It doesn’t have to be a 5 star! Sometimes, you gotta hide your love away, even on an epic golf trip. While golf resorts are trendy, practical and comfortable for some; more and more golfers want to experience the charm and the authenticity of a secret hidden place during their trip. Indeed, there is nothing quite more exciting than checking into a small and charming boutique hotel after a day of travelling and playing great golf. In this article, we will name some of the most charming hotels we have experienced during our golf and leisure trips throughout Europe and hopefully inspire you to search for authenticity on your next golf vacation.
But, what is a “charming hotel”? We all have a different definition of it and this is our inner perception that makes the expectation worth while. There are certainly some factors associated with a “charming place to stay” but overall, this is a place that makes you feel happy and giggly, even before you get there. Charming hotels are usually love at first sight, whether it is because of their traditional architecture, the history behind their walls, the somptuous décor, the laid-back reception team, or simply the beautiful smiles of the owners greeting you with a warm and friendly handshake. No room is the same which usually creates a feeling of intimacy and the ambiance is out of this world. There are quaint and characterful with an undefined casual elegance that goes far beyond the hospitality standards…there is a little “je ne sais quoi” that makes you say “I am so glad I am here”, or “I am glad I found this place”. Charming hotels are not necessarly ultra-luxurious though; on the contrary, this aspect may turn people away. They are often rated as 3 or 4-stars and generally boast a great location in their destination. Their staff members have been there for years and act with care and genuine intentions to make their guests feel at home. Most often times, a warm welcome, a comfy bed in a gorgeous place and a home-cooked meal with local wines at a traditional Hacienda or Parador in Spain, an historic Poussada in Portugal or a Masseria in Italy would do justice. We are happy to share some of the places we’ve stayed at over the years travelling in Europe.
1. Charming hotels you can experience on a golf trip to France
France is a hidden gem golfing destination in Europe and there’s an abundance of charming hotels, gorgeous medieval castles, historic villages and so many authentic experiences to be had.
We were recently contacted by one of our clients in search of authentic hotels to experience during her upcoming golf trip to Normandy with her husband. We have played all the courses in this area on 2 different golf trips in this part of France and we are glad we were able to consult on the destination and advise her upon our travel experiences. When Marie asked for a recommendation for a charming hotel in Normandy, there was no hesitation and we shared one of our best kept secrets…La Cour Sainte-Catherine, Demeure de Charme in Honfleur Normandy. Believe it or not, this 3-star boutique hotel set in a 17th century convent is among the most charming hotels we’ve ever stayed at, yet It does not even have a website! But on the other end, you are greeted with open arms by a lovely French lady and her 18 year-old son who run this place as a charming duet. The hotel features 9 rooms, elegantly decorated in white, beige and wood tones, spread across several antique buildings and centered around a lovely courtyard, a splendid garden and a couple of fountains. Imagine waking up with the sunrise over these ancient houses, the fabulous gardens and listening to a concerto of happy birds singing away…the spectacle is grandiose. The overall ambiance is very romantic with some iron chairs and tables appointed for guests to relax and enjoy the gourmet breakfast outside or even taste a lovely bottle of wine before or after dinner while daydreaming about the magical atmosphere of this place. While this is a rustic 3-star hotel and some may not find the comfort they are looking for and used to, the beauty of this place is well-worth the visit.
Nearby golf courses to play here are Deauville GC, Caen la Mer GC, Étretat GC, Omaha Beach GC and Granville Links GC.
Other charming hotels we have had the chance to come close to in France are La Maison d’Estournel in St. Estèphe near Bordeaux, Hotel Spa Le Saint-Cirq at the bottom of Saint-Cyr-La-Popie, Hotel Beaucour in Strasbourg, Abbaye de Maizières in Beaune, and Relais Christine in Paris.
