Prepare to get a bigger bucket for your list. We asked, and our staff and friends shared their favorite hotels from around the world and why they chose them.
Things mentioned in the reviews: sunsets, signature teddy bear, outdoor shower, pimento cheese, private infinity pools, best gnocchi, croquet, marsh view, ancient castle, signature coconut cake and where travel agents want to go to die. We even had a mention of “The Shining.”
My favorite comment, “I felt like the queen of a major country the times I have stayed there.” Isn’t that what we all hope for when we travel?
Reader’s Top Hotels In the United States
Montrose West Hollywood
Los Angeles, California
Apartment complex turned hotel with funky decor and a rooftop pool, walking distance to WeHo.
– Savanna Sweeney, The 100 Companies
L’Auberge Del Mar
San Diego, California
Nice terrace & pool overlooking ocean, only minutes by hotel courtesy vehicle or Uber to track at Del Mar & numerous restaurants, bars, shops walkable in Del Mar.
– Brian Zimmerman, The 100 Companies
Woolley’s Classic Suites
Denver, Colorado
We had a late-night flight coming into Denver, and it was a convenient drive from the airport. We got more than we expected for a reasonably priced, last-minute reservation. Our room was large, very comfortable and beautifully furnished. The workers there were cheerful and went out of their way to help with anything. They have a complimentary breakfast, with omelets made to order and any other breakfast item you could possibly think of. Breakfast was served in their large dining room, which has a man-made “river” and waterfall running through it. We only stayed one night, as we headed to Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park, etc. the next day. It wasn’t over-the-top exceptionally fancy, but it was so welcoming, conveniently located, and a great start to our last-minute getaway.
– Heidi Rizzi, The 100 Companies
Disney Vacation Club Resort
Hilton Head, South Carolina
I LOVE the Disney Vacation Club resort on Hilton Head Island. Casual, comfortable, spacious. Lots of onsite amenities for adults and kids. Excellent staff service.
– Karen Presley Dawkins
Hotel del Coronado was built in 1888 and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1977.
Hotel del Coronado
San Diego, California
Rocking chairs on your own porch as the sun sets over the Pacific.
– Jean Rollins
Timberline Lodge
Mt. Hood, Oregon
This hotel is the exterior shot of the Overlook Hotel from the original movie version of “The Shining.”
– Roberts Bass
Rabbit Hill Inn
Lower Waterford, Vermont
They have really cool wooden Stave puzzles, handmade in VT. The puzzles are in the cozy living room, where they do a wonderful tea service in the afternoons.
– Tina Crenshaw
The Lodge on Little St. Simons Island
Little St. Simons Island, Georgia
It provides a unique combination of natural coastal Georgia beauty, relaxation, five-star cuisine, knowledgeable naturalists and wonderful staff and guests with endless interesting stories.
– Joe Cronk
Blackberry Farm
Walland, Tennessee
I have been going to Blackberry Farm for the last 10 years. Who knew the most important resort in North America would be found 45 minutes west of Knoxville? I was first introduced to it by Sam Beall, who was the proprietor until his tragic death three years ago. He and his family transformed their family home and farm into a Smoky Mountain oasis with the finest touches. I go every year, and look forward to being welcomed with a personal, handwritten note, biscuits and pimento cheese, and a glass of Champagne as soon as I walk into my well-appointed cottage. My favorite thing to do is wake up early and sit in the rockers at the main lodge to watch the sun come up and burn through the fog on the mountain. It’s an escape that I have not experienced anywhere else in the world.
– Chadwick Boyd
Planters Inn
Charleston, South Carolina
The Planters Inn has been my getaway since I first spent a night there in 2004. The hotel is smack dab in the middle of Charleston at the intersection of Meeting and Market, so you can walk anywhere you want to go in Charleston. It’s a higher end property, but there’s no pretense. And the staff remembers your name. Each room has a four-poster bed and a signature teddy bear in the heart of the pillows. The Peninsula Grill, the inn’s restaurant, also serves a signature coconut cake that is dreamy! I love it all. It’s the perfect weekend.
– Chadwick Boyd
The spa at Grove Park Inn in Asheville, North Carolina.
Grove Park Inn
Asheville, North Carolina
Hands down, the Grove Park Inn in Asheville! I just love that place – rooms (so long as you’re in the original part of the inn,) spa, all of it!
– Judy Bass
Hotel Bella Grace
Charleston, South Carolina
Just opened. It’s old and new world in one hotel.
