While Europe enjoys centuries of history, it is also quite modern. The continent is home to castles and churches hundreds of years old as well as state-of-the-art factories and nightclubs. The choices of accommodations also run the gamut for historic to cutting-edge. From Tuscan farmhouses and restored palaces to modern marvels and seaside hideaways, these ten hot hotels all combine European tradition with twenty-first century modernity.

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AUSTRIA

Vienna
Hollman Beletage
www.hollman-beletage.at

This intimate, sixteen-room hotel is located in the center of historic Vienna, a mere two minutes from St. Stephen’s Cathedral. The hotel is owned by chef/actor Robert Hollman, and he makes a point of serving each guest a personal breakfast: no generic buffet here! Whether you want to relax in the spa, peruse the hotel's library, sip a glass of complimentary tea or liquor, or play a game of Scrabble in the lounge (with its fireplace and piano bar), you’ll feel welcome here.

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CROATIA

Dubrovnik
Hotel Bellevue
www.hotel-bellevue.hr

Opened in March 2007, this hotel sits atop a cliff overlooking the Adriatic Sea, 30 meters above Miramare Bay, with spectacular views of the sea from every room, all of which are equipped with the latest technology. A true sanctuary for those seeking a little R&R, the hotel embodies a Mediterranean feel, from its panoramic sea views to its refined chic-art concept organic materials. The hotel is within walking distance to shops, historical sights and monuments. Relax on the hotel’s beach complete with its own bar and restaurant.

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ENGLAND

London
Blake's
www.blakeshotels.com

Situated in the quiet residential area of South Kensington, Blake’s is the brainchild of Anouska Hempel, who wears two hats: hotelier and internationally renowned designer. A haven for the glitterati, this is still a great place to stay for mere mortals, too. Think decadence: rich velvets, rare silks, mother-of-pearl furniture and trompe l’oeil walls. Relax in your European King sized four-poster bed and dine on original Asian-inspired food at the renowned Blake's Restaurant.

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FRANCE

Paris
Hotel Fouquet's Barrière
www.fouquets-barrière.com

For a hotel that straddles the intersection between the Champs Elysees and Avenue George V, it should come as no surprise that this lavish Haussman-style building offers velvet furniture, sharkskin-encased flat-screen televisions and a terrace complete with silver-dipped tree branches. Indulge in a meal at La Galerie Joy, overlooking the hotel’s interior private garden. This is a hotel where tradition meets modernity and does it in oh-so-chic Parisian style.

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GREECE

Santorini
Mystique
www.mystique.gr

Opened in May 2007, Mystique boasts eighteen villas and suites carved into Oai's famous cliff face. Quarried limestone floors, antique textiled cushions and an infinity-edge pool, are just the start of a fantastic stay on the Greek Isles. Visit the "secret" wine cave—a cellar with a rare and indigenous wine selection—dine at the Aura Pool Bar, and if you can lure yourself away from the beauty of your secluded suite, take a tour of the island on a mountain bike.

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ITALY

Tuscany
La Bandita
www.labandita.com

La Bandita was created by a former American music executive, John Voigtmann, who quit the rat race to live his dreams, and he has made a point of ensuring that this isn’t another typical hotel. Formerly a derelict farm, La Bandita is set in a two-thousand-acre nature reserve, with 360-degree views of the Val d’Orcia. The four-acre property boasts outdoor dining areas, an infinity pool, spacious guestrooms with sweeping views, modern furnishings and a vacation experience like no other.

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PORTUGAL

Lisbon
As Janelas Verdes
www.asjanelasverdes.com

Located in the historic center of Lisbon, this former 18th-century palace was once the home of novelist José Maria Eça de Queiroz. Situated next to the art museum and near the Tagus river, As Janelas Verdes—meaning "Green Windows"—has a warm, romantic atmosphere, combining antique furniture with modern comforts. Be sure to dine on the ivy-covered patio. Despite the throwback to a bygone era, the hotel still offers hi-tech amenities, including wireless Internet access in all rooms.

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SPAIN

Granada
Hotel Casa Morisca
www.hotelcasamorisca.com

The Hotel Casa Morisca ("Moorish house") dates back to the 15th century. Named for the Muslims who remained in Granada after the Spanish conquest, a stay here is akin to stepping back in time. The patio still boasts the original morisco pool, and the entire structure features a strong North-African design influence. The fourteen rooms reflect Moroccan décor of a bygone era in this understated vacation retreat.

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SWEDEN

Stockholm
Hotel J
www.hotelj.com

A fifteen-minute boat ride from the center of Stockholm takes visitors to this hotel/restaurant/conference center on the water’s edge at Nacka Strand. Named for the America’s Cup J class yachts, the hotel is based on a nautical theme, as all rooms boast either a balcony or patio with harbor views. White painted wooden boards and strong cotton linens can be found throughout, and Restaurant J sits on the pier, specializing, of course, in international seafood.

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SWITZERLAND

Zurich
Widder Hotel
www.widderhotel.ch

Created out of ten medieval townhouses surrounding a central courtyard, the Widder Hotel mixes wooden beams and old stone walls with ultra-modern staircases and fittings. The 42-room, seven-suite hotel boasts individually decorated rooms, making your stay in this unique space akin to residing in an artist's gallery. From the Widder Restaurant to the hotel’s magic garden and the Widder Bar, the architectural designs that skillfully meld the old with the new make a stay in this hotel in the heart of Zurich an absolute must.