InsideHook’s 100 Best Hotels in the World

If you’ve never stayed at Qasr Al Sarab, you’ve surely seen it on Instagram. The resort occupies an oasis-like setting in the desert, making it an influencer’s dream with views aplenty. When not capturing that content, lounging by the pool or recharging at the spa, you can embark on numerous desert adventures, like 4×4 tours, camel treks, falconry and archery. — KG

Featuring a pool terrace with loungers and a sculpture-accented private garden, Villa Gallici, a member of Relais & Châteaux, is the perfect spot to soak in the Provençal sun. Even on the occasional ogvercast day, the opulent interiors are an elegant place to pass the hours while staring at the glimmering chandeliers and lounging on the sumptuous furnishings. — LC

The Dylan has everything going for it — a perfect location (in the city’s upscale De 9 Straatjes district and adjacent to the Jordaan, another of Amsterdam’s best neighborhoods), a destination restaurant (Vinkeles has two Michelin stars) and an unmatched sense of style. For a modern and oversized room with canal and city views, opt for accommodations in their five-story canal-front building, or for something a bit more cozy and eclectic, stay in the hidden-from-the-street 17th century canal house (which is home to a handful of attic-level suites which are easily the coolest accommodations in the city). — TM

The eye-catching design alone is reason enough to check-in to Hotel De Witte Lelie. Bold prints, patterned wallpaper and bespoke furnishing create visual contrast in every space. The warm, personalized service makes it feel like staying at a very chic friend’s house. — LC

Austin’s Commodore Perry Estate, Auberge Resort Collection, is a renovated, historic landmark first built in 1928. The property sits on a 10-acre site right within the heart of Austin, highlighted by its stunning, well-manicured grounds and walkways, an oval-shaped outdoor pool flanked by lounge chairs and an urban garden. The Commodore Perry also aims to be a hub for the community, hosting events and serving as a social club. — JE

With three lush acres alongside the Chao Phraya River, and a pool deck positioned above it, The Siam Hotel is a sexy retreat and hidden gem within Bangkok. The Bill Bensley boutique hotel features 28 suites in its main building, along with 10 villas. Loads of antiques, as well as vintage art and photographs, can be found across the property, with black and white color schemes offset by deep purple accents and lush greenery. Treatments at the Opium Spa will help you unwind as much as the name implies. — JE

Located right on the glamorous Passeig de Gracia shopping corridor, the Mandarin Oriental Barcelona is a fitting luxury home base. Exit the street via a grand ramp walkway, entering the art-filled, serene environs of the hotel. Within, you’ll find a rooftop terrace, the two-Michelin starred Moments, main restaurant Blanc in a setting akin to a modern museum, and inventive cocktails at Bankers Bar. The property is also adjacent to Casa Batlló, making it easy to cross off one of the major Barcelona to-dos from your list. — JE

Beijing is big. Like, really big. But Aman Summer Palace is situated outside the busy city center in an old UNESCO site that feels like an imperial palace. Because it used to be one. Rooms are luxurious and spacious, but also pleasantly minimalist, and the expansive grounds and gardens provide endless opportunities for quiet reflection. — KG

The place to see and be seen on the coast of the Aegean Sea, the Bodrum EDITION is home to one of the area’s top night clubs, a trendy beach club which hosts weekly parties and world class DJs, and a Michelin-starred restaurant. It also boasts one of the sexiest infinity pools in Europe (surrounded by olive trees, a wood deck and low-slung loungers) and a state-of-the-art spa complete with a luxurious Turkish hammam. Bottom line, if you like to relax as hard as you party, consider this the best-of-both-worlds hotel you’ve been dreaming of. — TM

Four Seasons has a replicable formula that works all over the world. But Four Seasons Casa Medina in Bogota turns that formula on its head, because it’s an intimate boutique set in an old mansion. It’s sporting just 62 rooms, and each is unique, so you can experience the hotel a little differently each time you stay. — KG

Centrally located and directly on Boston’s beautiful Public Garden, Four Seasons Hotel Boston is a tried-and-true classic. Keeping things fresh as it nears its 40th year as Boston’s grande dame, the hotel recently underwent a sizable refresh to its common areas, resulting in what is now Boston’s most beautiful hotel lobby (the star of which is Coterie, a restaurant and bar with top-tier cocktails). If you can pull yourself away from your plush bed with views over the park, know you’ll be perfectly positioned here to easily reach and explore everything the city has to offer.

