Top 50 Favorite Hotels Worldwide: Readers’ Choice 2025

Note: If you’re looking for our most recent recommendations, check out the 2023 list of our favorite hotels in the world.

“Luxury, redefined,” is how one iBestTravel reader described The Oberoi Udaivilas, which was ranked No. 1 hotel overall in our survey this year. Is it any surprise guests rhapsodize about its private pools, flanked by visiting peacocks and parakeets, or the views of glittering Lake Pichola from the bay windows in their rooms?

Two decades ago, we began asking iBestTravel readers to share with us their favorite hotels and resorts. They’ve taken into account value, service, food, and design, among other categories, to determine their favorite properties in the world. Each year, the list is surprising, dynamic, and provides clear insight into the trends and tastes shaping our global travel community.

This year, readers’ favorite hotels ranged from the far reaches of India to the frenetic streets of Tokyo. However, a significant number of the winners are closer to home, with nearly 40 percent of the hotels on the Top 50 list located stateside. A clutch of chic properties in California, two on Rhode Island’s picturesque shores, and a duo perched on Sea Island in Georgia are just a few of the beloved standouts.

There is no shortage of options in classic European cities—Paris, Venice, and London—as well as Asia’s booming hotspots, including Shanghai and Chiang Mai. Moreover, let’s not forget the dreamy resorts scattered across Mexico’s beaches. For trip inspiration or a few hard-earned daydreams, click through our list of favorite hotel winners.

No. 50 Four Seasons Resort, Punta Mita, Mexico

Score: 93.54

As the first luxury resort to appear on Punta Mita, this property has set the standard for indulgence in quintessential Four Seasons style. The premier Punta Mita retreat snagged the choicest stretch of Bahía de Banderas, and many casitas offer ocean panoramas. If the Pacific isn’t enough, guests can choose between five pools, including a heated infinity option and a series of small plunge pools. Familiar names appear throughout the property, including a Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course and a seafood-focused restaurant by Richard Sandoval. The resort’s biggest draw is its tropical waters—ideal for whale watching, snorkeling, diving, and sunning on the nearby Marietas Islands.

fourseasons.com/puntamita

No. 49 Inn Above Tide Sausalito, Sausalito, California

Score: 93.54

This debut property sneaks onto the Top 50 list with a score that ties it with the veteran Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita. So how did cozy, shingled Inn Above Tide wash away the competition this year? The hotel sits on San Francisco Bay, atop concrete and timber pilings that allow balconies and teak-furnished decks to jut directly over the water. Complimentary selections of California wines, wood-burning fireplaces, Bulgari toiletries, and in-room binoculars for spying on locals (sea lions, migratory birds, and stand-up paddleboarders) seal the deal. For a culinary experience, book a table at nearby restaurant Fish for a West Coast iteration of the lobster roll, made with Dungeness crab.

innabovetide.com

No. 48 Belmond Hotel Caruso, Ravello, Italy

Score: 93.60

From its limestone throne at the highest point in Ravello, pitching toward the Tyrrhenian Sea, this 11th-century palazzo dazzles both inside and out. Colorful frescoes and Moorish arches adorn the façade, while rooms boast mosaic tile floors and, in many cases, private gardens. Look too quickly, and you may think the rooftop infinity pool extends straight into the Mediterranean. Breakfast on the patio features pastries replaced every half hour to maintain freshness before boarding the Belmond’s traditional wooden boat, Ercole, for an afternoon tour of the Amalfi Coast. For dinner, enjoy wood-fired pizzas and roasted seafood entrees alongside Belvedere Restaurant’s ancient rose bushes.

hotelcaruso.com/web/orav/hotel_caruso_ravello

No. 47 Lake Placid Lodge, Lake Placid New York

Score: 93.65

After a devastating fire destroyed the 19th-century main building, this hotel was gorgeously rebuilt to surpass its original rustic-chic vibe. The Relais & Châteaux property offers an upscale arts and crafts aesthetic, with handmade birch beds and blanket-strewn Adirondack chairs. Whether in snow or sun, guests can take advantage of upstate New York’s natural bounty with complimentary boats, bikes, skis, snowshoes, and toboggans. Opt for one of the luxe, shore-facing log cabins from the 1920s and 1930s, where morning sunrises bring fresh raspberry pancakes and jars of preserves delivered to your door in a wicker basket. Evenings end sweetly with nightly s’mores around a bonfire lit at dusk.

lakeplacidlodge.com

No. 46 Calistoga Ranch, Calistoga, California

Score: 93.66

Pacific Coast nature lovers can’t get enough of this woodsy, 157-acre Eden tucked in a canyon of ancient oaks and bubbling creeks, just steps from the Silverado Trail. Freestanding cedar-shingle lodges with copper accents, panoramic windows, and outdoor rain showers are best known for their double-sided, indoor-outdoor fireplaces. Evidence of the ranch’s Napa Valley heritage can be found in the cabernet wine bath at the Bathhouse Spa, morning yoga in the mountainside wine cave, or (more traditionally) an estate wine tasting. Travelers looking for indulgence will appreciate the on-site Mercedes-Benz, available for jaunts through the countryside.

