If you’re searching for an unforgettable hotel experience, a five-star stay is the way to go. But not all hotels that earn this distinction are created equal. Some offer a world-class experience, while others deliver a taste of local flavor. To discover the best hotels, we looked for unique properties with outstanding service and design that reflect their destination.
We also considered the level of luxury and amenities offered, as well as each hotel’s sustainability credentials. These criteria helped us narrow the field of options to find the top 20 hotels, listed below.
From a palatial hotel re-imagined as an Italian palace to a hotel conceived as a work of art, we’ve included properties that are a cut above the rest. With a host of perks like private butlers, cocktails at turndown and dramatic decor, these standout hotels are perfect for those seeking an opulent escape.
In a city where hotel rooms are nearly as ubiquitous as its residents, it takes something truly special to stand out. Opened in October 2023 to acclaim, the Fifth Avenue Hotel offers a distinct Manhattan stay. A beaux-arts showpiece, its 19th-century gilded age mansion is a visual palace with a grand double staircase and a salon that’s an Instagram-worthy feast for the eyes. Spacious $2,000-plus-per-night king suites with complimentary maxi bars and opulent marble bathrooms lead off baby-pink corridors, while a new adjacent ’tower’ houses smaller cosy queens and studios.
Manila’s Okura Hotel offers a distinctly Japanese sentiment that’s reflected in its architecture, restaurants and even its rooms. It’s the perfect place to unwind in a calm and serene environment, away from the city’s busy traffic and crowds. Rooms are sleek and modern with floor-to-ceiling windows, Beautyrest beds and spacious ensuites. For next-level opulence, book one of the eight suites complete with a private butler and a piano.
The Philippine archipelago is home to more than 7000 islands, each with its own slice of paradise. From secluded isles in Boracay to the unique Chocolate Hills of Bohol, this understated paradise boasts an array of unique experiences and hotels that are the perfect fit.
Amid old-world building revamps, hip new openings and Covid-19-related closures, the New York hotel scene is a hotbed of change. While locals will tell you to avoid staying in midtown (the soulless, tourist-trap monstrosity that is Times Square), this vibrant metropolis’ many personalities and hidden gems mean the city has plenty of places to lay your head. From opulent historic addresses to trendy boutique hotels with incredible skyline views, we’ve included the best NYC spots.