The Best Hotels
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On the cusp of its 125th anniversary, The Dolder Grand remains as iconic as ever, a true grande dame set high up on a hill in Switzerland’s largest city. The five star property’s arresting views give the sweeping entrance’s curves and regal lines a run for its money.

A surprising mix of old and new sets this luxurious hotel apart and its seamless embodiment of old world class and new world whimsy add to its unique appeal—the historic grand lobby staircase demands your attention as does Duane Hanson’s “Traveller,” a life-like sculpture in the nearby bar that beckons guests to take a closer look. Two new wings, dubbed the Spa Wings for easy access to the sprawling spa, are not to be missed under any circumstances–they house 175 well-appointed and digitally savvy rooms and suites, while the original structure’s rooms, majorly refreshed as part of a multi-year renovation completed in 2008, exude classic elegance and refined comfort in spacious layouts. 

The hotel added a new restaurant this past summer; Blooms, a seasonal vegan outdoor venue, is helmed by Michelin-starred Chef Heiko Nieder, who also oversees the property’s five other culinary offerings. Brunch at the on-site Saltz—cold-pressed juices proffered in darling individual sipping jars, an enticing assortment of cheese and charcuterie, classic egg and breakfast meat options, and granolas with your choice of milk—is an affair to remember.

There’s a swathe of travelers who loathe Airbnb for a simple reason: it lacks the amenities of a hotel. And yet, anecdotally at least, these travelers also enjoy what Airbnb provides: that fleeting sense of pretending you live in a destination. G-Rough does both—and does them equally well.

Hidden in a 17th-century building just behind the Piazza Navona, G-Rough is an intimate boutique hotel with lovingly curated rooms that feel like elegant apartments. And for those traveling in groups, entire floors are converted into one massive flat.

Throw the windows open, peer over the rooftop, and listen to the sounds of locals chattering away below at the many cafes surrounding the property—many even wander into the hotel themselves. After all, the lobby is, in fact, a comfortable bar with a smattering of impressive mixologists who also dabble as front desk attendants or concierge. The G-Rough is the perfect fantasy for those who want to briefly imagine that they’re Romans, not simply on their Roman holiday.

Italy’s glamorous island of Capri has no shortage of five-star hotels. So when the prestigious Oetker Collection— known for iconic properties on the French Riviera, London, and beyond—announced they were opening the Hotel La Palma, expectations were high. It was worth the wait.

Just steps from the famous Piazzetta, La Palma is housed in one of Capri’s oldest hotels, which originally opened in 1822 and was a haven for artists, who decorated the walls in exchange for a stay. Lauded designer Francis Sultana paid homage to the hotel’s history by commissioning ceiling frescoes for the lobby—and that’s just one of many incredible design details. A chic, sophisticated air permeates the hotel thanks to the aquamarine-and-white color scheme, bespoke furniture, and even custom brass taps in the bathrooms.

The hotel’s three restaurants and bars, plus the beach club, Da Gioia, are presided over by Michelin-starred chef Gennaro Esposito. His signature zucchini tartare is a must-try dish available at both Gennaro’s Restaurant and Da Gioia. Whatever you do, don’t skip lunch at the beach club, where you can ponder the meaning of il dolce far niente over lobster linguini and a crisp glass of local white wine before relaxing on the lounge chairs reserved exclusively for hotel guests.

Nestled amidst Norway’s emerald wilderness sits the Juvet Landskapshotell, a harmonious blend of cutting-edge architecture and raw, untouched nature, a mere 90-minute journey from the coastal town of Ålesund. Here, the whispers of ancient pines dance with the murmurs of Northern Norway’s Valldøla River. The gentle cadence of the wild is brought to life through the property’s uniquely expansive windows, drawing guests into the crux of the landscape. Renowned for its cutting-edge architecture and untouched nature, this modern-day sanctuary boasts seven landscape rooms with sheer glass and “birdhouses,” quirky as they sound and built on minimalist principles, nestled intimately against the mountain backdrop. Their design ensures that both panoramic beauty and guests’ privacy are prioritized. Juvet’s cinematic charisma, showcased in Ex Machina, introduces its architectural allure to a global audience.

