The world is full of hotel options, from opulent and iconic grand hotels to quirky boutiques and picturesque inns straight out of a storybook. But which ones are the best? The answer depends on your travel needs, as well as the type of trip you’re looking for. Whether you’re searching for a luxury property that offers a spa-like retreat or an all-inclusive resort with miles of tropical beaches, these hotels and their staffs will ensure you have the vacation of your dreams.
According to Tripadvisor’s 2024 Travelers’ Choice Awards, the top hotels around the world offer enhanced service and unique experiences that will make your stay memorable. While some of these hotels are opulent and luxurious, others are more understated in their design aesthetic but deliver the ultimate in comfort.
The award-winning hotels range from a historic hotel that has welcomed celebrities to the likes of Marilyn Monroe and John Lennon to an intimate boutique property with a distinctly Asian aesthetic. The Philippines, which features in three of the top 10 hotels, is an ideal destination for travelers who want to immerse themselves in a culture that celebrates fiestas, tropical paradise and friendly, welcoming people.
For those seeking a touch of nature in the heart of New York City, the 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge is a breath of fresh air. The boutique hotel’s reclaimed wood floors and multi-story green wall in the lobby are only surpassed by its jaw-dropping views. Book a front-facing suite or head to the rooftop bar and terrace for panoramic vistas of the Brooklyn Bridge, Manhattan and its surrounding boroughs. Rooms and suites are also designed with the environment in mind, featuring organic mattresses and in-room water filters. If you’re willing to splurge, check into the River House suite, which sleeps up to four guests and comes with a private hammock from which to soak up the sweeping city vistas.
In addition to its location in the center of the action, The Carlyle is famous for its art deco opulence and timeless style that refuses to be influenced by any new interior design trends. The hotel still attracts guests seeking a quiet refuge from the noisy streets of midtown, with its single restaurant (it’s not uncommon to see celebrities and socialites sipping martinis at the Bemelmans Bar, which is decorated with the lovely “Madeline” murals by Ludwig Bemelmans).
Other popular choices for New York City stays include the The Langham, whose luxury rooms are so serene you may forget you’re just a short walk from Herald Square and the Empire State Building, as well as The Plaza, a legendary landmark that offers an unbeatable Central Park location. The hotel’s upscale eatery and bar are a magnet for well-heeled locals and visitors alike, offering white tablecloths, fanciful flowers and upscale French and Italian dishes such as Ligurian crustacean ragu, scallops and mollica. Guests can also relax at the luxe ila Only Spa, the first of its kind in the US.