Continuing on with our European winners of the 2008 Traveler’s Choice Awards hosted by Tripadvisor, we are now looking at the Top 10 Best Hidden Hotel Gems. As the name implies, these hotels are unknown treasures that run along the road less traveled. However, they offer some of the most hospitable service in some of the best locations in all of Europe. What does that mean for you? Impeccable staff and prime locality in a more hushed hotel setting; ie: no screaming babies, stuffy hallways or crammed restaurants. Enough babbling, let’s check them out!

1. Golden Well (U Zlate Studne) in Prague, Czech Republic: Steeped in centuries of history, the Golden Well is a ‘hideaway’, tucked into the romantic rose gardens of the Prague Castle. It once housed a Roman Emperor, Bohemian King and a famous astronomer. Nearly destroyed during the communist reign, the hotel was restored to its full beauty in 200.

2. Anastasis Apartments in Santorini, Greece: Anastasis encompasses the best of modern Grecian living melded with antiquity. It’s rooms are very simple, making it very tranquil yet are filled with items that many other residence do not provide like an infinity pool with awing views of the bay and adjacent village, wooden sundeck with curtains for a private moment and amazing sunsets, seldom found anywhere else.

3. Ikies – Traditional Houses in Oia, Greece: Situated on the outskirts of a romantic olden village, Ikies hangs on the edge of the island, quite literally, proving the perfect backdrop for breathtaking views from private and shared patios as well as the infinity pool. With a simple Greecian décor, doused in white and comfort, it may be impossible to find a place more personalized and tranquil than this.

4. Residence Corte Grimani in Venice, Italy: Residence Corte Grimani literally lies within a castle. It has been completely refurbished to compliment its 17th century Venetian roots. Interestingly, each of the 15 apartments that make up the residence, are furnished in three distinct Venetian designs, many of which have fantastic views of the canal.

5. Arcadia Residence in Prague, Czech Republic: The Arcadia Residence is nestled into the heard of the quiet historic center of Prague, while still maintain a walking distance from the charming Old Town section of the city. The quaint rooms feel like home away from home and the hotel matches the magic of Prague brick for brick.

6. Coswarth House in Padstow, England: The 5 star Coswarth house is so discrete that we had a difficult time pulling valuable information on it, aside from the many awards it has one including the 5 Star Bed & Breakfast Visit Britain Silver Award along with Tripadvisor’s “Best Hidden Gem” honor. However, what we can say is that each and every review was filled with word’s like – best, perfect, excellent, romantic, charming, tasteful, fabulous, friendly, attention to detail, personalized and fantastic; need we say more?

7. Casa Leone in Chania, Greece: Casa Leone’s 1998 renovation actually brought the hotel back in time, six centuries back to be exact, into the Venetian era that it was first built. Not only is the interior incredible – it is filled with wooden staircases and intricate wrought iron – but so are the views of the “Cretan Caribbean.”

8. Hotel Tagoo in Mykonos, Greece: Built into a cliffside, Tagoo offers a very natural way to relax; as the hotel calls it “luxurious barefoot chic.” Tagoo offers unmatched luxury where guests can either choose to live out their vacation in a natural, bohemian way or can join the jet-set party goers in town.

9. Enigma Hotel Apartments in Fira, Greece: There is no other hotel on the list with views quite like the Enigma. The hotel offers spectacular sites from its own back yard including the sparkling Aegean Sea, magnificent sunrises and sunsets, the Caldera, an ancient volcano, the olden port and a primeval fortress.

10. Hotel Al Ponte Mocenigo in Venice, Italy: As with many other hotels on this list, this hotel is located in the heart of the city and offers a unique Venetian flare. With only ten rooms, this hotel promises to be peaceful as well as unforgettable.

Photo of Residence Corti Grimani courtesy of sletoh.com