Beyond its captivating façade, Juvet’s on-site restaurant, The Barn, beckons with culinary delights. This rejuvenated barn, transformed into a culinary haven, champions local, seasonal ingredients, promising unforgettable communal feasts rich in Norwegian flavors warmed over an open fireplace. What elevates the hotel isn’t merely its design or cinematic fame. Indeed, sustainability is central to Juvet’s ethos; its commitment to eco-friendliness ensures this stunning environment remains unspoiled for future generations. The beloved property keeps its promise of an immersive experience, enticing global adventure-seekers, yet is anchored in a commitment to ecological responsibility.

Set within Mallorca’s Tramuntana Mountain range, the small village of Deià is marked by honey-colored stone buildings, sweeping palm trees, and aromatic olive trees. For years the village has been a haven for writers and artists, inspired by its gorgeous mountain views and secluded tranquility. It’s here you’ll find La Residencia, A Belmond Hotel, a luxury hideaway with an artistic soul, evidenced by an on-site art gallery and an artists in residence program

The hotels’ collection of rooms and suites tumble down the mountainside towards the pool, between cobble stone pathways and baskets of oranges and lemons. Rustic yet luxurious rooms feature wood-beamed ceilings, terracotta-tiled floors, antique local furniture and four-poster beds. Everything reminds you that you’re in Mallorca, including the nature-inspired spa treatments such as olive oil exfoliation and citrus facials.

Food is a big part of the La Residencia experience and with three restaurants, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Graze on tapas at Restaurante Miró, while admiring the private collection of Joan Miró artworks, or treat yourself at the award-winning El Olivo and dine inside a medieval olive mill or outside surrounded by ancient olive trees and twinkling lights. Breakfast is a true highlight—a farmyard kitchen style spread of local delicacies to enjoy while sitting on the pool terrace, the Mallorcan landscape rolling down towards the sea.

Between Helsinki’s business district and the uber-trendy design district, you’ll find Hotel Lilia Roberts, a five-star hotel housed inside what was once an electrical station back in 1909. Hotel Lilla Roberts is stylistically loud, funky, and oozing with the work of local Finnish designers. Today, the boutique hotel consists of 130 rooms that range in category from comfort, style, luxe, junior suite, and suite. What sets the hotel apart is its design, which pays homage to the Art Deco style of the 1920s and 30s. This aesthetic takes a departure from other hotels in the area, which are decidedly Nordic, making its marquee-style facade and nostalgic elegance truly stand out. 

Doors open to reveal a black and white checkered floor and an expansive lobby riddled with quirky art and artifacts, like a life-size bronze horse statue that doubles as a lamp. The rooms align with the Art Deco vibe with dark tones, luxurious fabrics (think a velvet crimson couch), and large comfy beds awash in natural light. Much like the lobby, while the rooms aim to capture that Art Deco aesthetic, the hotel adds pops of quirky whimsy. Details like a bronze elephant nightstand, zebra-print furniture, or faux fur throws give the sense that Lilia Roberts is an odd combo of 1920s flair with safari chic that somehow just works.

No large sign heralds the entrance of Maison Souquet—only two red lights. They burn brightly, beckoning you into what feels like a secret lodging. And yet, they’re really a nod to the hotel’s past. This used to be a Belle Epoque brothel. Situated at the base of Montmarte, mere steps away from the Moulin Rouge on the Blvd. de Clichy, Souquet lingers in the once seedy, now kitschy (some might even say trendy), Pigalle district. Inside is a time warp to an opulent 19th-century fin de siècle maximalism. Rooms are small, but gloriously decorated. And the bar is a masterpiece—a salon in which one might expect to mingle with an absinthe-swilling vampire or a Colette-inspired courtesan.

And though it may all sound like too much—too opulent, too eccentric, too remembrance of things past (the hotelier also operates the Maison Proust)—it’s actually quite a comfortable and cozy stay. Much of this is due to an exceptionally kind and considerate staff who will ensure your Parisian sojourn is not only a romantic one, but a happy one, too.