With stylish accommodations, an outdoor pool, delicious food and drinks and an enviable address on James Street, The Calile Hotel is a hotspot for hip Brisbanites and attracts an international crowd as well. The rooms and suites bring vacation vibes to the city with a breezy-meets-urban chic aesthetic anchored by the conscious use of cork, oak, brass and rosy marble. Don’t miss the fava dip and pita at Hellenika! — LC

Few hotels the world over have a better view than the InterContinental Budapest does. The luxury hotel is positioned right on the banks of the Danube in the Pest half of the city, with a straight shot of the enormous hilltop Buda Castle across the river. For a closer look, you can walk across the famed Széchenyi Chain Bridge in a matter of minutes. — JE

The Palacio Duhau Park Hyatt is a gem within the Recoleta neighborhood of Buenos Aires. In between the hotel’s two main buildings, its old and new wing, is a large, quiet outdoor space that feels like the city’s preeminent escape, while an underground passageway also connects the buildings and is lined with a collection of art. The Oak Bar is an elegant choice for an evening cocktail, while the outdoor terraces of Los Salones del Piano Nobile are an ideal setting for breakfast. — JE

The iconic Las Ventanas al Paraíso, a Rosewood Resort, features a series of white-washed buildings adorned with vibrant purple bougainvilleas spread across a property designed as a Mexican village. The hotel includes eight pools, with a central resort pool with a pool bar, enormous beach cabanas and two-story suites featuring hot tubs on private terraces as well as rooftop lounge chairs. There’s also a tequila bar with more than 120 labels, a speakeasy cocktail bar with live music and a handful of dining venues. — JE

Listen, you either have a view of the Pyramids or you don’t. The Marriott Mena House does. Like, an upfront, immediate view. Walk out the property’s back doors and in a matter of minutes you can walk right up to the pyramids themselves. There’s a pool area and a spa and a number of restaurants and, well, that’s all fine and good… but it’s about the Pyramids, isn’t it? — JE

The grand mansion of Cape Town’s Ellerman House is perched atop its coastal cliffs and was first built over a century ago. Relax at its outdoor pool while enjoying those views, take part in a wine tasting in an elaborate cellar space, or tour the property’s outstanding and unmatched African art collection. With just 13 rooms and suites, along with two enormous private villas, each guest will indeed feel as if it’s their own extravagant private home. — JE

Cartagena’s well-preserved, historic old quarter is a beautiful place to wander and explore. At the Townhouse Boutique Hotel, you’ll be right in the heart of that setting, in colorful, vibrant rooms showcasing local art and style. The rooftop boasts two plunge pools to cool down while enjoying the view, while its lobby bar offers up cocktails and live music. — JE

Looming large over Marion Square and King Street in downtown Charleston, Hotel Bennet is the picture of a Holy City grande dame. The classic design extends from the marble lobby to the residential-style rooms with bookcases, soaking tubs and high-thread-count sheets. Add to that unrivaled Southern hospitality, a swishy spa and fine dining. — LC

A riverside refuge within walking distance of glimmering temples and bustling night markets, Anantara Chiang Mai Resort impresses with its low-rise, open-air architecture that’s sleek and serene. There’s a spa for blissful bamboo massages or Tok Sen therapy. Be sure to block off some time to enjoy afternoon tea and board one of the daily cruises that leave from the property’s private pier. — LC

First built in 1755, Hotel D’Angleterre retains all of the old world charm and elegance of its Neoclassical construction. Its view of the adjacent Nyhavn harbor and its colorful waterfront buildings are unrivaled. Within the property, there’s Michelin-starred dining at Marchal, while plenty of bubbles await at the aptly-named Balthazar Champagne Bar. — JE

Set in a 1920s-era former bank building downtown, the Joule is a treasure trove of gathering spaces. Two good restaurants, a coffee shop and a Taschen book store anchor the main level. Head down one floor to find a serene spa and Midnight Rambler, an elegant, fun-loving bar serving some of the city’s best cocktails and playlists. — KG

It’s hard to overstate the inherent cool factor of The Ramble Hotel. It’s located in Denver’s vibrant River North Arts District, which means access to heaps of breweries, restaurants and colorful street art. Inside the brick exterior sits a multi hyphenate lobby-bar-café space with vaulted ceilings, crystal chandeliers and enough booze to fuel the cocktail menu at the first Death & Co. outpost outside of New York City. — LC

