Carnival celebrations kick off with vibrant flair all around the world. Here are the best places to stay for the festivities.
Date: January 31 to March 9, 2025
Highlights: Es heißt ja oft, Karneval sei “die fünfte Jahreszeit”. Und tatsächlich trifft das wohl auf kein Karnevalsfest so sehr zu wie die Feierlichkeiten auf Teneriffa. Es handelt sich dabei um den second largest carnival the world. In fact, the events take place over a period of around five weeks. The opening ceremonies are always one of the special moments of the 2025 carnival festivities. This takes place in Tenerife with the Election of the Carnival Queen take place. There are also competitions with dance groups, satirical music groups and colorful parades. The symbolic finale is the “Beerdigung der Sardine” represent.
Hotel tip: Gran Hotel Bahía del Duque is located in the southern part of Tenerife. Here, you are welcomed amidst lush greenery and charming Canary Island colonial-style architecture. The suites with ocean views are particularly popular. A sprawling pool area, nine restaurants, and a wellness center provide the perfect setting for relaxation.
Gran Hotel Bahía del Duque Resort
Av. de Bruselas, s/n, 38660 Costa Adeje, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Tenerife, Spain
+34 922 74 69 00 - thetaishotels.com/bahia-del-duque
Doubles from € 390
Date: February 15 to March 2, 2025
Highlights: One of the oldest and most famous carnivals in Europe is the one in Nice. The floats and figures, which depict current events and cultural themes, are also quite juicy social criticism are the focus of the festivities. Visitors can also look forward to acrobats, dancers and musicians. The street performers lend the festival a lively atmosphere. As the only one of the 2025 carnival festivals, the one in Nice offers Night processions with illuminated parades. Many spectators can usually also be found at the “Blumenschlacht” on the Promenade des Anglais. The participants throw flowers into the audience.
Hotel tip: Opened in June 2024, Hôtel du Couvent, located near the Promenade des Anglais, impresses with its use of natural materials, earthy tones, and minimalist design. It blends modern elements with the charm of a building dating back to the 17th century. The spa offers indulgent amenities, including a tepidarium, caldarium, frigidarium, various treatments, and a pool area.
Hôtel du Couvent
1 Rue Honoré Ugo, 06300 Nice, France
+33 4120 55561 - hotelducouvent.com
Doubles incl. breakfast from € 650
Date: February 22 to March 4, 2025
Highlights: Ordnet man die Karnevalsfeste 2025 nach ihren Beginnzeiten, landet jener in Venedig “nur” auf Platz 3. Tatsächlich handelt es sich aber wohl um einen der most famous carnival in the world. It is especially worth seeing because of its magnificent masks and the beautiful backdrop of St. Mark's Square, the Grand Canal and the odd palazzo. It begins with the Angel Flight (Volo dell’ Angelo), bei dem eine Person vom Campanile auf den Platz darunter “schwebt”. Und dann gibt es Gondelparaden und Maskenbälle. Der Ballo del Doge is considered the most exclusive and glamorous masked ball in the world. The end of the Carnival of Venice with the Svolo del Leon – dem Fall der Flagge vom Campanile.
Hotel tip: When the trendy Experimental Group opens hotels, you can expect some seriously cool concepts. One such gem is the Palazzo Experimental. Opened in 2019, this hotel pays homage to the gondolier culture at every turn. It also celebrates the rich history of the lagoon city through its beautifully designed rooms, suites, and restaurants. Some of the suites even feature a private plunge pool.
Il Palazzo Experimental
Fondamenta Zattere Al Ponte Lungo, 1411, 30123 Venezia VE, Italy
+39 041 098 0200 - palazzoexperimental.com
Doubles incl. breakfast from € 360
Date: February 28 to March 8, 2025
Highlights: The most famous of the 2025 Carnival celebrations is undoubtedly the one in Rio de Janeiro, a vibrant expression of Brazilian joy and culture. What makes it truly special are the performances by the samba schools at the Sambódromo, where dancers compete in dazzling, colorful costumes. The festivities also include exclusive balls, such as the iconic Magic Ball at the Copacabana Palace. During the blocos—the street parties and parades—thousands of people dance in the streets. Every year, millions of participants and visitors from around the globe flock to experience the Rio Carnival.
Hotel tip: The renowned Copacabana Palace, a Belmond Hotel, is a serene oasis in the heart of the bustling city. Known for its prime location, its role as the venue for the Magic Ball, and its elegant Art Deco design, it’s a top choice for visitors. Culinary delights are provided by the Ristorante Hotel Cipriani, which serves innovative dishes alongside Italian classics. Meanwhile, the spa offers a sensory journey of pure relaxation.
Copacabana Palace, A Belmond Hotel
Av. Atlântica, 1702 – Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro – RJ, 22021-001, Brasilien
+55 21 2548-7070 - belmond.com
Double room from approx. € 54,- per night
Date: March 4, 2025
Highlights: Man bezeichnet die Parade am Mardi Gras, dem Faschingsdienstag, oft als “größtes kostenlose Show der Welt”. Kein Wunder, schließlich verbinden sich hier die Southern joie de vivre mit französischen Traditionen. Am berühmtesten sind die Paraden. Sie werden von den sogenannten “Krewes” organisiert. Die Festwagen sind besonders kunstvoll gestaltet und ein Spektakel an sich. Dazu kommen Jazz music and blues rhythms. People dance in the French Quarter, eat the traditional King Cake and catch the strings of beads that the parade participants throw into the audience. Here, too, thousands of people come to celebrate the last day before Lent begins.
Hotel tip: One of the newest hotels in New Orleans, Four Seasons New Orleans, offers guests unparalleled luxury with a prime location overlooking the river. Whether you’re yearning for a private jazz concert or a streetcar ride through the historic Garden District, no request is too extravagant. The hotel is perfect not only for those seeking tranquility but also for food enthusiasts.
Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans
2 Canal St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
+1 504-434-5100 - fourseasons.com
Doubles from € 475