(Permanently closed)

No. 45 The Goring London, London, England

Score: 93.67

This year, for the first time in more than a century, The Goring closed its doors for a top-to-toe renovation. Now a whimsical, hand-painted scene of London’s zoo animals running wild in the city graces the Front Hall of the centrally located Belgravia institution. Remaining walls are covered in hand-dyed, archival silks. However, it’s the éclair cart that roves through the lounge during afternoon tea, as well as the new fleet of footmen, that have caught guests’ attention. Visitors staying in the hotel’s suites can make requests of their designated butlers—decked out in vibrant red tailcoats and gold-trimmed waistcoats—for various special requests, such as an English picnic in a royal park (with champagne, of course) or even a Shetland pony. Now that’s service.

thegoring.com

No. 44 Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China

Score: 93.75

When it was first built, this landmark property was the city’s tallest skyscraper, towering over Hong Kong. Decades later, it remains a lustrous local legend, with glossy black marble in the lobby and, in the rooms, glazed ceramics, velvet fabrics, and polished wood panels. Above the ground floor, retail includes the Café Causette and Cake Shop, where the city’s socialites and pampered guests enjoy dim sum, mini quiches, and meticulously decorated wedding cakes. A recent redo has transformed the balconies into glass or white English oak sunrooms, creating a barrier between guests and city smog.

mandarinoriental.com/hongkong

No. 43 Lodge at Sea Island Golf Club, Sea Island, Georgia

Score: 93.78

Perks of staying at this genteel country resort (just off southeastern Georgia’s Atlantic coast) include private butlers and access to three legendary golf courses—complete with marsh and St. Simons Sound views, as well as a roaming bagpiper in the evenings. Suites and living rooms are over 1,000 square feet, featuring plush oriental rugs and soaking tubs in the bathrooms. We suggest booking Nos. 2 and 3 for their enormous balconies overlooking the 18th hole. For guests in need of extra indulgence, there are six on-site restaurants (and a food truck) as well as a 65,000-square-foot spa at the lodge’s sister property, The Cloister.

seaisland.com/Accommodations/The-Lodge.asp

No. 42 Hotel Lungarno, Firenze, Italy

Score: 93.88

Lush interiors by the famous Ferragamo fashion family warm up this jasmine-covered medieval stone tower, which is old world and wholly romantic. The spacious rooms (by Florentine standards) are styled in crisp shades of blue and cream with nautical references to the neighboring River Arno. Botticino marble can be found in the bathrooms alongside antique furnishings in the bedrooms. Consider a Junior Suite for access to a private, river-facing terrace, or the Suite Torre to be positioned inside the building’s tower.

lungarnohotels.com/en

No. 41 Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai, Thailand

Score: 93.91

Set among terraced paddy fields, this resort achieves complete tranquility despite being only twenty minutes outside Chiang Mai proper. Its poolside villas and pavilions, all built with vaulted ceilings and polished teak floors, resemble Thai temples. Unwind in one of the spa’s elegant treatment suites featuring private steam rooms and outdoor soaking tubs, or try your hand at making noodle soup with chicken or dry spiced curry with pork at the resort’s cooking school. Ingredients are often sourced directly from the property’s private, organic garden.

Fourseasons.com/chiangmai

No. 40 Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme, Paris, France

Score: 93.93

Elegant interiors with limestone, mahogany, bronze sculptures, and light fixtures give this palatial hotel a definite appeal that lacks in many of the city’s other regal properties. Inside the five fused Haussmann-era townhouses, guests can enjoy a museum-worthy art collection. The rooms are adorned with golden window shades, silken duvets, and handmade furniture. None of the standard doubles compare to the two-story Presidential Suite, which has hosted such notables as Madonna and the Dalai Lama, featuring a glass-roofed master bath and a hammam.

