Travel magazine Afar has released its annual ranking of the world's best new and revamped hotels, with 11 European properties making the cut. The list, which features 40 hotels globally, emphasizes establishments that reflect the character of their surroundings rather than just offering luxury amenities.
From Florence to Frankfurt: A Continent-Wide Selection
In Florence, Collegio alla Querce, Auberge Collection occupies a group of 16th-century buildings that once housed a school. Located just outside the city center, the 83-room property offers views of the Duomo and the Tuscan countryside, with a spa, lap pool, and a cocktail bar set in the former principal's office.
Milan's The Carlton has reopened after a five-year restoration by Rocco Forte Hotels. The 1960s building pays homage to local designers such as Gio Ponti, with interiors by Philip Vergeylen, Paolo Moschino, and creative director Olga Polizzi.
In the Engadin Valley of Switzerland, Chesa Marchetta in Sils Maria is a 16th-century farmhouse turned rustic retreat. The 13-bedroom property, a project from Artfarm (founded by gallerists Iwan and Manuela Wirth), features traditional local furniture and a restaurant focused on seasonal Alpine ingredients.
Bucharest's Corinthia Grand Hotel du Boulevard originally opened in 1867 as a Belle Époque landmark. After extensive restoration, it now offers 30 suites blending period elegance with modern luxury, placing guests near the old town and the Romanian capital's growing independent bar and restaurant scene.
Frankfurt's The Florentin is set in a grand former banking mansion in the Sachsenhausen district. The 1901 building has been transformed into an elegant retreat with warm interiors and the acclaimed restaurant Dune. The opening comes as Frankfurt prepares for its year as World Design Capital 2026.
In South Devon, England, Fowlescombe Farm sits on a 450-acre estate on the edge of Dartmoor National Park. Ten suites are spread across converted barns and outbuildings, with interiors inspired by the landscape. Guests can explore Dartmoor, join yoga in the greenhouse, or eat seasonal dishes from the farm.
On Brittany's Pink Granite Coast, Les Bassans in Perros-Guirec occupies a 1920s villa overlooking the sea. The first Fontenille Collection property in the region, it offers a quieter alternative to the Mediterranean, with dramatic rock formations and coastal trails.
London's The Newman in Fitzrovia celebrates the neighborhood's creative history with Art Deco-inspired interiors and a 1930s-style Gambit Bar. The hotel aims to attract locals as well as visitors, with some of the capital's best bakeries and restaurants nearby.
In Rome, Orient Express La Minerva marks the luxury rail brand's first hotel. Steps from the Pantheon, the former noble residence combines Roman grandeur with Italian furnishings and references to the legendary train. The rooftop restaurant, reopened after a four-year restoration, offers sweeping views of the Eternal City.
On the Swedish island of Gotland, Sibbjäns blends countryside hospitality with Scandinavian design. Built around a working farm, the retreat emphasizes sustainability with water-saving technology and locally sourced ingredients.
For travelers seeking more than just a room, these hotels offer a deeper connection to their destinations—whether through restored history, local design, or sustainable practices. As Afar notes, the best new stays capture the spirit of the places they call home.
