Where to Stay

Hidden in a forested garden on the way to Kinkakuji. Possibly the most serene hotel in Japan — stone paths, a secret forest garden, and hot spring baths.

53 private riads in a self-contained city-within-a-city, created by royal command. Personal butler per riad, private plunge pools, and the finest spa in Africa.

New Zealand's finest lodge — 12 suites above Lake Wakatipu with the Remarkables as a backdrop. Extraordinary service, private lake access, and the best view in Queenstown.

The most celebrated ryokan in Japan — 300 years old, 18 rooms, tatami floors, kaiseki dinner, and dawn tea ceremony. Guests have included world leaders and film directors.

39 private pool villas above a secluded bay north of Phuket. One of Asia's great hideaway hotels — the snorkelling off the private beach is outstanding.

A 1912 mansion above Bantry Bay with 13 rooms, private art collection, two pools, and arguably the best panoramic view in Cape Town.

Positano's defining hotel — a family-run palazzo of extraordinary taste, overlooking the bay. The rooftop pool and La Sponda restaurant are pilgrimage destinations.

A colonial estate on Sentosa Island surrounded by rainforest. The most serene luxury hotel in Singapore — two pools, three restaurants, and extraordinary service.

A cliffside hotel of extraordinary taste 10 minutes' walk from the Old Town. Every room faces the Adriatic, private beach, boat shuttle to the Old Town gates.

The finest hotel on the Chao Phraya River. Two restored colonial-era buildings, riverfront infinity pool, and possibly the best service in Southeast Asia.

Salvatore Ferragamo's 14-suite boutique on Via Condotti. Steps from the Spanish Steps, rooftop terrace, and the most personal service in the city.

The hotel that launched the Aman brand in 1988. 40 Thai pavilion suites in a coconut grove above Surin Beach — still the benchmark for understated luxury in Asia.

Six floors atop the converted Zeitz MOCAA museum — the most dramatic hotel in Africa. Blown-glass windows, pillow-menu, and Table Mountain views from the rooftop pool.

A restored 18th-century palace in Santa Catarina with a spectacular rooftop pool, azulejo tile interiors, and Tagus panorama.

The finest overwater resort on the island. Private beach motu, exceptional snorkelling directly from the water bungalows, and a spa that is among the world's best.

The finest hotel in Ipanema — Philippe Starck interiors, rooftop pool with Sugarloaf views, and the most sophisticated atmosphere in Rio.

The only resort in the pristine Laamu atoll — 97 villas on stilts above a lagoon with some of the most untouched reef in the Maldives. Solar powered, plastic-free.

The best luxury hotel on Passeig de Gràcia — rooftop pool with city panorama, world-class spa, and the finest location for Gaudí architecture.

A 55-room boutique hotel in Chiado with a rooftop terrace offering the best view of the Tagus. Impeccable service and the finest address in Lisbon.

An 11th-century palazzo in Ravello with an infinity pool that appears to hang over the sea. The most spectacular pool view in Italy.

Churchill's favourite hotel — a Moroccan palace surrounded by 8 hectares of garden that have been here since the 18th century. The benchmark for Moroccan luxury.

Three interconnected buildings — Renaissance, Baroque, and contemporary — on the Vltava riverbank directly below Prague Castle. The finest address in the city.

Clifftop resort above Cala Conta with infinity pools at different levels, suites overlooking Es Vedrà, and the finest spa on the island.

A 19th-century Ottoman palace on the European shore of the Bosphorus. Room views of the strait, ferries passing below, and suites opening onto private terraces.

Queenstown's most atmospheric hotel — an 1860s lakefront building with 5 suites and a legendary lakefront bar. The finest address in the town centre.

The benchmark Hawaiian luxury resort — on Wailea Beach, multiple pools, extraordinary whale-watching from the beach November–April, and the best service in the state.

Built in 1901 — the most historically significant hotel in Southeast Asia. Graham Greene wrote part of The Quiet American here. Underground WWII bunker tours included.

The most quintessentially British grand hotel — Art Deco public rooms, the most famous afternoon tea in London, and a level of discreet service that defines what 'old money' luxury means.

The hotel with the world's most spectacular view of the Opera House — directly across the cove on the Rocks waterfront, with sandstone architecture and impeccable service.

Ultra-luxe suites in Oia with private plunge pools, butler service, and arguably the most dramatic sunset views on the island.

Adults-only overwater resort with direct lagoon access, a house reef ideal for snorkelling, and optional all-inclusive. Speedboat transfer from Male.

A soaring tower in Ploenchit with some of the most striking interiors in Bangkok. Thai botanical art, exceptional F&B, and a sky-high pool.

