You can’t throw a pretzel in New York without hitting a hotel, but some of the city’s best ones stand out with designer details, out-of-the-box amenities and tony locations. Michelin-starred chefs, sumptuous suites and discreet service are all de rigueur in the Big Apple’s finest lodgings. And while locals will tell you to steer clear of a stay near the soulless midtown monstrosity known as Time Square, some swanky hotels actually offer a sense of the real New York, like The Carlyle on the Upper East Side and PUBLIC on the Lower.
The world’s finest hotels — the ones with designer rooms, awe-inspiring architecture, private dining rooms and rooftop bars — have been unveiled in the 2023 edition of Travel + Leisure’s annual World’s Best Hotels ranking. The results of a rigorous voting process involving luxury experts from around the world were unveiled at London’s Guildhall last week during a glittering ceremony.
There were some surprises on the list, including Singita Lodges in Kruger National Park winning the “Eco Hotel” award and England’s The Newt earning the title of “Best Boutique Hotel.” Utah’s The Lodge at Blue Sky also made the top 50 hotels list for the first time.
Despite ongoing concerns over the pandemic, customer satisfaction levels at hotels across North America continue to be high, according to J.D. Power’s recent survey. The study ranks the top hotels based on overall guest satisfaction as well as staff responsiveness and guest room quality.
One of the most intriguing findings from the survey was that a majority of respondents reported trusting none of the top hotel review sites, which may be good news for discerning travelers. TripAdvisor and Google topped the list, but it’s worth noting that many of the other big players were nowhere to be found.
A secluded oasis on the island of Cebu, this hotel is all about relaxation and wellness. Guests can enjoy a full-service spa, a fitness center and a stunning pool overlooking South Cebu. Plus, the secluded resort is home to some of the region’s most beautiful beaches.
The Greenwich is a hotel that really knows how to wow guests. It boasts celebrity ownership (by Robert DeNiro, naturally), a prime Tribeca location and impeccable design credentials from one of the city’s premier firms, Grayling. Add in round-the-clock dedication to its guests and the hotel is an experience, not just a place to sleep. And it’s all for the right price.