%3Amax_bytes(150000)%3Astrip_icc()%2FTAL-top-100-hotels-andbeyond-bateleur-camp-larger-000-OVERALLHOTELSWB25-9e0af5a0f9524947a634511dcb7b4204.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
These 100 Hotels Were Voted Best in the World by T+L Readers
How Voting Works Every year for our World's Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe—to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Nearly 180,000 T+L readers completed the 2025 survey. A total of more than 657,000 votes were cast across over 8,700 properties (hotels, cities, cruise lines, etc.). Hotels were classified as either resort hotel, city hotel, inn, or safari lodge based on their location and amenities, and they were specifically rated on the criteria below: Rooms/facilities Location Service Food Value For each characteristic, respondents could choose a rating of excellent, above average, average, below average, or poor. The final scores are averages of these responses.
What Readers Loved
As T+L readers search for hotels that draw them in—with a rich backstory, entrancing interiors, and authentic, local experiences—they don't shy from trying a new stay: seven of the 100 best hotels of 2025 opened in the last two years. And yet, it's the exceptional service at tried-and-true favorites that turns curious travelers into return guests.
For the second year in a row, only one U.S. hotel cracked the top 10, which is otherwise dominated by safari lodges (No. 1 andBeyond Bateleur Camp and No. 3 Mfuwe Lodge, The Bushcamp Company), as well as far-flung island resorts (Joali Maldives at No. 7 and newcomer Nay Palad in the tenth spot).
Among the top 100 favorites from T+L readers, there are 18 U.S. hotels on this year's list, up from the 16 that placed last year. Of the U.S. stays, sprawling, remote resorts stood out—like Primland Resort, Auberge Resorts Collection, the 12,000-acre stay in Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains (No. 8), and Wildflower Farms, Auberge Resorts Collection (No. 54) in New York's bucolic Hudson Valley. But in the heart of Carmel-by-the-Sea, a charming Northern California town, Villa Mara (No. 40) came back to once again rank in the top 50—a rarity for a relatively new and independently owned boutique hotel.
As the U.S. winners hint, Auberge Resorts Collection had a phenomenal year, with eleven resorts on the list. Capella, voted the best hotel brand for the third year in a row, had three winners; Oberoi, also a favorite hotel brand among readers, received four nods. And yet, it's a luxury safari outfitter with 29 lodges and camps that nabbed the top spot in this fiercely competitive World's Best Awards category.
Read on for a closer look at the top 100 hotels in the world, according to T+L readers.
Top 100 Hotels
T+L Hotel Values
At Travel + Leisure, we know a hotel can make or break a trip. We love checking into a room with a fluffy white bed and a balcony with a view as much as our readers do. However, we also know a lot more than that goes into making a hotel experience truly special. The best hotels provide personalized service and thoughtful amenities, and have authentic interactions with their communities. Below, see all of the categories we consider when choosing a hotel to feature in a T+L article—and what our readers consider when voting in the World's Best Awards. Your vacation is as important to us as our own, and these are the same criteria we use when searching for hotel stays for ourselves. As your trusted travel source, we hope to help you find your new favorite home away from home.
Rooms
A great hotel room feels luxurious and stylish, but also functional (think: power outlets next to the bed, a full-length mirror, and a well-positioned TV). Since we don't like to feel cramped on vacation, space also wins us over: we want plenty of room to unpack and spread out—and we love a sizable bathroom (especially with a bathtub or rain shower). We expect cleanliness all around, and a comfortable bed that tempts us to stay a while. Of course, outdoor space and a great view go a long way.
Amenities
We believe hotel guests should feel pampered, not nickel and dimed. We prefer hotels with thoughtful amenities aimed at making our days and nights easier, like filtered water, Wi-Fi, and a good iron or steamer. We love when hotels go the extra mile and provide a stocked minibar, a welcome gift, and an outdoor shower or Jacuzzi. Extras like on-site laundry, a spa and gym, and a great concierge are likely to secure a spot on our lists.
Location
We look for hotels with locations that are convenient or spectacular (or both!), whether they're walking distance from a city's top sights or on a remote island with access to a pristine private beach. We always take the destination into account and think about our readers' intent — and try to pinpoint the ultimate home base in every travel situation.
Service
When it comes to connecting with a hotel and destination, personalized service is key. We love a knowledgeable local concierge who's excited to share insider recommendations and a welcoming staff that tends to every detail of a stay from start to finish. Above all, we want to make sure guests feel welcomed and taken care of.
Food
A good hotel restaurant can be a destination in its own right, and we're constantly on the lookout for notable chefs, buzzy collaborations, local ingredients, and downright delicious food that can be enjoyed without leaving the premises. Give us a room service option that maintains quality and we're there (no soggy waffles, even from bed, please). Figurative bonus points are awarded to hotel restaurants that add something new and exciting to a destination's existing culinary scene.