2. Traditional palacíos you can experience on your golf tour in the south of Spain
Spain is a country unlike any other when It comes to beautiful palacíos, haciendas and paradors, especially in the South of Spain where the exotic Moorish architecture is absolutely breathtaking. Andalusia is truly an amazing destination if you want to combine world-class golf courses in Costa del Sol with rich cultural experiences in the cities like Sevilla, Cordoba, Granada and Ronda, offering a unique blend of history, culture, and culinary delights.
Among the most charming places to stay if you extend your golf trip and want to further explore Andalusia, the 16th century Palacio de Santa Inés situated in the Unesco World Heritage Albayzin district of Granada, boasts a captivating charm with original Renaissance frescoes, columns, fountain and balustrades in the intimate courtyard at the heart of the hotel. With 35 beautifully appointed bedrooms, this 3-star palacío is much more than a place to stay in Granada; It is an open-air museum waiting to be discovered. If Granada is in your agenda, make sure to book a room with a view of the Alhambra for an enhanced travel experience.
Others charming boutique hotels to consider on a golf trip to Andalusia and Costa del Sol include Hotel Casa 1800 Sevilla in Sevilla, Hotel Madimat in Cordoba, La Esperanza Granada and La Finca Cortesin in Casares.
3. Amazing boutique hotels you can visit on your golf vacation to Portugal
Portugal is an absolute golfers’ paradise in Europe and combines outstanding world-class golf courses with cultural sites of immense beauty. A wonderful itinerary combining great golf and cultural sites could start in Porto & the Douro Valley, followed by Lisbon and its surroundings with a special stop in the Alentejo and lastly, end your trip in the Algarve. While our team has spent several years building a golf course in the Alentejo region from 2009 to 2011, more so here in Portugal than anywhere else mentioned in this article, we have gained first-hand experience and worked at the sumptuous boutique hotel Albergaria do Calvário in the medieval city of Évora, in the Alentejo.
Nestled inside the walls of the city, this 4-star boutique hotel is built in an old olive mill dating back to the 16th century and boasts 22 stylish bedrooms, a welcoming reception area, comfortable lounges, a breakfast room, a beautiful outdoor patio and a parking. The hotel is ideally located, a short walking distance from the Temple of Diana, pictured below. For the past 15 years now, Albergaria do Calvário has consistently been voted the Best Boutique Hotel in town and receives high-praises from international visitors alike for its wonderful breakfast buffet with locally sourced produce and excellent personalized service throughout the departments. We take this opportunity to congratulate our friends for the stunning upgrades and accomplishments they made with such a gem of a property.
Other charming hotels we love in Portugal include Casas da Quinta de Cima in Tavira in the Algarve near Monte Rei GC, Santiago de Alfama in Lisbon, and Torel 1884 Suites & Apartments in Porto.
4. Charming Scottish hotels to visit on your next golf vacation
Our team visited Hotel du Vin in St Andrews by chance, when we met with a good friend and long-time R&A employee for breakfast. Our friend was obviously a regular and we received a warm and sincere welcome by the staff members which had reserved a special window table with a circular booth for our encounter. This level of attention didn’t come unnoticed; on the contrary, we were overly impressed by the hotel public areas, the freshly upgraded and stylish accommodations and most importantly, the high-level of personalized service we witnessed.
Directly situated on The Scores facing the Bay of St Andrews, Hotel du Vin is a romantic 4 star townhouse hotel featuring 42 spacious rooms & suites, a bar, a restaurant, comfortable lounge areas throughout and several reception rooms. The hotel is housed in a traditional stone and slate terrace building and offers stunning views of the West Sands, made famous by the film Chariots of Fire. The hotel is also located near the Aquarium, the British Golf Museum and the famous SeaFood restaurant. Most shops and pubs are within walking distance, the University of St Andrews as well. Stylish and elegant, each room and suite are unique and individually furnished. They are all equipped with modern comforts including huge custom-made beds, comfy handsprung mattresses, oh-so soft Egyptian linen, fluffy towels and bathrobes, powerfull drench showers, flat-screen TVs and free WiFi.
