For discerning travelers seeking breathtaking vistas, Europe offers a collection of soaring 5-star hotels that rival those in Asia and the Middle East. While many of the world’s tallest hotels are located in cities like Dubai or Shanghai, Europe’s skyline is home to its own iconic high-rise hospitality landmarks.
These six elite European hotels offer guests unforgettable, sweeping perspectives over some of the continent’s most storied capitals. If you have a passion for altitude and luxury, these sky-high retreats will leave you awe-inspired—though guests with a fear of heights may want to request a lower floor.
1. Radisson Royal Hotel, Moscow 198 metres
Perched alongside the Moskva River, the Radisson Royal Hotel, Moscow stands as Europe’s tallest 5-star hotel at an impressive 198 meters. Originally known as Hotel Ukraina, this architectural marvel opened its doors in 1957 and held the title of the world’s tallest hotel until 1976, when surpassed by the Westin Peachtree Plaza in Atlanta. The property, now seamlessly blending classic Soviet grandeur with modern amenities, remains a symbol of Moscow’s luxury hospitality scene.
2. Shangri La Hotel At The Shard London 190 metres
Occupying levels 34 through 52 of The Shard, London’s most recognizable skyscraper, the Shangri-La The Shard delivers unparalleled panoramic views of the British capital. Guests are treated to floor-to-ceiling vistas stretching from St Paul’s Cathedral to Canary Wharf, making this five-star property a coveted address for both business and leisure travelers seeking the ultimate London perspective from above.
3. InterContinental Warsaw 164 metres
Since its debut in 2003, the InterContinental Warsaw has set the benchmark for luxury accommodation in Poland’s capital, standing at 164 meters. With 414 elegantly appointed rooms and suites, many featuring sweeping views over Warsaw’s skyline, the hotel remains an icon of modern hospitality in Central Europe. Its wellness center, perched on the 43rd and 44th floors, offers guests a unique opportunity to swim while admiring the cityscape below.
5. Hotel Arts Barcelona, 154 metres
Soaring above the Mediterranean coastline and the bustling Port Olímpic, Hotel Arts Barcelona is a sanctuary for travelers seeking both luxury and spectacular sea views. This five-star property features contemporary design and floor-to-ceiling windows that showcase Barcelona’s cityscape and the azure waters beyond, offering an immersive experience of the city’s vibrant energy from a tranquil vantage point.
6. Ritz Carlton Istanbul, 153 metres
Commanding a privileged position above the Bosphorus, The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul is renowned for its refined elegance and world-class amenities. From its rooftop spa and open-air jacuzzis, guests can soak in panoramic views that bridge two continents—Europe and Asia—making it one of the city’s most exclusive addresses for luxury accommodation and sweeping Istanbul vistas.
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