The Rosewood Washington, D.C. is found in an idyllic Georgetown location well-suited to spend your days walking, shopping and exploring, and it features a rooftop pool, lounge and bar. Unique to the property is that in addition to its rooms and suites, there are eight adjacent townhouses available as reservable guest rooms. These multi-story residences include private entrances, enclosed patios and all the service you’d expect from the hotel itself. — JE

In addition to being the first hotel to open under the new Siro brand from Kerzner International, the company behind Atlantis and One&Only hotels, SIRO One Za’abeel is also Dubai’s first “wellness hotel.” Said to be the world’s best gym within a hotel, the Fitness Lab was conceived of based on input from some of the top athletes in the world. Its counterpart, Recovery Lab, focuses on holistic and avant-garde therapies that support both mental and physical wellbeing. In other words: your jet lag doesn’t stand a chance against SIRO One Za’abeel — a definite consideration when traveling to the UAE. — LR

Dublin’s The Merrion Hotel is a true icon in the city. The hotel’s lavish style, central location and dedicated service are key hallmarks, but only the start. Consider the incredible private art collection, a fleet of highly-touted dining and drinking venues, including a renowned afternoon tea, and a subterranean spa with a fresco-lined, Roman-style thermal pool. — JE

Gleneagles is best known for their 850-acre country house hotel in the Scottish countryside, but with the addition of Gleneagles Townhouse, a hotel and members club hybrid, it’s clear they’re equally at home in the city. Housed in this ornate former bank, you’ll find a lobby bar and restaurant that feels straight out of a movie, a rooftop bar with fantastic views and bedrooms that are plush and handsomely appointed. Downstairs in the old bank vaults, there’s also a gym with over 40 complimentary classes and wellness tech like an infrared sauna and cryotherapy chamber. — TM

If the setting of the Four Seasons Firenze, the Palazzo della Gheradesca, was good enough for the Medici family, it’s going to be good enough for you. The hotel features Michelin-starred dining, gilded opulence in every design detail and an outdoor pool and swim club that inspires envy across the city. The latter is found from within Florence’s largest private garden, a serene setting far removed from the dense tourist crowds of the city’s top sights. — JE

Set inside a series of Georgian townhouses that used to act as the headquarters for the Royal Scottish Automobile Club, the Kimpton Blythswood Square Hotel continues to set the bar for Glaswegian luxury. It’s polished yet unpretentious with exemplary service. Rooms feature soothing hues and soaking tubs. There’s also a newly renovated spa and a lovely Scottish afternoon tea. — LC

When it debuted in 2018, The Fontenay elevated Hamburg’s high-end hotel scene in a major way. Positioned alongside the Alster Lakes, the circular, undulating lines of the property provide an eye-catching architectural style. Its rooftop Lakeside restaurant is a two-Michelin starred showpiece, and there’s also an indoor-outdoor rooftop pool and sauna, a cigar lounge and a spa. — JE

The Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi first opened in 1901 and has remained among the city’s most luxe outposts ever since. A bomb shelter used as protection from air raids during the war was rediscovered in 2012, and guests can now tour the historic space. The hotel itself includes several connected wings, with a large, lush courtyard housing an outdoor pool, as well as a standalone, multi-story spa offering indulgent treatments from its estate house-type setting. — JE

With its waterfront position, Hotel Haven offers an ideal location to explore Helsinki. The property offers refined style with a touch of history, too. Its Restaurant Haven, located across the courtyard in a separate building, is within the second oldest stone building in Helsinki, while Bar Haven in the lobby is a more modern setting for a proper cocktail. — JE

This former InterContinental property changed flags last fall and got a major revamp of its lobby, rooms and restaurants: Nobu, a Cantonese spot and a steakhouse. Book a harborview room or a corner suite for the best sightlines across Victoria Harbour and onto the gleaming lights of Hong Kong Island. — KG

It’s a Four Seasons, so you know you can expect comfortable rooms, polished service and a great spa, but the real kicker is the hidden, speakeasy-style bar, Bandista. Reserve one of the few barstools to sample its menu of creative drinks, and keep your eyes peeled for its pop-up series, which draws other great bars around the country. Past events included the iconic Employees Only in New York and Jewel of the South in New Orleans. — KG

