European Private Tour via Eurostar Train

The Connaught Hotel, located in the heart of London’s Mayfair, is among our favorite historic properties in the city, offering 121 rooms and suites. Its decor meshes traditional British style with modern touches, featuring antique furnishings, plush textiles, and bespoke art pieces. The rooms range from classic accommodations with hand-embroidered headboards and marble bathrooms, to standout suites like the Coburg Suites, designed with contemporary sophistication, or the Mews townhouse for optimal private stays. The Connaught comes with a rich history, originally opening in 1815 as the Prince of Saxe Coburg Hotel before adopting its current name in 1917. It has since become a symbol of elegance and world-class service in London’s hospitality realm. You cannot go wrong with a meal at one of the exceptional dining options, including Hélène Darroze, a three-Michelin-starred French restaurant, and Jean-Georges, offering creative pan-European and Asian cuisine. For a more traditional or casual experience, The Connaught Grill serves refined British dishes (get your fish and chips here!). The hotel has two sophisticated bars providing stylish settings for cocktails and fine wines. However, we prefer the comfort of the Connaught Patisserie, serving delectable pastries with an array of tea options. Our favorite part of the property is the Aman Spa, a serene retreat with a black granite pool, a waterfall wall, and a range of holistic treatments inspired by global wellness traditions. For those who wish to get a workout in, the hotel also offers a well-equipped gym.

The Connaught Hotel, located in the heart of London’s Mayfair, is among our favorite historic properties in the city, offering 121 rooms and suites. Its decor meshes traditional British style with modern touches, featuring antique furnishings, plush textiles, and bespoke art pieces. The rooms range from classic accommodations with hand-embroidered headboards and marble bathrooms, to standout suites like the Coburg Suites, designed with contemporary sophistication, or the Mews townhouse for optimal private stays. The Connaught comes with a rich history, originally opening in 1815 as the Prince of Saxe Coburg Hotel before adopting its current name in 1917. It has since become a symbol of elegance and world-class service in London’s hospitality realm. You cannot go wrong with a meal at one of the exceptional dining options, including Hélène Darroze, a three-Michelin-starred French restaurant, and Jean-Georges, offering creative pan-European and Asian cuisine. For a more traditional or casual experience, The Connaught Grill serves refined British dishes (get your fish and chips here!). The hotel has two sophisticated bars providing stylish settings for cocktails and fine wines. However, we prefer the comfort of the Connaught Patisserie, serving delectable pastries with an array of tea options. Our favorite part of the property is the Aman Spa, a serene retreat with a black granite pool, a waterfall wall, and a range of holistic treatments inspired by global wellness traditions. For those who wish to get a workout in, the hotel also offers a well-equipped gym.

The Peninsula Hotel in London, located in the prestigious Belgravia district near Buckingham Palace and Hyde Park, is a masterpiece of hotel luxury. While it only just opened in late 2023 after three decades of planning, the hotel has 190 expansive rooms and suites designed by Peter Marino. These spaces boast typical Peninsula elegance, with soft color palettes, custom furnishings, and artwork from the Royal Drawing School, while state-of-the-art technology and marble-clad bathrooms with heated floors add contemporary comfort. Dining at the Peninsula is a standout experience, including Brooklands, our favorite rooftop restaurant in the city by Michelin-starred chef Claude Bosi, offering Franco-British cuisine alongside breathtaking city views. We also recommend trying Canton Blue, which reimagines traditional Chinese flavors. Our favorite activity at the hotel is the iconic afternoon tea experience in the gorgeous lobby area, this is not to be missed! But, be sure to save some time for the two-story spa featuring an 82-foot heated pool, a fully equipped gym, and holistic treatments for relaxation and rejuvenation.

We feel that the 190-room Le Bristol (yes, the one featured in Midnight in Paris!) is our favorite luxury 5-star hotel in Paris. Opened in 1925, the hotel occupies an 18th-century building near the shops of the Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré. We consider the airy, iconic Le Bristol to perfectly illustrate French culture and service. Though the Deluxe Suite here is our favorite, each room is individually decorated in a traditional style with Persian carpets and colorful toilets. In addition to the two other notable restaurants, we especially enjoy the hotel’s Café Antonia and Le Jardin Français restaurant. Amenities here include a high-quality, three-floor spa/fitness center, but we feel the property’s nautical-themed pool that opens up onto a solarium is the most impressive feature!

