Best Westerns in the United States may give you the idea that they are beige business hotels you find off highway exits on road trip? Well, that’s not the case in Europe!
Over there, they’re disguised as often as upscale, boutique gems with rooftop pools, ocean views, and five-star vibes. Yep, turns out Best Western in Europe are a whole different game. Many of these properties are independently owned, locally run, and full of charm—meaning you get all the bougie boutique feels plus the perks of a global chain.
So… why are these Best Westerns in Europe so chic?
Turns out, it’s not just a happy accident. In Europe, Best Western doesn’t operate like it does in the U.S. Here, it’s more of a soft brand affiliation than a strict franchise. Most of these hotels are independently owned and operated, often by families or longtime hoteliers who originally built or ran boutique properties. They join Best Western for the global marketing and booking power, but they get to keep full creative control—style, service, design, all of it.
And here’s the twist: EU regulations make franchising more complex, with different rules in each country. So rather than enforcing a cookie-cutter brand look, Best Western in Europe offers flexibility. That means a 19th-century Parisian townhouse or a seaside Italian villa can proudly fly the Best Western flag while still serving boutique realness.
The result? You get all the charm and character of an independent stay—with the bonus of loyalty points and a brand you recognize. You’re getting serious value for your euros, especially when compared to the average boutique hotel Europe travelers tend to book. Basically, it’s a bougie travel hack hiding in plain sight.
I scoured the continent and found the most stylish, surprising, and totally not-basic best Best Western hotels in Europe. You’re gonna want to bookmark this.
1. Best Western Premier Montfleuri – Sainte-Maxime, France
In the heart of the French Riviera, just five minutes on foot from the center of Sainte-Maxime, Best Western Premier Montfleuri offers a rare combination: sea views, resort-style amenities, and affordable luxury. Set within a Mediterranean garden and designed like a private villa, this hotel has the feel of a small coastal resort, not a chain property. The ochre façade and lush landscaping make it feel immediately local and warm.
Guests consistently praise the friendly and accommodating staff, with many noting how they go above and beyond to make your stay feel personal. Rooms are airy and clean, with many offering private balconies facing the Bay of Saint-Tropez.
The highlight? A charming outdoor pool surrounded by palm trees, where breakfast is served each morning—a French-style buffet with croissants, cheeses, and fresh fruit included in your room rate.
Travelers love the location for exploring both Sainte-Maxime and the nearby town of Saint-Tropez (just a 15-minute ferry ride across the bay). And while the property is affiliated with Best Western, the experience is 100% boutique—from the locally sourced restaurant menu to the peaceful garden paths.
Rating: 9.0/10 on Expedia
2. The Harmonie Vienna, BW Premier Collection – Vienna, Austria
In Vienna’s elegant 9th district, The Harmonie Vienna delivers a truly boutique hotel atmosphere with artistic flair. This family-run BW Premier Collection hotel occupies an Otto Wagner-designed building and features a dance-inspired interior design theme. Guests enjoy the residential location (a quiet street near the Sigmund Freud Museum and Votive Church) and the hotel’s refined comforts.
Travelers consistently give Harmonie Vienna a nearly perfect score, especially loving the “friendly staff, clean rooms, [and] excellent breakfast.” In fact, the breakfast buffet – organic and locally sourced – is award-winning and frequently mentioned in reviews. Rooms are decorated in a modern Viennese style with vibrant art, and all include upscale touches like pillow top mattresses and fresh jazz music playlists. The hotel offers a cozy lounge/library with free afternoon tea and cake, adding to the homey feel.
With a 9.8/10 “Exceptional” rating from over 1,000 reviews, this property has earned Expedia’s VIP Access status for top guest satisfaction. Visitors say the Harmonie combines personal service with luxury standards – a “serene retreat” in the city.
Rating: 9.8/10 on Expedia
3. Best Western Premier Sofraga Palacio – Ávila, Spain
This property redefines what Best Western luxury can look like in a historic Spanish setting. Housed inside a restored 18th-century palace within Ávila’s medieval city walls, Best Western Premier Sofraga Palacio feels like a luxurious step back in time. The property combines historic stone architecture with modern design, and it’s a perfect base for exploring the charming and walkable city of Ávila—a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The hotel features a glass-roofed restaurant serving regional cuisine, a cozy interior courtyard, and warm, comfortable rooms with exposed stone, wooden beams, and plush beds. Travelers rave about the quiet elegance and service, noting the staff are incredibly attentive and helpful. It’s also one of the few hotels in the region that balances authentic old-world character with upscale amenities.
Guests give it top marks across the board, and many note that it exceeded their expectations—not just for a Best Western, but for any boutique hotel in Spain.
Rating: 10/10 on Expedia
4. Alpen Resort Hotel & Spa (BW Signature Collection) – Zermatt, Switzerland
At the foot of the Matterhorn in car-free Zermatt, Alpen Resort Hotel & Spa is a mountain escape that perfectly blends the charm of a traditional Swiss chalet with modern luxury. As part of Best Western’s Signature Collection, this property offers thoughtful design, stunning views, and top-notch wellness amenities.
