Some hotels defy, or maybe transcend, the whole notion of what a hotel is. Take, for instance, Deplar, a turf-roofed former farm on northern Iceland’s Troll Peninsula, where sheep outnumber people. Its polar-inspired wellness concept (which includes an icy plunge pool, hot tub, and sauna) might sound a bit woo-woo, but it leaves guests with an experience that lingers long after they’ve checked out.
As travel continues to evolve, the hotel industry has responded with a host of new concepts and services designed to attract the next generation of travelers. Whether it’s an all-inclusive island resort, an über-luxury suite with its own private spa, or even a futuristic spaceship-shaped property, these best hotels are creating their own brand of luxury.
With such a wide range of experiences on offer, it’s no wonder that some hotels are more successful than others at meeting their guests’ needs. Fortunately, there are a handful of hotel review sites that make it easy to find the perfect stay. From a site that focuses on independent hotels to one that features only verified reviews, here are five of the best hotel review sites to use for your next trip.
Unlike crowdsourced review sites, TripAdvisor’s ratings are based on the actual experiences of hotel guests. The company’s star system combines guest feedback with a hotel’s market share and overall quality to determine its rank. In addition to the top-rated properties, TripAdvisor also creates lists for categories such as ’best hotels for families’ and ‘hot new hotels’.
In addition to its million reviews, TripAdvisor offers a variety of search tools that let you filter results by category, location, and price. The website also includes local events and attractions on its maps, which is a great way to discover hidden gems.
If you’re looking for a boutique hotel with an edge, consider staying at the Shangri-La The Shard in London. This hotel is located on the 34th floor of Western Europe’s tallest building, and it has some of the city’s best views. Guests say the hotel is worth a stay for its stunning views alone, but they also love the rooms and amenities, including a fitness center, free Wi-Fi, and an on-site restaurant.
The Philippines are a beautiful destination for those looking for a remote slice of paradise. However, the country’s infamous traffic can be challenging to navigate. That’s why it’s important to consider location when choosing a hotel, and we recommend booking a stay in the Bonifacio Global City neighborhood of Manila. This area is considered a more upscale part of the city, and its residents are known to frequent restaurants and shops in The Mercer. This area is also home to many of the best hotels in Manila.