Inspired by French-home style cooking with robust earthy dishes, and slow-cooked foods, Bistro du vin’s Gallic influenced menu has an undeniable British flavour. From seasonal, French inspired dishes including Classic Cassoulet, a hearty casserole with duck, Gloucester old spot pork belly, Lapin au Cidre braised rabbit to a 28 day dry-aged on the bone steak, Bistro du Vin also boasts an extensive wine list with on hand sommeliers. Overall, Hotel du Vin is highly rated for its friendly personnel as well as the lovely breakfast served daily. Golfers will also love the club storage room and independant travellers renting a car will enjoy the free parking.
Other charming boutique hotels to choose from in Scotland are the Motel One Edinburgh Princes in Edinburgh, the Greywalls Hotel in Gullane, the Rufflets in St. Andrews and the Cuillin Hills Hotel on the Isle of Skye.
5. Visit the most charming hotels while playing golf in Ireland
Ireland is probably the most difficult destination to choose a charming hotel from in our repertoire because everything is charming on the Emerald Isle. The cities are vibrant, the landscapes are extraordinary, the golf courses are epic, and the Irish people are the nicest hosts you could ask for. As for the hospitality, we’ve come across some of the most charming inns, luxury boutique hotels and 5-star castle hotels and manors in all the corners of Ireland. This is a tough choice here, truly.
After consideration, we would have to go with the Moorings Portmagee in Portmagee because we love everything about the Ring of Kerry. For us, It is not just the Ring of Kerry, but the Kerry Cliffs, the fun rounds of golf at Waterville GC, the Portmagee Whishey Distillery, the Skellig Chocolate factory, Skellig Michael and all the fun adventures we’ve had hiking there and driving on the fun tiny roads. Facing Portmagee’s harbor, this family-owned 3-star guesthouse boasts 16 unique rooms, a lively bar, the Bridge, and an award-winning Seafood Restaurant, using locally sourced ingredients and freshly caught fish. The food is phenomenal at the Moorings and you get to enjoy a proper Irish meal with Guiness Stew, Lamb Shank, and Fish&Chips on the menu. The hospitality is also one-of-a kind and everyone is welcoming, friendly and professional, even after hours. This is a travel experience unlike any other; this is an immersion into the Irish culture.
Nearest courses include Waterville Links GC, Dooks GC and Killarney Golf & Fishing Club.
Other charming hotels we adore in Ireland include the Buswells Hotel in Dublin, Trident Kinsale in Kinsale, the Killeen House Hotel and the Victoria in Killarney, Ballyseede Castle in Tralee, the Wild Atlantic Lodge in Lahinch, Harvey’s Point in Donegal and the Bushmills Inn in Bushmills.
6. The charming inns you can visit on your golf vacation to England
Have you ever thought of combining the great golf courses in the Surrey area such as Sunningdale GC, Walton Heath GC and Swinley Forest GC with the historic city of Bath followed by a road-trip through the Cotswolds and then, teeing it up in Wales? Well, we do and that’s a perfect adventure right here…You could even end-up on England’s Golf Coast, and hit some of the British Open championship courses too. England has many options when It comes to epic roadtrips through cities and countryside when you play golf and we got your back!
Imagine stepping into a living, breathing postcard…The Cotswolds is defined as an “Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty” but It isn’t just beautiful. A drive through here is a journey into the heart of quintessential England and a magical escape awaits here. While it is hard to believe this could be part of an epic golf trip, It might be the very best idea you may have. Steeped in history, the region is famous for its honey-colored limestone villages nestled among the rolling hills, its farmers’ markets and ancient ruins found throughout the region. But, what makes the region so charming and appealing, is its lively pubs and restaurants where you can taste savory hearty meals and unique local ales.
