11 of the best points hotels in Europe for a snowy winter holiday
Looking for a snowy getaway this winter? Europe is the place to be.
Whether you’re hoping to ski the Alps, sip mulled wine in a cozy cafe, catch the last of the winter wonderland holiday markets, or simply explore a charming historical city underneath a layer of fresh white snow, there’s a destination for you.
For the cash-poor but points-rich, here are some of the best hotels in Europe to use your points at during winter for a seasonal escape — including options in Iceland, Scotland, Switzerland and beyond.
W Verbier, Switzerland
It doesn’t get better than the Swiss Alps for ski and snow fans. This Marriott property in Val de Bagnes is right next to the Medran station, Verbier’s main gondola, for easy access to the slopes.
The W Verbier‘s wooden chalet vibes may seem rustic from the exterior, but its interior is anything but, drenched in bold colors and local art. The property’s luminous guest rooms and suites feature amenities like fireplaces and panoramic mountain views.
How much? Winter rates start at 949 Swiss francs (about $1,025) or 96,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.
Hotel Ranga, Iceland
This unique Icelandic property – part of Hyatt’s Small Luxury Hotels of the World portfolio – sits in the remote southern wilderness near the town of Hella, and is ideal for nature buffs who still want to experience luxury on their adventure.
Hotel Ranga has its own observatory with some very elaborate telescopes, ideal for stargazing or viewing the emblematic northern lights. Rooms range from cozy cabins to elaborate master suites but are all decked out in local art and furnishings. Some are complete with freestanding soaking tubs and Nespresso coffee machines to warm you up.
How much? Winter rates start at 262 euros ($278) or 25,000 World of Hyatt points per night.
Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh, Scotland
This landmark hotel dates back to 1903, set on the famous Princes Street in the heart of Edinburgh.
Featuring views of the iconic Edinburgh Castle, the Waldorf Astoria also has an indoor pool and a steam room, ideal for relaxing after a long, snowy day of tourism.
Consider a room with a castle view, or opt for the unique carriage rooms, which feature railway decor like metalwork and polished burr veneers — an ode to Scottish Victorian railway carriages.
How much? Winter rates start at 203 British pounds ($245) or 63,000 Hilton Honors points per night.
Related: 10 surprising winter sun holiday destinations you may not have thought of
Storfjord Hotel, Norway
This Mr & Mrs Smith eco-lodge is part of IHG One Rewards, featuring secluded cabins set among Norway’s fjords.
Storfjord offers cozy rejuvenation, as the hotel has stunning views of the Nordic scenery and amenities like fireplaces, hot saunas and hygge-inspired hot tubs.
The property also offers bikes, snowshoes, walking poles and fishing gear. This spot is for sustainable travelers who want to enjoy the landscape but also have an upscale, welcoming space to return to each evening.
How much? Winter rates start at 3,490 Norwegian krone ($354) or 47,500 IHG One Rewards points per night.
Park Hyatt Vienna, Austria
A TPG favorite, the Park Hyatt Vienna remains one of the most prestigious places to stay in the Austrian capital.
Although the hotel is newer, the building dates back more than 100 years and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The property manages to seamlessly blend Austrian history with modern, coveted amenities, like its swimming pool located in what was once a bank’s underground vault.
Rooms feature high ceilings, muted decor and marble bathrooms, overlooking the snowy city center down below.
How much? Winter rates start at 500 euros ($530) or 21,000 Hyatt points per night.
Crans Ambassador, Switzerland
When it comes to snow-seeking, Switzerland is one of the best countries in Europe for a guaranteed sprinkle or covering.
This Swiss ski resort, Crans Ambassador, feels wildly different than the W Verbier, focusing on intimate relaxation and wellness within its contemporary chalet.
The Hyatt SLH property is perched on a pine-covered mountaintop, featuring a traditional Alpine wine cellar, incredible views of the snowy landscape, and outdoor fireplaces perfect for apres-ski warming drinks and snacks.
How much? Winter rates start at 324 British pounds ($391) or 25,000 Hyatt points per night.
Hilton Prague Old Town, Czech Republic
For those wanting to explore Prague’s picturesque Old Town under a layer of snow, the Hilton Prague Old Town (one of two Hilton hotels in the Czech capital) is within walking distance of all the classic sights, such as Charles Bridge and Republic Square.
Its guest rooms underwent a renovation in 2018, and now feature modern elements like sleek marble bathrooms and art deco-inspired design details like geometric headboards and streamlined lighting elements.
How much? Winter rates start at 4,520 Czech koruna ($198) or 50,000 Hilton points per night.
InterContinental Budapest, Hungary
Although this IHG hotel isn’t the most glamorous InterContiental property in Europe, the gorgeous panoramas of the Danube River from some of the hotel’s guest rooms are simply unbeatable, especially when the Buda Castle Quarter is lightly dusted with snow.
The InterContinental Budapest also features an indoor pool and a spa that offers seasonal treatments for those that need to rejuvenate after a day of exploration in wintry temperatures.
How much? Winter rates start at 145 euros ($154) or 27,000 IHG points per night.
DasPosthotel, Austria
In South Tyrol, this Hyatt SLH Alpine hotel offers amenities like fireplaces and saunas to warm up after a day on the Zillertal slopes.
DasPosthotel rooms are simple yet chic, decked out in wood (an ode to the ski cabin vibes of the area), with an infusion of contemporary design elements like glass and metal.
The steaming, heated outdoor pool is even usable in the colder months, complete with gorgeous mountain views.
How much? Winter rates start at 257 British pounds ($310) or 20,000 Hyatt points per night.
Related: TPG UK readers share their top tips for traveling to Austria
Hotel St. George, Finland
In a historic building in Helsinki’s Old Church Park, Hotel St. George is the perfect place to stay to explore the Finnish capital, which typically has consistent snow cover by January of each year.
A Marriott Design Hotel, the hotel features charming light-filled rooms, from cozy studios to signature suites. Rooms are simple yet beautiful, with unique furnishings and art from popular Finnish artists.
Dine at the Wintergarden — the hotel’s "living room" — which is covered with a glass ceiling and features tasty snacks and no-waste cocktails.
How much? Winter rates start at 208 euros ($220) or 33,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.
Les Pardines 1819, Andorra
A former farmhouse perched along the Pyrenees peaks, Les Pardines 1819, a Mr & Mrs Smith property, infuses Catalan culture and history into a rustic, romantic stay. The hotel describes itself as “lumberjack luxe and apres-ski glamour,” and we tend to agree.
With rooms decked out in stone, wood and slate furnishings, you’ll get the feeling that you’re really off the beaten path in these Andorran foothills.
The hotel’s restaurant, led by chef Oriol Rovira, overlooks the property’s pond, featuring innovative farm-to-table cuisine and a Catalan wine menu.
How much? Winter rates start at 230 euros ($244) or 37,500 IHG points per night. A two-night minimum stay is required during the winter months.
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.