Join Ultimate Drives for 10 of the Best Hotels with Michelin Starred Restaurants in Europe
For the discerning traveller, the perfect holiday combines thrilling exploration with moments of exquisite indulgence. At Ultimate Drives, we believe that the journey is just as important as the destination, and that extends to where you rest your head at night. For the true epicurean, a luxury hotel is not just a place to sleep, but a destination in itself, especially when it houses a world-class, Michelin-starred restaurant.
We’ve curated a list of 10 of the most exceptional hotels across Europe, each boasting a coveted Michelin-starred restaurant and perfectly complementing one of our unforgettable driving tours. So, buckle up and prepare to embark on a journey of culinary and automotive excellence.
1. FORESTIS, Dolomites, Italy
The Hotel: Perched high on the southern slope of the Plose mountain, FORESTIS is a serene sanctuary with breathtaking views of the Dolomites. This adults-only hotel is a masterpiece of minimalist alpine-luxe design, focusing on natural materials and a deep connection with the surrounding landscape. With its world-class spa, ski-in/ski-out access, and a commitment to sustainability, FORESTIS offers a truly rejuvenating escape.
The Restaurant: While FORESTIS’s restaurant doesn’t currently hold a Michelin star, its head chef, Roland Lamprecht, has honed his skills in several Michelin-starred establishments. The restaurant’s philosophy is centred around “Forest Cuisine,” utilising ingredients foraged from the surrounding forests and local producers to create innovative and exquisite dishes that reflect the purity of the region.
The Driving Tour: Experience the majestic beauty of the Dolomites on our Dolomites & the Grossglockner Tour.
2. Hotel d’Angleterre, Geneva, Switzerland
The Hotel: Located on the shores of Lake Geneva with stunning views of the Jet d’Eau and Mont Blanc, the historic Hotel d’Angleterre is the epitome of Swiss hospitality and British elegance. Part of the Red Carnation Hotel Collection, this five-star boutique hotel offers individually styled rooms and suites, a vibrant Leopard Bar with live music, and a refined cigar lounge.
The Restaurant: The hotel’s Windows restaurant provides an elegant dining experience with panoramic lake views. While it doesn’t hold a Michelin star, the cuisine is exceptional, focusing on seasonal and local ingredients. For a Michelin-starred experience nearby, the one-starred Le Chat-Botté at the Hotel Beau-Rivage Genève is a short stroll away.
The Driving Tour: The starting point for our Swiss Alps & Jungfrau Tour, this hotel sets the tone for a journey through some of Europe’s most spectacular mountain scenery.
3. COMO Castello del Nero, Tuscany, Italy
The Hotel: Immerse yourself in the heart of the Chianti wine region at COMO Castello del Nero, a magnificent 12th-century castle that has been meticulously restored into a luxurious hotel and spa. Surrounded by 740 acres of vineyards and olive groves, this historic estate boasts Renaissance frescoes, contemporary design by Paola Navone, and the world-class COMO Shambhala Retreat.
The Restaurant: The hotel’s signature restaurant, La Torre, has been awarded one Michelin star for its exceptional Tuscan cuisine. Executive Chef Giovanni Luca Di Pirro creates seasonally inspired dishes using the finest local ingredients, many of which are sourced from the estate’s own organic garden.
The Driving Tour: Perfectly paired with our Florence & Tuscany Tour or A Taste of Tuscany Tour, allowing you to explore the rolling hills and charming towns of this iconic Italian region.
4. The Gleneagles Hotel, Perthshire, Scotland
The Hotel: A true Scottish icon, The Gleneagles Hotel is a luxury resort set in an 850-acre estate in the heart of Perthshire. Known as the “Riviera in the Highlands,” Gleneagles offers a wealth of activities, including three championship golf courses, a world-class spa, and an array of country pursuits. This grand hotel has been a byword for luxury and elegance since it opened in 1924.
The Restaurant: Gleneagles is home to the only restaurant in Scotland with two Michelin stars, Andrew Fairlie at Gleneagles. Tucked away in a discreet corner of the hotel, the restaurant offers an intimate and opulent setting for a truly unforgettable dining experience. Chef Fairlie’s French-inspired cuisine showcases the very best of Scottish produce.
The Driving Tour: An ideal base for our Edinburgh & the Highlands Tour, offering a taste of Scottish luxury after a day exploring the dramatic landscapes of the Highlands.
5. Château de la Chèvre d’Or, Eze, France
The Hotel: Carved into the cliffs of the medieval village of Eze, the Château de la Chèvre d’Or is a legendary hotel with unparalleled views of the Mediterranean Sea. This romantic and enchanting hotel is a maze of hidden gardens, waterfalls, and terraces, offering a truly magical escape on the Côte d’Azur.
