May 13, 2026, 10:53 am | Read time: 4 minutes

German Hotel Among World’s Most Beautiful According to Prix Versailles

All 16 awarded hotels are, according to the Prix Versailles officials, examples of “a new form of hospitality.” They combine innovation with local identity and vividly demonstrate how architecture and design can shape the travel experience.

At the Chiemgauhof Lakeside Retreat in the Bavarian town of Übersee, which opened last year, it quickly becomes clear what this means. The architecture is inspired by the region’s typical barns and interprets their design language in a modern way. Instead of pushing forward with striking design, the building is meant to let the surrounding nature take center stage. At night, the softly lit hotel resembles a Japanese lantern, with the lighting intentionally kept subtle. According to Prix Versailles, this approach aims to minimize light pollution in the landscape.

Inside, natural materials and clear forms define the hotel’s concept. Many details were created in collaboration with local artisans. Bavarian tradition meets Japanese-inspired design elements. The Milan-based architecture and design firm of Matteo Thun is responsible for the house’s design. Luxury at Chiemgauhof is not ostentatiously staged but is understated–focusing on high-quality materials, atmosphere, and connection to nature.

Prices for a night at the Chiemgauhof Lakeside Retreat vary depending on the travel period; they start at 590 euros per night but can be significantly higher during peak season.

Strong Presence of European Hotels on the List

In addition to the Chiemgauhof Lakeside Retreat from Germany, six other European hotels are among the world’s most beautiful. These include Sir Prague, located in a historic building in Prague’s city center. The hotel combines contemporary design with the existing structure, according to the Prix Versailles publication. The interior emphasizes minimalist design, clean lines, and natural materials.

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Also noteworthy is La Fondation in Paris’s 17th arrondissement. Unlike classic luxury hotels, this one impresses not with its location, landscape, or iconic architecture, but with its deliberate integration into a changing urban neighborhood. The establishment combines dining, culture, wellness, and accommodation and is conceived as an open, green urban space with terraces and gardens. The interior by Roman and Williams uses high-quality materials, light, and artisanal details. Overall, a restrained, urban-influenced luxury approach emerges.

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Intriguing Mention from the List: Maison Mystique

Leaving Europe, we look at a particularly striking hotel on the Prix Versailles list: Maison Mystique in Thailand. The hotel is less a classic luxury hotel and more a walkable, imaginary world. On a park-like area of about 70,000 square meters, a multisensory concept emerges, where spaces are not only viewed but experienced as staged events. Architecture, landscape, and design intertwine like a narrated dramaturgy.

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The Complete List of the Most Beautiful Hotels 2026 (Prix Versailles)

The most beautiful hotels that made it into this year’s Prix Versailles selection, once again in overview. This is not a ranking. However, three of the 16 selected hotels will additionally be awarded an international main title of the Prix Versailles at the end of the year–in the categories of architecture, interior, or exterior design. TRAVELBOOK presents the hotels in the order they are listed on the official website.

• The ArcadiaPlace – Lugu Lake, Yanyuan, China
• The Silk Lakehouse, Shangri-La Hangzhou – Hangzhou, China
• Sir Prague – Prague, Czech Republic
• Chiemgauhof Lakeside Retreat – Übersee, Germany
• La Fondation – Paris, France
• Les Roches – Le Lavandou, France
• The Telegraph Hotel – Tbilisi, Georgia
• Villa Dubrovnik – Dubrovnik, Croatia
• The Oberoi Rajgarh Palace – Khajuraho, India
• Orient Express La Minerva – Rome, Italy
• Splendido, A Belmond Hotel – Portofino, Italy
• Kasbah d’If – Marrakech, Morocco
• Naboa – Tulum, Mexico
• Soori Penang – George Town, Malaysia
• Desert Rock – Ḩanak, Saudi Arabia
• Maison Mystique – Khao Yai, Thailand