What do you expect to see when St Peter guides you through the Pearly Gates? Our collection of seaside hotels in Europe have waterfront rooms with views that are likely not far off from your visions. Welcome to hotel heaven…
1. Park Hotel Kenmare: Ireland
Park Hotel Kenmare is a paradise of flora and fauna – but it’s no shrinking violet. From luxury suites overlooking the sea to gloriously frothy infinity pools, the Irish hideaway is a deserved winner of our best spa award.
2. Hotel Cattaro: Montenegro
You can’t visit Kotor without seeing its breathtaking bay. We guarantee you’ll love it even more gazing at it from the luxury of Hotel Cattaro. The waterfront views here are just as dreamy as the stay itself: a boutique treasure that’s been everything from a theatre to a military building in its past reincarnations.
3. Hotel Brosundet: Aalesund, Norway
Hotel Brosundet is a waterside wonder. The intimate retreat retains its centuries-old character, with modern style updates to create dream home-away-from-home appeal. If you’re not one for kayaking, take one of the free vintage-style bicycles out for a spin and explore the city. The same bicycles are used to deliver breakfast to the most incredible bedroom in the hotel: Room 47 sits within the intimate lighthouse at the end of the rocky wall. Bring the one you love and savour the storybook romance.
4. Twr Y Felin: Wales
No matter how thick your thesaurus, you’ll struggle for superlatives to describe Twr Y Felin. Beginning life as a windmill in 1806, the building has now extended into a dreamy historic hotel, complete with Grade-II-listed tower. Expect fine dining, coastal walks and more modern art than you can shake a stick at.
5. Hotel Villa Astra: Croatia
Tucked away on Istria’s eastern side, Villa Astra is something of a hotel connoisseur’s choice. And a beach buff’s, for that matter. There’s nearby Medveja beach to sip cocktails, nod off to chilled-out tunes and go for a shallow splash. But if you’d prefer something more secluded the hotel itself has its own seaside slice of paradise for you to escape in. Every one of the seven spacious rooms comes with a seaview that’ll make you want to get out of bed on a morning.
6. Smådalarö Manor: Sweden
Smådalarö Manor was originally built to host marvellous dinners and parties in the 19th century. Don’t worry if you weren’t invited back then – the now-hotel hasn’t changed much apart from a new hotel wing, dining room, orangery and saunas. Waterside views remain as beautiful as ever, especially those enjoyed from the hot tub with a bottle of bubbly.
7. Esperas Santorini: Greece
Make sure your camera is fully charged if you’re staying at Esperas Santorini. It’s quintessential Santorini – just like the postcards – with sea views that seemingly go on forever. The award-winning stay is arguably one of the most romantic seaside hotels in Europe, with a one-of-a-kind swimming pool carved into the rocky cliffs of Oia and sunsets you’ll never forget.
8. Kyrimai: Greece
The only thing that compares with the rooms, cuisine and amenities at multi-award-winning Kyrimai are the views. Seaside hotels in Europe have a tendency to be crammed, but this hidden gem is a crowd-free delight, deep down in mystical Mani. Dine on the dreamy terrace by the water to the sweet sound of lapping waves, with a menu that’ll flabbergast even the most discerning foodie traveller.
