Travel

Whether it’s a thousand-year-old castle, a chic new Alpine resort, or a grande dame hotel, each of the properties that made our list of the best resorts in Europe has an incredible sense of place. At these properties, travelers can experience the best the country and culture has to offer without ever leaving the grounds.

All great cities of the world have grand hotels, and London arguably has more than its fair share. There are plenty of properties known for their hush and patina, hosting royalty in their tearooms and dignitaries in their bars. They offer refined service as well as a plush spot to lay your head. Moreover, a select few rise above the rest, leading the way in design, hospitality, and class.

From the cypress-dotted hills of Tuscany to thesorbetto-hued villas on the Amalfi Coast, the glittering social scene in Lake Como to the rugged Sicilian seaside, Italy possesses timeless appeal as a travel destination. Moreover, many of the country’s hotels have become enduring classics. Among the properties highlighted as the best resort hotels in Italy—a new category for GoTravelDaily’s World’s Best Awards—are several repeat winners from the Best in Europe list. Apparently, it’s tough to tire of the Mediterranean views from the lap pool at Palazzo Avino, a 12th-century patrician palace in Ravello. This esteemed property was named the top resort in Europe in 2010 and ranks fourth best in Italy this year. The planted terraces at the Hotel Santa Caterina, near the town of Amalfi, also remain appealing—ranking second in Italy this year and was recognized as the best in Europe in 2012.

Whether your French vacation fantasy involves striding through a glamorous 1920s resort on the Côte d’Azur, cozying up in a stone-walled farmhouse in Provence, or bedding down in an 18th-century manor in wine country, there is an exceptional hotel for you on this year’s list of top French resorts. Every year for the World’s Best Awards survey, GoTravelDaily gathers reader feedback on travel experiences around the globe—particular emphasis is placed on the top hotels and resorts, cities, islands, cruise lines, and airlines.

“Peaceful yet majestic” is how oneGoTravelDailyreader described Ashford Castle. The hotel is nestled on 350 quiet, scenic acres alongside a lake in western Ireland, exuding a grand presence with its rich history dating back to the early 13th century. It features 83 elegantly appointed rooms furnished in a baronial style, complete with gilded mirrors, four-poster beds, and luxurious velvet upholstery. Furthermore, a range of activities—from tennis to falconry—combined with attentive service has solidified Ashford Castle’s reputation as the top resort hotel in the United Kingdom and Ireland.

It’s easy to see why travelers love the Greek isles, with their whitewashed villas, enticing beaches, and cerulean waters. That’s some serious scenery for the region’s hotels to live up to — but they do. In fact, though mainland Greece might have the Acropolis, the islands of the Mediterranean take the laurels for hospitality. The best hotels on these islands deliver privacy, great design, a sense of place, and views that can’t be beat.

Choosing the right hotel when visiting a major city can be a daunting task, as the range of options is often vast and varied. To help identify the very best urban stays in Australia and New Zealand, GoTravelDaily asked readers to rank their favorites based on facilities, location, service, food, and value.