A good hotel can make or break a trip. While the best hotels tend to serve as more than a place to sleep, they also offer a glimpse into the local culture and are often a launching point for day trips around town. That’s why, when choosing where to stay, travelers need to take into account the specific needs and preferences of each trip. Our list of the best hotels includes everything from sleek boutique options in trendy non-touristy neighborhoods to opulent luxury stays near major NYC attractions. Whether you’re looking to splurge or stick to a budget, we’ve found the hotel for every traveler.
Known as a favorite of celebrities and royalty alike, this iconic New York City property is so synonymous with the city that it’s practically part of its soul. It was here that Princess Diana stayed during her first trip to the US in the 1980s, and where her son Prince William and his wife Kate Middleton retreated with their children two decades later. Its 74 rooms, most of which are suites, were designed by Michael Smith (the man behind the Obama White House’s 2010 redesign) to have a residential aesthetic—think floral Iksel wallpapers and elegant living spaces with detailed carvings.
With its upscale finishings and its location within easy reach of Manhattan and Brooklyn, this Upper East Side mainstay is the quintessential destination for a traditional luxury stay in NYC. According to Fora travel advisor Molla Arena, it “exudes timeless elegance,” offering guests a “quiet retreat away from the Midtown frenzy.” The 192 rooms and suites (many of which feature whimsical murals and soaking tubs) are all equipped with high-end tech and upscale finishes—think custom headboards and polished oak floors—while some include wood-burning fireplaces.
Set in a 1912 Romanesque Revival building on Mercer Street in SoHo, this hotel’s minimalist Christian Liaigre interiors made it the go-to spot for the neighborhood’s It crowd when it first opened in 1997. Since then, the hotel has become even more of a hotspot, thanks to its central location and stylish rooms that have been refurbished with such striking design features as 12-foot-tall concrete ceilings and dark-brushed oak floors.
The Philippines is a veritable treasure trove of dazzling beaches, spectacular national parks and marine reserves, and pulsing beach towns. The islands’ buzzing resorts lure sociable travellers with their bars, eateries and picturesque views. Meanwhile, secluded private islands are perfect for those seeking a tranquil escape from it all.