Value
While we often cover five-star, luxury hotels, we're also always thinking about value for the money spent at any price point. Will guests feel like they got what they paid for? Are valuable extras included in the fee? If there is a way to maximize a stay with rewards points or a chance to save on your booking, we'll tell you about it.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
%3Amax_bytes(150000)%3Astrip_icc()%2FTAL-header-oceania-riviera-alaska-OCEANIARIVIERA0625-8aeef0abea3e4ca398b7b83621a2231b.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
Travel + Leisure
4 hours ago
- Travel + Leisure
This Popular Cruise Line Just Added More Alaska Trips—Here's What to Expect on the Latest Luxury Ship to Sail the State
With 629 staterooms, Riviera is an ideal size—large enough to have lots of amenities but small enough to never feel too crowded. is an ideal size—large enough to have lots of amenities but small enough to never feel too crowded. Excellent restaurants, including a steakhouse and venues doing French, Italian, and Asian cuisines, all at no extra cost. Staterooms are plush and spacious, with touches that make them feel like luxury hotel rooms. Onboard cooking lessons in a purpose-designed culinary classroom illuminate regional specialties and offer a connection to shoreside cultures. From the front row of the whale-watching boat, I could already see the fluke of a gray whale's tail in the distance. I'm from Alaska originally, and I've certainly seen whales before, but every time I see one of these incredible animals, I can't help but smile. I was just two days into an eight-night trip aboard Riviera , an Oceania Cruises ship that was going from Whittier, Alaska, to Vancouver. The adrenaline rush was full on. Many others on my excursion boat from Icy Strait Point were also in high spirits: there were outright squeals of excitement and at least one person was clutching the person next to them as if to say, Can you believe it? 'I guess we won't have to refund anybody today,' joked Tyler Hickman, who was riding along with us. He's the vice president of operations at Icy Strait Point, which offers a money-back guarantee on whale-watching tours. Since Icy Strait opened in 2004, as the first Native-owned, purpose-built cruise port in Alaska, they've never once had to make good on those refunds. Whale watching in Sitka, Alaska. As Hickman was explaining all this, were interrupted by the call of 'Bears!' from the wheelhouse. We weren't that close to shore, but, through my camera's telephoto lens, I could see that a mother brown bear with two cubs had come out of the spruce forest to forage on the rocky beach of Chichagof Island. The resulting exclamations from the boat must have startled them, for they looked up in our direction before scurrying back into the safety of the trees. When we weren't marveling at whales or bears, our group also spotted bald eagles, seabirds, and harbor porpoises. Then there were the sea lions, who seemed to delight in jostling for position atop a red channel maker, barking strong opinions at each other as they attempted to jump out of the water and knock each other off the bobbing buoy. The rest of the day was spent feasting on Dungeness crab, taking a scenic ride up a mountain in a cable car for a hike to a hidden lake, and—for many passengers—screaming back down the mountain on a zipline. (I skipped that in favor of a slower, calmer ride back down in the cable car, although it was fun to watch my new friends take the plunge.) The Grand Staircase on Riviera. Justin Kriel/Oceania Cruises And that was all just one day. Getting to Icy Strait involved a beautiful day of cruising from Whittier, past the Hubbard Glacier. Then, leaving Icy Strait, we took in views of the Tongass National Forest, the world's largest temperate rainforest, while we enjoyed afternoon tea complete with smoked salmon sandwiches and a selection of pastries. Our trip would continue on to other compelling ports, including Skagway, Sitka, and Ketchikan, as well as Prince Rupert, BC. While Oceania has long operated cruises in Alaskan waters, this journey was also one of the first for Riviera, which is a bit larger than the ships that the line has historically operated in the state. Here's my review of Riviera, the ship's many amenities, its cabins, and its dining and entertainment options—as well as my thoughts on travel in the 49th state. Staterooms on Riviera have high-end finishes, such as crown moldings, marble countertops, and stylish sconces, plus relatively large bathrooms and superb bedding. It all adds up to something more akin to a luxury hotel than a typical cruise-ship cabin. Standard amenities also include a minibar stocked with soft drinks, complimentary still and sparkling water, Bulgari bath amenities, and 24-hour room service. Concierge Level Veranda staterooms come with extras, including free laundry service, a welcome bottle of prosecco, and anytime access to a secluded spa terrace at the front of the ship. This category also grants access to the Concierge Lounge, with its free snacks and drinks. Suites are even more plush, with butlers to pack and unpack bags, a full bar setup, and the option to have room service delivered, course by course, from the ship's specialty restaurants. Jacques, the French restaurant on Riviera. Justin Kriel/Oceania Cruises Oceania has long touted its culinary prowess, and Riviera has so many restaurants on board