8 Luxurious European Hotels Worthy of Your Bucket List

— -- intro: Hotel fans, take out your bucket lists (which should always be kept in your pocket): You're going to need them. We’re about to elevate (the sometimes mundane) spending of the night in a hotel into a once-in-a-lifetime experience, which is kind of a big deal. Europe is undoubtedly home to some of the world's finest hotels, but those we’re highlighting here are in a class of their own. We're talking iconic character and charm, with such a high level of exclusivity, even Jay and Beyoncé would be lucky to get a room in such a spot on short notice. From hosting legendary celebrity weddings to offering the cover for secret wartime meetings, these eight luxurious European hotels should definitely make your bucket list.

quicklist: 1title: 1. Le Meurice, Paristext: Used as the Nazi headquarters during the German occupation of Paris, it was from a suite in Le Meurices that the German governor Dietrich Von Choltitz took the call from Hitler to destroy the city before they fled. Thankfully Choltitz was convinced by a Swedish diplomat to disobey the order, leaving Le Meurice and the rest of Paris standing. Decorated in classic Louis XVI decor throughout, the hotel hasn't changed much through its 200-year history. Its spacious period rooms are decorated with luxurious fabrics, with grand marble bathrooms attached; they all come at a handsome price. media: 38260813

quicklist: 2title: 2. The Goring, Londontext: If it’s good enough for Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cambridge -- AKA Kate Middleton -- to stay in on the night before her wedding, The Goring, London is good enough to add to your list of dream hotel stays. Fit for a princess, the exceptional London hotel oozes Royal pedigree with classic English-style rooms. It also has prime proximity to Buckingham Palace and five-star luxury throughout. media: 38260909

quicklist: 3title: 3. Baur au Lac, Zurichtext: When it’s time to get your regal, old-timey European glamour on, why would you go anywhere else but Baur au Lac, a grand dame set amongst beautiful gardens on the banks of Lake Zurich? During its 170-year history, the hotel has hosted famous faces from Henry Kissinger to Ghandi, and in 1856 it provided the setting for the debut performance of the first act of Wagner’s Valkyrie opera. The hotel features some of the highest room rates in Zurich, one of Europe’s most expensive cities, but you can take solace in the bonus of free minibar goodies in all of Baur au Lac’s elegant guest rooms.media: 38261155

quicklist: 4title: 4. Punta Tragera, Capritext: Taking time out during World War II, President Eisenhower and Winston Churchill held secret war meetings at the Punta Tragera hotel, perched on top of a cliff just outside Capri town. After discussing the allied efforts, they more than likely did not take a dip in the inviting azure water of the Tyrrhenian Sea below -- but you can. Set in tropical gardens, this private, rustic hotel offers stylish villas with sea views in one of the island's most peaceful locations. media: 38260714