The Journal

Stories, guides, and inspiration for the discerning traveler

Elegant rooftop bar terrace overlooking a European city skyline at sunset

Best Hotels with Rooftop Bar in Europe (Luxury Views)

Europe’s rooftop hotel bars turn city skylines into the main event—paired with polished service, serious cocktail craft, and destination-worthy dining. From Venice’s Grand Canal glamour to Lisbon’s riverfront sunsets, these stays elevate the classic city break.

Where to Stay in Europe This Autumn: 2026 Luxury Escapes

Autumn is Europe’s most elegant travel season: softer light, calmer streets, and five-star hotels that feel designed for slower days. From Barcelona’s rooftop pools to Alpine spa retreats and Adriatic bayside glamour, these destinations deliver serenity without sacrificing style.

Feb 22, 202611 min

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News

New Luxury Hotel Openings in Europe for 2026

Europe is heading into a banner year for luxury hospitality in 2026, with London at the forefront and standout debuts also set for Rome, Venice, and beyond. Expect iconic building conversions, elevated wellness concepts, and dining programs designed to become destinations in their own right.

Feb 21, 202613 min

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Golden-hour view over Rome with historic buildings and domes

Hotel Spotlight

10 Best Boutique Hotels in Rome for a Stylish Stay

Rome rewards travelers who choose a hotel with a point of view—one that feels as considered as the city’s palazzi, piazzas, and aperitivo ritual. These ten boutique addresses blend prime locations with personality, from rooftop cocktails near the center to calming design enclaves in Monti.

Feb 20, 202611 min

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Luxury rooftop infinity pool overlooking the sea at sunset in Europe

Travel Tips

Best Hotels with Rooftop Pools in Europe (2026 Guide)

A rooftop pool is more than a place to swim—it’s a front-row seat to Europe’s most cinematic skylines and coastlines. From Barcelona’s design-forward terraces to Venice’s lagoon views and the Amalfi Coast’s legendary infinity edge, these hotels elevate the art of pool time.

Feb 19, 202611 min

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Hotel Spotlight

10 Best Luxury Hotels in Amsterdam for 2026 Stays

Amsterdam does luxury in layers: Golden Age canal houses, grand riverside institutions, and design-forward contemporary icons. Below are the 10 best luxury hotels in Amsterdam—each distinguished by location, service, and a strong sense of place.

Feb 17, 20269 min

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Hotel Cipriani, A Belmond Hotel, Venice in Venice

News

Best Boutique Hotels Opening in Europe in 2026

Europe’s 2026 hotel pipeline is defined by intelligent conversions—castles, palaces, and heritage resorts reimagined with contemporary design rigor. Below, the boutique openings most worth planning around, from Provence to Venice and the Engadin.

Feb 16, 202610 min

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Seasonal

Where to Stay in Europe This Winter: A Luxury Guide

Winter in Europe is at its most seductive when your hotel does the heavy lifting: ski valets, heated pools, and fireplaces that glow long after the last run. This guide spotlights the most luxurious bases for winter 2026, from the Alps to Christmas-market capitals and gentle Mediterranean hideaways.

Feb 15, 202611 min

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Hotel Spotlight

Most Romantic Hotels in Europe for 2026 Getaways

Europe’s romance is best experienced behind discreet doors: a suite terrace at dusk, a couples’ ritual in a candlelit spa, and a long dinner that never hurries. These 2026-ready hotel icons pair privacy with unforgettable views and truly memorable dining—perfect for honeymoons, anniversaries, and gr

Feb 14, 202610 min

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Travel Tips

How to Choose the Perfect Boutique Hotel in Europe

Boutique hotels promise intimacy, design, and a sense of place—but not every “boutique” label delivers. Use this practical checklist to find a genuinely distinctive, high-touch stay across Europe.

Feb 13, 202610 min

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Destination Guide

Complete Guide to Budapest: Where to Stay in 2026

Budapest rewards discerning travelers with grand architecture, mineral-rich thermal baths, and a Danube riverfront that feels cinematic after dark. This 2026 guide covers the best neighborhoods to stay, standout luxury and boutique hotels, and an itinerary designed around private experiences and eff

Feb 12, 202611 min

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News

European Luxury Travel Trends 2026: Wellness, Quiet

Luxury travel in Europe for 2026 is moving decisively toward privacy, personalization, and low-crowd destinations—led by Portugal and a rising set of northern and eastern favorites. Expect wellness-forward hotels, sustainable sea-and-rail itineraries, and experiences designed around who you are, not

Feb 11, 202610 min

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