Travelers can choose from a vast array of lodgings when they venture out on vacation. Typically, the main drivers in selecting a hotel include cost and location, but there are other factors that can play an important role. The best hotels are a blend of comfort, convenience and luxury, whether you’re searching for a place to unwind after a day of sightseeing in New York or seeking out an oasis of serenity in the mountains of West Virginia.
In this year’s Traveler Reader’s Choice Awards, some venerable hotels reclaimed their positions on the best list while others made their debuts. Some are recent openings and others are haute haunts steeped in history, but all of them surprise and delight with over-the-top service and all-star amenities that provide the perfect base from which to explore this most fascinating and diverse city.
The Greenbrier, which bills itself as “America’s Resort,” has been welcoming visitors since 1778 and is a National Historic Landmark, with 710 rooms spread out over a sprawling 11,000-acre property. It also has a championship golf course, a mineral spa, a casino and entertainment venue, tennis courts, a chapel, a shopping district and more. Designed by Dorothy Draper, this resort has stood the test of time and still feels fresh and modern.
Unlike other crowdsourced review sites, Google’s Hotel Finder shows the prices and taxes that you will be charged right up front in its search results, while most online booking services hide those charges behind a sometimes-hidden filter button or only reveal them after you’ve done a reservation. That transparency has helped the site move past TripAdvisor in our rankings.
For budget-minded travelers, a hotel chain may be the best option because it’s likely to offer a consistent experience. However, be aware that some chains have wide variations in satisfaction ratings between different locations within the brand and even between individual hotels of the same chain.
A hotel’s wireless internet connectivity is another key feature to consider. While some hotels have reliable networks, others suffer from slow connections and erratic performance. Regardless of which type of hotel you pick, always ask the staff about the wifi network before booking a room to avoid disappointment.
Picture remote, tropical islands dotted with breezy palms over pristine white sands and azure blue waters, and you’ll have a good idea of the Philippines—a country that boasts more than 7,600 islands. Luckily, our carefully curated selection of the best hotels in the Philippines will help you find your ideal private island escape. With state-of-the-art facilities and breathtaking views, these hotels will take your breath away. So pack your suntan lotion and enjoy a little sunshine on the beach or at the hotel pool. We guarantee you’ll come back for more.