paris.vendome.hyatt.com

No. 39 The Peninsula Tokyo

Score: 94.00

International business and leisure travelers bed down in the tower’s top suites, featuring panoramic views of Hibiya Park and the Imperial Palace. Nearly every detail about The Peninsula Tokyo helps visitors discover and decode the frenetic city streets, many of which have no names. The concierge staff is famous for snagging reservations at Michelin-starred restaurants or securing the best bilingual guides. In-room iPods come equipped with convenient tours, and the room phone transforms into a cell phone. Though four primary subway lines converge in the hotel’s basement, for many, the hotel is a destination in its own right. Locals can often be found at tables in one of the property’s five restaurants. Try the kaiseki-style tasting menu at Kyoto Tsuruya or an award-winning cocktail from the top-floor sky bar, Peter.

peninsula.com/Tokyo/en/default

No. 38 Egerton House Hotel, London, England

Score: 94.13

Since the late 1800s, the Egerton House Hotel has been operating as a private guesthouse. This year, the twin red brick property making up the historic hotel appeared on our World’s Best List. The 1843 building in London’s posh Knightsbridge district is home to 28 rooms that blend modern features and opulent, Old World charm to effect. Each room includes elaborate brocade fabrics, fresh-cut flowers, and antique furnishings, alongside flat-screen televisions and Bose docking stations. Guests enjoy first-rate amenities such as use of the Aquila fitness spa, complimentary Wi-Fi, and afternoon tea, complete with finger sandwiches and Devonshire clotted cream.

egertonhousehotel.com

No. 37 Cavallo Point Lodge, Sausalito, California

Score: 94.15

This property, situated on the spectacular promontories known as the Marin Headlands, has come a long way since its days as Fort Baker—a depot and officers’ residence during World War II. Now, the spa and lodge offer adventure-seeking guests strategic access to the Golden Gate Bridge, casting its iconic shadow over the eco-friendly rooms and sprawling lawns. Choose between historic rooms in whitewashed quarters with pressed-tin ceilings and porches or a newer contemporary space with bamboo furniture and bay views.

cavallopoint.com

No. 35 Wentworth Mansion, Charleston, South Carolina

Score: 94.22

Like its aptly named restaurant Circa 1886, everything at this hotel is plucked straight from the Second Empire. The estate was originally a private home and still exudes Victorian grandness, with its original stained glass windows, crystal chandeliers, and a rooftop cupola for unobstructed views of Charleston. In the mansion’s former stables, guests can enjoy modern spa treatments, and complimentary sherry and port are offered in the parlor every evening. Breakfast is included, but you’ll want to return to the lauded restaurant for dinner. The lamb with huckleberry and goat cheese is a summertime standout.

wentworthmansion.com

No. 35 The Peninsula Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China

Score: 94.22

Readers have raved about this property for twenty years, noting its glamour starts from the first glimpse of 14 customized Rolls-Royce limousines waiting just beyond the entry fountain. Inside, bellboys don old-school pillbox hats, and a string quartet plays classical music. Ascend the 38-story tower to the recently renovated rooms, which balance burlwood cabinetry and vintage luggage-inspired hardware with new, modern tablets that control everything from lighting to blackout curtains. We suggest keeping the shades up—you won’t want to miss vistas of Victoria Harbour and Kowloon. For heart-stopping views, schedule a helicopter tour of Hong Kong’s Geopark from the rooftop helipad: the only one in the city. Would you expect anything less from Hong Kong’s oldest hotel and one of the most veteran properties on our list?

peninsula.com/Hong_Kong/en/default

No. 34 Cape Grace, Cape Town, South Africa

Score: 94.32

This hotel receives high marks for stunning views of the sailboat-speckled harbor and Table Mountain. However, genuine hospitality and intuitive service is what makes this a repeat World’s Best winner. When you return— which you most certainly will—seeing the staff will feel like reuniting with old friends. From the moment you pass from the pedestrian bridge to the hotel’s private quay, you’ll be overwhelmed by thoughtful details, such as hand-painted fabrics and a storybook in each of the 121 rooms that tells the unique tale of its design. Look for china recovered from shipwrecks and ship manifestos. Whether vacationing or securing a business deal, make time for the Bascule Bar, which is stocked with over 500 whiskeys.

capegrace.com

No. 33 Hotel Alfonso XIII, a Luxury Collection Resort, Seville, Spain

Score: 94.35

Since the days of the Spanish king who gave the hotel its name, this property has catered to royal expectations with its stained glass, colorful Andalusian tiles, and silk-draped walls. The Moorish castle’s surprisingly contemporary furniture in the guest rooms and suites may be a turnoff for traditionalists, but the new private boutiques are welcome reprieves from the somewhat touristy streets of Old Seville.

