For me, travel isn’t just about seeing new places; it’s about immersing myself in unique experiences, and a huge part of that is where I choose to stay. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of experiencing some truly exceptional luxury hotels around the world, places that have left an indelible mark. Places that have created wonderful memories and where I have also found and met dear friends. So, I’m excited to share my personal top 10 luxury hotels – a collection of properties that represent the pinnacle of luxury, service, and unforgettable moments.
Table of Contents
1. The Peninsula Beverly Hills, Los Angeles
This iconic hotel embodies classic Hollywood glamour. From the impeccable service to the lush rooftop garden and pool, The Peninsula Beverly Hills offers an unparalleled experience of refined luxury. The spacious rooms, personalized amenities, and discreet atmosphere make it a true oasis in the heart of Beverly Hills.
I had tried various other luxury hotels in the Beverly Hills area before I first booked a room at the Peninsula. From pictures I always thought it might be too old and dusty. Now I know I was so wrong.
Yes, the design is classic, but in a positive way. Having stayed at the Peninsula about 20 times, I can say that every minute there felt like being at home in the most wonderful place in L.A.
Service is the absolute best. Everyone is helping the best possible way and you truly feel like a celebrity, but in a very understated way.
The location is ideal; you can easily walk to the shops on Rodeo Drive, Beverly Drive, and Canon Drive, with endless amazing lunch and dinner options nearby.
The rooftop pool is the perfect place to relax, and I highly recommend having breakfast there instead of in the main restaurant.
I could make this blog all about this hotel, but I have tried to cut it short.
I have spent some of the best days and nights of my life at the Peninsula Beverly Hills thanks to its amazing staff, great facilities and perfect atmosphere.
2. Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills, Los Angeles
Modern elegance meets old Hollywood charm at the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills. This hotel boasts stunning views, exquisite dining options, and a rooftop pool with panoramic city vistas. The sophisticated ambiance and impeccable service create a truly memorable stay.
While the Peninsula across the street feels like home, the Waldorf Astoria is a close second. Its beautiful rooms, delicious food, and wonderful rooftop terrace make it a strong contender.
Perhaps due to its newer construction, the Waldorf Astoria has a cooler, cleaner vibe compared to the Peninsula.
Hilton Honors Gold and Diamond members enjoy nice perks at the Waldorf Astoria, which can make it a more affordable option among L.A.’s 5-star luxury hotels.
The food throughout the hotel is delicious, and lunch on the rooftop terrace is a must-do in Beverly Hills. It’s perfect for people-watching, soaking up the sun, and escaping the city’s hustle.
Beyond the excellent dining, the Waldorf Astoria’s room designs and decors are truly exceptional – some of the best I’ve experienced in luxury hotels.
3. Bardessono, Napa Valley
A haven of tranquility in the heart of Napa Valley, Bardessono offers a unique blend of luxury and sustainability. The contemporary design, farm-to-table dining, and focus on wellness create a truly restorative experience. The rooftop spa and private courtyards offer the perfect escape for relaxation.
What all these luxury hotels have in common is that they provide a haven of tranquility. And Bardessono might be the winner here. It’s not any one thing in particular, but the overall experience and atmosphere. It’s located in Yountville, a picturesque little gem of a town in Napa Valley. Bardessono truly benefits from this remarkably tranquil location.
Beyond its location, the hotel itself feels incredibly intimate and laid-back, while still providing all the expected luxuries. The service is impeccable, and the food divine. The proximity to countless other dining options further enhances the relaxing and perfect experience.
The hotel is committed to sustainability, and its eco-friendly practices feel natural and integrated, rather than forced or performative.
4. The Peninsula Paris, Paris
Located just steps from the Arc de Triomphe, The Peninsula Paris exudes Parisian elegance and sophistication. The meticulously restored historic building, opulent interiors, and world-class dining create a truly unforgettable experience. The rooftop bar offers stunning views of the Eiffel Tower.
