With the arrival of December comes the exciting buzz of seasonal traditions, and a trip to one of Europe’s most festive hotels is an enriching way to welcome the Christmas spirit.
Whether enjoying familiar traditions or welcoming new ones, these festive hotels offer snow capped mountains, crackling fires, freshly-baked gingerbread and more, and are some of the most magical places in Europe to enjoy a festive break – with friends, family, or solo.
Hotel Union Øye, Norway
If you’re dreaming of a white Christmas away from the bustle of everyday life, then Hotel Union Øye in Norway’s Sunnmøre region beckons. Located in Norangsfjorden, within one of the country’s most beautiful mountain valleys, tumbling down towards breathtaking Norwegian fjords, it doesn’t get much more peaceful – or ethereal – than this. The region is popular among artists and royals for its sheer natural beauty, and these picturesque qualities only continue inside the hotel itself. Playing on the village-like exterior of the residence, warm lighting trails over railings and hedgerows guiding you inside, where a tasteful glamification of cottage-chic awaits. For Christmas the hotel is decorated with natural wreaths, neutral-tone stockings and plenty of candle-lit spaces. Roaring, open fires can be found throughout the timber-clad rooms, whether the games room, lounge or library. Inside the 38 bedrooms, antique four-poster beds play to the hotel’s regal notes while The Queen Suite boasts a ‘press for champagne’ button. This is a comforting festive break where magnificence plays an overwhelming role.
Suvretta house, Switzerland
Picture-perfect St. Moritz is synonymous with luxury, and the resort location has long been the winter playground for the wealthy. Tucked inside this covetable corner of the world lies Suvretta House, one of Switzerland’s most iconic heritage hotels. A bold, palatial statement amongst the snow-topped pine trees and mountainous Engadine valley, the 181-roomed hotel, with a regal twist on the 1970s chalet, amplifies seasonal-cheer. With a private ski lift, exclusive ski in ski out facilities and ski pass deals, Suvretta House offers an outdoorsy Christmas, but one with ample facilities to come back to of an evening. Here, al fresco hot tubs come with views across the valley and a cordial spa offers modern beauty treatments and therapeutic massages, helping you unwind amongst the hotel’s delicate Christmas decorations as the delicious smell of freshly-baked gingerbread wafts from the kitchen.
Hotel Motto, Vienna
Vienna is one of the first European cities that springs to mind for festive fun, boasting classic concerts and Christmas markets galore. Hotel Motto, a boutique hotel in the heart of the city, fuses a golden-age Parisian influence with Viennese Baroque grandeur. Foregrounding ‘the art of living’, it revives twentieth-century elegance in our modern age; sensual interiors – including pink velveted lounges, fringed lamps, chandeliers, and booth-style seating in the restaurant – add to the hotel’s playful attitude. This hotel knows how to celebrate, both day-to-day as well as over the festive period when its 85 rooms, six suites and dedicated event space are styled like an art deco apartment that’s ready to host private parties. Glass-domed Chez Bernard restaurant serves French and Mediterranean influenced dishes, the onsite organic bakery Motto Brot has all your breakfast needs sorted, and the rooftop terrace is a delightful spot for an aperitif. The luxury continues in the rooms, too, which come with Lena Hoschek silk pyjamas and Saint Charles toiletries. Steeped in charm and history, a delightful festive break awaits.
The Nimb, Copenhagen
Built in 1909, a royal fairytale meets Scandinavian comfort at The Nimb in Copenhagen. The large palace-like hotel spans an impressive Italian marble stucco façade yet, despite the enormity of its appearance, only 38 rooms and suites are found inside, making for an intimate stay. Crackling open fires warm each suite, while the magnificent grand salon serves hearty breakfasts every morning. Gourmet gastronomic pop ups grace the restaurants with unique festive line ups which this year include a Dom Pérignon afternoon tea and brasserie brunches. Yoga mats can be found in every room with bookable private yoga sessions, while hammam and steam areas are located in the impressive spa.
