10 Best Hotels in the World
The world’s best hotels aren’t just about looks or location. They get the basics right: clean rooms, reliable service, and a comfortable atmosphere. People return to these hotels because the details are handled well, the staff actually pay attention, and the overall experience is smooth from check-in to checkout. These are the hotels that keep guests coming back.
The Connaught — United Kingdom
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This hotel in London’s Mayfair remains a standard for discretion and taste. The Connaught houses an extensive private art collection and offers rooms with hand-embroidered headboards and detailed paneling. Visitors frequent its bars—including the Coburg and Red Room—as much for the ambiance as for the drinks.
Ellerman House — South Africa
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Every space at Ellerman House reflects Cape Town’s Atlantic coast and South African heritage. Staff maintain a relaxed, highly personalized approach. One of the best parts is that you are free to savour fresh lobster salads or Cape Malay curries in a dining room that feels more like a private club than a hotel.
Taj Falaknuma Palace — India
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Commissioned by Nawab Vikar-ul-Umra and later owned by the Nizam of Hyderabad, Falaknuma Palace once housed the world’s richest man. To this day, the estate serves as a symbol of Hyderabadi opulence, with its marble staircases, Venetian chandeliers, and walnut furnishings shipped from Europe.
Le Royal Monceau — France
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People checking into Le Royal Monceau tend to notice the energy first: the hotel buzzes with activity. Locals drop in for brunch, and regulars browse its private art gallery. If you happen to be here during Paris Fashion Week, you are likely going to run into actors and musicians.
The Ritz-Carlton — Japan
Credit: The Ritz-Carlton
The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko sits beside Lake Chuzenji, surrounded by forests in an area known for its cultural heritage. Rooms feature Tochigi cedar, local latticework, and granite onsen baths. Guests can visit historic shrines, hike nearby trails, or join a tea ceremony organized by the hotel. The setting and details reflect traditional Japanese craftsmanship.
Mandarin Oriental — Thailand
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The Mandarin Oriental, opened in 1876, remains Thailand’s most storied hotel. Recent updates added spa treatments using Thai herbs and a Japanese restaurant by chef Takagi Kazuo. Despite changes, the hotel stays grounded in its legacy and offers hospitality that reflects both heritage and present-day Bangkok.
Palazzo Margherita — Italy
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Francis Ford Coppola transformed this 19th-century villa into a tribute to his grandfather Agostino, who emigrated from Bernalda to America and often spoke of his hometown with pride. Coppola wanted to preserve that memory, so he restored the palazzo to reflect southern Italy’s traditions with handcrafted furniture, frescoed ceilings, and food made by local cooks.
The Dwarika’s Hotel — Nepal
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Those drawn to craftsmanship, heritage, and calm will find Dwarika’s especially rewarding. The hotel’s structure includes centuries-old woodwork salvaged by founder Dwarika Das Shrestha, now expanded under his grandson René. Rooms and courtyards glow with carved detail, and the pool—encircled by serpent sculptures—anchors the property.
Jumeirah Burj Al Arab — United Arab Emirates
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At 1,053 feet, Burj Al Arab remains one of the tallest and highly photographed hotels on the planet. It houses 198 duplex suites and offers Hermès amenities in every bathroom. Guests enjoy private butler service, multiple fine-dining options, and sweeping Gulf views.
Colony Palm Beach — United States
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The pink facade of the Colony has stood since 1947, just steps from Worth Avenue. Renovations under Sarah and Andrew Wetenhall kept their colorful interiors while updating facilities. It’s known as the “Pink Paradise” by repeat guests.
Fogo Island Inn — Canada
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Zita Cobb founded this 29-room inn as a way to sustain the island’s shrinking communities. The building, raised on stilts in traditional outport style, reflects the island’s rugged environment. Inside, everything—from quilts to furniture—is made by local artisans, weaving cultural preservation into daily life.
Hotel Adlon Kempinski — Germany
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Back in 1945, a fire caused by a Red Army soldier destroyed a large chunk of the Hotel Adlon Kempinski, sparing only a side wing. Decades later, it was reconstructed with careful attention to its original design. Today, it continues to attract high-profile guests who value its polished attention, breakfasts, and evenings at the Michelin-starred Lorenz Adlon restaurant.
Matetsi Victoria Falls — Zimbabwe
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Matetsi Victoria Falls puts you right next to the Zambezi. Days start with a river cruise or a drive through bush country. Local guides point out wildlife and answer questions without fuss. Afterward, you head back to quiet suites built with materials from the area. The whole place feels steady, rooted, and easy to settle into.
Cap Rocat — Spain
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This former military fortress includes just 30 rooms and suites, all laid out to feel open yet secluded. The spa is the primary attraction of Cap Rocat, which is set 39 feet underground, and uses silence as its luxury. Attention to details like these defines the property, which blends Mediterranean design with thoughtful restraint.
Ett Hem — Sweden
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Ett Hem is located in a quiet part of Stockholm, with its recent expansion joining together two townhouses and a former parking lot that’s now a peaceful garden. Inside, you’ll find modern art on the walls, cozy lounges, and a small gym finished in wood. The mood is private, relaxed, and well thought out, with every space designed for comfort.