I had the honor of staying at this hotel on its opening night and have returned twice since. The rooms are amazing, and the bathrooms are particularly impressive and perfectly designed.
The service is among the best in the world, as is typical of Peninsula hotels. You can choose from three different restaurants, one of which offers amazing views of the Eiffel Tower.
The spa and gym are also truly exceptional. Despite some differences between the Peninsula Paris and its Beverly Hills counterpart, the shared commitment to excellence is evident and appreciated.
It’s the staff’s professionalism, understated yet impeccable. It’s the luxurious interior, elegant but not ostentatious. It’s the perfect balance of high-end hotel and welcoming home.
The location on Avenue Kléber is ideal—quiet and secluded, yet within easy reach of numerous major attractions.
While the Peninsula Paris is likely the most expensive hotel on this list (though comparable to other top 5-star hotels in Paris), superb 5-star service can certainly be found at more affordable options (my personal favorite being Hotel Grand Powers).
However, if you’re prepared to invest in the ultimate Parisian experience, the Peninsula Paris is, in my opinion, the best of all luxury hotels in the French capital.
5. Amanyara, Turks and Caicos
This secluded beachfront resort offers unparalleled tranquility and natural beauty. The minimalist design, pristine beaches, and turquoise waters create a sense of serenity and escape. Amanyara is the perfect destination for those seeking ultimate relaxation and privacy.
If you’re looking for the perfect beach or island vacation, this is the place. The service is outstanding, so flawless and personalized that it made my stay truly unforgettable. I was genuinely impressed by the effort that must go on behind the scenes. With the exception of the Peninsula Beverly Hills, I’ve never experienced such effortless, high-quality care.
Amanyara offers everything you could want from a luxurious beach resort: incredible villas, fantastic dining, a top-notch spa and fitness center, a wide array of activities, and breathtaking beaches. From the moment you arrive, you’ll feel your stress melt away and be transported to a world of pure relaxation.
The resort is quite expansive, and the layout of the villas and pavilions ensures a high degree of privacy. Our villa even had a separate entrance, terrace, and private pool. Bicycles are provided for getting around the resort.
In terms of the total experience, this is hands-down my best beach vacation ever.
6. The Connaught, London
A true London landmark, The Connaught embodies British elegance and timeless style. The beautifully appointed rooms, Michelin-starred dining, and legendary Connaught Bar create a truly sophisticated experience. Its central location in Mayfair provides easy access to London’s best attractions.
London has many excellent hotels, but the Connaught’s intimate feel is what sets it apart for me. The rooms and public spaces are beautifully designed, enhancing the hotel’s intimate charm. Its relatively small size is a definite plus, creating a tranquil escape from the bustling city.
Despite countless wonderful stays at this hotel, I’ve never had dinner at the restaurant, so I can’t speak to its quality. However, breakfast is simply delicious, as is the room service menu.
The location is superb. The surrounding streets are quiet and residential, but within easy walking distance are some of London’s finest shops and restaurants.
Finally, the service is consistently outstanding, from the front desk and concierge to the restaurant and even the doormen, who are a personal highlight.
7. Post Ranch Inn, Big Sur
Perched dramatically on the cliffs of Big Sur, Post Ranch Inn offers breathtaking ocean views and a unique connection with nature. The rustic-chic design, cliffside pools, and serene atmosphere create a truly unforgettable escape. This is a perfect destination for a romantic getaway or a peaceful retreat.
Although it may seem less outwardly luxurious than some others, I believe this is a deliberate choice that perfectly suits the Post Ranch Inn’s overall vibe. The setting is unparalleled, boasting the most magnificent views of any hotel I’ve ever had the pleasure of staying at. The cuisine emphasizes simple preparations that showcase the high quality of the ingredients, resulting in truly delicious meals.