The Restaurant: The hotel’s gastronomic restaurant, La Chèvre d’Or, boasts two Michelin stars and is a destination in itself. With its panoramic views and exquisite cuisine, it offers a dining experience that is as breathtaking as its setting. The menu, crafted by chef Arnaud Faye, is a modern interpretation of Mediterranean flavours.
The Driving Tour: A highlight of our French Riviera & Provence Tour, this hotel is the perfect place to soak up the glamour and beauty of the French Riviera.
6. Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo, Monaco
The Hotel: An icon of glamour and luxury, the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo is located on the legendary Place du Casino in the heart of Monaco. This palatial hotel has been welcoming royalty, celebrities, and discerning travellers since 1864, and its recent renovation has further enhanced its timeless elegance.
The Restaurant: The hotel is home to the world-renowned, three-Michelin-starred Le Louis XV – Alain Ducasse à l’Hôtel de Paris. A veritable temple of gastronomy, the restaurant offers a modern and masterful interpretation of Mediterranean cuisine in a spectacular setting.
The Driving Tour: The ultimate destination for our Michelin & Monaco Tour, this hotel offers an unrivalled taste of Monegasque luxury.
7. Grand Hotel Kronenhof, Pontresina, Switzerland
The Hotel: One of the most historic and luxurious hotels in the Alps, the Grand Hotel Kronenhof in Pontresina is a masterpiece of Belle Époque architecture. This five-star superior hotel offers a seamless blend of historic grandeur and modern comfort, with a stunning spa, panoramic views of the Engadine mountains, and a timelessly elegant atmosphere.
The Restaurant: The hotel’s magnificent Grand Restaurant, with its neo-baroque ceiling, is an experience in itself. While not Michelin-starred, the cuisine is of the highest standard. For a Michelin-starred meal, the one-starred Kronenstubli offers a more intimate setting.
The Driving Tour: A perfect fit for our Swiss Spas Tour, allowing you to indulge in the hotel’s luxurious spa after a day of driving through the breathtaking Swiss Alps.
8. Grand Hotel Villa Feltrinelli, Gargnano, Lake Garda, Italy
The Hotel: Nestled on the western shore of Lake Garda, the Grand Hotel Villa Feltrinelli is an exquisite, historic villa that offers unparalleled luxury and exclusivity. This opulent retreat, a former residence of Mussolini, has been meticulously restored to its Belle Époque grandeur, surrounded by lush gardens and boasting breathtaking lake views. It’s an intimate, world-class experience that perfectly aligns with Ultimate Drives’ high standards.
The Restaurant: The hotel’s restaurant, Villa Feltrinelli, holds two Michelin stars. Chef Stefano Baiocco crafts an extraordinary tasting menu focused on the highest quality, often locally sourced, ingredients. Dining here is an unforgettable experience, combining refined Italian cuisine with impeccable service and a stunning setting.
The Driving Tour: This hotel is an ideal stop on your Lake Garda & the Dolomites Tour. It offers the perfect blend of lakeside luxury and Michelin-starred dining, providing a superb base for exploring the beautiful region before heading into the dramatic Dolomites.
9. Brenners Park-Hotel & Spa, Baden-Baden, Germany
The Hotel: An oasis of tranquility in the elegant spa town of Baden-Baden, Brenners Park-Hotel & Spa has been a symbol of grand hotel living for over 150 years. Set in a private park, this refined hotel offers a world-class spa, Villa Stéphanie, dedicated to health and wellbeing, and a timelessly elegant atmosphere.
The Restaurant: While the hotel has several excellent dining options, for a Michelin-starred experience, the nearby Le Jardin de France (one star) is a superb choice. However, the hotel’s own Fritz & Felix restaurant offers a vibrant and innovative dining experience in a more relaxed setting.
The Driving Tour: The perfect start or end point for our Black Forest & Baden-Baden Tour, allowing you to unwind in luxury after exploring the scenic roads of the Black Forest.
10. COMO Castello del Nero, Tuscany, Italy
The Hotel: So good, we had to feature it twice! This magnificent castle hotel is the perfect embodiment of Tuscan luxury and is a highlight of two of our tours.
The Restaurant: The one-Michelin-starred La Torre restaurant is a culinary destination that celebrates the flavours and traditions of Tuscany.
The Driving Tour: Whether you’re on our Florence & Tuscany Tour or our A Taste of Tuscany Tour, a stay at COMO Castello del Nero will be a highlight of your trip.
Ready to embark on your own culinary and driving adventure?
At Ultimate Drives, we create bespoke driving holidays that combine the world’s best driving roads with the most luxurious hotels and experiences. Contact us today to start planning your dream trip.