The Milanese luxury hotel, reborn after five years of renovations, is among the 11 European hotels to book in 2026
The travel magazine Afar has just unveiled its selection of the 40 best new and renovated hotels around the world. Among them, 11 European destinations stand out, ranging from restored palaces to rustic retreats off the beaten path.
What the Afar Ranking Reveals About Hotel Travel in Europe in 2026
Travelers are no longer satisfied with just a nice room and attentive service. Nowadays, they seek out places that tell a story and reflect the spirit of their destination. It is precisely this criterion that guides the Afar rankings.
Of the 40 selected destinations, 11 are in Europe. Thus, capital cities such as Rome and Bucharest stand alongside little-known Swedish islands and the coast of Brittany. This geographic diversity speaks volumes about the continent’s richness.
In addition, the selection includes both establishments reopening after extensive renovations and new spots in locations that have long flown under the radar. The result is a unique overview of European hospitality.
“From restored palaces in Rome and Bucharest to rural retreats in Devon and Crete, Afar magazine unveils its list of the best new hotels, including 11 European destinations.”
Italy and Switzerland: Showcasing the Heritage of Their Hotels
In Florence, the Collegio alla Querce is housed in a complex of 16th-century buildings that once served as a school. It features 83 rooms and suites with original architectural elements, a spa, a lap pool, and a cocktail bar located in the former principal’s office. Guests can enjoy views of the Duomo and the Tuscan countryside.
In Milan, The Carlton has reopened after five years of renovation. Rocco Forte Hotels has modernized this 1960s building while paying homage to Gio Ponti, the city’s iconic designer. The interior design is by Philip Vergeylen and Paolo Moschino, in collaboration with creative director Olga Polizzi.
In Switzerland, Chesa Marchetta in Sils Maria is housed in a 16th-century farmhouse in the heart of the Engadine Valley. This Artfarm project, founded by gallery owners Iwan and Manuela Wirth, offers 13 rooms furnished with local pieces and works of art, along with a restaurant serving Italian and Swiss cuisine.
Spectacular reopenings in Rome and Bucharest
In Rome, the Orient Express La Minerva marks the return of the luxury train brand to the hospitality industry. Housed in a former aristocratic mansion just steps from the Pantheon, this hotel has reopened after four years of restoration. The rooftop restaurant offers sweeping views of the Eternal City and has quickly become one of the most sought-after dining spots in the Italian capital.
In Bucharest, the Corinthia Grand Hotel du Boulevard has also been restored to its former glory. Opened in 1867, this listed Belle Époque building once hosted royalty. Following an extensive restoration, it now offers 30 suites that blend period elegance with contemporary comfort. Its central location provides easy access to the Old Town and the independent bars that make Bucharest a booming city break destination.
- Collegio alla Querce (Florence) – 83 rooms in 16th-century buildings, with views of the Duomo
- The Carlton (Milan) — reopened after five years of renovation, with a design by leading figures in Italian fashion
- Orient Express La Minerva (Rome) — the world’s first hotel launched by the luxury train brand, has reopened after four years
- Corinthia Grand Hotel du Boulevard (Bucharest) – 30 suites in a Belle Époque building that opened in 1867
- Tella Thera (Crete) – 21 rooms overlooking Kissamos Bay, Anemoia zero-waste restaurant
France, England, Sweden: Getaways Away from the Crowds
In Brittany, Les Bassans in Perros-Guirec is housed in a 1920s villa perched on the Pink Granite Coast. As the first property in the Fontenille collection in the region, this boutique hotel offers ocean views from every room. It provides an experience quite different from the hustle and bustle of the Mediterranean, with rock formations and hiking trails right at your doorstep.
Located in South Devon, Fowlescombe Farm spans 450 acres on the edge of Dartmoor National Park. Its 10 suites are spread across converted barns. Guests can practice yoga in the greenhouse or enjoy meals prepared with ingredients grown on the farm.
On the Swedish island of Gotland, Sibbjäns combines rural hospitality with refined Scandinavian design. Built around a working farm, this retreat emphasizes sustainability, featuring water-saving technologies and locally sourced ingredients. The vintage furniture gives the place a relaxed and distinctly Nordic atmosphere.
London, Frankfurt, and Crete round out the picture
In London, The Newman has opened its doors in the Fitzrovia neighborhood. Its Art Deco-inspired interiors and the 1930s-style Gambit Bar appeal to Londoners and visitors alike. Some of the capital’s best restaurants and bakeries are just a few minutes’ walk away.
In Frankfurt, The Florentin is housed in a former banker’s mansion in the Sachsenhausen neighborhood, dating back to 1901. Its restaurant, Dune, is already one of the most talked-about spots in the city. Its opening coincides with Frankfurt’s bid to become the World Design Capital for 2026.
In Crete, Tella Thera overlooks Kissamos Bay with its 21 rooms carved into the hillside. From spa treatments inspired by local olive oil to excursions to Balos Lagoon, the entire experience is rooted in the island’s traditions. In addition, the zero-waste restaurant Anemoia showcases seasonal Cretan produce, making this property one of the most environmentally committed destinations in the selection.
