6 Incredible Places To Stay In Europe

The Eiffel Tower, the ancient ruins of the Acropolis, and Rome’s Colosseum are undeniably monumental landmarks on a European holiday hit list. But once you’ve checked off these historical and architectural wonders, there are plenty of lesser-known but equally remarkable destinations so we’ve compiled a list of 6 incredible places to stay in Europe.

Hotels.com — The perfect place to rest your head.

1. Neuschwanstein Castle, Bavaria, Germany

Germany’s past holds a powerful fascination for history buffs. You might be surprised to learn that one of Germany’s most popular attractions is an enchanting castle in Bavaria. Neuschwanstein Castle is famous for inspiring Walt Disney’s fairytale kingdom and it’s easy to see why.

Hotels.com recommends staying at the AMERON Neuschwanstein Alpsee Resort & Spa in the idyllic Bavarian village of Schwangau. This remarkable hotel fuses modern, stylish accommodation with a spectacularly picturesque setting.

For an authentic Bavarian experience stay at the Hotel Schwansee, loved by hotels.com travellers. Just three kilometres from the town centre and less than two kilometres to the castle, the 2.5 star Hotel Schwansee is comfortable, quaint and full of Bavarian charm.

Castle Germany — A magical Bavarian escape.

2. Prague Castle, Hradčany, Czech Republic

Set your eyes to stun at Saint Vitus Cathedral.

Always ranked highly in the ‘best of European destinations’ lists, Prague is considered one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Hradčany, known as the Castle District, is home to some of the biggest castles and historical palaces in the world, dating back to the 9th century. Prague Castle comprises several palaces, churches, forts, and stunning gardens spanning an area of approximately 45 hectares.

Showcasing all the old world beauty of this World Heritage listed city centre, the 4-star Hotel Golden Star is just two kilometres from Prague Castle making it the perfect place to stay.

3. La Sagrada Família, Barcelona and Alhambra, Granada, Spain

La Sagrada Familia — 135 years in the making.

Spain’s balmy Mediterranean climate draws many tourists annually. With vibrant cities such as Barcelona, it’s little wonder the country is so popular. But draw yourself away from the beach long enough to visit the spectacular Basilica De La Sagrada Família and you won’t regret it. The unique temple is the work of famed architect Antoni Gaudí and has been under construction for more than 135 years, with an anticipated completion date of 2026.

Where to stay nearby? Check out the Sensation Sagrada Familia. Comprising 32 stylish apartments and a rooftop terrace overlooking the La Sagrada Família construction site, this 4-star hotel is given a 9.4 out of 10 by reviewers.

For a taste of Spain’s incredible Moorish history, travel south down the coast from Barcelona to gorgeous Granada and visit the historical site of Alhambra. Originally constructed as a fortress in AD 889, Alhambra was converted into a royal palace in the mid-13^th century. A selection of hotels less than one kilometre from Alhambra are easy to find on hotels.com.

4. Aurora Borealis, Reykjavik, Iceland

The northern lights — Bucket list material.

Iceland has become a favourite with travellers in recent years, and what better reason to go than to see one of nature’s most incredible sights, the Northern Lights. Iceland’s capital, Reykjavik, is where you need to be, on the southern shores of Faxa Bay. The best time of year to see the Northern Lights is in the winter months, between September and March.

Where to stay while star-gazing? Skuggi Hotel by Keahotels is located near Reykjavik’s popular tourist haunts, making it easy to find a vantage point from which to absorb the spectacular Aurora Borealis.

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5. The Széchenyi Chain Bridge, Budapest, Hungary

Hungry Budapest — Hungary at its finest.

Rated one of Europe’s most idyllic places to live, romantic Budapest is home to countless magnificent monuments. Of significant historical and architectural interest is the 375-metre-long Széchenyi Chain Bridge, built in 1849.

For a luxury 5-star stay in Budapest near the Chain Bridge, check into the Four Seasons Gresham Palace, which scores exceptionally well with hotels.com reviewers. For a more budget-friendly option consider the Starlight Suiten Hotel, a 3.5-star hotel near the Chain Bridge.

6. The Wadden Islands, Holland

Spanning the shores of the Netherlands, Germany, and all the way north to Denmark, the Wadden Sea is home to approximately 50 remarkable islands, only five of which are inhabited. This World Heritage Site is a natural spectacle, switching from ocean to tidal flats, where the daily tidal ebb and flow allows you to walk on the seabed.

Accessing each of the islands by ferry is easy; visit hotels.com for several accommodation options. The typically Dutch architecture of the top-rated Hotel Texel makes it an incredibly charming place to bed down, as does its proximity to the beach, its indoor pool and sauna, and full spa service.

Wellbeing means different things to different travellers. Here’s how to pick a hotel that gets it right for you.

The best wellness holidays aren’t necessarily spent wrapped in a spa robe. Sometimes they’re found around a dinner table in Cambodia, on a hiking trail in New Zealand or after finally beating jet lag on the other side of the world. The hotel you choose is what makes them happen.

1. Easy access to good food

meals from Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20 — Taste delicious meals at Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20.