Among the most charming hotels one can find in England, we want to highlight the Lamb Inn in Burford. Located on Sheep Street (😁 we can’t resist), this 3-star inn is a hidden gem in the Cotswolds and should be on your go-to-list! Set in a 15th century cottage nestled in a lovely English garden, the hotel boasts 17 bedrooms, a traditional bar and comfy lounges with fireplaces and a 2 Rosette awarded restaurant. More so than its charming atmosphere, the staff at the Lamb is exceptionally friendly and the old-world ambiance is remarkable. An experience for the soul.
Other charming hotels we’ve experienced during our adventures throughout England include the Bell Hotel in Sandwich, The Turks Head in Exeter, the White Hart Inn in Lincoln and the Dixie Dean Hotel in Liverpool.
7. The most romantic boutique hotels you can find in the Netherlands
We visited the Netherlands during our last recognition trip in October 2024 and experienced a wonderful golf trip with the purpose of finding charming hotels just like this one, the Mother Goose Hotel in Utrecht. We actually landed in Amsterdam, rented a car and played 18-holes at Hilversumsche GC before heading to Utrecht, or, “little Amsterdam”, as they call it. We checked into the hotel late afternoon, unloaded our luggage and parked our rental car outside the restricted car-area at a nearby parking, with a preferential hotel guests’ rate. We received a nice welcome drink and were able to chat briefly with the incredible reception staff who gave us the very best recommendation for dinner (Thank you!).
Set in the heart of the historical city centre, the charming hotel boasts 23 rooms, tastefully decorated and spread across 4 floors, each with their own color theme, accessible by a small elevator. The romantic decor is incredibly soothing to the eye and very appealing to those who love a peaceful, comfy bedroom with character. The perfect location near a beautiful canal, the friendly staff and the beautiful bedrooms make this hotel a great place to stay in Utrecht. They also have a partnership with a café around the corner, where you can enjoy a fabulous breakfast. Another formidable reason to stay here is the amount of information and communication each guest receive before, during and after the stay. They include useful information such as restaurant and city guides as well as advanced online check-in where you can personalize your stay as you wish and communicate directly with the hotel staff. We have rarely seen such a smoother check-in and check-out with outstanding personal service right from the get-go.
Nearby golf courses to play are Utrecht de Pan GC, Hoge Kleij GC, Lage Vuursche Golf Society and Hilversumsche GC.
Other charming hotels we have experienced in The Netherlands include The Ambassade Hotel in Amsterdam, Boutique Hotel Corona in The Hague, and Parkhotel Auberge Vincent in Nuenen.
8. The most enchanting hotels you can experience on your golf trip to Belgium
If you find yourself in the medieval city of Bruges in Belgium, there is one hotel in particular that we can’t pass by on any itinerary and that is the legendary boutique hotel Relais Bourgondisch Cruyce. Built in the 16th century and situated in the heart of the Old Town, this 4-star boutique hotel boasts 17 individually decorated and well-appointed guest rooms, a bar area and a breakfast room and sits right along the main canal. The relais boasts a sumptous decor featuring remarkable fine antiques, Persians carpets, exclusive artwork, and fabulous flowers in the common areas and the bedrooms. The building of Relais Bourgondisch Cruyce is the most photographed in all of Belgium as It creates a dreamy medieval scenery, especially at night when all the lights are out. The magnificent trees in front of the hotel change the colors of their leaves upon the seasons, which adds a different touch to the building as well. Over the past years, the relais has become extremelly popular though and advanced booking (at least 6 months prior to your stay) is essential to secure your room.
Nearby golf courses include Royal Ostend GC and Royal Zoute GC.
Other charming hotels in Belgium you could combine on a golf trip are House of FRANQ in Antwerp, Maison Le Dragon Guesthouse in Bruges, and Le Dixseptième in Brussels.
