Valentine’s day in Europe doesn’t have to be predicable, but then sometimes the clichés are there for a reason. February 14th is the perfect excuse for a romantic getaway especially when, as in 2026, it conveniently falls on a weekend. There are a huge number of romantic hotels in Europe so choosing can be a trick.
These are my pick of five romantic destinations in Europe each with a characterful hotel. These are romantic European getaways designed for couples who value quality beautiful settings rather than the latest trend.
The classic romantic option – Paris
You can’t talk about Valentine’s day in Europe without talking about Paris. The city of love. It has a reputation that has not come from marketing, but from hundreds of years of literature, art and social freedom. To this day it is a city that invites one to linger, to take time, to sit in the streetside cafés and wander the riverbanks.
It is a very walkable city, but nonetheless a large one, and visitors often question which of the cities arrondissements, or quarters, is best to stay. The draw of the Eiffel tower is such that it is tempting to stay nearby, but in reality you can see the tower from all over Paris, and it is actually better viewed from a little further away, especially when it twinkles at nighttime.
My favourite place to stay is in the 6th Arrondissement, which includes the St Germain district, Luxembourg and Odéon. It is the Paris of my dreams, small bistros and luxury stores, little alleyways and wide boulevards. It is, in short, real Paris.
The Hotel Odéon is a comfortable and charming base for any Paris trip. This isn’t a grand palace or a large luxury hotel, instead it is a Parisian boutique hotel full of character. Its small, just 35 rooms and suites, and oh so very French. The staff are delightful, the breakfast is lovely, and unusually for this size of hotel in Paris, is taken on the ground floor in the open lobby rather than in the basement. The sofa seating gives it a slightly bohemian air. There is no bar or restaurant which is undoubtably the reason why the hotel has 3* despite the 5* service (but that has the benefit of keeping the prices reasonable). And as there is a bar/restaurant directly opposite as well as many other dining establishments in the area that is hardly a downside. I would be delighted to be taken here for Valentine’s day. In fact, I would be delighted to go here any day of the year.
The Premium option – An English Country House Hotel
If you like your glamour mixed with traditional style then this country house hotel should be high on your list. Just an hour from central London Cliveden House is the epitome of romance. Built 350 years ago by a Duke for his mistress the private estate has been home to wicked parties and scandalous affairs over the years. It was the home to Nancy Astor, a gift from her father in Law after her marriage and is where Meghan, Duchess of Sussex stayed the night before her wedding.
Cliveden house is a historic National Trust Estate, now operated as luxury country house hotel with 48 bedrooms and suites, each lavishly decorated. The gardens are run by the National trust and are open to the public. Here you can imagine yourself part of the English aristocracy come to the country for the weekend. Heavy drapes, glittering chandeliers and even the odd suit of armour add to the historic feel. With an award-winning spa, both casual and elegant formal dining options and beautiful grounds there is no need to leave the estate. This is without a doubt the type of place where the experience matters and the price tag reflects its history and reputation.
The under the radar option – Ortigia, Sicily
Ortigia is a small island connected to Syracuse by bridges, on the South-East coast of Sicily. Cars are discouraged on the island and everything is reachable by foot. The island has a long history, involving Greeks and Romans and even Archimedes.
There is just the right amount of things to see for a weekend without being rushed or overwhelmed. The temple of Apollo and the cathedral built on the temple of Athena are particularly worth seeing. Add to that the mild bright sunny weather that Sicily enjoys in February and you have the perfect destination for a romantic getaway.
Algilà charme hotel is just steps away from the Mediterranean. It is a small historic palazzo style boutique hotel created from several restored buildings. It has classic understated interiors and traditional style rooms. It is the sort of place where you feel you are staying in a private house rather than a hotel. There is no restaurant but that is hardly a problem with the number of good trattoria and restaurants you can find on the streets or Ortigia. For a special romantic meal I recommend Davè Sicilian taste (note the accent, it is important. Without it, it becomes somewhat less romantic and for some reason the name Dave always arrives in my head with a Wolverhampton twang).
The once in a lifetime option – Lapland, Sweden
The appeal here is the atmosphere rather than the attractions. The area is all snow covered forests and frozen rivers. There is very little artificial light making it a great spot to see the Northern Lights (also known as the Aurora Borealis).
The tree house is a truly unique hotel (and unique is not a word I use often). Eight individual tree houses, designed by architects, each with their own eclectic style. From the Bird’s nest (designed by Bertil Harstrom) to the Mirror cube (designed by Bolle Tham and Martin Videgård) each treehouse has been designed to let guests be one with nature, but in comfort.
Whilst there guests can go on dogsled adventures, snowmobile tours and if they are lucky see the Northern lights. The hotel also has a guesthouse, with a gastronomic restaurant based on seasonal local hand-picked ingredients. The dining rooms are separate and individually decorated giving a romantic and intimate atmosphere that is perfect for valentine’s day. There are also rooms in the guesthouse, described as homely. Not all of the guest rooms have their own showers and none of the treehouses do, shower facilities are in the guesthouse.
This is such a unusual hotel it should come as no surprise to learn the the treehouses are all booked up for Valentine’s day 2026, although there are still rooms available in the guesthouse. If you are interested in valentine’s day 2027 in this hotel you should book early.
The best value option Porto
If you want a romantic European city that won’t break the bank then Porto is a good choice. It’s got historic architecture and cozy streets but isn’t so big as to be intimidating for a weekend. It has a great food seen, world famous wine and one of the most picturesque waterfronts in Europe. And it consistently ranks as one of the most affordable city break destinations in Western Europe.
The Icon Duplo is a four-star hotel set across 2 buildings. The Original side represents traditional Porto, with wall tiles and granite lintels and elegant bedrooms. The custom side is a much more modern aesthetic, with granite shelves and bare wood. Some of the rooms in the custom side are in Duplex format.
For Valentine’s day I think the custom side is much more romantic, and a superior room with a view can be had for 168€ per night for Valentine’s weekend. Some of the rooms come with the twin beds pushed together style which is common in Europe so make sure you specify on booking if you want a king-sized bed.
For a romantic evening, I recommend the restaurant O Solar do Patio, just a 2 minute walk from the hotel. Tucked away in a courtyard this restaurant in an old manor house serves excellent Portuguese food and represents very good value for money. The atmosphere is welcoming, it’s everything you want in a restaurant.
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