Boutique Hotel MOTTO, Austria

Liz Perdacher

The beautiful hotel on one of Vienna's most popular shopping streets enticed guests with its Charity Punch at the beginning of December. But that's not all they come up with for Christmas here. The establishment is dreamy and creative, passionate and relaxed, sensual and a homage to Vienna all year round. Christmas grouches and grinches will only make it as far as the front door. Christmas fans, on the other hand, can look forward to tasteful decorations with a twinkle in their eye. If you haven't gotten into the spirit yet, you'll only have candy canes and cookies on your mind at the Boutique Hotel MOTTO.

Special tip: The hotel's own restaurant Chez Bernard is open on December 25 and 26 and between Christmas and New Year's Eve. There is a special festive menu on 24 and 31 December. There are still very few remaining places available for the first seating (5 pm) on both days.

Boutique Hotel MOTTO
Mariahilfer Straße 71A, 1060 Vienna, Austria
Tel: +43 1 5814500
Web: hotelmotto.at
Price: Doubles incl. breakfast from € 200

Carton House, Ireland

© Claudia Hilmbauer

Some Christmas hotels in Europe are bringing times long gone back to life. One such hotel is the Carton House in Ireland. The history of the hotel, which is now part of the Fairmont portfolio, dates back to the 18th century. The castle-like property consists of a modern wing and the historic part. The Christmas spirit is brought to both at the beginning of November. Numerous richly decorated Christmas trees, including in front of the estate, wreaths, baubles and figurines create a festive atmosphere.

Special tip: Designer Mary Whelan shows guests how to make Christmas wreaths. And anyone staying at least 2 nights over Christmas will receive a Carton House Christmas gift. There'll also be cocktails and canapés for guests on December 24, a filled Christmas stocking and a champagne reception.

Carton House, A Fairmont Managed Hotel
Carton Demesne, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, W23 TD98, Ireland
Tel: +353 1 505 2000
Web: cartonhouse.com
Price: Doubles incl. breakfast from € 330

Corinthia Hotel, United Kingdom

© Claudia Hilmbauer

This year, the front of the building is emblazoned with the illuminated inscription LOVE, each window on the ground floor has its own Christmas wreath and both entrances are surrounded by garlands. In the lobby, you are confronted with a sculpture that also embodies LOVE. But that's not all at the Corinithia: The Festive Afternoon Tea has long been a must for every discerning London traveler. In the hotel's own restaurant, The Northall, Executive Chef André Garrett conjures up a delicious festive menu during the Christmas holidays.

Special tip: Guests who book the later time slot for their dinner at Northall on New Year's Eve receive access to the viewing platform at the London Eye to admire the fireworks from the best perspective.

Hotel Corinthia London
Whitehall Pl, London SW1A 2BD, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 20 7930 8181
Web: corinthia.com
Price: Doubles incl. breakfast from € 880

Carlton Cannes, France

Carton Cannes

This year, Christmas hotels in Europe are going all in. This includes the Carlton Cannes: Guests can look forward to an atmospheric ambience until January 7, 2024. There are also some unforgettable experiences - for example a 120 square meter ice skating rink. All around, small huts exude that Christmas market feeling. From a culinary point of view, you can indulge in classics such as panettone, mulled wine and waffles.

Special tip: Until December 10 and then again on December 15, 16 and from December 22 to 24, a gospel choir will provide the musical backdrop to the evening. They enchant from 17:00 to 19:30, admission is free.

Carlton Cannes
58 Bd de la Croisette Cs 40052, 06400 Cannes, France
Tel: +33 4 93 06 40 06
Web: carltoncannes.com
Price: Doubles incl. breakfast from € 850

Cap St Georges, Cyprus

© Cap St Georges

Surprisingly, you can ski on Cyprus. But the third largest island in the Mediterranean also has a wintery feel in other respects. Or at least: Christmassy. Every year, the Hotel Cap St Georges is transformed into a Christmas world with sparkling decorations. The chef bakes cookies with the kids, there's a Christmas movie, Christmas breakfast and atmospheric afternoon teas.

Special tip: The Christmas dinner is followed by a lavish party in the style of The Great Gatsby! And on December 25, Santa himself drops by.

Cap St Georges
3, Maniki Street, Peyia 8570, Cyprus
Web: capstgeorges.com
Tel.: +357 26 000000
Price: Doubles incl. breakfast from € 250

Hotel Vilòn, Italy

© Shedir Collection

Anyone who visits Rome during the Christmas season will be amazed. There are around 3,000 nativity scenes scattered throughout the city. It's therefore a tradition to set off on walks and marvel at these handmade works of art. The centrally located Hotel Vilòn is the perfect starting point. It's a member of the luxurious Shedir Collection.

Special tip: The Roman Christmas tree has moved! This year you won't find it in Piazza Venezia, but in Piazza del Popolo. It'll be lit up for the first time on Friday, December 8.

Hotel Vilòn
Via dell'Arancio, 69, 00186 Rome, Italy
Tel.: +39 06 878187
Web: hotelvilon.com
Price: Doubles from € 650