TripAdvisor travelers and editors list the top 10 converted hotels in Europe, buildings that retain the spirit of the original structure and offer luxurious accommodations and modern amenities. The price in parentheses is the average nightly rate.
1. Hotel Im Wasserturm, Cologne, Germany ($341). The unique Hotel Im Wasserturm was the largest water tower in Europe before its conversion to a hotel in 1990.
2. Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace, Budapest, Hungary ($437). The former Art Nouveau palace was restored to its original magnificence in 2004 and adorned with exquisite gold mosaic tiles.
3. K+K Hotel Central, Prague, Czech Republic ($233). The historic Art Nouveau building and cabaret was converted to a hotel in 2004.
4. Chateau de Trigance, Trigance, France ($168). Step back in time in this former medieval fortress (converted in 1961) perched on a rock, towering over the village of Trigance in the South of France.
5. The Lighthouse, Llandudno, North Wales ($150). Built of Canadian pine and limestone, it was a beacon for mariners until 1985.
6. Old Bank Hotel, Oxford, England ($466). Oxford’s first bank, it was converted to a hotel in 1999. In contrast to the traditional 18th- century facade, the interior favors a modern style with a chic lobby.
7. Hotel Pulitzer, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Amsterdam, The Netherlands ($440). Cruise up to the jetty at the Hotel Pulitzer, which is made up of 25 adjoining 17th- and 18th-century canal houses, renovated in 2000 and located on the Prinsengracht and Keizersgracht canals.
8. Krolewski Hotel, Gdansk, Poland ($132). Once producing a staple of Gdansk’s economy, the Krolewski is located in one of 30 former granaries, opening as a hotel in 2000.
9. Langholmen Hotel and Hostel, Stockholm, Sweden ($179). Once Sweden’s biggest prison before its conversion in 1989, you can stay in one of the former “cells,” now furnished, and eat in the cafeteria, offering 24-hour service.
10. Mandarin Oriental, Prague, Czech Republic ($426). This 14th-century Dominican monastery was converted in 2006. Dine at the five-room Essentia restaurant below vaulted ceilings or appreciate the view of the city’s historical buildings and rooftops from many of the rooms. Top 10 converted hotels