– Clifford Bramble
Jekyll Island Club Resort
Jekyll Island, Georgia
The Jekyll Island Club has a suite in the round turret with a high balcony that overlooks the grounds. Fun to watch croquet if anyone’s playing.
– Tina Crenshaw
Cape Arudel Inn & Resort
Kennebunkport, Maine
Old-fashioned Maine hotel with a beautiful view from the big porch of what’s called “bold coast” (and a distant view of Walker Point, the Bush estate). Great food in its own restaurant, but also walking distance to several other good spots. The newer addition’s rooms have private fireplaces and porches and are quite affordable.
– Krista Reese
Here’s a few more of my favorites.
Graduate Oxford
Oxford, Mississippi
I loved the preppy, collegiate theme of this gem near Old Miss, where students are encouraged to come study in the pink hardwood-floored lobby with blue seersucker curtains.
Hampton Inn Majestic Chicago Theater District
Chicago, Illinois
While it may seem odd to include a Hampton Inn, this one gets my nod because it’s connected to the theater where we saw “Hamilton.” During intermission we could run back to our room rather than waiting in line for the bathroom.
The Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village
Fort Myers, Florida
Our room had a large screen porch with a fantastic marsh view. Alas, I was attending a conference and had very little time to enjoy it, but managed a few stolen minutes one day to take in the view.
Readers’ Favorite Hotels in International Destinations
Hotel Belmond Splendido has 70 rooms and a heated saltwater pool surrounded by gardens.
Belmond Hotel Spendido
Portofino, Italy
Northern Italy and the Italian Rivera and all that comes with it.
– Jean Rollins
The Ritz-Carlton, Tianjin
Tianjin, China
This hotel reminded me of a high-tech Beauty and the Beast castle. With automatic curtains in rooms and elaborate rose displays in the lobby each day, this is nicest hotel I have ever stayed in.
– Savanna Sweeney
Kimpton Fitzroy
London, England
Blown away by the elegance and aesthetic for a reasonable price.
– Ella Herlihy
Tensing Pen
Negril, Jamaica
On the cliffs. So beautiful and peaceful. The Pillar rooms have an outdoor shower and an unobstructed view of the ocean and the sound of waves crashing on the rocks to sleep to. Ahhh.
– Ella Herlihy
Schloss Durnstein
Durnstein, Austria
The history and beauty of Durnstein make the town worth a visit and the hotel is in a castle that was built between 1622 and 1630. It is, I think, the most beautiful and luxurious place I’ve ever stayed. And the setting is breathtaking, right on the Danube River! Schloss Durnstein has a 5-star restaurant and a spa. Every detail is elegant. Plus, the village is in the middle of Austria’s best wine growing region, the Wachovia Valley.
– Judy and Roberts Bass
Burg Hornberg
Neckarzimmern am Neckar, Germany
A luxury hotel in an ancient castle in a beautiful setting. Burg Hornberg has a great dining terrace overlooking the Neckar River and vineyards. The “new” wing of hotel rooms was built in the 1500s. The older castle ruins are fascinating and date back to the Roman occupation by Julius Caesar. It is easy driving to Heidelberg and Frankfurt.
– Judy and Roberts Bass
Jade Mountain Resort
Soufriere, St. Lucia
Romantic, only 32 rooms, amazing restaurant/food with rooftop views. Massage was best ever. Private beach below is super cool. Great staff. The private infinity pools are great.
– John Waddy
Le Bristol Paris
Paris, France
A great travel agent once told me that is where all travel agents want to go to die. Service service service. Felt like the queen of a major country the times I have stayed there.
– Jean Rollins
Hayfield Manor in Cork, Ireland
Hayfield Manor
Cork, Ireland
Best scones in all of Ireland. Wonderful restaurants and good food. My favorite accommodation. Great staff to work with.
– David Eiseman
Ballinalacken Castle Country House Hotel
Doolin, Ireland
The full Irish breakfast, kippers and all.
– Tina Crenshaw
A few more of my favorites:
Graycliff Hotel & Restaurant
Nassau, Bahamas
While I didn’t stay here, I did tour the property with its large mosaic pool and chocolate and cigar factories, and one of the largest private wine cellars in the world. Our dinner here was a highlight of the year, and included the best gnocchi I’d ever had.
Atlantis Paradise Island
Nassau, Bahamas
It’s like spending the night in a giant theme park with an ocean view. A stay here includes admission to the 141-acre Aquaventure where I had to cling to my inner tube to stay afloat on The Current, a roaring current the opposite of a lazy river.
– Jan Schroder, Editor-in-chief