luxurycollection.com/alfonsoxiii

No. 32 Cloister at Sea Island, Sea Island, Georgia

Score: 94.49

Discriminating East Coasters flock year-round to this historic 1928 Mediterranean-style mansion, set on a private barrier island south of Savannah. Beach Club Suites come with kitchens, fireplaces, and balconies, but all have finer period touches (exposed wood beams, handmade Turkish rugs). Hop on the restored antique yacht, the Cloister Belle, for a 90-minute tour of the salt marshes or relax at the new two-story spa, complete with an indoor forest and lagoon. Post-massage, don your best attire for dinner at The Georgian, where painted china is the necessary backdrop for five-star fare like frog’s leg confit. Conclude your evening with a movie in the on-site theater or a cone from the ice cream parlor, Wonderland.

seaisland.com

No. 30 Hotel Terra Jackson Hole, Teton Village, Wyoming

Score: 94.50

This environmentally conscious hotel features bamboo wood furniture and 100 percent organic mattresses in guest rooms, while the lobby is decorated with reclaimed barn wood art. Nontoxic paint and water reduction systems have helped make this a LEED-certified property. Of course, eco-friendly and luxurious don’t have to be mutually exclusive. Heated floors and a rooftop hot tub with views of Jackson Hole Mountain make this boutique property fit for the in-crowd.

hotelterrajacksonhole.com

No. 30 Inn at Little Washington, Washington, Virginia

Score: 94.50

It’s hard to believe that this 18-room inn, now a destination in its own right, got its start as a converted garage in the village of Washington, Virginia. Cashmere bed throws, 17th-century reclaimed French chateau floors, and amethyst-studding ceilings do their due diligence in disguising the humble origins. Book room No. 5 for a private balcony overlooking the courtyard garden. Save your appetite for dinner at Chef Patrick O’Connell’s legendary restaurant, where refined American fare such as prosciutto-wrapped veal Shenandoah with fontina ravioli comes from a custom-designed kitchen inspired by Windsor Castle.

theinnatlittlewashington.com

No. 29 Le Bristol, Paris, France

Score: 94.51

A lengthy $130 million facelift has restored a youthful glow to this 90-year-old dauphine. While 19th-century French regalia remains (endless toile and gilded ceilings that date to 1925), the new Le Bristol Paris now enhances its stunning Eiffel Tower views with floor-to-ceiling windows. The Epicure restaurant, of three Michelin stars, has been completely redone with romantic two-tops overlooking the leafy courtyard, and 114 Hauborg and Le Bar du Bristol have joined the gastronomic team. The hotel has also added two apartment-style gems, reachable by an original wrought-iron elevator. Ascend to the Panoramic Suite (you’ll recognize this 2,150-square-foot space from Woody Allen’s Midnight in Paris) for French master paintings, a private gym, and a white and lavender bedroom graced by Owen Wilson and Rachel McAdams.

lebristolparis.com/eng/welcome

No. 27 Banyan Tree Mayakoba, Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Score: 94.67

Like its Rosewood neighbor, this resort provides a tranquil escape from Mexico’s touristy spring break beaches. The Banyan Tree’s swooping pagodas and Eastern-rooted spa treatments are a nod to the brand’s Thai origins. All guests can enjoy the supreme privacy of the property’s 107 stand-alone villas, with a minimum of 3,150 slate-floored, sky-lit square feet. Don’t miss out on a spa visit during your stay. The Rainforest Indulgence consists of eight hydrotherapy treatments that emulate the surrounding jungle, concluding with a dip in the Vitality Pool—featuring luminous, underwater chaises and acupressure jets.

banyantree.com/en/em-mexico-mayakoba

No. 27 The Little Nell, Aspen, Colorado

Score: 94.67

One of the resort’s most extravagant offerings lies in the setting itself, where celebrities such as Heidi Klum and Beyoncé warm up after skiing, using in-room gas fireplaces or sampling from the 20,000-bottle wine cellar. It’s not just the ski concierge, equipped with warm boots and lift passes, or the recent Holly Hunt revamp that brought warm wood and soaking tubs to the mountainside retreat. The signature hot chocolate, made with half-and-half, sugar, Valrhona Cocoa, a pinch of salt, and topped with whipped cream, marshmallows, chocolate chips, or peppermint stick—perhaps all of the above—defines the true indulgence.

thelittlenell.com

No. 26 Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park, New York

Score: 94.73

One of the biggest draws to this landmark Manhattan hotel is its premier location on the southern edge of Central Park. The limestone-fronted Emily Roth building is a testament to the resilience of Old World charm with tasseled damask curtains, a brigade of carriage horses for romantic sunset rides through the park, and loaner Burberry trench coats for blustery days. The Auden Bistro & Bar is the newest addition to the property, serving new American fare alongside classic cocktails such as a Jim Beam Manhattan with vermouth, orange bitters, and an orange twist.

ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/CentralPark

No. 25 Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa, Johannesburg, South Africa

Score: 94.75

A koi pond, azure swimming pool with underwater music, and a 10-acre garden create the perfect backdrop for Nelson Mandela, who penned his autobiography here after his release from prison. The hotel occupies one of the most exclusive addresses in the Sandhurst suburb and is best known for its African art collection displayed throughout the hotel. The sleek, contemporary manse offers 53 rooms, each fashionably designed with natural materials such as horn and wood, complemented by modern, tribal-inspired prints. Like the interior design, the food and beverage program is regional in focus, featuring South African wines in minibars and Qunu Grill’s spotlight on native cuisine with grass-fed beef from KwaZulu-Natal and mussels from the coast.

saxon.co.za

No. 24 Gritti Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Venice, Italy

Score: 94.82

In 2013, Starwood’s Luxury Collection invested $55 million in renovating this legendary Venetian hotel. During the 15-month redo, no detail was overlooked, including 200 silk wall coverings and textiles reproduced from the Rubelli firm’s archives exclusively for the hotel. Here, opulence is genuine, and the glamour of the 15th-century palazzo is underscored by 880 thoughtfully refurbished antiques and light fixtures. Take breakfast at Club del Doge, the floating terrace on the Canal Grande. One tiny grievance? The breathtaking new rooftop space is reserved exclusively for guests at the Redentore Terrazza Suite. Che peccato.

luxurycollection.com/grittipalace

No. 23 Primland, Meadows of Dan, Virginia

Score: 95.06

Stargazers rejoice at this secluded estate, offering 12,000 woodsy acres and nearly 3,000 feet elevation for unusually clear night sky views. Observe constellations overhead or take a peek through the observatory’s Celestron telescope. Choose from rooms in the main lodge, a luxury cottage, a private home, or even a cedar tree house perched in ancient oak limbs—all accommodations provide spectacular views of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains. While climbing trees (with ropes and a guide) or playing the Donald Steel-designed golf course, keep an eye out for roaming animals like black bears, bobcats, and bald eagles.

primland.com

No. 22 The Peninsula Bangkok, Bangkok, Thailand

Score: 95.11

Thanks to a clever, wave-shaped design, this luxurious 37-story property grants each of its 370 rooms commanding views of the Chao Phraya River and the skyline. Teak floors, marble bathrooms, silk-covered furniture, and control panels for mood lighting and curtain-closing outfit the Grand Deluxe rooms, which also have protruding, V-shaped windows to produce panoramic scenes. In 2007, the spa expanded to 21,000 square feet. Here, pampering becomes an art form expressed through treatments like chakra balancing and Thai yoga massage. Get to downtown Bangkok without traffic via one of four ferries that shuttle guests to the piers hundreds of times daily.

bangkok.peninsula.com

No. 21 Rosewood Mayakobá, Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Score: 95.20

This all-suite property in a small city at the heart of Riviera Maya serves as an antidote to the nearby tourist traps like Cancun. With 130 rooms that are dramatically suspended over a freshwater lagoon, it features walls of Yucatan limestone blocks and angular, cantilevered roofs that seamlessly integrate into the natural surroundings. Outdoor garden showers and stargazing decks may make it difficult to leave your suite, though we suspect the lancha-style fishing boats or chaya-mojito salt body scrub at Sense—a spa set on an island with its own cenote—will coax you away.

rosewoodhotels.com/en/mayakoba-riviera-maya

No. 20 Allison Inn & Spa, Newberg, Oregon

Score: 95.25

Willamette wine country’s favorite retreat harmonizes with its surrounding 35 acres of wineries, gardens, and grassy lawns. The rooms evoke a homey feel, featuring gas fireplaces, soaking tubs, tangerine bath salts, and bay window seats laden with cushions and a chenille throw. Get a bird’s-eye view of the valley on a hot air balloon ride or helicopter tour. The inn’s wine list boasts over 800 labels, from the property’s own Austin Knoll to selections from as far away as Australia, New Zealand, and Lebanon.