The rooms are amazing; some are dramatically situated along the cliffs, while others are tucked away in the woods. Their design emphasizes harmony with the surrounding natural beauty, using high-quality materials and craftsmanship. The entire property is designed with this principle in mind, which contributes significantly to the hotel’s unique charm and atmosphere. It’s an atmosphere that’s difficult to fully capture in words; you simply have to experience it for yourself. Taking a walk here at sunrise is one of the most relaxing things you can do.
There are no TVs in the rooms and W-fi can be hit or miss. But this is all part of the hotel’s philosophy, encouraging guests to disconnect and fully appreciate the surrounding natural beauty and tranquility. Post Ranch Inn is, in my opinion, the perfect choice for those seeking a truly relaxing and romantic getaway amidst the natural wonders of Big Sur.
8. Las Ventanas al Paraiso, Los Cabos
This luxurious beachfront resort offers unparalleled service and breathtaking ocean views. The personalized butler service, private plunge pools, and world-class dining create a truly indulgent experience. Las Ventanas al Paraiso is the perfect destination for those seeking ultimate pampering and relaxation.
This hotel was a dream of mine for years, and when I finally had the chance to visit, it exceeded all my expectations.”The resort’s design is stunning, featuring spacious areas, bright colors, and a harmonious blend of Mexican heritage and a tranquil spa-like ambiance. The service is truly top-tier, living up to the Rosewood standard. The cuisine is so remarkable that I didn’t feel the need to eat at any other restaurants outside the resort.
Along with the exceptional staff, I especially loved the rooms, which perfectly mirror the hotel’s overall atmosphere and style: clean and minimalist on the one hand, yet luxurious and traditional on the other. The pool and beach areas offered a relaxing escape and were never overly busy. I highly recommend the spa; it’s not only beautifully designed but also provides top-notch facilities and treatments.
9. One&Only Royal Mirage, Dubai
This opulent beachfront oasis offers a blend of Arabian elegance and modern luxury. The lush gardens, private beach, and world-class dining create a truly magical experience. The One&Only Royal Mirage is a perfect destination for those seeking a luxurious escape in the heart of Dubai.
And it delivers on this promise beautifully. While I’ve stayed at numerous excellent luxury hotels in Dubai, the One&Only Royal Mirage stands out for its remarkably calm atmosphere and exceptional service. It provides a welcome sanctuary of relaxation amidst the vibrant and often opulent city. The One&Only’s unique brand of understated yet Dubai-appropriate perfection is truly remarkable.
The hotel is comprised of three distinct sections, with the Residence offering the ultimate in privacy and luxury. The pool area’s design seamlessly integrates with the overall aesthetic, and the gym is truly exceptional—one of the best I’ve seen at any hotel.
10. Belmond El Encanto, Santa Barbara
Nestled in the hills of Santa Barbara, Belmond El Encanto offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the Channel Islands. The Spanish Colonial architecture, lush gardens, and serene atmosphere create a romantic and relaxing escape.
While I remain a big fan of the Four Seasons Biltmore, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my two stays at the Belmond El Encanto, and it has become a favorite. The two luxury hotels share several similarities, and I even prefer the Biltmore’s beachfront location, but El Encanto has ultimately impressed me more.
I found the hotel and rooms to be more open and bright, a result of both the design and the hilltop location. This abundance of natural light is a definite plus. The hotel offers excellent service with a laid-back Californian charm. The valet staff, in particular, were exceptionally friendly and helpful.
Another highlight is the delicious breakfast enjoyed while overlooking the breathtaking views of Santa Barbara.
Final Thoughts
These ten luxury hotels represent some of my most cherished travel experiences. They are more than just places to stay; they are destinations in themselves, offering unique atmospheres, impeccable service, and unforgettable memories. Whether you’re seeking urban sophistication, tranquil escapes, or beachfront bliss, I hope this list inspires your own travel adventures and helps you discover your own perfect hotel experiences. These are not sponsored, these are my honest opinions from my own travels.