We feel that the 190-room Le Bristol (yes, the one featured in Midnight in Paris!) is our favorite luxury 5-star hotel in Paris. Opened in 1925, the hotel occupies an 18th-century building near the shops of the Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré. We consider the airy, iconic Le Bristol to perfectly illustrate French culture and service. Though the Deluxe Suite here is our favorite, each room is individually decorated in a traditional style with Persian carpets and colorful toilets. In addition to the two other notable restaurants, we especially enjoy the hotel’s Café Antonia and Le Jardin Français restaurant. Amenities here include a high-quality, three-floor spa/fitness center, but we feel the property’s nautical-themed pool that opens up onto a solarium is the most impressive feature!

The Ritz Paris, located in the heart of the city at Place Vendôme,  has a long-standing history dating back to its opening in 1898. The hotel features 159 rooms and suites, all designed in an opulent style inspired by 18th-century French decor, complete with antique furnishings, gilded accents, and luxurious fabrics. Many rooms offer views of the courtyard or any of the iconic Parisian landmarks surrounding the property. Dining is a treat, wiht in-house options including an array of choices, such as the Michelin-starred La Table de L’Espadon, casual bites at the chic Bar Vendôme, or afternoon tea in the Salon Proust (where literature meets gastronomy… think Hemingway!).  We are also big fans of the Ritz Club spa, offering a full range of treatments, an indoor pool, and a state-of-the-art fitness center. Voila!

The Ritz Paris, located in the heart of the city at Place Vendôme,  has a long-standing history dating back to its opening in 1898. The hotel features 159 rooms and suites, all designed in an opulent style inspired by 18th-century French decor, complete with antique furnishings, gilded accents, and luxurious fabrics. Many rooms offer views of the courtyard or any of the iconic Parisian landmarks surrounding the property. Dining is a treat, wiht in-house options including an array of choices, such as the Michelin-starred La Table de L’Espadon, casual bites at the chic Bar Vendôme, or afternoon tea in the Salon Proust (where literature meets gastronomy… think Hemingway!).  We are also big fans of the Ritz Club spa, offering a full range of treatments, an indoor pool, and a state-of-the-art fitness center. Voila!

We feel the Juliana Hotel in Brussels is among the most beautiful hotels in all of Europe! With just 43 rooms and suites, it is designed with neoclassical art influences and modern touches. Situated near the Place des Martyrs, the hotel is a haven for art enthusiasts, featuring distinctive decor elements like Hermès-inspired corridors, Philippe Starck mirrors, and curated works of art in every room (it is an art lover’s paradise from the inside out!). Each room is uniquely styled, blending muted tones, velvet furnishings, and marble bathrooms, with amenities such as Molton Brown bath products and Nespresso machines. For dining, we prefer the hotel’s Fisco restaurant, serving Italian cuisine crafted by Chef Rosa Caldarola, with a menu that highlights seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. After dinner, we recommend a cocktail in the stylishly designed bar, featuring gold and bronze accents and a mural by the Lavergne artist duo. When you are not exploring this fascinating city, be sure to take advantage of the serene spa for a massage, facial, and/or beauty treatment, alongside a turquoise-tiled indoor pool, sauna, and fitness center.

Hotel Le Plaza in Brussels is a beautiful Art Deco property inspired by the George V hotel in Paris, offering a mix of historic charm and modern amenities. It has 189 rooms, but we happily ignore itz larger size due to its intimately designed rooms and high-touch service. Originally opened in 1930, the hotel has a storied history and even includes a heritage-listed Moorish-style theater (this is a must-see!). Dining options include the refined Brasserie Estére, known for its gourmet cuisine served under a painted dome with marble accents and glass chandeliers. The hotel also offers a spacious salon for breakfast and a cozy former winter garden for drinks. Unfortunately, Hotel Le Plaza does not have a spa on site, however it does have a fitness center to keep you active during your stay. We feel the lack of spa is overlooked due to its prime location, steps away from the Rue Neuve shopping district and a short walk from the Grand Place.

Hotel Le Plaza in Brussels is a beautiful Art Deco property inspired by the George V hotel in Paris, offering a mix of historic charm and modern amenities. It has 189 rooms, but we happily ignore itz larger size due to its intimately designed rooms and high-touch service. Originally opened in 1930, the hotel has a storied history and even includes a heritage-listed Moorish-style theater (this is a must-see!). Dining options include the refined Brasserie Estére, known for its gourmet cuisine served under a painted dome with marble accents and glass chandeliers. The hotel also offers a spacious salon for breakfast and a cozy former winter garden for drinks. Unfortunately, Hotel Le Plaza does not have a spa on site, however it does have a fitness center to keep you active during your stay. We feel the lack of spa is overlooked due to its prime location, steps away from the Rue Neuve shopping district and a short walk from the Grand Place.

