European Hotels You Don't Know in Destinations You Do

For many, this may not be their first time experiencing the wonder of magical cities such as Paris, Athens and Venice, and they may be searching for something more authentic and “off-the-beaten-path.”

To satisfy the desires of these determined travelers constantly seeking the new and unknown, RockStar Hotels presents a carefully curated collection of boutique, one-of-a-kind hotels in Europe that are perhaps unfamiliar to the typical visitor. Expectations for quality and service are set remarkably high, and RockStar’s team on the ground arrives unannounced at each property for re-evaluation every 90 days, just to make sure the standards of excellence don’t slip.

Here are 9 standout boutique hotels you may not have heard of, in destinations you probably know very well:

London, England – The Hari Hotel – Located in the heart of a quintessentially British neighborhood, The Hari offers the perfect combination of history and fun. Its incredible penthouse features a large marble fireplace, four step-out balconies and plush velvet upholstery.

Paris, France – Le Pavillon de la Reine – Part of an elegant 17-century building, Le Pavillon de la Reine is tucked away from the galleries and shops of the Place des Vosges, once the center of high society in Paris. The name of the hotel pays tribute to Queen Anne of Austria, who once stayed in one of its wings.

Prague, Czech Republic – Golden Well – Perfectly situated below the walls of Prague Castle, Golden Well is a perfect embodiment of the area’s rich history, while offering modern amenities and a coveted restaurant that make every visit comfortable and special.

Athens, Greece – New Hotel – A whimsical, contemporary design makes guests of New Hotel feel they are residing within a major art installation. The rooftop lounge serves food, drinks and panoramic views of Athens with a unique library of more than 2,000 art book titles.

Barcelona, Spain – Ohla Eixample – A brand new boutique hotel that artfully captures Spain’s past and future, Ohla Eixample features some incredible details, such as a ceramic façade with more than 1,000 pieces carved by a robotic interpretation of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons.

Verona, Italy – Villa Cordevigo Wine Relais – After spending time in both Milan and Venice, the next stop is a historical villa in the countryside, situated smack dab between the two cities. Villa Cordevigo Wine Relais was once the home of noble families, and has been restored to become one of Italy’s most magical hotels.

Lisbon, Portugal – Valverde Hotel – Once the home of a wealthy Portuguese family, Valverde Hotel’s 25 guest rooms are thoughtfully decorated with a blend of vintage and modern furnishings that bring a unique charm.

Frankfurt, Germany– Villa Kennedy – Renamed in 1963 to honor a visit by President John F. Kennedy, the villa sits conveniently near plenty of things to see and do, while offering a welcome escape from busy city streets. An alfresco dinner in the hotel’s Villa Garden is a must during the summer months.