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11 of the best points hotels in Europe for a snowy winter holiday

Dec. 23, 2022
8 min read
DASPOSTHOTEL AUSTRIA/FACEBOOK
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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

Guest rooms offer epic mountain views. YVES GARNEAU/W VERBIER/FACEBOOK

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

The Hotel Ranga observatory. HOTEL RANGA

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.

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Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh, Scotland

A carriage room at the Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh. WALDORF ASTORIA

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

Cozy up on a cold winter day at Storfjord. STORFJORD HOTEL

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

The pool at the Park Hyatt Vienna. MATTHEW SHAW/PARK HYATT

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

Perfect views at the Crans Ambassador. MAUD DEVAUD/CRANS AMBASSADOR

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

A guest room with views at the Hilton Prague Old Town. HILTON

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

Stunning views from the InterContinental Budapest. MARK MERVEL/INTERCONTINENTAL BUDAPEST/FACEBOOK

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

A snowy, beautiful chalet. 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

Hotel St. George. NORDIC HOTELS

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

Go rustic at Les Pardines 1819. LES PARDINES 1819/IHG

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.

Featured image by DASPOSTHOTEL AUSTRIA/FACEBOOK
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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