The hotel boasts spacious rooms (many with Matterhorn-facing balconies), a wellness center with indoor pool, saunas, steam baths, and even a Japanese onsen. From its rooftop hot tub to in-room Nespresso machines, the hotel offers upscale amenities without the splurge. Families love the playroom and game zone, while couples appreciate the rooftop hot tub and cozy fireplace lounges.
Travelers frequently mention the exceptional breakfast buffet, the quality of the spa, and the warm hospitality of the staff. Whether you’re here for hiking, skiing, or relaxing in the Alps, Alpen Resort offers serious boutique comfort with the benefits of Best Western.
Rating: 9.0/10 on Expedia
Learn more about this stay here.
5. Maison Albar Hotels – Le Diamond (BW Premier Collection) – Paris, France
If you’re looking for one of the best Best Western hotels in Europe with serious luxury vibes, this Parisian spot delivers. Just steps from the Opéra Garnier and luxury department stores, Maison Albar Hotels – Le Diamond delivers boutique opulence in the heart of Paris. With its dramatic black-and-white decor, tufted headboards, mirrored ceilings, and diamond motifs, this hotel oozes glamor.
The rooms are spacious and chic, featuring Nespresso machines, luxury bath products, and soundproofing that helps keep the bustle of the city at bay. Guests love the cozy lobby bar and garden courtyard, as well as the walkability to key Paris landmarks.
Though technically a Best Western Premier Collection property, Maison Albar operates like a fully independent luxury boutique. Many visitors are stunned to discover it’s part of the Best Western family, and reviews consistently call it a hidden gem in the Paris hotel scene. Among the best luxury Best Western hotels Europe has to offer, this one holds its own against bigger brands.
Rating: 8.8/10 on Expedia
6. Best Western Premier Hôtel de la Paix – Reims, France
Set in the heart of Reims, the capital of Champagne, Hôtel de la Paix offers a polished boutique experience with a nod to Art Deco style. Located just steps from Reims Cathedral and the city’s pedestrian shopping district, the hotel pairs modern luxury with French elegance.
Guests love the tranquil courtyard, bright and stylish rooms, and standout amenities like the heated indoor pool, spa, and upscale cocktail bar. The property also features an acclaimed restaurant, perfect for dining in after a day of champagne tasting.
Travelers consistently praise the quality of service, convenient parking, and beautiful interiors. With sustainability certifications and a stellar breakfast, Hôtel de la Paix is both refined and relaxed—ideal for anyone wanting boutique comfort in one of France’s most festive cities.
Rating: 9.4/10 on Expedia
7. Best Western Premier Ark Hotel – Tirana (Rinas), Albania
Just steps from Tirana International Airport, Ark Hotel surprises travelers with its sleek design and upscale service. While technically an airport hotel, it offers far more than convenience: a rooftop terrace with mountain views, modern wellness center, on-site fine dining, and soundproofed, stylish rooms.
Travelers love the early breakfast hours, spotless interiors, and kind, attentive staff. Whether you’re staying for one night or using it as a base for exploring Albania, this hotel feels like a calming boutique retreat. With free shuttle service and fast Wi-Fi, it’s especially popular among business travelers and jet-setters.
Reviewers frequently note that the hotel rivals four- and five-star properties across Europe, calling it an “unexpected gem” for its comfort and value. We love these hidden gem hotels that surprise and delight all across the continent.
Rating: 9.1/10 on Expedia
8. Best Western Regina Elena – Santa Margherita Ligure, Italy
This Riviera property is proof that some of the best Best Western hotels in Europe are hidden along the coast. Hotel Regina Elena sits right on the waterfront between Santa Margherita Ligure and Portofino. Family-owned since 1907, this hotel blends timeless Italian hospitality with beachfront luxury.
It offers a private beach club, rooftop pool and solarium, sea-view rooms, and outdoor dining terraces that feel more like a coastal villa than a chain property. The décor is simple but elegant, and the views—whether from your balcony or the breakfast terrace—are unforgettable.
Guests love the access to the promenade and proximity to ferry stops for exploring the Ligurian coast. While some furnishings nod to its heritage, the service, amenities, and location are all modern-day Riviera chic.
Rating: 8.8/10 on Expedia
9. Best Western Hotel Bisanzio – Venice, Italy
In a quiet corner of Castello, just minutes from St. Mark’s Square, Hotel Bisanzio offers a peaceful yet central Venetian experience. Housed in a centuries-old building with charming inner courtyards and wrought iron balconies, the hotel is classic Venice—with all the modern comforts.
The rooms are decorated in traditional style with Murano glass lamps, silk drapes, and marble bathrooms. Guests love the warm staff, abundant breakfast buffet, and hidden-gem feel of the location. It’s also known for being one of the more accessible and quiet hotels in the historic center.
While Venice is full of over-the-top options, Bisanzio provides a calm, authentically Venetian boutique stay that delivers big on charm and value.
