With summer vacation fast approaching, many of us are putting the finishing touches on our travel plans.
And since accommodation is often the last thing to book, Tripadvisor’s latest award winners may be the inspiration you need. Results are available for 2022 stays, featuring top-rated hotels around the world.
Europe does well across all categories, and the UK particularly triumphed in the ‘best B&B’ league – with a humble Scarborough firm topping the list two years in a row.
But if you like the sun, then these famous hotels in Spain, Italy, France and Greece are the places to go. As the winners are based on the quality and quantity of traveler reviews and ratings posted on Tripadvisor over the past year, it is extremely unlikely that you will be disappointed.
The travel company has checked the listings to make sure they deserve the best billing.
From the best hotels overall to boutique bed and breakfasts and romantic resorts, here’s why thousands of travelers have given these places five stars.
7. Ikos Aria – Kos Island, Greece
This Greek gem ranked third of all hotels in the world in Tripadvisor’s Best Hotels category and, behind Costa Rica and Brazil, was the official European favorite.
Its location clearly helps, perched on the southwest coast of the island of Kos, with incredible views of the Aegean Sea. As part of the sunny Dodecanese Islands, the abundance of vitamin D surely prompts customers to write more positive reviews.
Grounds maintenance and friendly staff also receive commendations.
“An absolutely stunning hotel in the most breathtaking locations,” writes one reviewer. “With immaculately maintained grounds, a wide sandy beach, crystal clear sea and views of the beautiful island.”
6. Hotel Bless – Madrid, Spain
If you want to explore Madrid in style this year, this sophisticated hotel is your safest bet.
What better place to take a nap than on one of the sun loungers by the rooftop pool, after a morning spent strolling through the city’s incredible galleries and museums?
It came in 10th out of all hotels in the world, for a range of reasons, according to this reviewer.
“Not only is the place classy, stylish and vibrant, but the staff are first class as well. They ensured that our stay at Bless was unique, memorable and incomparable,” they wrote.
5. Ikos Dassia – Corfu, Greece
Another Greek hotel closely followed the Bless Hotel – this time on the island of Corfu.
Ikos Dassia is a new 5 star resort with its own long sandy beach so there is no stress finding your place in the sun.
“The staff can’t seem to do enough for you, the restaurants including the buffet are very good, the place is spotless and the facilities second to none,” said one satisfied guest.
4. Favart House – Paris, France
It can be difficult to know where to start when booking accommodation in the French capital. Which district are you going to, when there are so many attractions around?
But only one place in Paris made the list of Tripadvisor’s top 25 hotels, and that’s La Maison Favart, in the 2nd arrondissement – between the Jardin de Tuileries and Montmartre.
Not only is it conveniently located, it’s also lavishly decorated and – according to at least one reviewer – “Absolutely brilliant in every way!” The staff are particularly attentive, they added, and there’s a wonderful spa to relax in after strolling the streets of Paris.
3. Salerno Centro Bed and Breakfast – Amalfi Coast, Italy
Although no Italian hotels are in the top 25, they are well represented in the Best B&B category (as well as the UK which, while not always perfect in all areas, excels in the fried breakfast department) .
Best of all is Salerno Centro on the beautiful Amalfi Coast. It is located in a former 15th century convent, a stone’s throw from the station. People report it’s very reasonably priced, with the owner overflowing with advice on what to do and where to visit.
A frequent guest was eager to return after last year’s lockdown. “It was quite a moving moment for me when I felt, again, the laughter and joy around Lena and Pasquale’s kitchen table during and after another cooking class,” they wrote.
2. Quinta Jardins do Lago – Madeira, Portugal
This year’s most romantic hotel in Europe is located in a botanical garden. From its Tripadvisor page, it is unclear where the gardens end and the accommodation begins.
But that’s clearly part of the beauty for thousands of guests who bumped it up to number 4 in the romance category.
“Wonderful quiet hotel,” one guest wrote last month. “Only a few minutes from the bustling tourist area of Funchal, it is set in an outstanding botanical garden, with a lovely swimming pool overlooking the sea.”
If you’re curious about Madeira as a destination, check out our guide to the magical island of black sand beaches and ancient forests here.
1. Excelsior Parco Luxury Villa – Capri, Italy
Unsurprisingly, Italy is also full of romantic places to stay. As a couple or not, you will fall under the spell of Villa Excelsior.
There is a particular pleasure in staying on the site of a 2,000 year old ancient Roman residence, knowing that they would have enjoyed the same view of the Bay of Naples.
It underwent a major renovation in 2006 making it the elegant character villa it is today.
“There are only 11 rooms in this hotel and they are all unique,” a newlywed wrote last month. But, “as beautiful as the hotel is, it’s the staff that really shines.”
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