The 100 Best Hotels in the World

The Four Seasons Hotel Madrid is the undisputed pinnacle of luxury in the Spanish capital, set within a collection of magnificently restored historic buildings at the city's very heart. The hotel delivers an experience of flawless perfection, defined by its intuitive and genuinely warm staff, the legendary comfort of the Four Seasons Bed, and its spectacular four-level spa, the largest in Spain. Guests can enjoy breathtaking city views from the rooftop restaurant by chef Dani García or relax by the serene indoor pool. While it is located in an extremely busy tourist area, the hotel itself is an oasis of tranquility. This is a destination for those seeking the ultimate in opulence, service, and comfort.

The Royal Mansour Marrakech is the pinnacle of global luxury, offering an unparalleled experience of Moroccan opulence and service. Guests stay in exquisite private Riads, each with its own rooftop pool and served by a personal butler via a network of underground tunnels, ensuring absolute privacy. The hotel is a masterpiece of craftsmanship, featuring an world-class spa, Michelin-starred dining including one of the world's best Moroccan restaurants, and vast, serene Andalusian gardens. This is not merely a hotel but a self-contained, palatial medina that offers a flawless and unforgettable stay. While its location is convenient for exploring the city, the primary attraction is the magnificent and utterly private world within its walls.

The Peninsula is a new icon of five-star luxury in London, situated in a prime location overlooking Hyde Park Corner and Wellington Arch. Its defining characteristics are the legendary, anticipatory service, the breathtaking rooftop restaurant with panoramic city views, and the world-class spa and swimming pool complex. The hotel offers exceptionally spacious and technologically advanced rooms, impeccable cleanliness, and a serene, private atmosphere despite its central location. It is a short walk from the exclusive shops of Knightsbridge and the Royal Parks, making it a perfect, albeit very expensive, base for discerning travelers.

The legendary Hotel Sacher Wien is the embodiment of Viennese luxury and imperial history, located directly opposite the State Opera. This iconic five-star superior hotel delivers an unparalleled experience through its world-class, personal service, opulent historic decor, and its famous culinary institutions. Guests can indulge in the luxurious full-service spa, enjoy gourmet Austrian cuisine, and sleep in supremely comfortable, elegant rooms. The hotel is not merely a place to stay but a destination in itself, offering a truly romantic and unforgettable immersion into the grand culture of Vienna.

The Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid is a legendary grand hotel and a city icon, restored to breathtaking contemporary splendor. It offers an unparalleled luxury experience defined by its truly exceptional and intuitive staff service, its magnificent and romantic historic design, and its world-class dining, including a two-Michelin-starred restaurant. The hotel also features a stunning wellness center with an indoor pool and a beautiful garden for al fresco dining. Situated opposite the Prado Museum and next to Retiro Park, its location is both prestigious and perfect for cultural exploration. This is a destination for those seeking the absolute pinnacle of opulence and service, with a price tag to match.

An exquisite 5-star luxury hotel in Madrid, Palacio de los Duques Gran Meliá is a restored 19th-century palace that offers an unparalleled romantic and historic experience. Its most breathtaking features are the spectacular rooftop pool and terrace with direct, sunset views of the Royal Palace, and a serene hidden garden providing a tranquil escape. The hotel delivers flawless, personalized service from its exceptional staff and boasts some of the most comfortable and elegant rooms in the city. Located in the prestigious Austrias district, it provides a perfect, tranquil base for exploring the capital's royal history while enjoying the absolute pinnacle of modern luxury.

The Peninsula Paris is a "Palace" hotel that defines ultra-luxury, masterfully blending Parisian grandeur with legendary Asian hospitality in a stunningly restored historic building. It is celebrated for its breathtaking rooftop views of the Eiffel Tower, its magnificent indoor swimming pool and spa, and its unique "Peninsula Time" policy offering fully flexible check-in and check-out. The hotel provides an unparalleled romantic and opulent experience with technologically advanced rooms and intuitive, flawless service. The only consideration is its location in a prestigious but tourist-heavy area near the Arc de Triomphe.