9. Adorable hotels you can experience on your next golf vacation in Switzerland
Switzerland is such an exciting place to visit and the good news is that you can combine golf with sightseeing pretty much everywhere in the country; even when you reach altitude – there are fun mountain golf courses that offer a cable car ride to the first hole so you can play downhill all 18 holes to finally reach the clubhouse at the bottom of the hill and we are not kidding neither…
We had the chance to stay at the small and charming Hotel Garni Alpenlodge during our first visit to Zermatt back in 2009, when one of us worked at the beautiful Mont-Cervin Palace in the center of town. Situated within 10-minute walk from the train station, this family-run 3-star hotel overlooks the ski-resort and offers stunning views of the Matterhorn. It is also ideally located just a few steps away from the Ried Loop Hiking Trail. Hotel Garni features 12 rooms unique in style, size and decor; some with balconies facing the iconic symbol of Switzerland. While Zermatt is well-known for its luxurious hotels with incredible price tags, this hotel is a true hidden gem reasonably priced for the experience It provides visitors with.
Nearby golf courses include Matterhorn GC, Crans-Sur-Sierre GC across the Valley, Sion GC, Verbier GC and Montreux Golf & Country Club.
Other hotels we have come across in Switzerland and deserve a shout out for being charming include Hotel Les Armures in Geneva, and La Barcarolle in Nyon (a warm hello to our friends and owners of this gem).
10. Palazzos, masserias and farm-to-table inns you can stay at on your golf vacation to Italy
We have visited Italy several times throughout the years, and each visit had a different purpose which in essence, broaden our knowledge and expertise on the destinations, accommodation, golf courses to play, and transportation network. We’ve explored the northern part of the country during a road-trip with family, we’ve driven through the Piedmond and Liguria regions to sightsee Tuscany on a school-trip, another time on a golf trip in Tuscany and more recently, as a travel agent scouting for places to stay, restaurants, and travel companies to partner with in the southern part of Italy. Italy has such a wealth of adorable B&Bs and enchanting boutique hotels that It would be an impossible task to name them all here, but we will share about a memorable stay we had at the fabulous farm-to-table Masseria Incantalupi, situated near Brindisi in Puglia. Closest golf course is San Domenico Golf.
We discovered this Masseria on our last night of a 10-day recognition trip to the South of Italy, after visiting 30+ 5-star luxury hotels in Rome, on the Amalfi Coast, Matera, and throughout the Puglia region. We arrived from Lecce late afternoon and had an early flight out of Brindisi the next morning, so we spent less than 24-hours there but It didn’t take much for us to fall in love with this place. Situated in a very rural area of Puglia among the fields where no one seems to be found 5 miles around, this 18th century horsefarm boasts 11 bedrooms located in the ancient horse stables and lovingly restored keeping the original features, fireplaces and stonewalls. The 4-star Masseria (working farm) also features a beautiful courtyard, a reception area and restaurant, an outdoor pool, a horse riding school, and a wellness center.
That evening, we were greeted by the owner of the property, Oxana, who kindly toured the property with us and showed us to our beautiful room. She offered us a nice bottle of wine as a welcome gift and invited us for dinner at the restaurant. We sincerely had no idea of what to expect that night and we are so glad we confirmed our attendance to dinner because It was truly the best meal we’d had on our entire trip. The cuisine of Masseria Incantalupi is characterized by the search for the most ancient and authentic dishes of the rural culinary tradition of Salento. The vegetables, flours, cereals, oil, preserves and fruit are all produced on the farm, strictly using organic methods, as are the milk, eggs and farmyard animals. Every morning, guests can watch the production of bread, tarallini, frise and focaccia cooked in the wood oven and of the orecchiette and other pasta that are served at dinner. The nearby farms provide delicious cheeses, such as mozzarella, burrata and canestrato, as well as the best lamb and podolico beef. Depending on the season, the dishes are enriched with cardoncelli mushrooms, asparagus and wild vegetables, expertly collected by the most expert farmers. And at the end of each meal, you can sample the delicious limoncello, blueberry and laurel based liqueurs produced at the farm following the ancient recipes of the monks who lived in the Masseria.