theallison.com

No. 19 Ocean House, Watch Hill, Rhode Island

Score: 95.43

Long favored by local and visiting aristocrats, this Victorian oceanfront hotel recently underwent a $146 million rebuild, and the 1868 property is grand as ever. The number of rooms has been reduced to 49 (excluding suites and residences), yet there are double the windows and consequently, double the light. Opt for Grand Deluxe Room 301 for ocean views, an oversized soaking tub, and a blue-tiled fireplace, or a private villa. If you look closely, you may catch the ghost of a lace parasol or top hat bobbing across the lawns. Consider visiting in the off-season—moody skies, long walks on the private beach, and lounging in the 25-meter spa pool—for a more intimate stay.

oceanhouseri.com

No. 18 Chanler at Cliff Walk, Newport, Rhode Island

Score: 95.50

Like many Vanderbilt-era summer homes in this seaside town, Chanler at Cliff Walk was once a private mansion, now transformed into a refined New England resort. Each of the hotel’s 20 rooms is uniquely designed, yet all convey Newport’s colonial, nautical atmosphere. Make a reservation at the hotel’s restaurant, the Spiced Pear, for Chef Thomas Duffy’s seafood-driven six-course tasting menu (featuring butter-poached Maine lobster and Narragansett Bay tautog with gnocchi). The recreational trail tracing the Breakers is best enjoyed at dusk, once the crowds disperse, as the impressive homes backlit by the setting sun.

thechanler.com

No. 17 One&Only Palmilla, San Jose del Cabo, Mexico

Score: 95.56

Thanks to an emphasis on personalized service (staffers address guests by name), the 173-room property feels more like a boutique hotel than a large resort, attracting an array of celebrities and moneyed moguls. Following Hurricane Odile, One & Only Palmilla has seen several new additions and improvements. Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s restaurant has transformed from an Asian-fusion eatery into an upscale steakhouse (with 15 cuts from a glass-walled meat cellar), while the spa has expanded to include a juice bar and barbershop. Perched on Mexico’s Baja peninsula, the property maintains its reputation as one of the premier resorts in Los Cabos. Larger groups should opt for Villa Cortez, the hotel’s only stand-alone suite with four bedrooms, a private gym and spa, a pool, a stocked kitchen, and a dedicated staff ready to arrange experiences like moonlit guitar serenades overlooking the sea.

palmilla.oneandonlyresorts.com

No. 16 The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra, India

Score: 95.60

With its Moorish arches and sandstone columns, fountained courtyards, and tranquil water gardens, The Oberoi Amarvilas resides in the shadows of the iconic Taj Mahal. Not a single room exists without a view of the glittering, white marble mausoleum—even some bathtubs boast views. A premium room offers French doors opening onto a balcony for an even more spectacular panorama. Enjoy a dip in the hotel’s infinity pool and sip a signature Amarvilas ice tea, made with regional flavors such as orange mango and cinnamon or chamomile and spearmint.

oberoihotels.com/hotels-in-agra

No. 15 Four Seasons Hotel, Gresham Palace, Budapest, Hungary

Score: 95.61

Before it became one of Four Seasons’ grandest properties, Gresham Palace housed an insurance company, later hosting Soviet soldiers and, afterward, it was divided into small apartments during Hungarian Communist rule. Now, the 1906 Art Nouveau structure exceeds its original grandeur due to a $125 million restoration. The lobby wows visitors with stained-glass windows, 1,021,200 mosaic tiles (which also appear on the façade), and a custom-made crystal chandelier of hand-shaped leaves hanging from a glass cupola. Opt for a high-level room facing the Danube, and plan your visit during summer to attend the nearby Festival of Folk Arts at Buda Castle. The Chain Bridge and St. Stephen’s Basilica are just steps away.

fourseasons.com/budapest

No. 14 Inn at Palmetto Bluff, A Montage Resort, Bluffton, South Carolina

Score: 95.64

Life at this Southern resort seems to move with the leisurely pace of the neighboring May River. Set on coastal marshland, guests can indulge in southern comfort with fireplaces and private screened-in verandas. Play the wide fairways of the 18-hole, Jack Nicklaus-designed signature golf course, or venture out with a naturalist on an alligator “hunt.” Bird lovers can paddle complimentary kayaks or canoes through the lagoon to spy over 100 species, including great blue herons and snowy egrets.

montagehotels.com/palmettobluff

No. 13 Le Meurice, Paris, France

Score: 95.71

It’s fitting this 19th-century grande dame, nestled between the Louvre and Tuileries Garden, be described as nothing less than a masterpiece. Following a Philippe Starck-led re-do in 2007, Le Meurice has a renewed modernity, including refrigerator-frosted mirrors and gilted, three-legged tables nodding to artist Dalí, who frequented the hotel. Even Alain Ducasse’s three Michelin-starred restaurant has artistic flavor: original pieces by Pierre Tachon and ornate Japanese craftworks adorn the tables. For a 360-degree balcony view of Paris, splurge on the enormous Belle Etoile Suite, with gleaming marble and Italian brocade. However, even the most standard rooms feature distinguished Louis XVI-style furniture and soundproof walls.

