Photo courtesy of Casa Bautista
Where you stay makes or breaks the travel experience—see our round-up of top-rated luxury hotels guaranteed to make your world travel the best yet.
When considering your next trip, you’ll likely choose your destination first before looking at options for accommodations—but what if you planned your vacation the other way around? Look at travel with a new perspective by starting with a top-rated, comfortable luxury hotel, and planning your unforgettable trip from there. With so many luxury hotels to choose from, there’s sure to be one that checks all of your boxes.
Here are some of the luxury hotels that we’re loving right now:
HOTEL AMARANO | Burbank, California
Photo courtesy of Hotel Amarano
Head to Hollywood for a stay at this top-rated luxury hotel—the only AAA Four Diamond hotel in Burbank. A hidden gem, the 132-room Hotel Amarano has recently undergone a reimagining with a fresh new identity from the award-winning Hirsch Bedner Associates, who successfully blended modern glamour with old Hollywood charm.
The luxury hotel offers the key amenities that you’ll want on the perfect vacation—including a heated pool, a hot tub and beach cruisers. Dine at the Hotel Amarano’s signature restaurant, FYC Bar + Kitchen, for a modern take on fresh, Californian contemporary cuisine and drinks. Just minutes from the Hollywood Burbank Airport, this luxury hotel provides easy access to Universal Studios Hollywood, The Walt Disney Studios, NBC Studios and more.
THE POST OAK AT UPTOWN HOUSTON | Houston, Texas
Photo courtesy of The Post Oak at Uptown Houston
Owned by billionaire businessman and Houston Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta, this top-rated hotel and spa has 5-stars on Forbes, and it’s for a good reason. The Post Oak has it all, home to a museum-worthy collection of artwork, including works by Frank Stella, Robert Motherwell and Alex Katz, a 20,000 square foot spa and a rooftop helipad–complete with helicopter rides to the Johnson Space Center.
If you are a vino enthusiast, The Post Oak’s new Stella’s Wine Bar is the spot for you, with access to the property’s $5 million wine cellar. For fine dining, visit Willie G’s Seafood, Mastro’s Steakhouse or King Ranch Texas Kitchen. The Post Oak also boasts an award-winning pastry chef who bakes Parisian-inspired indulgences at the hotel’s Bouchée Patisserie.
HOTEL JACKSON | Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Photo courtesy of Hotel Jackson
If you love stargazing, head to this boutique luxury hotel in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Known for its unique experiences, like stargazing in Grand Teton National park, dog sledding and snow mobile tours of Yellowstone National Park, Hotel Jackson has made a name for itself among adventurers. It’s also home to a top-rated and award winning restaurant, FIGS, which focuses on authentic Lebanese-Mediterranean cuisine.
The family-owned hotel is currently undergoing renovations to add new luxury suites, a spa, rooftop bar and more.
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THOMPSON SEATTLE | Seattle, Washington
Photo courtesy of Thompson Seattle
Head to the Pacific Northwest for a stay at Thompson Seattle, an Olson Kundig-designed luxury boutique hotel. Within walking distance to Seattle’s ICONIC Pike Place Market and the Space Needle, this luxury boutique hotel has stunning views of Puget Sound and Olympic Mountains, and is complete with floor-to-ceiling windows to enjoy the views.
The hotel’s signature restaurant, Conversation Kitchen + Bar, is helmed by Food Network Chopped winner and executive chef Kaleena Bliss, who uses the best local ingredients to create thoughtfully prepared dishes. Ready to lounge? Head up to Thompson Seattle’s popular rooftop bar, The Nest.
THOMPSON DENVER | Denver, Colorado
Photo courtesy of Thompson Denver
Although Thompson Denver just opened in February of this year, it’s already making a name for itself as a key option for excellent views and equally as good amenities. The luxury hotel offers walking access to some of the best of the best restaurants, galleries and bars, including Union Station, Ball Arena, Coors Field, the Dairy Block and the brand-new Market Station.
Thompson Denver’s restaurant, Chez Maggy, helmed by internationally celebrated Chef Ludo Lefebvre, is a wonderful French brasserie. If you want a drink, head up to the 6th floor to find the sunroom bar and lounge with seasonal cocktails and a variety of curated wines and beers.
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SOFITEL FIJI | Denarau Island, Fiji
Photo courtesy of Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa
If the beach is calling to you, head to Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa. Located on a private beachfront on Denarau Island, this luxury hotel was renovated over a three-year period by interior design studio CHADA. Their design vision for Sofitel Fiji involved the beauty of the local surroundings, where the land meets the sea. Following the renovation, the luxury resort was transformed with modern and polished guest rooms that exude the natural beauty and culture of Fiji, with a touch of French elegance.
Included in the renovations is Waitui Bar & Grill, an adults-only poolside dining experience, and Suka, a beach bar that offers 30 house-made infused rums. If you have kids, Niu Kids Beach Club is the perfect place to enjoy family time. Dance the night away at Republik Night Club, or look your best by getting your hair and nails done at Sofitel Salon.
CASA BAUTISTA | Sian Ka’an, Tulum
Photo courtesy of Casa Bautista
While this stay isn’t technically a hotel, Casa Bautista is a luxury villa surrounded by the beautiful turquoise waters of the Mexican Caribbean. It was built to be the dream vacation home, with large gathering spaces and plenty of privacy, too. The villa is fit with large doors that open the living spaces into the outdoors, so you can fully appreciate the beauty of the nature around you.
Relax in the hot tub, rooftop pool or in the grilling area that floats atop the jungle canopy, giving you an ideal view of the ocean and the lagoon.
