Key facts
- Afar magazine has identified 40 of the best new and revamped hotels worldwide.
- Eleven of these hotels are located in Europe, featuring a mix of restored historical buildings and stylish new establishments.
- The selected European properties include Collegio alla Querce in Florence, The Carlton in Milan, and Tella Thera in Crete.
- These hotels are noted for capturing the spirit of their destinations and offering unique experiences beyond standard amenities.
Travel magazine Afar has unveiled its selection of the world's 40 best new and revamped hotels, with a particular focus on properties that embody the essence of their locations. Among these, 11 European hotels have been recognized, showcasing a diverse range of offerings from meticulously restored historical sites to contemporary openings in less-explored regions.
The European selections include Collegio alla Querce, Auberge Collection, in Florence, Italy, which is housed in 16th-century buildings and offers views of the Duomo and Tuscan countryside. Milan's luxury hotel scene sees the return of The Carlton, following a five-year restoration that pays homage to Italian design icons. In Switzerland's Engadin Valley, Chesa Marchetta, a project by gallerists Iwan and Manuela Wirth's Artfarm, offers an Alpine retreat in a 16th-century farmhouse.
Bucharest's Belle Époque landmark, the Corinthia Grand Hotel du Boulevard, has been extensively restored to blend historical elegance with modern luxury. Frankfurt's business-centric image is challenged by The Florentin, a stylish hotel in a former banking mansion, aiming to bolster the city's cultural appeal ahead of its World Design Capital 2026 designation. England's South Devon features Fowlescombe Farm, offering a tranquil countryside escape with suites in converted farm buildings.
France's Brittany coast is represented by Les Bassans, a 1920s villa on the Pink Granite Coast, providing a distinct coastal experience. London's Fitzrovia neighborhood welcomes The Newman, an Art Deco-inspired hotel celebrating local creativity. Rome sees the revival of the Orient Express brand with Orient Express La Minerva, a former noble residence near the Pantheon. Sweden's Gotland island hosts Sibbjäns, a sustainable retreat on a working farm with Scandinavian design, while Greece's Crete features Tella Thera, a hillside suite retreat overlooking Kissamos Bay, emphasizing local traditions and zero-waste dining.