The Best All Inclusive Hotels to Book in Europe

You'll have your pick of the pools at Crete hotel Grecotel White Palace, with 20 to choose from | Courtesy of Grecotel White Palace / Expedia

Alexis James

16 November 2021

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An all-in holiday is the ultimate way to down tools and ensure you’ve left as many of your daily stresses and reluctant routines at home. When the toughest decision of the day is the poolside dilemma over choc chip or pistachio (the answer is one of each, of course) then you know you’ve hit the vacation jackpot. Whether it’s sunny or snowing, or a little bit of both, all-inclusive hotels in Europe come in many forms, and most are splendidly indulgent. What’s more, we’ve saved you the hassle of searching with a list of the best, below – all easy to book on Culture Trip, too.

Hotel Rui Gran Canaria, for delicious dishes

Large outdoor swimming pool surrounded by palm trees

Courtesy of Hotel Riu Gran Canaria / Expedia

There are more than 600 keys at this palatial four-star hotel overlooking Meloneras Coast in Maspalomas. The vast, palm-lined gardens are home to several swimming pools; among them is an infinity number that blends into the Atlantic, while the splash pool with dragon and aeroplane slides is a hit with the kids. For something with a little less childhood thrills and spills, the hotel has adult-only swim-up suites: you get your own terrace and private pool, as well as a well-stocked minibar with a much-needed icemaker. The international food options include four restaurants with menus spanning everything from Asian specialities to local Canarian favourites.

All kinds of activities at Sporthotel Achensee

Hotel at the foot of a ski slope amid a snowy landscape

Courtesy of Sporthotel Achensee / Expedia

This vibrant Austrian hotel places adventure and nature at the heart of its family-friendly offering on the glorious Lake Achensee. Sports fans can improve their activity skills with season-specific coaching in golf, football and skiing, and participants of all ages are encouraged to get involved. For adults looking to challenge themselves further, the hotel runs a varied programme that includes Nordic walking, high-altitude climbing, and mountain-biking. You can enjoy all of that safely in the knowledge that the hotel’s comprehensive kindergarten facilities include 10 staff trained to keep your little ones entertained.

Le Suisse Nice, for champagne and sea views

Hôtel Suisse enjoys a prime position on the seafront in Nice | Courtesy of Hôtel Suisse / Expedia

Despite the name, this superbly located Nice hotel takes its chief inspiration from neighbouring Italy, with its cream-and-terracotta facade and black iron balconies. The south-facing frontage ensures a sea view for guests in every one of its 38 rooms – those who book into the Privilege rooms or the suites will be given a glass of crisp, chilled champagne on arrival. A buffet breakfast, including fresh pastries baked on site, is included and can be delivered to your room to enjoy with your own private view of the sparkling Med.

Iberostar Lagos Algarve, for two of everything

The large outdoor swimming pool at Iberostar Lagos Algarve with views of the ocean

Courtesy of Iberostar Selection Lagos Algarve / Expedia

This sun-kissed Portuguese five-star hotel is merely a skip away from Meia beach, and a 10-minute drive away from the historic town of Lagos. There are more than 200 rooms to choose from, and to make sure that nobody misses out on anything, this Iberostar outpost has provided two of everything. You’ll find a pair of outdoor swimming pools, bars, restaurants and so on. This being the Algarve, you’ve never too far away from a golf course, but if you’d rather try your hand at an alternative sport, ask at reception for the lowdown on kitesurfing lessons, which are held nearby.

Suite sensations at Zafiro Palace Alcudia

A picnic-style dining table at an outdoor restaurant overlooking pool at Zafiro Palace Alcudia on Mallorca, Balearic Islands

Courtesy of Zafiro Palace Alcudia / Booking.com

There are more than 10 types of suites to choose from at this 369-room resort, a few minutes’ stroll away from Alcudia Beach, in the north of Mallorca. The 165sqm (1,776sqft) Owner Suite is the top pick, given its roof terrace with hot tub, two bedrooms with en-suites featuring marble partition walls, and a cool open-plan living and dining room. As in all suites, there’s also a good size kitchenette. But, with show-cooking and themed dinners at The Market Restaurant (regular themes include Mallorcan, Latin American, Mediterranean and Asian) don’t miss the opportunity to be generously fed by your hosts.

Lenkerhof Gourmet Spa Resort, for natural highs

The snow-covered Lenkerhof Gourmet Spa Resort located in the Swiss mountainside

Courtesy of Lenkerhof Gourmet Spa Resort / Expedia

The all-inclusive packages at this Swiss mountainside spa resort in Lenk don’t just include meals from three gourmet restaurants. The hotel can throw in ski day passes (and apres-ski mulled wine) as part of your stay, meaning the nearby Betelberg mountain can be more than just a majestic photo prop. If your intentions are a little more serene in nature, request a head, foot, or full-body massage at the 7sources spa and you’ll find the signature treatment involves stones and crystals sourced from the local Simme river.

Food, glorious food at Grand Palladium Sicilia Resort & Spa

The Grand Palladium Sicilia Resort and Spa with views of mountains and the ocean

Courtesy of Grand Palladium Sicilia Resort and Spa / Expedia

All-inclusive is taken to new levels at this sprawling Sicilian resort in Palermo, with four swimming pools, a wellness centre and a thriving daily kids’ club. Parking, gym access, poolside hammocks, tennis and minigolf are included for all guests. Outside of meal times, guests are encouraged to help themselves to hot snacks and homemade ice cream. That said, with breakfast, lunch and dinner services spanning a total of eight hours, you’ll do well to squeeze in any nibbles in between. Then there’s the small matter of the Xtra Time Sports Bar, which is open 24 hours.

Grecotel White Palace, for pool perfection

Rooms with direct access to the swimming pool at Grecotel White Palace

Courtesy of Grecotel White Palace / Expedia

The tranquil sound of the sea can be heard throughout this gleaming Greek hideaway on the northern shores of Crete. There are 20 pools spread about the resort; 11 of these are filled with heated seawater and reserved for the luxury ground-floor Yali Suites. All rooms are decorated in dazzling white, allowing Crete’s unfailingly radiant climate to light up the walls with golden beams and blue reflections. The gourmet beach promenade at the hotel has an impressive six restaurants and a wine library, where guests are welcome to pick the brains of the resident sommelier.

For more options, discover our guide on the best places to stay in Zabrze, Poland, and book now on Culture Trip.

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