Europe’s best hotels for 2027 have been recognised by Condé Nast Johansens, with properties in Portugal, Spain, the UK and Ireland among the winners of its Annual Awards for Excellence.
The 2027 awards recognise hotels and resorts across several categories, including design, new openings, city stays and resort experiences. The annual awards, organised by Condé Nast Johansens, a hotel guide established more than 40 years ago, bring together properties selected for their accommodation, design and guest experience.
The selection is based on reports from local experts who visit the listed properties each year, alongside guest reviews submitted through the guide’s website and votes from readers. The awards cover two regional groups: the UK and Ireland, and Europe and the Mediterranean. There are 44 winners across the two groups.
Among the hotels recognised this year are Andaz Lisbon in Portugal and Aethos London Shoreditch in the UK, which received recognition in the best new hotel category.
Andaz Lisbon was praised for its central location, within walking distance of some of the Portuguese capital’s main attractions. The guide also highlighted its interior design, which combines a retro-inspired style with elements that respect the architecture of the building.
Aethos London Shoreditch was recognised for its connection to the surrounding neighbourhood, as well as its facilities. Its 24-hour gym and wellness area were among the features noted in the awards assessment.
Portugal also featured prominently in the design category, with The Lince Santa Clara Historic Hotel in Vila do Conde receiving recognition for its approach to restoring and adapting a historic building. The property occupies a former 14th-century Santa Clara Monastery, which has been transformed into a hotel while retaining attention to its original architectural features. Its minimalist interiors provide a contrast to the historic structure.
In Scotland, Virgin Hotels Edinburgh was named the best design hotel in its category. The property, which received recognition as the UK’s best new hotel the previous year, was praised for interiors that combine contemporary elegance with more distinctive design elements.
For travellers planning a city break, Palacio Gran Vía, A Royal Hideaway Hotel in Granada and Middle Eight in London were selected as the leading city hotels.
Palacio Gran Vía occupies the former headquarters of the Rodríguez-Acosta bank, directly opposite Granada Cathedral. Its location places guests close to one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks, while the building’s history gives the hotel a distinct architectural identity.
Middle Eight, located in London’s Covent Garden, offers access to several of the capital’s major attractions. Leicester Square, the British Museum and the River Thames are among the places within reach of the hotel, making it a convenient base for visitors exploring central London.
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The awards also recognised two properties in the resort category: Bahía del Duque in Tenerife, Spain, and Mount Juliet Estate in County Kilkenny, Ireland. Both offer extensive facilities, although their settings and guest experiences differ.
Bahía del Duque is known for its extensive grounds, with 63,000 square metres of tropical gardens forming part of the resort. Its facilities include 10 restaurants, one of which has a Michelin star, two beaches, six swimming pools and a large spa featuring an outdoor thalassotherapy circuit. The range of facilities gives guests several options for dining, swimming and wellness without having to leave the property.
Mount Juliet Estate takes a different approach to the resort experience. Located in Kilkenny, the Irish estate combines accommodation with leisure facilities that include an 18-hole golf course and a private 12-seat cinema. Its offering extends beyond a conventional hotel stay, with activities and entertainment available within the estate.
The 2027 awards provide an international selection of properties for travellers considering a European hotel stay, from converted historic buildings and design-focused city hotels to large resorts with extensive leisure facilities. The complete list of winners, including the remaining categories and regional selections, is available through the official Condé Nast Johansens awards website.