Casa Baglioni Milan is an exquisite 5-star hotel that redefines luxury by blending the intimacy of a private Italian home with world-class service and high design. Its most exceptional qualities are the deeply personalized and intuitive service from the staff, its stunning interior design rich with Milanese art, and its perfect location on a quiet street in the heart of the charming Brera district. The all-suite property offers spacious, tranquil, and impeccably appointed accommodations. Guests can indulge in the hotel's Michelin-starred dining, private spa, and the exclusive, residential atmosphere. While it represents the very highest price point in the city, it delivers a flawless and unforgettable luxury experience for the most discerning travelers.

BEYOND by Geisel is one of Munich's most exclusive and luxurious accommodations, operating less like a hotel and more like a private, fully-staffed residence with an unparalleled location directly on Marienplatz. Its most breathtaking feature is the stunning, panoramic view of the New Town Hall and the Glockenspiel from the floor-to-ceiling windows of the shared lounge and select suites. The experience is defined by bespoke, intuitive service from personal hosts and a private chef, with all premium food and beverages included in the stay. This creates an intimate, "at-home" atmosphere of ultimate comfort and indulgence. For travelers seeking an unforgettable, romantic, and utterly unique vantage point from which to experience the heart of Munich, BEYOND is in a class of its own.

This recently renovated 5-star hotel on the Grand Canal represents the pinnacle of modern Venetian luxury, offering an experience of unparalleled service and style. Its most stunning features are the breathtaking, direct views of the Santa Maria della Salute Basilica, the signature St. Regis Butler Service that anticipates every need, and its expansive private garden—a rare oasis of tranquility. The hotel's sophisticated bars and restaurants are social hubs, and its location is perfect for exploring the city's top cultural sites and luxury shops on foot. While exuding an atmosphere of grand elegance, it is also remarkably pet-friendly and offers excellent amenities for families. This is an ultimate destination for a romantic and opulent Venetian escape.

Muni Kyoto is a world-class luxury hotel offering an oasis of tranquility and sublime beauty in the heart of the scenic Arashiyama district. The hotel delivers an unforgettable experience through its breathtaking views of the Oi River, its stunning contemporary Japanese design, and the flawless, anticipatory service of its staff. Dining is a major highlight, with two on-site restaurants by the famed Alain Ducasse. This property is the epitome of romance and refined luxury, providing a serene and private escape just steps from Arashiyama's iconic Bamboo Grove. While located in a bustling tourist area, the hotel itself remains a peaceful and exclusive sanctuary.

Rosewood Vienna is a pinnacle of modern, sophisticated luxury, perfectly situated in a historic bank building on Petersplatz in the city's absolute center. Its most impressive features are the stunning rooftop bar with panoramic city views, the exquisitely designed and spacious rooms with large marble bathrooms, and the highly personalized and intuitive service. The hotel's serene Asaya Spa provides a tranquil urban retreat. A notable omission for a hotel of this standard is the lack of a swimming pool, and its prime location means it is in the busiest, most tourist-focused part of the city.

Gleneagles Townhouse is the epitome of five-star urban luxury, masterfully blending the heritage of a historic bank with contemporary grandeur and the impeccable service of the iconic Gleneagles brand. The hotel's defining features are its world-class wellness facilities, the stunning rooftop bar with panoramic city views, and the flawless, intuitive service that anticipates every need. The atmosphere is one of an exclusive private members' club, making it a sophisticated and romantic retreat. While it is one of the city's most expensive options and not suited for families, its prime location on St Andrew Square offers unparalleled walkability and direct transport links to the airport. It represents an unforgettable, top-tier luxury experience in the heart of Edinburgh.