With a prime, central position along the Bosphorus, the Çırağan Palace Kempinski sports Istanbul’s best location and viewpoint. The hotel is a historic Ottoman palace, and it retains its grandeur today. The large resort pool deck above the river and a dreamy Turkish hammam pair up to offer the utmost in R&R after busy days spent touring and exploring the city. — JE

In a city so bustling it can feel overwhelming, space matters, and the Langham delivers with palatial rooms — the smallest measures 450 square feet, and the suites are massive — high ceilings, and plenty of real estate to spread out. When you’re ready for a drink, head to the 65th-floor Artesian bar, which serves up cocktails and views in equal measures. — KG

If you’re going to sleep inside a building that dates back to the 14th century, let it be Stradom House. This modern Autograph Collection property is located in the city center, which makes walking easy, and the spa will be ready to soothe any tension upon your return. If a massage doesn’t cut it, try drinking: The gorgeous Hedwig’s Bar sits inside an old chapel and serves art-inspired cocktails rather than cheap wafers and sacramental wine. — KG

Housed within one of the city’s tallest buildings, but looking right up at the taller, adjacent Petronas Towers, the Four Seasons Kuala Lumpur is a glitzy choice of accommodations. The vibey outdoor pool deck is an ideal place to relax after a sweaty day of city exploration, and the vibes continue even underwater, with music pumped into the pool itself. The hotel’s Trigona bar has a well-earned reputation as one of the best in Asia. — JE

At The Park Hyatt Kyoto, you’ll feel as if you’ve been transported to a luxurious Japanese guesthouse from another century, yet with all of the modern trappings you crave. When the property was built, the 300-year-old Kyoyamato teahouse was preserved, which now houses a Michelin-starred restaurant. Excellent eats await elsewhere, too, at the Yasaka teppanyaki restaurant, and with a wondrous Japanese breakfast. The charming and historic surroundings of Higashiyama, meanwhile, make for an ideal jumping-off point to explore Kyoto. — JE

Although approaching its 20th anniversary (it opened in 2005), Wynn, unlike many other Las Vegas hotels, has never lost its luster. The hotel boasts a laundry list of amenities including sophisticated restaurants, some of the city’s best clubs (XS and Encore Beach Club), a 111,000 square-foot casino and its very own on-site golf course. In summation, this lavish and luxurious resort is where discerning adults stay while in Vegas — discerning adults who still like to seriously let loose, that is. — TM

Situated in one of the most happening areas in Lisbon, the five-star Bairro Alto Hotel, a member of Leading Hotels of the World, is upscale without attitude and beautifully designed. It’s also home to a top-tier restaurant, BAHR, with a terrace overlooking the red rooftops to the Tagus River that’s ideal for dinner or drinks. — LC

Go ahead and admit it, you want a luxe and, well, posh stay in London. Nowhere does it better than The Milestone Hotel. Tucked away at the corner of Hyde Park in Kensington, the hotel comprises three connected, historic buildings. Extravagant, multi-story suites go hand-in-hand with the small touches of refined service to make for an unforgettable stay. Be sure to visit the Stables Bar for a well-made cocktail in a setting befitting the well-heeled. Yourself included, of course. — JE

Tucked away on a quiet residential street in the heart of WestHollywood, The Charlie is a quintessential hidden gem. While it’s often overlooked in favor of the city’s flashier, megawatt hotels, travelers in the know, and those seeking a more memorable stay and a high degree of privacy, head straight for The Charlie’s collection of 1920s fairytale cottages. Once owned by Charlie Chaplin (and frequented by other famous guests like Gregory Peck and Marilyn Monroe), many of the accommodations feature private patios or terraces, and all are equipped with full kitchens (making it easy to settle in and live like a local). — TM

Villa Maïa, a member of Leading Hotels of the World, celebrates the past in a distinctly modern way. The hilltop hideaway showcases immaculate French style while simultaneously infusing cross-cultural reference points such as Japanese artistry. Neutral tones, manicured garden paths and an intricately tiled spa pool (a nod to a mosaic discovered during pre-construction excavations) induce a sense of calm. — LC

Dakota isn’t the only boutique in Manchester’s city center, but it is the most glamorous. Bathed in dark tones, it’s luxurious and swanky and has comfortable rooms with all the modern amenities. But the steakhouse and its prime, dry-aged cuts cooked over hot coals is what keeps us coming back for more. — KG