El Palace, Barcelona
Formerly The Ritz, Barcelona, El Palace is no stranger to elegance. Upholding a 1920s decorum and coated in baroque opulence in the centre of the city, it also knows how to throw a party. From banquets held during the roaring twenties to the seasonal changes the hotel’s resident chef, Jesús Caballero, has placed on the dishes today (which include a separate Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day menu), the last month of 2023 is set to be another feast for all the senses. Rich red velvet curtains framed with gold tinsel and warm lighting welcome you indoors, where a giant Christmas tree and life-sized nutcracker figure await. But this magical entrance is only a taste of El Palace’s festive offerings: the five-star hotel is transforming its rooftop garden into a private Christmas Village where a variety of classic Christmas films will be projected in the chalet-like space. You’ll also find a Christmas market on the top floor, selling gourmet gifts from local sellers and artists.
Hotel Pulitzer, Amsterdam
Conceived by Peter Pulitzer in the 1960s, Hotel Pulitzer consists of 25 characteristically tall canal-side townhouses connected through a maze of stairways, entrances and passageways, together forming a grand, eclectic, waterside hotel. The result: no two rooms are the same – meaning The Pulitzer offers the warm personality of a home with the luxury amenities of a hotel, including full concierge services, a gym, and Restaurant Jansz. To celebrate the festive season and exaggerate the quirky colourways of the hotel itself, Pulitzer Amsterdam has partnered with fashion brand Roksanda to present a creative Christmas tree within its peaceful garden courtyard. Playful and pink, the tree marks the settling of festivities over Amsterdam. Across the city, over 100,000 light installations illuminate its quiet maze of canals, and Hotel Pulitzer’s enviable location affords the perfect opportunity to explore the neon spectacle. Take a stroll by evening or, perhaps even better, the hotel’s private 1920s mahogany saloon boat offers guests an exclusive tour along the waterways. While in Amsterdam, be sure to also check out the Christmas Village at Museumplein and The Sustainable Christmas market.
Hotel Madame Rêve, Paris
In the cultural heart of Paris, Hôtel Madame Rêve offers a sartorial stay regardless of the season you are visiting, however the hotel truly comes to life around Christmas. To celebrate, the hotel – like its prestigious neighbours including the infamous Louvre and Rivoli shopping district – puts on a festive display like no other. Aptly for its home in the City of Light, 82-roomed Hôtel Madame Rêve twinkles with Christmas glamour, from its sparkling trees to its tasteful, warm lights. The hotel’s gourmet restaurant, La Plume, is worth visiting for alone and, to celebrate Christmas and New Year, is offering an enchanting menu that marries traditional festive dishes with Japanese culinary twists. Priced at 130 euros per person for The Christmas Eve menu and 300 euros per person for The New Year’s Eve Menu, expect servings of Wagyu beef sirloin amongst courses of crispy okonomiyaki made with sea urchin and caviar.
Anantara New York Palace, Budapest
The Hungarian capital is popular among visitors for its famous ruin bars and decadent river-side architecture, and offers a similar festive fervour around Christmas time with markets, carol services and light shows. With a marble façade and palatial size, Anantara Hotel New York Palace centres around a grand, indoor courtyard with patterned stone floors, while chandeliers and ornate details await at every other turn. A Hungarian afternoon tea of hot tea, Flodini and Beigli (Hungarian confectionery) is served in the Presidential Suite, while later in the evening the hotel offers an advent sundown ceremony with local palinka (fruit brandy) and handmade chocolates. To celebrate the season, the hotel is offering a Christmas package which includes daily breakfast, accommodation for two, spa access and complementary transfers to the Christmas markets. If you’re visiting on Christmas Eve, you’ll also find a Hungarian Chimney cake waiting in your room.
Lead image: Hotel Motto, Vienna
We may earn a commission if you buy something from any affiliate links on our site.
Any Questions or Tips to add?