The most recognisable hotel on earth. A sail-shaped island tower with butler service, helicopter landing pad, and rooms starting on the 18th floor. An experience rather than just a hotel.

A Dorchester Collection property on the Via Veneto with the finest rooftop terrace view in Rome — city panorama, Borghese Gardens, and St Peter's dome.

The finest hotel on the Upper East Side — across from the Met, Jean-Georges restaurant, and a lobby that functions as the best people-watching in the neighbourhood.

A music-themed boutique in Malá Strana — each floor dedicated to a different genre, with a garden overlooking the castle and one of the city's best rooftop terraces.

A restored 1860s Ottoman sultan's palace on the Bosphorus — the most historically significant hotel in Istanbul, with the most dramatic outdoor pool in the city.

Perched on a lava field 45 minutes from Reykjavik — the Northern Lights visible from the hot tubs, surrounded by Þingvellir National Park. Extraordinary.

The finest boutique hotel in Roma Norte — pool lined with murals, Mexico City's best hotel garden, and a restaurant that anchors the neighbourhood's creative scene.

The most theatrical hotel in the USA — designed by Baz Luhrmann, with a taxidermied mammoth in gold leaf in the lobby, the finest pool on Miami Beach, and extraordinary service.

Sydney's most quietly luxurious hotel — set inside the heritage Department of Education building near Circular Quay, with elegant interiors and Sydney's most refined urban spa.

A jungle hideaway perched above the Campuhan Ridge in Ubud. Rice terrace views, a treetop infinity pool, and one of the island's best spa programmes.

The famous hotel from Lost in Translation, still delivering one of the most atmospheric Tokyo experiences available. Floors 39–52, sky-high pool, extraordinary service.

The finest address for watching the Dubai Fountain from your room. Steps from the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall, with a rooftop pool and remarkable service.

The widest lagoon frontage of any Bora Bora resort. Overwater bungalows with private pools, butler service, and views of Mount Otemanu from every room.

A 17th-century palace in the Centro Histórico converted into a design hotel with a rooftop bar overlooking the Metropolitan Cathedral. The most atmospheric address in the city.

The most iconic hotel in South America — a 1923 white palace directly on Copacabana Beach. The pool overlooking the beach is one of the world's great hotel views.

Firmdale's Soho gem — bold Kit Kemp interiors, a private courtyard garden, and the best location for theatres and restaurants in central London.

The benchmark caldera-view property in Oia. Cave-style suites carved into the cliff face, infinity pool, private terraces, and the island's best breakfast.

The definitive luxury address in Barcelona — a 44-storey tower overlooking the Olympic port, beach, and city. Two pools, Frank Gehry's fish sculpture at your door.

25 interconnected 17th-century canal houses transformed into 225 rooms. The most characterful luxury stay in Amsterdam — private gardens, canal suites, world-class bar.

Perched on the cliff above Monterosso with the best sea-facing terrace in the region. Family-run since 1959, with rooms that frame the Ligurian sun like paintings.

Ibiza's oldest hotel (1933) on the Vara de Rey promenade — beautifully restored with harbour views, rooftop bar, and the most central location on the island.

The only hotel at the end of the Road to Hana — a working farm, healing arts centre, and the most peaceful hotel in Hawaii. Miles from the nearest traffic.

5-star hotel directly below the city walls with a private beach platform and Old Town views. Swimming literally beneath the medieval walls.

Tokyo's most architecturally interesting luxury hotel, occupying floors 47–52 of Toranomon Hills tower. Rooftop infinity pool, panoramic city views, free minibar.

Intimate 37-room hotel near the Tuileries Garden. All-white interiors, a full underground spa, and an extraordinary breakfast buffet — one of Paris's best small hotels.

Reykjavik's oldest luxury hotel (1930), directly on Austurvöllur Square. Art Deco interiors, impeccable service, and the most central address in the city.

The coolest hotel in Seminyak, attached to the iconic beach club. Raw concrete, upcycled materials, and direct beach access in Seminyak's best location.

SoHo's defining luxury hotel — dog-friendly, industrial design, rooftop bar, and the best location for exploring downtown Manhattan.

The infinity pool on the 57th-floor SkyPark is the most famous image in Singapore. Three towers connected by the world's largest rooftop public space.

65-storey tower with a rooftop observation deck and pool. Panoramic views of the entire city and West Lake — excellent value for the standard of luxury.

The hotel that defined the Miami Beach design revival in 1995. Philippe Starck interiors, the famous pool at the edge of the beach, and a place where the design still holds up 30 years later.