that you could dine for a week without repeating. The Grand Dining Room is probably the most traditional spot, crowned by an impressive Lalique crystal chandelier. A number of specialty restaurants are well worth trying; most guests get one complimentary visit per voyage, with additional visits available for an extra charge. Polo Grill is the steakhouse on board, while pan-Asian Red Ginger was a favorite of mine thanks to the lobster avocado salad with fried lotus root. Toscana, with its cart of gourmet olive oils, is the place for Mediterranean dishes. Jacques, which is named for Oceania's onetime executive culinary director Jacques Pepin, is classic French, with celebratory dishes such as lobster Thermidor. Less formal dining options include the Terrace Café, which on Alaska sailings hosts the occasional, lavish feast featuring fresh salmon, shrimp, scallops, and locally procured game meats including reindeer sausage. Waves Grill, by the pool, turns out nice pizzas in the evenings. There are several bars including the popular Martinis and a tiny casino bar with some risqué decor. Riviera is new to Alaskan waters for the 2025 season, offering a mix of sailings ranging from 9 to 12 days, out of Seattle, Vancouver, or Whittier. Later in 2025, the ship will move across the Pacific Ocean, with longer itineraries starting at 12 days in Asia, Australia, and places such as Tahiti. Riviera will return to Alaska for the summer of 2026. In both 2025 and 2026, select voyages will call at Alaska's newest cruise port: Klawock, where visitors can whale watch, chat with a Tlingit totem pole carver, visit a village craft fair, and sample seafood in a part of Alaska that's relatively untouched by tourism. Oceania offers plenty of shore excursions in each port, ranging from sightseeing tours to fishing expeditions, all at extra cost. Lucky for me, at least three of those excursions included unlimited, butter-drenched crab legs with views of the ocean. Oceania's descriptions of the tours and their restrictions were exhaustive—in a good way. Among others, I went out on an excellent fishing excursion in Ketchikan and a helicopter ride to the Denver Glacier for a dogsledding demonstration. During the latter, I learned how Alaskan sled dogs have been selectively bred for millennia for their distinctive characteristics, and competitive dogsledding—including the famous Iditarod—is a way to maintain that breed. I was disappointed, however, when the narrator didn't mention how many women had won the Iditarod until I asked about that at the end. (Two women have won a combined five times.) Still, the trip was well worth it, particularly the chance to cuddle tiny, weeks-old puppies. One of my favorite amenities was the culinary center, a purpose-designed classroom with a demonstration kitchen and individual stations where we could practice knife and sauté skills. Alongside several other guests, I learned how to perfectly sear a scallop (the secret is to bring them to room temperature and pat them dry), whip up a smoked salmon spread, and assemble a deep dish berry cobbler. The ship has one pool, although cold weather and rain on our trip kept all but the hardiest passengers out of it. The large indoor fitness center was bustling most days. There's also Aquamar Spa + Vitality Center, which offers spa treatments, fitness classes, and salon services. I found it to feel a bit too transactional: there was a product seminar going on in the relaxation lounge where I was waiting for a massage, and that treatment ended with my therapist saying, 'I'll get you a glass of water and prepare your receipt.' A more serene atmosphere prevailed during afternoon tea, when a roving quartet provided background melodies. Stage production shows tended to follow the jukebox format, blending the music of Broadway, Hollywood, and midcentury standards. There's no ambiguity about this: Oceania's ships are designed for adults. Though children aren't expressly prohibited on Riviera , there are no dedicated facilities for kids or teens. There's no childcare offered, entertainment is decidedly adult-oriented, and restaurants don't have kids menus. (That said, I did spot a few families with kids during my trip.) By contrast, there are numerous cruise lines operating in Alaska that make a point of offering amenities and programming for children. Riviera has six accessible staterooms—spread across Inside, Outside, and Veranda categories—designed for passengers using wheelchairs. These staterooms, unlike the others onboard, do not have a step up into the bathroom, and do have wider doors, turning spaces, and grab bars. Suites, which are larger overall, also do not have a step up into the bathrooms—but are not specifically designed for passengers using wheelchairs. How well users of mobility devices can be accommodated often varies by port. That said, the American and Canadian ports on Riviera's Alaska itineraries are subject to those countries' broad accessibility regulations; they are typically well-designed to accommodate most mobility needs. Oceania recommends passengers with particular needs inform the line at the time of booking, so that appropriate arrangements can be made. Shore excursion descriptions also describe whether tours are suitable for passengers with reduced mobility. Riviera's restaurants and bars can accommodate a wide variety of dietary restrictions and preferences—though advance notice is often appreciated.
