Some hotels reel travelers in with massive infinity pools, others with rooftop views or interiors worthy of a design magazine—but for those in the know, it’s the pastry counter that can really seal the deal. Imagine waking up to the scent of buttery croissants baked in-house, trying delicious tarts after a long lunch, or discovering desserts so pretty they deserve their own passport stamp. Whether it’s a five-star retreat that’s perfected its strudel recipe over decades or a chic city stay where the patisserie is helmed by an award-winning pastry chef, there are a handful of stays that are extra sweet. Ahead, learn more about the best hotels with signature pastries and on-site patisseries.
Hôtel Royal Evian
High above Lake Geneva in the stylish spa town of Évian-les-Bains, Hôtel Royal is the epitome of glamor. The views are incredible from every window—think mountains, water, and lush gardens all around—but the food scene really steals the show. At the Michelin-starred Les Fresques, Chef Patrice Vander creates French dishes that are as impressive as they are mouthwatering.
And when it comes to dessert, Executive Pastry Chef Clément Pouillotte delivers—especially with his standout creation, the Poire de Savoie. “The Poire de Savoie is a dessert that evokes indulgence with a blend of different textures,” he tells HAP. “Rice, which is illustrated in rice pudding, ice cream, praline, and puffed rice, is paired with the juicy freshness of poached, raw, candied, and crispy pears. This is a heartfelt recipe that evokes the flavors and memories of my childhood, growing up on the small village of Picardy, France.”
After honing his skills in Paris and London—working alongside culinary icons like Joël Robuchon and Aquavit—Pouillotte joined Hôtel Royal in 2023. His creativity and nostalgic flavors have added a new layer to the hotel’s already impeccable dining experience.
Hotel Café Royal
Sitting pretty on Regent Street in London lies the beloved Hotel Café Royal. Just a stone’s throw from Piccadilly Circus and the West End, it’s got everything needed for a dreamy stay—stylish rooms, impeccable service, and a location that’s hard to beat. But the real treat? Cakes & Bubbles, of course, the hotel’s exclusive pastry spot. Led by Michelin-starred pastry pro Albert Adrià, this place pairs Champagne with delicious pastries (as the name implies). What’s more, it’s home to the “inside-out” cheesecake—something you won’t find anywhere else. This little dessert looks like a round of cheese, with a rind that’s got the color and texture of aged cheese. Inside, though, it’s a creamy cheesecake masterpiece. All that to say, Cakes & Bubbles is a must for anyone who loves their pastries with a side of luxury.
Halcyon
Halcyon is modern, sleek, and right next to Denver's best shops, art galleries, and restaurants. Whether in town for business or leisure, this hotel strikes a nice balance between sleek and comfortable. But while the rooms and amenities are impressive, the real star here is the food, specifically, the pastry program. At Local Jones, the hotel's restaurant, pastry chef Liliana Myers has made the spot a local favorite. Known for her over-the-top sweet treats, Liliana's pastry program regularly features showstoppers like their giant, fluffy cinnamon rolls and the decadent Mile High Chocolate Cake—24 layers of devil’s food cake and chocolate ganache.
However, the star is something even cooler. “Our signature dessert is an ice cream sundae,” Myers says. “You would be surprised how many ice cream shops and restaurants use a premade base that they get from a large food retailer. We make all our ice cream, sorbet, and sherbet in-house. This gives us more control over the product, ensuring a high-quality ice cream without the use of stabilizers. Our newest ice cream sundae is a Strawberry Rhubarb Shortcake Sundae. It has vanilla ice cream, strawberry sorbet, roasted rhubarb, and a semolina buttermilk shortcake.”
Hotel Bel-Air
Point blank, Hotel Bel-Air is one of the most well-known properties in California. It has old-school Hollywood charm (swans, palm trees, tiled fountains), yet somehow feels fresh and timeless. Quiet, tucked away, and ridiculously pretty, it’s the kind of spot celebs and in-the-know travelers check into when they want total privacy and relaxation. And recently, there’s even more reason to stop by: The Patisserie, the hotel’s newest sweet spot that opened in August 2024. Found in a sunny courtyard, this is where the pastry magic happens. Here, the lineup includes fresh breads, buttery croissants, banana-blueberry muffins, and over-the-top treats like Chantilly cream puffs and salted caramel chocolate tarts.
“The Patisserie’s croissant is definitely a standout creation for our intimate European boulangerie with a touch of California flair,” says a spokesperson from the Hotel Bel-Air Culinary Team. “We start off making traditional croissant dough using only the finest French butter and then laminate the croissant, which creates those traditional flaky layers. But what really makes this product a standout croissant is baking it day-of and serving it warm. This level of freshness really makes all the difference.” Come for the coffee, stay for the croissant —and maybe grab an extra to bring on a drive down PCH.
The Connaught
Plain and simple, The Connaught is a London classic. From its tasteful rooms to top-tier service, it’s effortlessly elegant without ever trying too hard. But one of the hotel’s standout features? The Connaught Patisserie. Led by pastry chef Nicolas Rouzaud, this hotspot offers a menu filled with croissants, tarts, cakes, and more, all crafted to perfection. For those with a (very) sweet tooth, the Trio au Chocolat is a must. It’s a mouthwatering blend of dark, white, and gianduja Valrhona chocolate–the perfect treat to pair with an after-dinner drink. And don’t miss the Connaughty Hound cake, made with chocolate hazelnut and topped with the hotel’s signature emblem. Whether you’re here to stay, play, or just eat and drink, The Connaught is the crème de la crème.