At the Royal Mansour, you’ll feel like a king, or a sultan or a sheik, as the case may be. Each of its guest accommodations is a three-story riad filled to the brim with extraordinary local crafts and décor. Service is immaculate, the setting is pristine, and there’s a veritable garden oasis and pool for you to relax in, not to mention a jaw-dropping spa and excellent cuisine. This is the spot. — JE

Fresh off a game-changing renovation, the Fairmont Kea Lani has emerged as the ideal perch from which to make the most of your stay on Maui’s Wailea coast. Check into your room, all of which are suites or villas, and then head straight to Pilina for local-centric cocktails delivered from a space within the open-air lobby. Soak up the nightly sunset show, and in season, a nonstop performance of spouting and breaching from humpback whales. — JE

A welcome addition to trendy Fitzroy, The StandardX, Melbourne fits in with its vibrant, eclectic surroundings. Guests entering through the bold red revolving door are drawn in by the cool, easygoing vibe and contemporary styling. Come hungry for Thai street food at Bang and tacos, tequila-laced cocktails and prime people-watching on the buzzy rooftop. — LC

Faena Miami Beach matches the energy and Art Deco glamor of the Magic City. A favorite of A-listers and jet-setters, the glimmering property possesses an umbrella-framed pool, serviced beach and a theater draped in its signature shade of red. — LC

Located just about a 10-minute walk away from the Duomo, the Bulgari Hotel Milano delivers the exquisite style you’d expect from the luxury designer. Soothe away what ails you at the sumptuous spa and enjoy a slice of serenity at the property’s lush 43,000-square-foot private garden. Whether you’re posting up at the Bulgari Bar with a signature cocktail or grabbing a treat at the Bulgari Dolci chocolate shop, indulgence awaits around every corner. — JE

Hôtel William Gray earns major points for its privileged location near Place Jacques-Cartier in the heart of Montreal’s cobbled Old Town, and its restful rooms. But it’s the sweeping views, convivial atmosphere and sippable drinks from Terrasse William Gray that seal the deal. — LC

There are a few nonnegotiables when visiting Munich. That list includes eating pretzels, drinking beer and staying at The Charles Hotel, a Rocco Forte Hotel. Perfectly positioned in the leafy Lenbachgärten quarter, it’s an elegant home base for exploring Königsplatz and then returning to experience Bavarian hospitality, Irene Forte Skincare facials and snoozing in botanically-inspired suites. — LC

The Joseph delivers just what you’re looking for with a trip to Nashville, yet also colors outside the lines to deliver a few things you might not expect. For the former, consider the amenity of an in-room record player connected to a Bluetooth speaker and design features such as drawers with guitar-knob handles, and for the latter, consider a rooftop pool with more of a Miami party feel to it. The incredible Italian fare served up by the culinary team at Yolan, meanwhile, would fit right in just about anywhere in the world. — JE

The chaos and clamor of Old Delhi is something that has to be seen to be believed, but at The Imperial, you’ll find a quiet escape where you can fortify yourself for the world beyond. The eight-acre property opened in 1936 as the city’s first international, luxury hotel, and has served as the site of legit world history, with Mahatma Gandhi holding important conversations and meetings in its famed courtyard. Other highlights include an enormous subterranean spa, and an in-house art collection with thousands of items. — JE

Housed in a 19th-century mansion in New Orleans’s historic GardenDistrict, a stay at The Chloe will do something few other hotels here can do: make you feel like a local. With just 14 rooms, each with a record player and their own unique charms, the hotel is intimate yet lively with a popular on-site restaurant serving modern Creole fare for brunch, lunch and dinner, and a saltwater pool and patio with poolside bar. A mix of old-world charm, local character and modern sophistication, this is without a doubt the place you’ll want to call home in the Crescent City. — TM

Although Manhattan is home to over 500 hotels, our minds went straight to The Bowery when it came to choosing just one. Located a few blocks north of SoHo, The Bowery boasts a cozy, somewhat whimsical charm with its use of ornate vintage lighting, plush fabrics, antique rugs and furnishings, and dark wood paneling (picture walking off the streets of America’s largest city and into a stylish English country manor). For congregating, the lobby has a large fireplace with several seating areas, and the Italian trattoria, Gemma, is sure to offer a satisfying meal. As for the rooms, a lighter but still warm pallet prevails, with velvet curtains, wood floors and bathrooms clad in white marble and brass. Opt for a room on a higher floor, if possible, and if splurging on a room with a terrace is in the cards, definitely do that. — TM

