatically built into a cliff face on the island of Santorini, Mystique
7 La Bandita, Tuscany, Italy
La Bandita
Created by a former music executive who quit the rat race to fulfill his dream of opening a small hotel in Italy, La Bandita
8 Aman Sveti Stefan, Sveti Stefan Island, Montenegro
Aman Resorts
This hotel
9 Areias do Seixo, A-dos-Cunhados, Portugal
Areias do Seixo
Industrial meets Baroque meets farmhouse chic meets A Midsummer's Night Dream … yes, this may sound chaotic, but in fact, this eclecticism is soothingly seductive at Areias do Seixo
10 B2 Boutique Hotel + Spa, Zurich, Switzerland
Turicum Hotel Management AG
We're fans of unique old structures being repurposed into hotels. Case in point: B2 Boutique Hotel + Spa
Source: Fox News