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Yahoo
I Plan Safaris For a Living—and These African Lodges Are My Personal Favorite Hidden Gems
A-List travel advisor Chris Liebenberg shares four under-the-radar stays for your next safari. Luxury in Africa isn't just about thread counts or plunge pools—it's about storytelling, connection, and exclusive access to one-of-a-kind experiences. As a travel advisor, I'm always on the lookout for luxury safari lodges that blend adventure, indulgence, and authenticity. These properties aren't on every 'top 10' list—they're whispered about amongst seasoned safari-goers and industry insiders. Here are four of Africa's best hidden gems and why they belong on your radar. Ol Jogi: Laikipia, Kenya Ol Jogi isn't exactly a lodge—it's a 58,000-acre, 11-bedroom private sanctuary that guests have entirely to themselves. With an in-house team, private chefs, and access to rare wildlife encounters, this stay is the epitome of African exclusivity. It's also one of the few places in Kenya where you can see the endangered Grévy's zebra, black rhinos, white rhinos, and leopards all on the same game drive. Plus, with a salt lick and waterhole directly in front of the villa's pool, wildlife will come right to you. While on property, go on game drives, horseback safaris, helicopter rides over Mount Kenya, and conservation-focused experiences with on-site rangers and researchers. Evenings are for sunsets at private viewpoints and family-style feasts under the stars. Insider Tip: Book at least four nights at Ol Jogi. The pace here is unhurried, and the activities are completely tailored to you, whether you're celebrating a milestone, traveling with family, or just craving immersion in nature. Noka Camp: Lapalala Wilderness, South Africa Suspended dramatically above the Lephalala River, Noka Camp offers a front-row seat to the untouched beauty of the Lapalala Wilderness. This not-for-profit camp is entirely solar-powered and puts all proceeds toward the reserve's conservation efforts. Wake up to panoramic views of the biodiverse Waterberg biosphere, where leopards roam and black rhinos track ancient paths. The reserve's raw, remote terrain is home to a surprising diversity of wildlife, and you'll likely have it all to yourself—the accommodation is private, and can host up to 12 guests. Activities include twice-daily game drives, guided walking safaris, and stargazing from your own heated plunge pool. Between adventures, savor fine dining and wine pairings under the stars. Don't miss the chance to learn about one of Africa's most elusive mammals at the Pangolin Conservation and Research Centre, which Noka proudly supports. Insider Tip: Each villa features a retractable glass floor for a one-of-a-kind view straight down to the river below—perfect for spotting wildlife while sipping your morning coffee. Miavana: Nosy Ankao, Madagascar Miavana, a private island accessible only by helicopter, is wildly remote, ecologically vital, and utterly transformative. Aside from relaxing on the serene beaches, there are some deep-diving, expedition-style adventures that can be launched from the property's base on the mainland. Guests can mix land-based safari with marine adventure, where they will see lemurs, chameleons, and baobabs on land, and sea turtles, rays, and technicolor reefs underwater. For activities, guests can go on forest treks with expert guides, go deep-sea fishing, or indulge in a spa treatment to the rhythm of the ocean. Evenings begin with champagne at the beach bar and end with gourmet dinners under the stars. Insider Tip: Miavana is even better as a post-safari island getaway. Combine it with a mainland lodge for a dramatic contrast between bush and beach. Kalepo Camp: Samburu, Kenya Remote and culturally immersive, Kalepo is a rare jewel nestled at the base of the Mathews Range in northern Kenya. This family-owned, exclusive-use camp offers an intimate introduction to indigenous Samburu culture in its most authentic form. This area is also home to the rare 'Samburu Special Five': Grévy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, gerenuk, and Beisa oryx. Birdlife is diverse and prolific here, and the landscapes—dry riverbeds, doum palms, and towering peaks—are pure cinematic beauty. At Kalepo, each day is shaped by the goings-on in the local community, and many activities involve genuine cultural exchange with the Samburu people. Your stay could include participating in traditional Samburu warrior games or immersion into a manyatta, or settlement, where you might observe local blacksmiths at work or even witness festive ceremonies. Insider Tip: Spend more time here than you think you need, and let the experience unfold around you. This is also the perfect home base from which to explore even more remote areas like Lake Turkana in Kenya's wild north. Chris Liebenberg is a member of Travel + Leisure's A-List and specializes in Botswana and Namibia trips. You can create a tailor-made itinerary with Liebenberg by contacting him at chris@ Read the original article on Travel & Leisure Solve the daily Crossword
Wall Street Journal
15 hours ago
- Wall Street Journal
Tequila, Drugs and Torture: The Spending Binge of Two Crypto Bros That Ended Behind Bars
A private jet lifted off on a night in February, ferrying a media heir, fashion models and a mix of thrill-hungry luminaries from Palm Beach, Fla., to a novel redneck retreat in Smithland, Ky., population 237. For the guests, Smithland sat in the middle of nowhere, at a bend of the Ohio River, in a county where most liquor sales are banned. That wasn't a problem. The plane was stocked with Dom Pérignon Champagne. One of the hosts, William Duplessie, doled out caviar en route.