The Four Seasons Osaka opened this year, giving the city something that it had long been lacking: a top-tier modern luxury hotel. It was an odd deficiency for one of Japan’s largest cities, a destination that doesn’t quite bring in the same level of tourists that smaller locales such as Kyoto or Sapporo do. But with the Four Seasons in the fold, and attractions such as the wacky, bright lights of Dotonbori, you should give Osaka a chance. Consider booking a room at the hotel’s Gensui, a floor of modern ryokan suites. — JE

With just 11 rooms, the Villa Inkognito is a discrete hideaway within Oslo. That’s fitting for a villa that was once an embassy, yet now delivers a charming, luxury experience that’s connected by a hidden hallway to the enormous, retro Sommerro hotel. Book a room, or rent out the entire villa, and either way make use of an on-demand team of in-house butlers. — JE

Head to the Left Bank for one of Paris’s finest stays, the Relais Christine. Big-name luxury is easy to find in the city, but the Relais Christine delivers more of a boutique, hands-on feel, while still displaying a near hard to fathom level of opulence and grandeur. The hotel has just 48 rooms, some of which are incredible two-story suites you’ll never want to leave. You can at least head downstairs though, because the breakfast game in the dining room off the lobby is not to be missed. — JE

Looking for an oasis of privacy that feels far removed from the more party-centric parts of Phuket? Trisara is a palm-shrouded retreat tucked away on the island’s northwestern coast. The secluded villas have plunge pools and vistas of the sparkling Andaman Sea. The mouth-watering dishes (ahem, stir-fried Phuket lobster) at Sat celebrate Southern Thai cooking and local ingredients. — LC

Soak up the incredible views looking down on picturesque Porto from your room at The Yeatman. The hotel, which opened in 2010, is under the Fladgate umbrella, owners of port wine brands such as Taylor Fladgate, Fonseca and Croft, and the hotel and its restaurants have the drinks lineup to match. Even better though, the immersive World of Wine, as well as the Taylor Fladgate Cellars, are both right next to the property. — JE

From the beautiful floral arrangements in the lobby to the delectable welcome treats (think: decadent chocolate and mini apple tarts), every single detail at the Four Seasons Hotel Prague is carefully considered. Renowned as the most luxurious stay in the city, it also features rooms with Neoclassical decor and gorgeous views of the Vltava River, exemplary service and a desirable location in Old Town. — LC

This luxurious Relais & Châteaux hotel was just awarded two Michelin keys. It has a museum-level collection of centuries-old artifacts that were unearthed during hotel construction, with items displayed in guest rooms and throughout the common spaces. Throw in the great bar and restaurant, and the primo location, and it’s everything you need for a stay in Quebec City’s quaint, historic center. — KG

The 2021 debut of the Reykjavik EDITION brought a new level of luxury to Iceland’s capital. Prior to its arrival, all the best places to stay were well outside the city, but now, your home base can be the hotel’s unique cross of Icelandic hygge with sexy, sleek accommodations. Warm up with a cocktail at the bar or grab a New Nordic meal at the vibey Tides restaurant. — JE

Housed in a historic building at the city’s center, Six Senses Rome will put you right in the middle of the action while providing a tranquil refuge to recharge between sightseeing jaunts. Sleek, sophisticated and full of calming natural materials, hotel highlights include a stunning rooftop restaurant and garden with panoramic views, an extensive fitness center, and a world-class spa offering experiences like sound therapy and breathwork sessions, and a modern Roman bathhouse that could easily grace the cover of an architecture magazine. —TM

This San Francisco icon is located atop Nob Hill and perfect for first-timers who want to experience all the city has to offer, including its bay views and leg-killing hills. It’s also home to Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar, a tiki-style venue with tropical drinks and a barge-shaped stage that literally floats in the indoor lagoon. — KG

Located about 30 minutes outside of San Juan, Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, is Puerto Rico’s finest and most lavish choice of accommodations. With ties to the Rockefeller family, the hotel became an early example of an eco-resort when it first opened in the middle of the 20th century. Its lush grounds and pristine beaches are still highlights, along with butler service and the getaway-within-the-getaway found at the expansive Spa Botanico. — JE

