Even with all the lodging options available to travelers these days, hotels are still at the top of my list. There's nothing quite like checking in, enjoying the luxurious amenities, and having the best service at your fingertips, from the concierge to in-room dining. When those same properties offer one-of-a-kind experiences — like cooking lessons with an executive chef or exclusive access to a national park — the case for staying at a hotel is even stronger.
The best hotels truly break the mold with the experiences they offer, whether it's a personal bath butler (yes, seriously) or a nightlife curator who hosts an evening out on the town for guests. To celebrate the best of the best, we rounded up some of the most luxurious hotels in the world. The criteria? The highest ratings on check-in, amenities, staff, and demand, as well as glowing reviews from travelers around the world.
This list of hotels caters to every type of travel experience: there's a wellness retreat complete with an onsite shaman for ceremonies; a floating hotel with preserved design details for history buffs; and a glamorous beachside property that appeared in HBO's "The White Lotus." Keep scrolling to see the best hotels of the year — you're bound to find one to add to your must-visit list.
For a proper Los Angeles experience, my recommendation is always to choose a hotel with character. The Prospect Hollywood hotel boasts Martyn Lawrence Bullard-designed rooms that capture the golden era of cinema like no other. Think glittering chandeliers, antique mirrored minibars, velvet headboards, in-room clawfoot tubs, and more. It's also centrally located at just a five minute walk from the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
What Reviewers Say: "Loved this beautiful boutique property. Decorated beautifully and so comfortable. The staff and management were so helpful and accommodating. The manager Jason went out of his way to help us navigate the area and make reservations for us."
Equinox Hotel Sleep Lab, Hudson Yards ($1,700 per night) If wellness is your top priority and you're heading to New York, a stay at the Equinox Hotel Sleep Lab is your best best. The room is designed to help guests refine their sleep quality and optimize their circadian rhythm with high-end wellness upgrades including a mattress with personalized temperature control and sleep tracking capabilities; individual sleep and wake automations for room temperature, lighting, sound, and ambiance; a steam and ice shower; and access to the Equinox facilities, including the gym, rooftop pool, and fitness classes. The Hudson Yards property has only four Sleep Lab rooms in total and requires a two-night minimum, so it's worth saving for and booking early on in your trip planning phase.
Editor Quote: "I stayed here on a solo trip about six months postpartum and I can't even begin to tell you how much of a treat it was — from the essential oil steam shower, to the temperature-controlled bed (goodbye night sweats!), to the in-room yoga session (mat provided) accessible on the television. I took advantage of every amenity provided and you should, too." – Alexis Jones, Section Lead, Health and Fitness
Located in walking distance of the Pantheon and the Trevi Fountain, Hotel Chapter Roma is a must-stay for a visit to Rome, Italy. Going well beyond the usual amenities, guests can sign up for experiences like a night out curated by a nightlife expert or cooking lessons with an executive chef.
What Reviewers Say: "Excellent property that is walking distance to Trastevere (a plethora of food and bar options) and also the key attractions in the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona etc. The room is pleasingly unique and the staff made every effort to provide information about restaurants, directions. Communication prior to arrival was also seamless. 10/10 and a must try – really feels like a nice bolt hole away from the madness with nice touches all round. PS. The rooftop bar is an excellent option."
Odera, Tinos, Autograph Collection ($333 per night)
Odera, Tinos, Autograph Collection is the first luxury hotel on Tinos, a relatively undiscovered island in the Greek Cyclades. Wellness tourism may not yet be widely popular in European destinations, but hotels like this one provided the relaxing escape one might need while traveling through Europe. The hotel, which recently opened in May, sits above Vourni Beach, complete with two pools, and the O Wellness Center. For more, read the full PS review of the O Wellness Center experience at Odera.
Editor Quote: "What I enjoyed most about Odera was that while it was certainly fancy and modern, it felt authentic to and inspired by Tinos. The island's slow pace, calming vibe, and famous marble are embedded all throughout the property, from the architecture to the offerings at the wellness center." — Yerin Kim, former editor, Features
Fontainebleau Miami Beach ($359 per night)
Located in the heart of Miami Beach, Fontainebleau is a landmark "Miami Modern" (MiMo) style hotel that opened in 1954 and was one of the first glamorous beachfront resorts on the scene. The nightclub is nestled near the entryway and has hosted performances by legends like Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley in the '50s and '60s, adding to its pop culture relevance.
After a $1 billion renovation in 2008, the hotel now features four different towers, the Lapis Spa, and nine different restaurants (think: Michelin star-rated Hakkasan and Italian eatery Scarpetta by Scott Conant). The fitness offerings are also attractive to anyone who likes to work out on vacation, with a fully-stacked gym, yoga classes, a run club, and 11 distinctive pool experiences, from luxurious hot tubs to the adults-only Arkadia Day Club.