Other charming boutique hotels we’ve experienced and loved in Italy: Hotel Le Isole in Venice, Palazzo Tolomei – Residenza d’Epoca in Florence, Villa Spalleti Trivelli Dimora d’Epoca in Rome, Locanda di San Martino Thermae in Matera, and Pollicastro Boutique Hotel in Lecce.
11. Visit the unexpected charming hotels on your golf trip to Greece
Greece is a fantastic golfing destination, home to the beautiful Costa Navarino, recently named Europe’s Best Golf Resort. Situated in the most historic part of Greece, the Peloponnese region, near Nepflio and Olympia, the destination can easily be combined with other nearby islands on your vacation. Golfers may want to explore the Ionian Islands, our very favorites are Kefalonia and Zakynthos (where we have funny travel stories to share :-)) , as well as the Cyclade Islands in the Aegean Sea. Santoni, Milos, Paros, Naxos, Mykonos…there are endless choices and each island has its own character and authentic charm if you scratch beneath the surface.
Our team visited Santorini for 2 nights and we were spoiled with 2 completely opposite experiences. We stayed the first night at the 2nd Best Hotel in the World, the Grace Hotel, flanked on the scenic cliffs of Imerovigli facing the Skaros Volcano Rock and the Sea. This hotel is indeed one of the most luxurious hotels we’ve ever stayed at and we had the most memorable 5-course breakfast of our lives, in great company with one of our friends and industry leader. But, nothing could beat our second night sleeping in a cave, in the world-famous village of Oia. We stayed at a charming 16th century old pirate cave available on AirB&B. Now, most ancient places have been renovated to the highest standards, yet, some remain unchanged…YES, and for the better. There was truly something magical staying in this place filled with history. Off-the-beaten path and unheard of, the secret access to this cave itself was worth a story alone and the historic architecture of the house was absolutely picturesque and mind-blowing at the same time. Framed by an old white church with a blue dome on one side and other historic houses next door, the tiny home had a sunlit patio with sea views surrounded by pastel-colored stairs on each side carved into the rocks leading to the second floor, also rented on AirB&B. Outside the house and connected to the patio, the bathroom was basic and had all the comforts needed though. Yet, the feeling of pushing through this door still resonate to this day. The super cute old greek kitchen with antiques (and a nice bottle of wine!), the casual living room with sofa beds carved into the rocky house and the magnificent low cave roof all the way through the main bedroom in the back. There are absolutely no words that could describe the feeling of excitement and the happiness felt staying at one of the most charming places in all of the Mediterranean Sea. Of course, It all comes down to perception and the level of comfort each one of us require to feel at ease, but lying there on a mattress on the floor in this pirate cave has never felt more awe-inspiring, adventurous and mystical. Sweet dreams indeed.
Nearby golf courses include Crete Golf Club, Glyfada Golf Club and Costa Navarino.
Other charming hotels we visited during our trip to Greece are Artemis Seaside Resort in Milos, Porto Zante Villas in Zakynthos, InnAthens in Athens, and Casa Delfino Hotel & Spa in Chania.
There are so many ways you could explore Europe without breaking the bank; whether It is playing off-the-beaten path and lesser known courses or staying at small and charming hotels. Ultimately, It comes down to making the most appropriate choices and defining your priorities well-in advance, so you are able to secure your booking at these hidden gems. We hope you have enjoyed our article and will find it helpful to plan your trip. Throughout this article, on several occasions, you may have felt emotions, feelings and true love when It comes to a place and this is what travel is all about…personal, emotional, enriching and long-lasting.
At CHASEGOLF, we make off-the-beaten path golf adventures in Europe possible and combine the greatest rounds with authentic, charming hotel experiences and unique crafted tours. We are golf travel experts who have travelled these roads extensively, searched for and stayed in authentic places on many golf trips and can recommend the perfect itinerary for your European golf vacation. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us, we love crafting amazing trips and unique travel experiences upon your preferences. Click here to schedule a call with us and start planning an epic golf trip in Europe, we’d love to help out with your itinerary and brainstorm ideas with you.
The team at CHASEGOLF