dorchestercollection.com/en/paris/le-meurice

No. 12 The Wickaninnish Inn, Tofino, British Columbia

Score: 95.81

At what seems like the edge of the world, on a remote stretch of British Columbia’s pine-fringed cape, The Wickaninnish Inn marries rugged nature with understated luxury. After strolling across Chesterman Beach alongside the churning Pacific or hiking through old-growth forests to hot springs and tide pools, return to marvel at fierce storms unfolding from your ocean or beach-view balcony. Thanks to triple-glazed windows, thunderous squalls are best observed in utter silence. All rooms stay cozy with fireplaces and heated tile bathroom floors. Consider booking a hot stone massage at the Ancient Cedar Spa, where eco-friendly products are utilized, including locally made Seaflora.

wickinn.com

No. 11 Hotel 41, London, England

Score: 95.87

With two staff members for every guest, 24-hour room service, and an in-room “whatever, whenever” button connecting you with staff providing your wishes, not to mention a dedicated pet concierge for your four-legged companion, Hotel 41 achieves top marks for service. The sleek, black-and-white décor gives the 30 individually appointed rooms (including split-level Junior Suites with open fireplaces and handmade king mattresses) a sense of unison; its convenient location across from the Royal Mews helps guests get a head start on sightseeing. The extensive range of complimentary perks (such as unlimited Wi-Fi, welcome champagne, and an open pantry) gives Hotel 41 major appeal for families and couples alike.

41hotel.com

No. 8 Farmhouse Inn, Forestville, California

Score: 96.00

Following an $8 million renovation, the laid-back Sonoma inn has garnered interest from wine aficionados nationwide. Set amid hundreds of wineries north of San Francisco, the luxury property features a farmhouse and has added nine new rooms along with a spa utilizing fresh ingredients grown onsite. Visitors are attracted not just by the luxurious accommodations; the Michelin-starred restaurant has a following thanks to iconic dishes such as Rabbit Rabbit Rabbit—a trio of bacon-wrapped loin, ribs, and leg confit. Take advantage of customized in-room wine tastings or sample local varietals on a sommelier-led tour.

farmhouseinn.com

No. 8 The Peninsula Shanghai, Shanghai, China

Score: 96.00

This towering 235-room, granite-clad building sits along the Bund waterfront. Its brass and mahogany elevators transport a high-end clientele to Art Deco-style rooms that reflect the period atmosphere. The Peninsula’s modern amenities—Wi-Fi, VoIP phones, portable master control panels, and spa tubs with lighting and music features—are seamlessly integrated into the elegant space. Your most valuable asset here is Simon Huang; tap the chief concierge for his gourmet restaurant, bar, and cultural recommendations.

shanghai.peninsula.com

No. 8 Sunset Key Guest Cottages, a Luxury Collection Resort, Key West, Florida

Score: 96.00

This resort may be a mere 10-minute ferry ride from Key West, but the isolated, private island offers seclusion like no other. Indulge your Castaway fantasies in whitewashed cottages featuring fully stocked kitchens and wrap-around verandas. Book an ocean-view suite to enjoy a customized breakfast basket while seated on an Adirondack chair on your porch. If complete isolation sounds unnerving, head to the island’s restaurant, Latitudes, for a complimentary glass of champagne and fresh fish caught off the resort’s own pier.

luxurycollection.com/sunsetkey

No. 7 Singita Sabi Sand, Kruger National Park, South Africa

Score: 96.47

If watching the African sun set over a pride of lions sounds like the trip of a lifetime, you’re not alone. Singita Sabi Sand game reserve boasts two lodges, featuring distinctive interiors designed by emerging African designers. Boulders, which evinces raw, untouched nature, sits on the edge of the Sand River, while Ebony offers a vintage safari aesthetic with Colonial-era furniture and décor. Both allow guests everything from private plunge pools to well-stocked wine cellars. Embrace your adventurous side with a mountain-bike ride through the bush or a photography-focused safari. For unforgettable views of elephants bathing in the Sand River, book Ebony Lodge’s Suite 1.

