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5 Luxe European Hotels You Can Stay at With Points

Oct. 22, 2017
5 min read
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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.

Image courtesy of Mystique, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Santorini.

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.

Image courtesy of Hotel Bristol, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Vienna.

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.

Image courtesy of the Boscolo Exedra Nice.

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.

Image courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton, Abama.

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.

Image courtesy of the Radisson Blu 1919 Hotel.

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

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Apply for American Express® Gold Card
at American Express's secure site

Rewards

1 - 4X points

Intro offer

As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.

Annual Fee

$325

Recommended Credit

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.
Apply for American Express® Gold Card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees
Best for dining at restaurants
TPG Editor‘s Rating
4 / 5
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Rewards Rate

4XEarn 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.
4XEarn 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.
3XEarn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
2XEarn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
1XEarn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • Intro Offer

    As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.
  • Annual Fee

    $325
  • Recommended Credit

    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.