The hospitality industry offers diverse career paths, especially for people who enjoy interacting and engaging with others. One path within the industry is a career in hotel management. This often involves overseeing a hotel’s operations and reporting on key functions.
Because hotel management can be a complex and demanding career, it is important to undergo proper training and build a strong foundation in the field. It is also helpful to gain practical experience so that you are prepared to handle real-world scenarios and serve guests from different backgrounds.
With that in mind, it is worth pursuing a quality education, gaining practical training, and learning from experienced professionals. Below are some of the best hotel management schools in Europe to consider
Top Hotel Management Schools in Europe
1. Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL)
- Study Program
- Location: Switzerland | Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, MBA, Doctorate
EHL Hospitality Business School is a hospitality-focused institution founded in 1893 as Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne. The school describes itself as the world’s first hotel school.
In the 2026 QS World University Rankings by Subject for Hospitality and Leisure Management, EHL was ranked No. 1 worldwide for the eighth consecutive year, covering the period from 2019 to 2026.
In addition to its academic programs, EHL Group provides advisory services and educational resources for businesses and learning centers.
2. Glion Institute of Higher Education
Glion Institute of Higher Education was founded in 1962 and offers career-focused bachelor’s and master’s degrees in hospitality and luxury business education. Its programs combine academic study with professional internships.
Glion states that it has long-standing relationships with leading brands in the international hospitality, luxury, and events sectors. These connections help provide students with real-world exposure and professional development opportunities.
In the 2026 QS World University Rankings by Subject for Hospitality and Leisure Management, Glion was ranked No. 3 worldwide. It was also ranked No. 3 globally for employer reputation.
3. Hotelschool The Hague
Hotelschool The Hague is a hospitality business school in the Netherlands. Its bachelor’s program balances theory, practical experience, and applied research to prepare students for careers in hospitality and related industries.
The institution also offers a fast-track bachelor’s program, a Master in Leading Hotel Transformation, an MBA in International Hospitality Management, and a Professional Doctorate in Leisure, Tourism, and Hospitality. Its research center facilitates independent academic research and applied projects for businesses.
In the 2026 QS World University Rankings by Subject for Hospitality and Leisure Management, Hotelschool The Hague was ranked No. 7 worldwide. It was also ranked as the best public hospitality management school in the Netherlands in the Keuzegids HBO 2026 guide.
4. University of Surrey
The University of Surrey is located in England. Surrey Hospitality and Tourism Management is a discipline within Surrey Business School and states that it has pioneered research and teaching in hospitality, tourism, and events management for more than 60 years.
The university offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and research study options related to hospitality, tourism, events, and transport. Its programs emphasize industry engagement and research.
The University of Surrey was ranked No. 1 in the UK and No. 3 worldwide for hospitality and tourism management in ShanghaiRanking’s Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2025. It was also ranked No. 1 in the UK and No. 18 worldwide for hospitality and leisure management in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026.
5. Les Roches Global Hospitality Education
- Study Program
- Locations: Switzerland, Spain, United Arab Emirates | Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, MBA
Les Roches is a hospitality school with campuses in Crans-Montana, Switzerland; Marbella, Spain; and Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Its bachelor’s programs combine practical skills, business knowledge, and work experience. Its master’s programs include applied business courses and professional internships. The institution also places an emphasis on innovation and entrepreneurship.
In the 2026 QS World University Rankings by Subject for Hospitality and Leisure Management, Les Roches was ranked No. 2 worldwide.
6. Swiss Hotel Management School
- Study Program
- Location: Switzerland | Programs Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Professional Degree, Postgraduate Diploma
Swiss Hotel Management School was the first hospitality school worldwide and the first higher education institution in Switzerland to receive Apple Distinguished School recognition. The recognition is awarded to institutions that demonstrate innovative uses of technology to support learning.
SHMS offers hands-on hospitality education at campuses located in former palace hotels in Caux and Leysin, Switzerland. Its academic programs combine traditional hospitality education with modern technology and practical learning.
In the 2026 QS World University Rankings by Subject for Hospitality and Leisure Management, Swiss Hotel Management School was ranked No. 4 worldwide.
7. CETT Barcelona School of Tourism, Hospitality and Gastronomy
- Study Program
- Location: Spain | Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s
CETT Barcelona School of Tourism, Hospitality and Gastronomy is an affiliated center of the University of Barcelona. It has been affiliated with the university since 1997.
CETT offers education and knowledge transfer in tourism, hospitality, and gastronomy. Its academic offerings include bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, postgraduate programs, vocational training, and lifelong learning opportunities.
In CEOWORLD Magazine’s 2026 list of the best hospitality and hotel management schools worldwide, CETT was ranked No. 30 globally.
FAQs about Studying Hotel Management
Which Country is Best to Study Hotel Management in Europe?
There is no single objectively best European country for studying hotel management because the right choice depends on your academic goals, preferred learning model, budget, and career plans. However, Switzerland is particularly prominent in hospitality education. In the 2026 QS World University Rankings by Subject for Hospitality and Leisure Management, all five of the highest-ranked institutions were based in Switzerland. The Netherlands is also worth considering: Hotelschool The Hague was ranked No. 7 worldwide in the same QS subject ranking and was named the best public hospitality management school in the Netherlands in the Keuzegids HBO 2026 guide. If you want to study in this field, you can find additional information about hospitality and tourism management courses on our website. If you are interested in other subjects, you can also explore all our available courses.
We hope that this article on the Best Hotel Management Schools in Europe was helpful. To learn more about courses in Europe, check out the Available Programs for International Students in Europe!