A Soho House-era boutique hotel in the 2nd arrondissement. Rooftop bar, garden courtyard, excellent brasserie, walking distance from Le Marais and the Centre Pompidou.

Former bank converted into a members' club with hotel. Rooftop pool, inventive food, and the most stylish crowd in the city.

A converted wharf on Sydney Harbour — playful Aussie design, free breakfast and minibar, and a 10-minute walk to Circular Quay or the Royal Botanic Garden.

The hotel that defined east London's modern hospitality scene — playful design, an excellent lobby restaurant (Hubbard & Bell), and a price point that makes Shoreditch accessible.

Five rooms above Vernazza's harbour with private terraces facing the sea. The most coveted small property in the region — book 6 months out.

Authentic overwater bungalows at a fraction of resort prices. Family-run, genuinely Polynesian experience, and extraordinary lagoon access.

Clifftop infinity-pool suites above Kata Noi with panoramic Andaman views. Excellent value for the quality — private pools at mid-range prices.

Excellent boutique hotel in the Old Quarter — consistently one of Hanoi's best value mid-range stays. Spa, rooftop bar, and genuinely attentive service.

Boutique design hotel in the bohemian Poble Sec neighbourhood, near Montjuïc. Pool, yoga, great breakfast, and a local neighbourhood feel.

The most-photographed plunge pool in Marrakech — emerald water, rose petals, white arches. Small, intimate, beautifully maintained riad in the Medina.

1926 colonial building in Fort Canning Park — one of Singapore's most characterful hotels. Good food, outdoor pool, and an extraordinary historical setting.

The best budget pension in Bora Bora — warm welcome, good breakfast, beach access, and all the lagoon tours bookable from the front desk.

Suite-only boutique in Cihangir — Bosphorus views from every suite, self-catering kitchen, and the best location for exploring the non-touristy Istanbul.

Consistently rated Europe's best budget hostel. Vintage design, free breakfast, central location, and a rooftop terrace overlooking the city.

Excellent value boutique in Condesa — beautiful Art Deco building, small pool, rooftop terrace, and the best location for exploring Roma and Condesa.

Inside the Old Town walls — 8 rooms in a restored 16th-century building on the Stradun. The most atmospheric mid-range option in Dubrovnik.

The most social hotel in Miami — the Broken Shaker cocktail bar and garden terrace are the best in the city, with hostel dormitories and private rooms at excellent value.

Excellent value boutique resort in the heart of Ubud. Contemporary rooms, a good pool, and walking distance to the monkey forest and central market.

Reliable and well-priced business hotel in the historic Asakusa district. Clean, compact rooms, excellent transit connections, and next to the Sensoji temple complex.

Dubai's best mid-range brand — clean, design-forward, and superbly located near Downtown. Pool, free wi-fi, and a relaxed vibe that doesn't feel budget.

Kyoto's best mid-range hostel — private rooms, excellent common areas, expert local staff, and perfect location for temple access.

Consistently rated Lisbon's best hostel — beautiful tiled interiors, central Chiado location, and expert local advice from the staff.

Right on the harbour in Manarola — the dining room and several rooms have direct rock-and-sea views. Solid mid-range that delivers above its category.

A converted 13th-century convent in Amalfi town with sea-view pool, cloister gardens, and the best value caldera-view property on the coast.

Design hotel in a renovated 1920s building in the New Town. Pool, sauna, excellent breakfast, and walking distance to Old Town Square.

A clifftop guesthouse in Sant Antoni with legendary sunset views — the best value sunset-watching spot on the island, with a bar and small rooms.

The only hotel directly on the Arpoador promontory — stunning views of both Copacabana and Ipanema beaches from the front rooms. Excellent value for the uniqueness of position.

Well-priced Fira hotel with caldera views, a full spa, and pool. Better value than anything comparable in Oia, with a 15-minute walk to the main sights.

Stylish mid-range hotel in the Silom/Sathorn district. Great value, rooftop pool, walking distance to BTS, excellent breakfast.

The finest budget guesthouse in Rome — American-owned, beautifully designed, with a café, garden, and a community feel. Near Termini but a world away in quality.

Sustainable design hotel opposite Vondelpark. Smart rooms, great breakfast, eco-credentials, and excellent value for an Amsterdam city break.

Smart, compact rooms in NoMad with a rooftop bar and great location for both Midtown and Downtown. New York hotel value rarely gets better than this.

Each floor themed around a different facet of Portuguese culture — poetry, Fado, wine, cinema. Excellent location in Chiado/Bica.

Singapore's best hostel — rooftop bar, social events, excellent location near Clarke Quay, and private rooms available.

