STORIES

Planning a special occasion for your family or friends, but feeling overwhelmed with the choices? Europe, with its rich history and incredible culture, is the perfect destination for creating unforgettable memories. And what better way to experience it all than by staying in one of the Historic Hotels of Europe? We’ve handpicked six of our favourite getaways for small groups.

Enjoy the ultimate Scandi break with friends

Located in the heart of Norway’s Øksendal mountains, Phillipshaugen Lodge is a historic hotel that offers an authentic Norwegian experience. The cosy and comfortable lodge features 25 rooms across two buildings, as well as the self-catered Madagascar Cottage suitable for two. The Old Lodge features rustic interiors, each decorated with a Norwegian flair while the newer building is great for families and small groups, offering a number of rooms that sleep up to 4 people. The hotel’s location, surrounded by mountains and glaciers, makes it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Hiking, fishing, skiing, and snowmobiling are just a few of the activities that guests can enjoy during their stay.

The lodge’s restaurant serves traditional Norwegian cuisine, with a focus on high-quality, local produce. The restaurant here caters to parties of up to 35 people and offers a variety of 2-course or 3-course dinner options, lunch and drinks packages to make it a dinner party to remember.

After a long day of exploring the outdoors, unwind in a traditional sauna — suitable for groups of up to 6 people, it’s the perfect place to relax tired muscles after a day of skiing or hiking. Chill out while enjoying a glorious mountain backdrop, and choose from add-ons including tapas and champagne. The hotel’s friendly staff is always on hand to provide recommendations for must-visit sights, including the majestic Geiranger Fjord.

Family fun on the Adriatic Sea

The Adriatik Hotel is a beachfront resort located on the coast of the Adriatic Sea in Durrës, Albania. This five-star hotel features 70 rooms and suites with breathtaking views of the sea or the hotel’s lush gardens. The hotel’s private beach, swimming pools, and spa offers guests the opportunity to relax and unwind in a stunning setting. For those who are interested in water sports, the hotel offers a range of activities such as jet skiing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. There are also on-site yoga classes, for those in the group who are searching for something a little more relaxed.

Children in tow? There’s an abundance of activities to keep the little ones busy. Try a junior cooking class for budding chefs or sign them up for Zumba to burn off some of that endless energy. That’s on top of the ever-popular indoor and outdoor pools, playgrounds and tennis courts. Visit the Kid’s Bar for daily entertainment and menu options to tempt even the pickiest eaters. With a long list of activities to suit every taste, you might even get some time to relax by the pool!

The hotel’s location makes it ideal for exploring Albania’s rich history and culture and the concierge can arrange tours of nearby sites such as the ancient city of Apollonia and Butrint National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Experience an island getaway with a difference

Located in the heart of Pučišća, a charming town on the Island of Brač the Puteus Palace Heritage Hotel in Croatia is a 13th-century palace with 15 rooms and suites featuring antique furniture and artwork that pay homage to the hotel’s rich history. Situated in the town centre, it’s ideal for exploring the town’s cobblestone streets, beautiful architecture and historical landmarks. 

After a day out and about, unwind at the Puteus Wine Bar with a glass of chilled white. Next make your way to the Puteus Restaurant to experience a seriously impressive wine list and a menu that boasts the very best of Croatian cuisine. Sit back and reflect on your gorgeous surroundings in the palace’s private garden for a meal you and your group will be taking about for years to come.

Gorgeous beaches and an on site pools come as standard and the hotel spa is remarkable – offering a range of treatments guaranteed to help you switch off.

Celebrate in style at an 18th-century mansion

Coopershill House in Ireland is an 18th-century historic country house located on a 500-acre estate in the heart of the Irish countryside. The house has 7 rooms individually decorated with one of a kind furnishings and original art, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Think super king beds and roaring log fires, a retreat after a day out and about in the awe-inspiring Irish landscape.

Coopershill is available for exclusive hire, meaning you and your group can have the whole place to yourself. Sleeping up to 16 people, it’s the perfect place for a weekend away to celebrate a milestone birthday or special occasion. 

There’s plenty to do and something to suit every taste. C​hoose from snooker, tennis or croquet on the property or travel a short distance to try your hand at horseback riding, hit the hills for a spot of hiking or cast off for a day of fishing. Fancy a sea swim in the Atlantic? You’ll find endless sand beaches less tha 20-minute drive away.

The hotel’s restaurant serves traditional Irish cuisine, made from locally sourced ingredients such as wild salmon, venison, and lamb. The hotel’s owners, Simon and Christina O’Hara, are passionate about Irish culture and offer guests a range of experiences, including traditional music and dance performances, whiskey tastings and Irish language classes.

Relax on an unforgettable spa break

Located on the beautiful island of Lesvos in Greece, the Eressian Hotel & Hammam Spa is a restored 19th-century mansion that offers a unique experience of Greek hospitality. Small but perfectly formed, this villa stay offers guests the choice of two suites and two additional rooms – all elegantly decorated. 

Available to book exclusively and accommodating groups up to 10 people, it’s the ultimate spot for a luxurious girl’s getaway. The hotel’s spa is the main event here and highlights include a traditional Hammam area and a range of wellness treatments, including massages, facials, and body scrubs.

The hotel is located near the historic town of Eressos, the birthplace of the ancient Greek philosopher, Sappho. The hotel’s staff can arrange tours of nearby archaeological sites, beaches, and wineries, as well as outdoor activities such as hiking and birdwatching.

Secluded luxury for an extra special occasion

Manowce Palace is a restored 18th-century palace located on the serene banks of the Szczecin Lagoon in northwestern Poland. Nestled in an outstanding 40 acres of parkland and flanked by woodland, the Manowce Palace offers guests the opportunity to immerse themselves in the natural world. Tastefully decorated throughout with muted tones and a dedecant vibe, choose from three apartments and 13 lavish suites.

Private events are a speciality here and parties of up to 60 people can be accommodated inside the historic house. Or why not go al fresco? The hotel can cater for up to 100 guests in a marquee in the palace’s extraordinary gardens. 

The palace’s restaurant serves traditional Polish cuisine, made from locally sourced ingredients such as freshwater fish, wild game and forest mushrooms. The hotel’s location, near the border with Germany, makes it an ideal base for exploring nearby sights such as the historic city of Szczecin and the Baltic Sea coast.

Europe offers a wealth of unique and historic hotels that are perfect for small groups and special occasions. Whether it’s exploring the impressive natural landscapes of Norway, indulging in luxurious spa treatments in Greece, or immersing oneself in history and culture in Croatia or Poland, there is a hotel in Europe to suit every taste and preference. So why not plan your next getaway to one of these unforgettable destinations?