Istanbul is a unique city that straddles two continents, and the Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus perfectly encapsulates this duality of cultures. The 100-room hotel (all rooms have terraces and nearly all overlook the Bosphorus) lies on the banks of the strait, so you go to sleep in Europe and wake up to a view of Asia across the sun-dappled water. 

The interior design is an homage to the city’s melting pot history, with a stylized tulip pattern— which in Ottoman art symbolized Allah—on wall panels, the corridor carpets representing the water and two adjacent continents, and furnishing with lion footprint designs that sultans once wore on their kaftans. One evening you can eat refined Italian classics like beef carpaccio or saffron and porcini risotto at Olea. For another dinner you can head east at Hakkasan with exquisite rainbow-colored dim sum and creative cocktails. The hotel’s stellar facilities include an indoor and heated outdoor pool, a spa offering Turkish hammam, luxury shops and a personal butler available on WhatsApp for any requests.

Croatia’s island hoppers beeline toward Hvar Town for its vibrant nightlife, but visitors hoping for a relaxing reprieve should opt for a stay at neighboring Stari Grad’s Maslina Resort.  

Located alongside the Adriatic, luxurious daybeds are strategically placed a ways from one another to evoke the feeling of having an entire island to yourself. Macrame umbrella tops provide shade and add splashes of black and cream to the beauty of the shoreline. 

The resort’s dedication to local culture beams through details in design. Furniture is built with locally-sourced wood and stone while touches like fragrant lavender soap pay homage to Hvar’s beloved lavender fields. Olive oil-dense toiletries are a subtle dedication to the olive tree namesakes that line the property. (“Maslina” is olive in Croatian.) Service is prompt without feeling overbearing. The poolside restaurant’s primary focus is freshness, with altering menus that align with seasonal produce and pristinely paired wine. Pharomatiq Spa offers wellness activities ranging from yoga to massages. 

For visitors hoping for a taste of city life, there’s complimentary car service to Starigrad and Hvar Town—although Maslina Resort provides such a welcome wind down, you’ll feel content lounging around for hours of uninterrupted peace.

One Aldwych isn’t typically listed with the same reverence as other iconic London properties—the Ritz, the Savoy, the Mandarin Oriental. But it ought to be.

Opened in 1998 in a gorgeous Mewes & Davis building (the same architectural firm behind the Ritz) that once housed The Morning Post, One Aldwych was originally a perfectly fine hotel. But just before the pandemic, the owners decided to entirely reimagine it into its current state—a stunningly chic, occasionally whimsical, luxury hotel in the heart of Covent Garden.

The rooms are some of the most beautiful around—not only in London, but worldwide. Playful contrasts of pastel colors are merged with wainscotting and mid-century furnishings, creating a style that’s simultaneously modern and historical—and one that Architectural Digest-loving guests will want to steal for their own homes.

And an important, possibly controversial, note on their dining—the restaurant, which is certainly good in its own right, serves the best fish and chips in the city. Period (or more apropos, full stop).

On the northwest coast of Mallorca amid a 1,300-acre estate in the UNESCO World Heritage Serra de Tramuntana mountains sits the sumptuous lodgings of Son Bunyola. Owned by Virgin magnate Richard Branson, the main hotel is housed in a fully renovated 16th-century Mallorcan finca, encircled by olive and citrus groves and epic views that stretch from the rugged peaks to the Mediterranean.

With just 26 rooms and three villas, there’s so much space that guests may even feel they have the entire place to themselves. Featuring wrought iron four-poster beds, rooms are dressed in neutral tones with accents of blue, perfectly mirroring the views of the beige craggy mountains and blue sea from the bedroom windows. The three lavish villas offer even more privacy, replete with their own lush gardens, outdoor pools and private chefs, serving up mouthwatering Mallorcan classics.

This hotel is all about getting out into nature and being active, whether that’s exploring the estate’s countless hiking and biking trails or discovering its nearby rocky bays while kayaking from the private beach. There’s morning yoga by the outdoor pool, tennis courts, and a chance to unleash your inner artist with a range of painting and photography lessons. Or tantalize your taste buds with wine and olive oil tasting sessions or paella cooking classes.

