Summer Escapes: 10 New European Hotels to Add to Your List

Summer 2024 is here, and Europe is buzzing with exciting new hotel openings that are redefining travel. These hotels are more than just places to stay—they’re all about sustainability, local vibes, top-notch dining, and community fun. Picture handmade ceramics in your room, fresh veggies from the hotel garden on your plate, live tunes from up-and-coming artists, and cool galleries featuring new talent. Get ready to explore ten of Europe’s coolest new spots to stay, each blending luxury, culture, and a whole lot of fun!

Ace Hotel & Swim Club, Athens

Athens is buzzing with stylish new hotels, and Ace Hotel & Swim Club is the latest gem on the Athens Riviera. This 120-room hotel features two pools, an all-day restaurant and bar, a rooftop lounge, and a gallery spotlighting Athenian artists. Ciguë’s interior design retains the brutalist charm of the former Fenix Hotel, adding vibrant colours and signature Ace touches like turntables and vinyl.

Locke de Santa Joana, Lisbon

Locke makes its Portuguese debut this July with a stunning 16th property in Lisbon, featuring 370 rooms by Brooklyn-based Post Company. The aparthotel blends 17th-century charm with modern Lisbon vibes, showcasing local stone, colourful fabrics, and handmade ceramics. Highlights include a co-working space, ten dining spots, and a museum displaying artefacts from the remodel. After city exploration, relax in the plant-filled courtyard pool.

Casa Monti, Rome

Casa Monti in Rome exudes sprezzatura with bright wallpapers, statement lamps, fringed cushions, and dazzling artwork. The hotel offers 36 rooms, a restaurant serving classic Roman dishes, a top-floor bar with a stellar cocktail menu, and a Susanne Kaufmann rooftop spa with panoramic views. Located in the trendy Casa neighborhood, it's surrounded by boutiques, galleries, and eateries on Via Panisperna.

Borneta, Barcelona

Miiro's new lifestyle hotel, Borneta, opens in Barcelona’s El Born neighbourhood on August 1st. With 92 rooms designed by Thurstan, expect colourful fabrics, standout printed headboards, and local artwork. Some rooms have balconies overlooking bustling tapas spots, and the rooftop terrace with an outdoor pool offers stunning city views. Volta, the hotel's restaurant and bar, will be a local favourite with its seasonal menus and prime location.

Grand Hotel Belvedere, Wengen

Nestled in Wengen, Grand Hotel Belvedere has transformed into a chic alpine retreat with a state-of-the-art spa, mountain-facing rooms, and two refined restaurants and bars. Hotel group Beaumier restored its art nouveau charm, adding a dramatic spa with pools, saunas, and stunning Jungfrau views. Head chef Will Gordon crafts seasonal menus using garden and foraged ingredients, while charcuterie and fondues delight on the Sonnenbad terrace.

Borgo Tre, Lake Garda, Italy

Nestled in the hills of Lake Garda, Borgo Tre is a converted 18th-century farmhouse offering holistic experiences. Guests can relax in the cold water pool, sauna, gardens, or yoga space, or explore the area with e-bikes and recommended hiking routes. Sustainability is key at Borgo Tre, with eco-friendly practices encouraged. The property has just four apartments, ensuring a peaceful stay.

Hotel Bella Grande, Copenhagen

Hotel Bella Grande opened this spring near City Hall Square in Copenhagen. This sibling to Vesterbro’s Coco Hotel features 109 rooms with earthy tones and cosy beds. Downstairs, at the Italian restaurant, Donna dazzles with pink tiling and climbing plants, serving shrimp spaghetti, pizzas, and pavlova. Foodies will love the chef's hand-picked three-course set menu and extensive wine and cocktail selection.

Dunas de Formentera, Balearic Islands

Dunas de Formentera, a new eco-conscious retreat on Migjorn beach, epitomizes barefoot luxury. Designed by Palma-based Antonio Obrador, the 44-room boutique features terracotta, wood, and concrete interiors. Enjoy the poolside loungers or the sea before dining at Caliu, where Mediterranean classics meet seafood tapas and pizzas.

Hôtel du Couvent, Nice

After a decade of restoration, Hôtel du Couvent in Nice boasts luxurious rooms and beautiful grounds. Set back from the coast with city views, the hotel features 88 light-filled rooms with vaulted ceilings and stone floors. Embracing its natural setting, the hotel grows its own herbs and produce for guests to enjoy. Highlights include Roman baths inspired by nearby Cimiez ruins.

Wood Hotel Bodø, Norway

Bodø’s Wood Hotel opened recently, celebrating the northern Norwegian town's status as the first European Capital of Culture north of the Arctic Circle. The timber-built hotel offers 177 rooms with stunning views of mountains, fjords, and lakes. Chef Christian André Petterson leads the restaurant, cafe, and bar, serving Norwegian-inspired dishes. The rooftop features a heated pool, sauna, steam room, and gym, with activities like hiking and fjord sailing available.