Our favorite five-star luxury property in Amsterdam, situated on the banks of the Amstel River, is the iconic Hotel De L’Europe. Although on the larger size at 111 rooms and suites (including 93 in the historic Rondeel Building and 14 individually designed accommodations in the ’t Huys wing), we feel the hotel does an outstanding job at making the property feel small. The decor features mahogany furniture, marble bathrooms, rich wallpapers, and replicas of Dutch Master paintings throughout the property, paying homage to its Dutch roots. Established in 1896, the has been a symbol of refined luxury in Amsterdam for over a century(!). Dining options include the Michelin-starred restaurant Flore, which focuses on Dutch seasonal cuisine, Trattoria Graziella for authentic Italian dishes, and Brasserie Marie for brasserie-style fare (we recommend dining on the waterfront terrace!). Freddy’s Bar is a beloved local favorite known for its cocktails, including the famed Bloody Mary. We love spa, Le Spa by Skins Institute, a 4,300-square-foot wellness center featuring an indoor pool with views of the canals, a Turkish steam bath, a Finnish sauna, and four treatment rooms offering bespoke beauty treatments. A fully equipped fitness studio is also available on-site, for those who partake!

Our favorite five-star luxury property in Amsterdam, situated on the banks of the Amstel River, is the iconic Hotel De L’Europe. Although on the larger size at 111 rooms and suites (including 93 in the historic Rondeel Building and 14 individually designed accommodations in the ’t Huys wing), we feel the hotel does an outstanding job at making the property feel small. The decor features mahogany furniture, marble bathrooms, rich wallpapers, and replicas of Dutch Master paintings throughout the property, paying homage to its Dutch roots. Established in 1896, the has been a symbol of refined luxury in Amsterdam for over a century(!). Dining options include the Michelin-starred restaurant Flore, which focuses on Dutch seasonal cuisine, Trattoria Graziella for authentic Italian dishes, and Brasserie Marie for brasserie-style fare (we recommend dining on the waterfront terrace!). Freddy’s Bar is a beloved local favorite known for its cocktails, including the famed Bloody Mary. We love spa, Le Spa by Skins Institute, a 4,300-square-foot wellness center featuring an indoor pool with views of the canals, a Turkish steam bath, a Finnish sauna, and four treatment rooms offering bespoke beauty treatments. A fully equipped fitness studio is also available on site, for those who partake!

Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam is a luxurious five-star hotel that we love for its location and Dutch affair. With 178 rooms, including 52 elegant suites (that come with butler service!), we feel its large size is trumped by its grandeur. The decor is a fun mix of Dutch charm and sophisticated French elegance, featuring original building elements like stained glass, wooden beams, and rich fabrics. Located in the heart of Amsterdam, the hotel has quite the past, having served as a convent, royal residence, and city hall before becoming a luxury hotel. Dining options include Bridges, a Michelin-starred restaurant specializing in seafood, and Oriole for Mediterranean-inspired cuisine (we love it here!). We also recommend checking out cozy ambiance of the Library, a lovely place to enjoy a cocktail and reminisce on a lovely day. The Sofitel SPA also provides a serene retreat with a heated indoor pool, sauna, and treatment rooms, while a well-equipped fitness center ensures wellness options for those who prefer to remain active.

Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam is a luxurious five-star hotel that we love for its location and Dutch affair. With 178 rooms, including 52 elegant suites (that come with butler service!), we feel its large size is trumped by its grandeur. The decor is a fun mix of Dutch charm and sophisticated French elegance, featuring original building elements like stained glass, wooden beams, and rich fabrics. Located in the heart of Amsterdam, the hotel has quite the past, having served as a convent, royal residence, and city hall before becoming a luxury hotel. Dining options include Bridges, a Michelin-starred restaurant specializing in seafood, and Oriole for Mediterranean-inspired cuisine (we love it here!). We also recommend checking out cozy ambiance of the Library, a lovely place to enjoy a cocktail and reminisce on a lovely day. The Sofitel SPA also provides a serene retreat with a heated indoor pool, sauna, and treatment rooms, while a well-equipped fitness center ensures wellness options for those who prefer to remain active.