Tripadvisor has released its annual Best of the Best Hotels list for 2026, and Europe features prominently with a selection of accommodations that go far beyond a simple place to sleep. From repurposed industrial structures to historic castles and Arctic glass igloos, these properties are destinations in themselves.
The list, based on user reviews and ratings from January to December 2025, includes 20 properties worldwide. Laurel Greatrix, Chief Communications Officer at Tripadvisor Group, noted: "This year's Best of the Best Hotels winners represent the top choices of millions of travellers who stayed, experienced, and took the time to review these properties."
Europe's Most Unusual Stays
Topping the global list is the Crane Hotel Faralda Amsterdam in the Netherlands. True to its name, the hotel offers three suites housed within a crane mast, at heights of 35, 40, and 45 metres above the city. Each suite provides panoramic views of Amsterdam, and a rooftop Jacuzzi crowns the structure. It is a striking example of adaptive reuse in a city known for its innovative architecture.
In the Scottish Highlands, Eagle Brae near Beauly took third place. This eco-friendly resort features ten grass-roofed cedar cabins set within a private estate about an hour from Inverness. Guests can expect to see red deer, pine martens, and red squirrels, and can book activities such as black grouse safaris or guided camera stalking. The property emphasises sustainability and immersion in nature without sacrificing comfort.
Edinburgh's Fingal Hotel, ranked ninth, offers a maritime twist. Located in the Leith neighbourhood, the hotel is a converted Northern Lighthouse Board ship with 23 cabins. Visitors can enjoy afternoon tea in the onboard restaurant, and the city centre is just three kilometres away. It is a unique blend of nautical history and modern hospitality.
In southern Italy, Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita in Matera placed 11th. Matera is famous for its ancient rock dwellings, inhabited since the Palaeolithic period. The hotel restored 18 of these caves, creating a romantic, candlelit atmosphere. Reviewers praised the views over the surrounding countryside during breakfast.
Ireland's Ashford Castle Hotel & Country Estate in Cong, County Mayo, secured 12th place. This 800-year-old castle, once owned by the Guinness family, offers 83 individually designed rooms, a spa with a conservatory relaxation pool, and multiple dining options. It is a quintessential example of a historic European castle hotel.
For a safari experience closer to home, Port Lympne Hotel in Kent, United Kingdom, ranked 17th. The hotel overlooks enclosures housing leopards, lions, tigers, and giraffes. Proceeds support on-site wildlife care and The Aspinall Foundation, which has released hundreds of animals into the wild. It demonstrates how conservation and tourism can coexist in Europe.
Rounding out the European entries at 19th place is Apukka Resort Rovaniemi in Finnish Lapland. Founded 150 years ago, the resort offers traditional wood log cabins and, most notably, glass igloos designed for viewing the Northern Lights. It is a bucket-list destination for aurora chasers and those seeking Arctic tranquillity.
These properties reflect a broader trend in European hospitality: travellers increasingly seek experiences that are memorable, sustainable, and deeply connected to their surroundings. Whether it is sleeping in a crane above Amsterdam or a glass igloo under the aurora borealis, Europe offers some of the world's most distinctive accommodations.
