From stalwart favorites to brand-new penthouses, European cities offer a smorgasbord of luxury hotels, some of which play host to the finest suites in the world.
Hôtel Plaza Athénée, Dorchester Collection, Paris
Every inch of the sumptuous Haute Couture Eiffel Suite succumbs to a sense of elevated style and grandeur, however, it is the view of Paris’ most iconic structure that really steals the scene. The Hôtel Plaza Athénée secured one of the hottest spots in the city right on the most storied boulevard, Avenue Montaigne. From its ornate wrought-iron balconies and red geranium-covered façade to the extravagant interior décor, every angle is captivating, but it is the Eiffel Suite that is the crème de la crème. Couture fabrics, ornate moldings and silver-leaf detail, and the tower view, of course, make it one of the finest suites in Paris. dorchestercollection.com
Claridge’s, London
Six years in the making, the ninth-floor, four-bedroom penthouse at Claridge’s covers the entire roof of London’s long-time jewel. As London’s most expensive suite, its 1,600 square feet of space is filled with everything one could desire, and more, including 75 works by Damien Hirst, a rooftop garden hosting a piano pavilion, a 2,150 square-foot glass-bottomed pool, a 30’ (9m) heated outdoor lap pool, an artificial lawn with potted citrus grove, and a dining room with space for 10. The design was overseen by designer Rémi Tessier – known to many Navigator readers for the design of some of the most iconic superyacht interiors, including the 300’ (91m) NAHLIN. While the views may not change on a daily basis, they are spectacular nonetheless. Whether taking in the rooftops of London through the floor-to-ceiling anti-reflective glass windows or looking up through one of nine huge skylights, The Penthouse is perfectly situated to absorb the city atmosphere from above. claridges.co.uk
Hôtel Le Grand Mazarin, Paris
Perfect for the discerning Parisian visitor, Paris’ latest charmer, Le Grand Mazarin, is a welcome addition to one of the capital’s bohemian arrondissements, the Marais district. A neighborhood hotspot, Le Grand Mazarin is very much a boutique hotel, with a distinctly Parisian vibe amidst the independent galleries and small fashion spots that surround the property. There are 50 rooms and 11 suites, the most exclusive of which is the Mazarin Suite. Here guests can enjoy the Art Deco-style bar, multiple rooms and a private staircase that makes it feel like a mini Parisian apartment. The quirky yet elegant interior, designed by Martin Brudnizki, includes pale shades of green and yellow, tapestry bed canopies and antique furnishings, lending the feeling of a 19th-century chateau with a modern twist. legrandmazarin.com
Raffles Owo, London
Winston Churchill’s headquarters during World War II welcomes guests to Raffles’ first hotel in the U.K. Following an eight-year restoration, the former Old War Office which was built in 1906 on the site of the former Palace of Whitehall, remains one of the most sought-after addresses in the capital, but this time for its major offerings. Raffles OWO boasts 120 rooms and suites, many of which are completely unique. Some of the hotel’s best suites are in the former offices of influential politicians and military leaders, while the former council rooms, where Churchill oversaw the D-Day landing, have been transformed into the Winston Churchill Suite. As one of the grandest suites of the hotel, the 1,550 square-foot accommodation features an Edwardian-style décor and furniture, with original wood paneling and mantlepieces, and features floor-to-ceiling windows with views over the London skyline. theowo.london
The St. Regis, Rome
The St. Regis Rome has long been regarded as the definition of refined European hospitality. Located in the historic heart of the city of Rome, overlooking Piazza della Repubblica and the Baths of Diocletian, the grand old dame went through an extensive renovation to reimagine the faded property into the smart and elegant hotel that it is today. Among its many offerings is an imposing Belle-Époque-inspired lobby, a ballroom (the first ballroom in Rome), an art gallery, and 23 suites – of which the Royal Suite is the most extravagant. Fit for a king, the aptly named 3,229 square-foot suite features a large living room, dining room, master bedroom and guest bedroom, all furnished with classical art and antique furnishings in keeping with the hotel’s rich history dating back to 1894. marriott.com
Hotel Cipriani, A Belmond Hotel, Venice
Perched at the top of Venice’s Giudecca Island just across the water from St. Mark’s Square, Belmond’s beloved Hotel Cipriani is a tranquil setting away from the bustling canals. Savor the decadent 18th-century charm with a stay in The Dogaressa Suite. Housed in the oldest building on the property, Palazzo Vendramin, maximalist décor featuring elaborate silks, Old Master paintings and pink marble bathrooms create a sense of nobility throughout the suite’s interior. However, it is the view from the master bedroom which, overlooking the famed Casanova Gardens, affords an outlook akin to a Canaletto painting. belmond.com
The Peninsula, Istanbul
Sitting on the banks of the Bosphorus in the city’s historic Karaköy district, the Peninsula comprises four buildings – three of which are protected landmarks dating back to the early 1900s. Occupying the entire top floor of the carefully restored southernmost building, the 5,447 square-foot Peninsula Suite offers guests spectacular river views. The huge suite has a living room complete with a baby grand piano, a private hammam and a Marmara marble bathroom. Out on the terrace is a private rooftop swimming pool and glass house solarium for guests to use for relaxation, dining and entertainment. peninsula.com
Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo, Monaco
Breathe in the spectacular views over the Place du Casino and the Mediterranean Sea from the exclusive vantage point of the legendary Hôtel de Paris. The Prince Rainier III Suite and the Princess Grace Suite are the crowning glory of this iconic Belle Époque building. With two bedrooms, two sitting rooms, a living room, a dining room and a large terrace with Jacuzzi and pool, the Princess Grace Suite has long been the favorite penthouse along the French Riviera. However, the 8,930-square-foot Prince Rainier III Suite is a worthy royal counterpart. Featuring two bedrooms, a living area and dining room (for 10 guests), and a large split-level terrace with a 32’ heated infinity pool, this is the place to spend your days languishing in luxury. montecarlosbm.com