Rating: 9.0/10 on Expedia
10. Hotel Christiania Teater (BW Premier Collection) – Oslo, Norway
Another standout in our list of best Best Western hotels in Europe, this one mixes history with serious style. Located in a beautifully restored historic theater across from Oslo’s National Gallery, Hotel Christiania Teater is one of the city’s most stylish boutique hotels. With dramatic velvet curtains, artistic lighting, and curated vintage details, the interior design nods to its theatrical past.
Each room is unique, with high ceilings, statement wallpaper, and designer furniture. Guests highlight the stellar location near Karl Johans gate, the included organic breakfast, and the friendly, helpful staff. The hotel also houses a popular Italian restaurant and wine bar on the ground floor.
Travelers frequently compare Christiania Teater to luxury design hotels, but with the added bonus of Best Western’s loyalty program.
Rating: 9.0/10 on Expedia
Learn more about this stay here.
11. Best Western Premier Bayonne Etche-Ona – Bordeaux, France
Comprising two beautifully restored 18th-century mansions, Bayonne Etche-Ona sits in Bordeaux’s elegant Golden Triangle and offers a true boutique stay. Each building has its own design style—one Art Deco, the other classical French—and together they form a hotel that’s full of sophistication.
Rooms are individually decorated with plush fabrics, art, and luxurious bedding. Guests love the peaceful atmosphere, excellent breakfast, and proximity to luxury shops and wine bars. It’s also a short walk from the city’s top sights, including the Grand Théâtre and Place des Quinconces.
This is a refined, design-forward stay with thoughtful service in one of France’s trendiest cities. It’s a perfect example of the kind of local character hotels that make Europe such a dream for travelers.
Rating: 9.0/10 on Expedia
12. Hotel Kung Carl (WorldHotels Crafted Collection) – Stockholm, Sweden
One of Stockholm’s oldest continually operating hotels, Hotel Kung Carl blends history and hip design. Each floor offers a different aesthetic—from Gustavian elegance to boho-chic—and rooms are filled with vintage treasures, bold wallpaper, and stylish furnishings.
Located in Östermalm at the buzzing Stureplan intersection, the hotel is steps from top shopping, dining, and nightlife. Guests love the breakfast buffet served in the grand salon, as well as the intimate cocktail bar and cozy courtyard.
Quirky, creative, and cool, Kung Carl delivers boutique personality with a legacy name and prime location. This has to be one of the most surprisingly nice Best Western hotels Europe has to offer—ready to be booked.
Rating: 8.8/10 on Expedia
13. Best Western Premier Grand Hotel Russischer Hof – Weimar, Germany
For travelers who appreciate cultural heritage, Grand Hotel Russischer Hof is a true classic. A favorite of artists and intellectuals since the early 1800s—including Goethe and Liszt—the hotel preserves its aristocratic flair with crystal chandeliers, antique woodwork, and fine linens.
Located in the center of Weimar, it’s perfect for walking to historic sites, museums, and parks. Rooms offer traditional elegance with modern comforts like air conditioning and soundproofing.
Guests highlight the knowledgeable staff, comfortable beds, and delicious breakfast as standout features. Staying here feels like living history—without sacrificing luxury.
Rating: 9.2/10 on Expedia
14. Best Western Premier Hotel Victoria – Freiburg, Germany
Tucked between the Black Forest and Freiburg’s historic old town, Hotel Victoria is a sustainability-forward boutique hotel that blends eco-conscious living with thoughtful design. It’s one of the first climate-neutral hotels in Germany, running on 100% renewable energy.
Rooms are modern, warm, and quiet, with many offering city or garden views. Guests love the peaceful ambiance, convenient location just steps from the main train station, and locally sourced breakfast served in a sunny conservatory.
Perfect for green-minded travelers, Hotel Victoria proves you can enjoy boutique comfort while staying environmentally responsible.
Rating: 9.0/10 on Expedia
15. Best Western Premier Hotel Astoria – Zagreb, Croatia
In Zagreb’s city center, just a few blocks from the main train station and Ban Jelačić Square, Hotel Astoria offers old-world elegance with dependable Best Western polish. The hotel’s classic interiors feature marble floors, chandeliers, and richly appointed rooms.
Travelers appreciate the spacious layout, friendly staff, and incredible breakfast buffet—with both Croatian specialties and international options. The location makes it easy to explore the city on foot, and the hotel has its own secure parking, rare for central Zagreb.
Charming, well-run, and beautifully maintained, the Astoria is a quiet favorite for both business and leisure travelers.
Rating: 9.2/10 on Expedia
Ready to rethink chain hotels?
Remember, this roundup features just our top 15 picks of the best Best Western hotels in Europe—but there are so many more Best Western gems tucked into charming cities, coastal retreats, and mountain escapes all across Europe. Whether you’re headed to a capital city or a small-town getaway, keep an eye out for these surprisingly boutique-style hotels that offer comfort, style, and serious value.
Ready to find your own hidden gem? Use the map below to discover even more European travel accommodations that bring style, substance, and savings.
These boutique-style Best Westerns across Europe are proof that style, location, and service don’t have to come with a luxury price tag. Add them to your itinerary—and don’t forget to book with rewards points if you have them!