One of the quickest ways to derail healthy habits on holiday is to spend half of it working out where to eat instead of digging into the culture around you. Thankfully, Novotel has done much of the hard work already, with chefs building menus that lean into the flavours, ingredients and traditions of each destination.

In Sihanoukville, Cambodia, Korkor soup – often dubbed ‘Cambodian ratatouille’ – sits alongside raw blue crab dressed with lime and chilli, best enjoyed with views across the Gulf of Thailand.

In the lovingly chaotic city of Bangkok, the presence of food cranks up the sociability. At Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20, you can settle in with mango sticky rice and stranger-turned-friends beside the pool at Sky on 20 rooftop bar, or bring them along to tackle river prawns and stir-fried crab with holy basil at the buzzing Crab Paradise Dinner Buffet.

Then Novotel Dubai Al Barsha welcomes you with a laidback twist on the level of indulgence the Middle Eastern city is best known for up on Deck Se7en. Looking towards Burj Al Arab, the rooftop lounge has everything from Mediterranean-style dishes like seabass ceviche to Italian prosecco sundowners.

At the other end of the scale, in the hills that surround the Novotel Bali Ubud Resort, calm comes from nature. At Siralada restaurant, Balinese traditions shape the menu while thunder rumbles over the surrounding jungle – proving the setting is as nourishing as the food itself.

While at Novotel Nha Trang, chef Kieu Thi My Hanh and her team showcase Vietnam’s knack for balancing freshness, texture and fragrant herbs. Pho remains a favourite, while seafood salad with pomelo and mango brings those flavours together in one bright dish.

It’s all an approach backed by partnerships with expert food creators such as Alfie Steiner, whose plant-forward recipes prove healthy food should never taste plain.

2. Better sleep options

Novotel Bali Ubud Resort room — Sleep deeply with Novotel.

There are few travel experiences more disappointing than arriving in a new country, determined to seize the day, only to fall asleep fully clothed by 3pm.

For Australian travellers, jet lag is often an unavoidable part of the journey. That’s one reason Novotel runs sleep-focused initiatives that help guests adjust quickly without compromising on health. We’re talking partnerships with Sydney-based sleep specialist Olivia Arezzolo, known for her advice on everything from better sleep habits to beating jet lag, alongside features like pillow menus, in-room yoga content and tailored sleep guidance.

The sooner you’re operating on local time, the sooner you can get back to more pressing matters – like deciding which spa treatment to book.

3. More ways to move

woman hiking around queenstown new zealand — Stay at Novotel Queenstown Lakeside and explore local hiking trails. (Credit: GettyI mages/ naruedom)

Every place in the world has its own way of getting you moving: whether that’s hiking up ice-bitten mountains before a sauna or gentle stretching by the pool before a facial. From fitness centres to spas, Novotel recognises that wellbeing rarely looks the same.

At Novotel Queenstown Lakeside, activity is inescapable. Here, hiking trails, ski fields, bungee jumps, and white-water rafting have made the region famous. The hotel’s location on the shores of Lake Wakatipu means less time spent organising yourself and more time out there experiencing them. To top it all off, you can book a private hot tub for the evening before heading back into the wilderness tomorrow.

Bali, of course, takes a softer approach. At Novotel Bali Ubud Resort or Novotel Bali Nusa Dua, movement is less about conquering a mountain and more about a dance class between the tropical gardens and lagoon pools. Afterwards, the spa takes over, with traditional treatments like a Lulur body scrub: a combination of rice, turmeric, sandalwood, ginger and jasmine that’ll soothe muscles already relaxed by the Balinese heat.

4. Better connections

Kids will love a stay at Novotel Sharm El Sheikh.

One of the best things about travel is that it gives your family stories you’ll be telling for years. Novotel helps create them with activities that bring everyone together, whether that’s trying something new, learning a local skill, or simply spending more time together.

Go for a distinctly Thai twist at Novotel Phuket Vintage Park, where many of the family activities draw on local culture. Kids can try everything from beginner Thai boxing and language lessons to umbrella painting and – a pastime beloved by children the world over – pool foam parties. Everyone is welcome to join in, whether that’s getting splashed, covered in paint, or simply watching their children discover a new side of Thailand during the dedicated Family & Kids Day.

A different adventure awaits at Novotel Sharm El Sheikh. Kids could be perfectly content with discos, drawing classes and new holiday friends, but the Red Sea has other ideas. Sitting on the edge of Naama Bay, days here might involve snorkelling colourful reefs, taking a boat trip to Ras Mohammed National Park or heading into the desert by quad bike or camel for a Bedouin-style dinner beneath the stars.

5. Location is everything

Surin Beach, Choeng Thale, Thalang District, Phuket, Thaiföld — Explore Phuket’s gorgeous beaches. (Credit: Bence Biczo)

Everyone’s idea of wellness looks a little different. With more than 600 hotels across 65 countries, Novotel gives guests the freedom to choose the destination that suits them best. Whether that’s a beachside escape in Phuket, an alpine expedition in Queenstown or a city break in Bangkok, there’s a good chance a Novotel isn’t far away.

All that’s left? Choosing your version of wellbeing.

Discover stays to inspire your everyday at novotel.accor.com.

6 incredible places to stay in Europe