singita.com/regions/singita-sabi-sand

No. 6 Four Seasons Hotel, Istanbul at Sultanahmet, Sultanahmet, Istanbul

Score: 96.57

Before it became a posh Four Seasons, the century-old Neoclassical building served as an infamous prison. Fortunately, stark cellblocks have transitioned into 65 chic rooms that retain architectural details like vaulted ceilings and arched windows. Shadows of the property’s past remain: the courtyard garden was once the exercise yard, and the watchtowers now house the building’s elevators. While reliable Four Seasons service and elegant style are key, the hotel’s location in the heart of Sultanahmet stuns guests. The city’s greatest monuments—the Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace—are less than a five-minute walk from the lobby. Simply stepping onto the hotel’s roof terrace rewards guests with views across the Sea of Marmara during the day and the illuminated Hagia Sophia at night.

fourseasons.com/istanbul

No. 5 The Oberoi Rajvilas, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India

Score: 97.26

Majesty and modernity coexist perfectly at this tranquil resort in Jaipur, where guests can explore the 32-acre property on an elephant ride to Naila Fort or lounge poolside while dedicated staffers ward off pesky pigeons. Standard rooms feature teak bars with bone inlay and white marble baths, while air-conditioned tents redefine camping. Royal and Luxury tents come outfitted with Burmese teakwood floors, claw-footed tubs, and hand block-printed canopies woven with gold thread. During cooler months from October to April, indulge in rare Indian delicacies at Raj Mahal restaurant. Order aromatic biryani rice dishes featuring herbs grown in the garden and sip a signature Gulkand martini with rose marmalade and lime. Retreat to the 18th-century haveli for indigenous spa rituals and specialty baths filled with rose water, milk, and marigolds. Balance your chi with daily morning yoga asanas and meditations in the Shiva temple.

oberoihotels.com/hotels-in-jaipur

No. 3 Triple Creek Ranch, Darby, Montana

Score: 97.33

It’s easy to conjure romance at this retreat nestled in the Bitterroot Mountains, spread across 600 acres of kid-free forests. This World’s Best mainstay was ranked No. 1 in the world last year due to its Relais & Châteaux service and luxurious accommodations. The 23 rustic log cabins are elevated with cozy touches such as wood-burning stoves, steam showers, and private hot tubs. Experience the wild west with tailored itineraries featuring horseback riding, cattle drives, helicopter tours above Glacier or Yellowstone National Parks, and even sapphire panning. When you’re ready to come indoors, staff members welcome you with fresh-baked cookies or recommend a bottle from the glass-and-mahogany wine cellar, which boasts over 700 wines and champagnes. Don’t be surprised if one stay isn’t enough; around half of all visitors are repeat guests.

triplecreekranch.com

No. 3 Ashford Castle, County Mayo, Ireland

Score: 97.33

This Medieval castle, the oldest in Ireland, has hosted dignified guests throughout its 800-year history, including Sir Benjamin Lee Guinness (the Guinness), who once owned the space, John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara (who stayed during the filming of John Ford’s The Quiet Man), and recently, Ireland’s Prime Minister, who celebrated the property’s reopening after a $75 million renovation. Thoughtful restorations improved the building’s stonework and infrastructure while modern expansions have drawn attention, including a billiards room, a 32-seat movie theater, and a full spa with a heated, indoor pool opening this month.

ashfordcastle.com

No. 2 Castello di Casole – A Timbers Resort, Tuscany, Italy

Score: 98.00

Amidst the olive trees and knotted grapevines lies a castle dating to the 10th century. An extensive renovation has transformed this historic site into a 41-suite resort, featuring classic oil paintings, exposed wooden beams, and reclaimed terracotta. Book a local oil- or wine-based treatment at Essere Spa (originally the wine cellar) and finish off your evening with a bottle of the estate’s exclusive Dodici wine, gifted to all guests upon arrival.

castellodicasole.com

No. 1 The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India

Score: 99.29

This palace, fit for a maharaja, is nothing short of an oasis amid the country’s frenetic energy. The hotel sits on its private island in Udaipur—the former hunting grounds of India’s kings—and guests are transported to the property via private boat. After crossing Lake Pichola and entering the hotel’s main courtyard (featuring a white marble lotus floating in a reflecting pool), you’ll find your accommodations. Book one of nine Premier rooms for a semi-private pool, terrace, and views of wildlife such as peacocks and white-spotted deer. Visit the on-site Bada Mahal, an 18th-century palace adorned with delicate frescoes, or take a camel ride to Devigarh Fort Palace for lunch. Repeat visitors will love the departure gifts, including traditional mirror-work coasters or jewelry boxes.

oberoihotels.com/hotels-in-udaipur/