A number of historic hotels across Europe continue to attract visitors with their rich heritage, renowned guests, and luxurious accommodations, blending traditional elegance with modern amenities.

In Monte Carlo, the Hotel de Paris has been a landmark since its opening in 1864. This establishment gained widespread recognition not only for its luxurious offerings but also as a backdrop in two James Bond films, *Never Say Never Again* and *GoldenEye*, and a memorable scene in the British television series *Only Fools and Horses*. Over the years, it has hosted illustrious figures such as Frank Sinatra, Winston Churchill, Andy Warhol, Sylvester Stallone, and opera singer Maria Callas. The hotel’s signature restaurant, Le Louis XV, is led by acclaimed chef Alain Ducasse and holds three Michelin stars. Guest rooms are designed with a sleek, understated aesthetic, providing refinement in muted tones. Room rates start from approximately £573 for doubles.

In London, The Savoy has stood since 1889 on the banks of the Thames. Founded by impresario Richard D’Oyly Carte, the hotel was financed by the success of Gilbert and Sullivan operas. Throughout its history, The Savoy has attracted celebrities including Noel Coward, Oscar Wilde, Charlie Chaplin, Marilyn Monroe, and Winston Churchill, who was known to hold Cabinet lunches there. Currently, Gordon Ramsay oversees Restaurant 1890, a Michelin-starred dining venue. The American Bar offers an elegant atmosphere accompanied by piano music and was frequented by both Churchill and Ernest Hemingway. The guestrooms feature elegant decor enhanced by modern art, and some rooms provide scenic views of the Thames. Double rooms begin at around £713.

Amsterdam’s Amstel Hotel, opened in 1867, lies in the heart of the city and is operated by InterContinental Hotels. The property underwent a significant restoration in 2020, restoring eight stone lions to its façade—symbols whose original whereabouts had long been unknown. The grand lobby impresses with its architecture, including arches, balustrades, marble flooring, and chandeliers. The hotel offers 79 luxury rooms and suites, which are elegantly furnished with classic design elements such as patterned wallpaper, porcelain lamps, antiques, and flowing curtains. Facilities include a 50-foot indoor pool overlooking the city, a fine dining restaurant, and a lounge under a conservatory-style dome serving afternoon teas and cocktails in a leather-upholstered bar. Rates for doubles start from about £494.

In Athens, the Hotel Grande Bretagne on Syntagma Square has been a prominent fixture since 1874. It rose to international prominence during the 1896 Olympic Games revival when it hosted a grand event attended by athletes, dignitaries, and Crown Prince Constantine. Following a major rebuild in 1957 and numerous restorations, it remains a top choice in the Greek capital. Noted guests have included Winston Churchill, Bruce Springsteen, Dwight Eisenhower, Laurence Olivier, and Elizabeth Taylor. The hotel’s interior combines lavish elements such as chandeliers and classic artworks, while the rooms feature plush decor and marble bathrooms. Dining options include a restaurant with views of the Acropolis and Alexander’s Bar, which is decorated with a tapestry of Alexander the Great and has been recognized by Forbes magazine as the world’s best hotel bar. Double rooms are available from about £593.

Each of these historic hotels not only offers a window into the past but continues to provide upscale experiences through careful preservation and modern enhancements, ensuring their place as enduring icons in the luxury hospitality sector.