Hotels
Valentine's breaks: 9 romantic hotels in Europe
Valentine's Day is the perfect excuse for a weekend for two. These are the most romantic hotels we know in Europe, from a palace in Venice and a monastery in Prague to the cliffs above the Amalfi Coast.
Valentine's Day falls in mid February, when winter feels longest. It is the perfect excuse to get away, just the two of you, to a city where it is easy to fall in love all over again.
We have picked nine hotels in Europe where the setting does half the work: palaces, monasteries and terraces with views. Most are just a short flight away.
The hotel links are affiliate links. If you book through them, Picolo may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. You choose your own dates and room on the hotel page.
How to choose a hotel for a romantic weekend
Choose a hotel where the location makes it easy to come and go, so you skip taxis and planning. Ask for a room with a view or a bathtub when you book, and check whether the hotel has Valentine's packages with dinner or spa.
Classic city romance: Paris, Vienna and Venice
Art and culture: Rome, Florence and Prague
Something different: Bruges and Lisbon
Sun and sea views: Ravello on the Amalfi Coast
Palaces and great cities
Hotel Danieli
One of the rooms at the Danieli.
Venice: Hotel Danieli
The Danieli occupies a Gothic palace on the Riva degli Schiavoni, a few minutes from St Mark's Square. From the rooftop terrace you look across the lagoon to San Giorgio Maggiore.
Venice in winter is quiet and misty, without the summer crowds. Guests praise the staff.
Book the hotel: See available rooms at Hotel Danieli
Le Pavillon de la Reine
A room at Le Pavillon de la Reine.
Paris: Le Pavillon de la Reine
Le Pavillon de la Reine is on the Place des Vosges in the Marais, behind an ivy-covered facade. It is one of the most beautiful squares in Paris, and the hotel has its own spa.
Wifi and parking are included, and guests praise the staff.
Book the hotel: See available rooms at Le Pavillon de la Reine
Hotel Sacher Wien
The red salon at Hotel Sacher.
Vienna: Hotel Sacher
Hotel Sacher stands opposite the State Opera and is the home of the original Sachertorte. The interior is all red velvet, chandeliers and old paintings.
St Stephen's Cathedral is a few minutes away, and there is a restaurant on site.
Book the hotel: See available rooms at Hotel Sacher Wien
Hotel de Russie
The restaurant and garden at Hotel de Russie.
Rome: Hotel de Russie
Hotel de Russie sits between the Piazza del Popolo and the Spanish Steps, with a secret terraced garden behind the hotel. The Villa Borghese is a few minutes away.
There is a spa, and most of the sights in the centre are within walking distance.
Book the hotel: See available rooms at Hotel de Russie
Portrait Firenze
Views over the Arno from Portrait Firenze.
Florence: Portrait Firenze
Portrait Firenze stands on the Arno right by the Ponte Vecchio. The rooms are large suites with views over the river and the rooftops.
There is a restaurant, and the Uffizi and the Duomo are just minutes away on foot.
Book the hotel: See available rooms at Portrait Firenze
Small towns and sea views
Augustine Prague
The Augustine and the rooftops of Malá Strana.
Prague: The Augustine
The Augustine is in a 13th century Augustinian monastery in Malá Strana, a few minutes from Charles Bridge. The garden and the old monastery rooms make it one of the city's most special hotels.
There is a spa and a restaurant.
Book the hotel: See available rooms at Augustine Prague
Dukes' Palace Brugge
Dukes' Palace in Bruges.
Bruges: Dukes' Palace
Dukes' Palace occupies the old ducal palace in Bruges, with a large garden in the middle of town. The canals, cobbled streets and chocolate shops are right outside.
Guests praise the breakfast. Bruges is small enough to explore on foot in a weekend.
Book the hotel: See available rooms at Dukes' Palace Brugge
Bairro Alto Hotel
The rooftop terrace at Bairro Alto Hotel.
Lisbon: Bairro Alto Hotel
Bairro Alto Hotel is on Praça Luís de Camões between Chiado and Bairro Alto. From the rooftop terrace you look out over the rooftops and the River Tagus at sunset.
Guests especially love the location. Lisbon is 15 to 17 degrees in February, so you can sit outside by day.
Book the hotel: See available rooms at Bairro Alto Hotel
Caruso, A Belmond Hotel
Views from Caruso over the Amalfi Coast.
Ravello: Caruso
Caruso is in an old palace on the cliffs at Ravello, high above the Amalfi Coast. Its infinity pool seems to hang right over the sea.
Breakfast and wifi are included, and guests praise the staff. Check opening dates, as many Amalfi Coast hotels close in winter.
Book the hotel: See available rooms at Caruso, A Belmond Hotel
When should you book a romantic weekend?
Valentine's Day is 14 February, and the weekend around it fills up quickly at the most romantic hotels. Book in January if you can. The weekend before or after is often better value.
Ask for a room with a view or a bathtub
Book dinner in advance
Check whether the hotel has Valentine's packages
See also the best hotels in Paris and the best hotels in Amsterdam.
FAQ: romantic hotels for Valentine's Day
Which city is most romantic for Valentine's Day?
Paris, Venice and Vienna are the classics. For something smaller, Bruges and Prague are just as beautiful and often better value.
Where can we go for a romantic weekend with sun in February?
Lisbon and Andalusia are 15 to 18 degrees in February. For more warmth, the Canary Islands and Madeira are good choices.
What is the most romantic hotel in Venice?
The Danieli by St Mark's Square is one of the classics, in a Gothic palace with a rooftop terrace over the lagoon.
When should we book a Valentine's break?
Book in January if you can. The weekend around 14 February fills up quickly at the most popular hotels.
Is the Amalfi Coast open in winter?
Many hotels close from November to March. Check opening dates before you book.