The Berkeley is a beacon of contemporary five-star luxury in Knightsbridge, masterfully blending innovative design with timeless elegance. Its most celebrated features are the legendary, intuitive service, the stunning rooftop pool with panoramic city views, and its world-class dining options, including the famous Cédric Grolet patisserie. The hotel provides a tranquil and exceptionally comfortable retreat, with impeccably clean and stylish rooms, just steps from the luxury shopping of Sloane Street and the green expanse of Hyde Park. The vibrant Blue Bar and Berkeley Bar are chic social hubs, making it a destination in itself.

The Peninsula Shanghai is a beacon of timeless, grand luxury, perfectly positioned on the historic Bund waterfront. It is defined by three superlative qualities: its breathtaking, panoramic views of the entire Bund and the Pudong skyline from its rooms and iconic rooftop bar; its legendary, intuitive service that anticipates every need; and its magnificent Art Deco design that feels both classic and deeply connected to Shanghai's glamorous heritage. The hotel's palatial rooms, world-class spa, and stunning indoor pool offer a sanctuary of peace and refinement. Its location is at the very heart of Shanghai's most famous tourist promenade.

The Raffles Europejski Warsaw is a landmark of unparalleled luxury and historical significance, perfectly situated on the prestigious Royal Route. This iconic hotel offers an extraordinary experience with its stunning views of Piłsudski Square, flawlessly elegant rooms, and a world-class spa complete with a serene indoor pool. The service is the gold standard of hospitality, from the 24/7 butlers to the expert concierge team, ensuring every need is met with grace and precision. While representing the absolute pinnacle of opulence in Warsaw, the atmosphere is one of grand, formal elegance rather than casual comfort.

A pinnacle of urban luxury in Osaka's upscale Dojima district, the Four Seasons Hotel Osaka delivers an experience of flawless service, breathtaking panoramic city views, and exceptionally comfortable beds. This brand-new hotel stands out for its impeccable, personalized service from the world-class staff, its stunning and spacious room design, and its top-tier amenities including a serene indoor pool and a state-of-the-art spa. Located near the Umeda transport and shopping hub, it offers both convenience and an exclusive, tranquil atmosphere. While the price point is at the highest end of the market, the quality of the experience is unparalleled.

Housed in a former Napoleonic palace, the Shangri-La Paris is a "Palace" hotel that offers an experience of unparalleled romance and luxury. Its defining, world-famous feature is the absolutely breathtaking, direct view of the Eiffel Tower from many of its rooms, suites, and restaurants. The hotel is also celebrated for its magnificent indoor swimming pool bathed in natural light and its exceptionally spacious and opulent rooms. The service, a seamless blend of Asian warmth and European grandeur, ensures a flawless stay.

The Mandarin Oriental Mayfair is a new icon of ultimate urban luxury, located on the prestigious Hanover Square. This hotel delivers a flawless experience defined by its world-class spa and wellness facilities, impeccable and anticipatory staff service, and stunningly sophisticated interior design. The property also boasts destination dining and a chic rooftop bar, all within a tranquil and exquisitely soundproofed environment. As one of London's most exclusive and expensive hotels, it caters to a discerning clientele seeking the absolute pinnacle of quality and comfort. The atmosphere is one of grand, polished elegance rather than cozy intimacy, representing a truly world-class hospitality experience.

The Lanesborough is a palatial masterpiece of Regency-era grandeur, offering one of the world's most luxurious hotel experiences at London's prestigious Hyde Park Corner. Its most defining and extraordinary feature is the dedicated 24/7 butler service for every guest, providing an unparalleled level of personalized and intuitive care. The hotel also excels with its magnificent, spacious rooms, exquisite Michelin-starred dining, and the world-class Lanesborough Club & Spa. This is the pinnacle of romantic, traditional luxury, perfect for the most special of occasions. The formal, opulent style is an immersive experience in aristocratic living, and as such, it lacks a casual or "cozy" feel.