Family-friendly resort directly on the beach at Cala Llenya on the quieter east coast. Excellent value for Ibiza, pool, and genuinely beautiful cove.

Centrally located mid-range hotel on Laugavegur — the main shopping and restaurant street. Practical, clean, and the best value for the location.

Dubrovnik's best budget hostel — outside the Old Town in Gruž harbour, with excellent ferry access for island hopping and a genuine local neighbourhood feel.

The best social hostel in Canggu — pool, co-working space, and great breakfast. 10 minutes' walk to Echo Beach.

The best value full-resort experience in the Maldives. One of the largest islands, with a dive centre, 30+ water sports, multiple pools, and an excellent house reef.

The original artsy Paris boutique hotel in Pigalle. Each room decorated by a different artist, excellent garden restaurant, and great access to the 9th's café scene.

Rooftop terrace above the famous market square. Characterful, no lift (it's Rome), but extraordinary location and a morning view that's hard to beat.

Thailand's best design hostel brand. Pool, great common areas, private rooms, and the only budget stay in Patong worth recommending.

Well-priced boutique hotel in Tamboerskloof with Table Mountain views, rooftop pool, and an easy walk to Kloof Street's restaurants.

Well-run budget guesthouse in Sultanahmet, rooftop terrace with Blue Mosque views, and genuinely helpful family management.

Good value hotel with mountain views, walking distance to the main street, and the best-priced pool with lake panorama in town.

Reliable mid-range option on Waikiki — steps from the beach, rooftop pool, and the most practical base for O'ahu with the best price-to-location ratio.

Reykjavik's most characterful hostel — a former biscuit factory on the harbour, with a bar, live music, excellent food, and private rooms available.

Rio's most-reviewed budget hostel in Botafogo — rooftop bar with Sugarloaf views, social scene, and the best free city advice in Rio.

One of the best budget options in Santorini. Clean, simple rooms in Fira with a small pool, 5 minutes' walk from the caldera edge.

The most characterful budget stay in Tokyo — ninja-themed capsule beds, social common areas, and a great Asakusa location at a price that lets you spend your money on food.

Social hostel near the Silom BTS stop. Clean, social, great rooftop, and a perfect location for exploring the city without breaking the bank.

Traditional machiya (townhouse) guesthouse in Gion. Tatami rooms, shared facilities, and an authentic neighbourhood experience at a fraction of ryokan prices.

NYC's best budget pod hotel — compact but well-designed, excellent location in Midtown East, rooftop terrace, and the only budget hotel in Manhattan worth recommending.

The best budget option on the coast — family-run, sea views from most rooms, excellent home-cooked breakfast, and a genuinely warm welcome in Praiano.

Consistently rated the best hostel in Queenstown — lake views, great common areas, and the best location for the town centre and adventure booking offices.

Hanoi's legendary backpacker institution — excellent Ha Long Bay tour desk, great social scene, and the cheapest beds in the Old Quarter.

Mexico City's best-reviewed budget hostel — safe, social, excellent staff, and a rooftop terrace with city views in the Zona Rosa neighbourhood.

The most popular guesthouse on Maafushi local island. Clean rooms, rooftop terrace, snorkel hire, and access to the best local island experience in the Maldives.

Europe's best-known hostel chain. Gothic Quarter location, bar downstairs, social scene, private rooms available.

The best budget bed in the region — a small hostel-pension in Corniglia with private rooms, a shared terrace, and the village's quiet evening atmosphere.

The best budget riad-hostel in the Medina. Rooftop terrace, pool, excellent location, and a reliable place to meet fellow travellers heading to the Atlas.

The best budget option in Waikiki — direct beach access, social vibe, surfboard rental, and the cheapest dorm beds you'll find anywhere near Waikiki.

Bloomsbury's best budget option — modern hostel with private rooms, the British Museum 5 minutes' walk away, and a genuinely good downstairs bar.

The best design hostel in Paris, near Canal Saint-Martin in the 10th. Rooftop bar, strong social scene, private rooms available, and excellent value for the location.

Waterfront hostel in Amsterdam Noord — excellent design, bar, rooftop terrace, and free ferry to Central Station.

South Beach's most reliable budget option — well-maintained, social vibe, rooftop terrace, and 3 blocks from the beach.

The best budget option in central Sydney — clean private rooms, Hyde Park 1 minute away, and walking distance to nearly everything in the CBD.

Reliable budget choice near Deira City Centre Mall and the souks. Clean, functional, and close to the metro for easy city access.

Cape Town's most social budget stay — Long Street location, rooftop braai, good security, and well-maintained dorms and private rooms.