June 1, 2026, 4:18 pm | Read time: 4 minutes

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

According to the organizers of the Prix Versailles, all 16 awarded hotels exemplify “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 community 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 standing out with flashy 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 the 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 craftsmen. Bavarian tradition meets Japanese-inspired design elements. The design of the house is the responsibility of the Milan-based architecture and design firm of Matteo Thun. Luxury at the Chiemgauhof is not ostentatiously staged but is understated–focusing on high-quality materials, atmosphere, and a connection to nature.

Prices for an overnight stay 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 Establishments on the List

In addition to the Chiemgauhof Lakeside Retreat from Germany, six other European establishments are among the world’s most beautiful hotels. Among them is the Sir Prague, located in a historic building in the center of Prague. The hotel combines contemporary design with the existing structure, according to the Prix Versailles announcement. The interior focuses on minimalist design, clean lines, and natural materials.

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Also noteworthy is La Fondation in the 17th arrondissement of Paris. Unlike classic luxury hotels, it impresses not with its location, landscape, or iconic architecture, but with its conscious integration into a changing urban neighborhood. The establishment combines gastronomy, culture, wellness, and accommodation and sees itself 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 establishment on the Prix Versailles list: Maison Mystique in Thailand. The hotel sees itself less as a classic luxury hotel and more as a walkable, imaginary world. On an approximately 70,000-square-meter, park-like site, a multisensory concept emerges where spaces are not only viewed but experienced as staged events. Architecture, landscape, and design interweave like a narrated dramaturgy.

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

Here is an overview of the most beautiful hotels that made it into this year’s Prix Versailles selection. It is not a ranking. However, three of the 16 selected establishments 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