Opened in 2022, this residential-style hotel is housed in a series of connected historic buildings. Rosewoods always have great bars, restaurants and spas, and that’s no different here. But don’t miss (okay, you can’t miss) the Philippe Starck-designed interiors and the 450 artworks from local artists displayed throughout the property. — KG

“Gangnam Style” doesn’t have a random name or meaning; it’s paying homage to Seoul’s Gangnam District. At the Park Hyatt Seoul, you’ll be right in the thick of it, and the neighborhood boasts more than just great shopping, but also excellent bars and intriguing sights, too. The Timber House within the hotel is a vinyl bar and restaurant that boasts a collection of 2,600 records. — JE

The Grand Hyatt Shanghai is housed within the 88-story Jin Mao Tower, itself part of a triumvirate of adjacent skyscrapers that make up an iconic part of the city’s imposing skyline. The hotel was the world’s tallest when it opened in 1999, and from the aptly named 87th-floor Cloud Bar you’ll be able to capitalize on its stature for an incredible scene. The internal view may be just as impressive, as you look down from the 85th-floor atrium stretching 33 stories below. — JE

Shenzhen may be Hong Kong’s neighbor, located about 30 miles away, but the mainland Chinese city feels a world removed from it. A welcoming home base will be the centrally located, contemporary Park Hyatt Shenzhen, adjacent to the Ping An Finance Center, the world’s fifth tallest building. Take in the views of one of the most vertically-obsessed, skyscraper-filled cities on the planet from the hotel’s 47th-floor restaurant and 48th-floor bar. — JE

Yes, folks, this is it. San Domenico Palace, Taormina, a Four Seasons Hotel, is very much what you think it is: the extravagant filming locale and setting for season two of HBO’s The White Lotus. Book a table at Principe Cerami to enjoy an incredible Michelin-starred meal, though people-watching at the bar and restaurant may be even better. — JE

Hailed by tastemakers and design devotees as the most aesthetic stay in Stockholm, Ett Hem is a charming and intimate hideaway tucked inside a trio of private houses. With expertly curated interiors, chef-prepared seasonal meals in the garden and personalized touches galore, the 25-key bolthole bridges the gap between inn and hotel — and does so without missing a beat.

Lovers of luxury hotels with stories to tell flock to Capella Sydney. Behind the heritage-listed sandstone facade of the former Department of Education building, a high-design sanctuary with contemporary style and world-class service awaits. Afternoon tea in the courtyard underneath the kinetic flower sculptures at Aperture is another highlight. — LC

The Jaffa is a perfect symbol for Tel Aviv’s common theme of old meets new. The 19th-century building once served as a hospital, but its recent restoration has produced an achingly stylish space, with guests to match, and a modern, minimalist design that contrasts with the traditional cafes and markets in the Arabic district outside its doors. — KG

Escape the mega-metropolis at the luxe urban sanctuary that is Aman Tokyo. Your jaw will drop when you enter its 33rd-floor lobby, an 86-foot tall atrium that has the feel of an enormous oriental lantern crossed with a grand concert hall. The ultimate in luxury relaxation awaits in its minimalist, ryokan-style rooms, and from within its elegant spa. End an evening at Musashi, a spectacular eight-seat omakase restaurant. — JE

Nestled in the central La Seu district, Helen Berger is a chic base to explore Valencia’s most beloved landmarks. Besides walkability, the boutique property earns points for its relaxed attitude and design anchored by a crisp palette, artwork and ample natural light. — LC

Timeless elegance and unparalleled service are two things that define Rosewood Hotel Georgia, a landmark reimagined in downtown Vancouver. The lobby oozes sophistication with dark wood, custom art and a spiral staircase for making a grand entrance. Be sure to swing by the atmospheric bar for a cocktail. — LC

Hotel Danieli puts you right in the heart of Venice, with a prime position adjacent to the Piazza San Marco. The five-star property is a collection of three interconnected historic palaces, and first became a hotel in 1822. Already a grande dame in a city full of them, you can expect even better things ahead: Hotel Danieli is joining the Four Seasons family and will be undergoing a renovation ahead of a 2025 reopening. — JE

Hotel Imperial, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Vienna occupies a grand building that was originally built as a private residence of Duke Philipp of Württemberg, so it’s the perfect place to cosplay as 19th-century Viennese royalty. The Royal Staircase showcases glimmering chandeliers and marble columns, and the Wiener schnitzel at Café Imperial is the stuff of legend. — LC