5 Luxe European Hotels You Can Stay at With Points

Sometimes it can be hard to know if a hotel belongs to a particular chain or loyalty program. This is especially true when it comes to some of the brands within brands, like Starwood's Luxury Collection or Marriott's Autograph Collection — if the name of the hotel group isn't reflected in the name of the property, you may never know you could have used points there until it's too late. Likewise, there are so many different hotel brands in Europe that you simply might not be familiar with all of them, especially if they aren't in familiar destinations like London or Paris. Here, we aim to correct that, with a look at some of our favorite cool European luxury hotels, all bookable with points.

1. Mystique, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Santorini

The Mystique in Santorini, Greece, is the definition of luxury, perched on a cliff with panoramic views of turquoise waters. The rooms, with their Greek-style white-brushed walls and simplistic décor complete with touches of blue and wood, induce sheer tranquility. Each comes with bathrobes and slippers, a fruit basket, deluxe bath amenities, a video library, bottled water and a sea-facing terrace, while the most decadent suites have Jacuzzis or private plunge pools.

Even if you don't have your own private pool, enjoying a crisp white wine at the hotel's infinity pool seems like a delightful way to spend an afternoon in Santorini, followed by a massage at the Asian Spa. Rates at this SPG Category 7 property start at 402 euros (~$474) per night in October, and while it is possible to book with points — from 30,000 to 35,000 Starpoints per night depending on the season — you must call Starwood directly to do so.

2. Hotel Bristol, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Vienna

Experience Vienna's musical charm at Hotel Bristol, another Starwood Luxury Collection property. The history of this hotel runs deep, as it was founded in 1892 and has housed guests like Theodore Roosevelt, Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson, and Giacomo Puccini. It's also one of the places George Gershwin stayed while composing his masterpiece, An American in Paris.

Each of the 150 rooms and 23 suites sports elegant Art Nouveau decor, and you'll find a 24-hour fitness center, Wi-Fi and three onsite restaurants. The hotel welcomes pets, and a portion of the pet fee — 50 euros or about $59 per day — is donated to animal-welfare organization TierQuarTier Wien. Rates at this SPG Category 5 property start at 293 euros (~$345) or 12,000 Starpoints per night in October.

3. Boscolo Exedra Nice, Autograph Collection 

The Boscolo Exedra Nice, Autograph Collection, is located in the South of France, just a few minutes from Promenade des Anglais in a spot that's ideal for shopping, dining and enjoying the beach. The hotel itself has a classic design but still looks modern with its bright, white interior and sun-filled rooms. Each one comes with robes, slippers, a hairdryer, a safe, a desk and 32-inch TV, and you can relax at the indoor pool or work out in the fitness center. The Deep Nature Spa offers plenty of relaxing treatments, as well as manicures, pedicures and makeup services to ensure you're looking your best during your time in the glamorous French Riviera. Rates at the Marriott Category 8 property start at 146 euros (~$172) or 40,000 Marriott Reward points per night in October.

4. The Ritz-Carlton, Abama in Tenerife

Located in Tenerife, one of Spain's Canary Islands, The Ritz-Carlton, Abama provides a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of mainland Europe. This massive resort-style property is on a cliff overlooking the ocean and is home to a golf course, two Michelin-starred restaurants — M.B and Kabuki — as well as eight other eateries, seven tennis courts, a 27,000-square-foot spa, fitness center, seven swimming pools and a private beach you can reach by funicular. Rooms offer iHome docking stations, marble bathrooms, Nespresso coffee machines and Wi-Fi, while some suites come with private outdoor Jacuzzis, private pools or Japanese gardens. Rates start at 421 euros (~$496) or 50,000 reward points per night in October.

5. The Radisson Blu 1919 Hotel, Reykjavik

Perhaps grouping this hotel into the luxury category is pushing it, but travelers often forget they can use Club Carlson points at Radisson Blu hotels. Decently priced and often trendy, they may not cater to your every whim, but rooms are clean and comfortable. This particular property, the Radisson Blu 1919 Hotel in Reykjavik, Iceland, isn't opulent but modern and cool, fitting perfectly with Iceland's overall funky vibe. It's situated in the city center within walking distance of many major attractions, with 88 sleek rooms and suites offering free Wi-Fi. Suites also have Nespresso coffee machines, separate sitting rooms, Jacuzzis and access to daily breakfast. The hotel also has a fitness facility and laundry center, with rates starting at 265 euros (~$312) or 70,000 Gold Points per night in October.

What are some of your favorite hotels in Europe to stay at with points? Sound off, below.