A good hotel can make or break a vacation. It should be a refuge, an oasis where guests can relax, unwind and recharge. Luxury hotels offer just that — plus a level of service and amenities to make you feel truly special. They can also be a source of inspiration, with design and décor elements that you might recreate at home. From maximalism to Gilded Age glamour, this list of the best hotels features some of the most memorable places to stay in the country and around the world.
In New York City, there’s no shortage of chic hotels to choose from, but some stand out above the rest. Some have a trendy non-touristy location, others are beloved by celebrities and dignitaries. Some boast a rooftop pool, a subterranean nightclub or Michelin-starred restaurants. But all of these hotels share a common denominator: They’re stylish, sophisticated and uniquely New York.
From a redesigned atrium lobby that features a 13-story Sol LeWitt mural to guest rooms with wood-burning fireplaces, these hotels leave an unforgettable impression. The Carlyle, for example, is a mix of hotel rooms, suites and residences that’s attracted every president since Truman, not to mention plenty of celebrities and royalty.
But there are also some standout newcomers to the luxury scene, like Hôtel Barriere Fouquet’s New York, which earned a spot on T+L’s 2023 It List thanks to its stunning French and art deco-inspired design. The 97-key property in trendy Tribeca oozes sophistication, with European-style chandeliers, bespoke wallpaper and opulent marble bathrooms (the two-story Fouquet’s Penthouse is considered the hotel’s crown jewel with Calacatta Oro marble, antique mirrors and a soaking tub worthy of its own TV show).
Other newcomers worth checking out include the swanky EDITION, designed by Thierry Despont. Expect a contemporary take on old-world elegance, from the oversized mirrors in the entryway to the sleek bar and lounge spaces. The rooms aren’t short on wow factor, either, with their high ceilings, hardwood floors and minimalist color scheme. Rooms also have minifridges, flat-screen TVs, large windows and stone, tile and shiplap bathrooms stocked with Pharmacopia amenities.
Then there’s the sexy and sophisticated Aman New York, which occupies part of the landmark Crown Building and feels like a one-of-a-kind escape in the middle of Manhattan. The property is entirely private unless you’re a member of the Aman Club or a hotel guest, but its serene spa and spectacular rooftop pool are well worth an afternoon or evening.
The Philippines offers a similar sense of escapism. The 7,641 islands that comprise the country are brimming with breezy palms, pristine white sand beaches and azure waters. And the hotels range from grand, colonial-era edifices to modern resorts that blend traditional Filipino influences with international standards. Whether you’re looking for a tranquil hideaway or an epicurean playground, here are the hotels that should be at the top of your itinerary.