Back in the 18th century, Thief Island (or Tjuvholmen) was a place where Oslo’s more unsavory characters were exiled or met their demise. From thieves to bandits, this little island in downtown Oslo has a dark history. Today, however, Thief Island has been transformed into the city’s newest fjordside neighborhood and luxury waterfront, thanks to the arrival of chic restaurants, boutique shops, and luxury accommodations, one of which is The Thief. 

The aptly named Thief is a five-star hotel opened in 2013 by the Norwegian hotelier Petter Stordalen. With the slogan: “steals you away from everyday life,” The Thief not only embraces the history of the island it stands on but offers a unique respite from the rest of downtown Oslo. All of the rooms at The Thief are spacious, boasting luxe amenities and ideal views of the surrounding Oslofjord and harbor. Throughout the hotel, every space is imbued with art and design—from the bespoke designer furniture dotting the lobby to special suites meant to capture the art and vision of Norwegian artists, such as the current Apparatjik Suite, with installations created by A-ha artist Magne Furuholmen. 

The Thief is home to two dining concepts of note. The eponymous Thief Restaurant, with its French-meets-Norwegian menu, served alongside iconic artwork such as “Spin,” the striking painting by Damien Hirst, and the Thief Rooftop with endless views of the Oslofjord and live musical performances. There is also The Thief Spa, pulling in wellness concepts from around the world for treatments ranging from massages to diamond scrubs. From its Finnish sauna to its “sensory sky” showers, the spa aims to capture the magic of Scandinavian nature, playing with a design that reflects the moss, sea, and Nordic light.

Housed inside the historic Central Post and Telegraph Head Office (circa 1912), Villa Copenhagen is grand in every sense of the word, from the architectural marvel that is its crisscrossed glass ceiling in the lobby atrium to the ornate meeting rooms that evoke visions of Versailles. 

Villa Copenhagen’s light-filled lobby doubles as a bar that draws in locals and travelers alike with the promise of pop-up events, regular DJ sets, and stellar cocktails. Yes, the atrium of Villa feels like an ongoing soiree, but rest assured that the party vibes won’t permeate the comfort of the guest rooms. Rooms at Villa are all about quiet luxury, an understated elegance found in the subtle details of each room. The design is minimalist and classic Nordic, with clean lines, muted hues, and rooms awash in natural lighting pouring in from the large windows overlooking the rooftops of Copenhagen. 

Beyond its luxe accommodations, Villa goes one step further with what it calls “conscious luxury,” a nod to the hotel’s eco-conscious commitment to pairing comfort with sustainability, found in little and big ways throughout the hotel, from amenities to themed suites. The Sustainable Earth Suite is a prime example, designed by Danish architect Eva Harlou, which focuses on the use of recycled materials.  

There are many reasons to stay at Villa Copenhagen, from its eco-conscious mission to its luxury accommodations, but its location is arguably one of the biggest draws. Villa is found directly across the street from the Copenhagen Central Station (with a direct train to the airport) and the iconic Tivoli Gardens.

Located near the hamlet of Pigra, Villa Peduzzi commands the finest view of Italy’s chicest lake. From the property 881 meters up the hillside, the panorama of Lake Como’s hazy water and blue mountains is nothing short of cinematic. 

The main part of the property, containing nine bedrooms, is located inside a grand Liberty-era palazzo. The interiors were recently restyled with a delicate pastel palette and curvilinear furniture that perfectly balances the ornate Art Nouveau ceiling paintings and mosaics. 

In one of the elegant communal spaces, guests can sit before an open fire and tinkle the keys of a grand piano. A yoga and wellness area has been carved out of the cliffside below with arched openings overlooking the lake. Sundowners can be enjoyed on the two roof terraces, one with an island bar and viewing platform. The stellar amenities continue outside with a heated 22-meter-long infinity pool and a terrace scattered with sun loungers. The contemporary-design pool house includes a kitchen, bar and grassy rooftop for al fresco parties. The property is surrounded by 4.5 acres of manicured gardens and verdant forest.

Villa Peduzzi is available to rent in its entirety. It sleeps 14 guests and comes with a private chef, daily housekeeping, and a villa manager.