From Côte d'Ivoire to Wyoming — 50 Hotel Recs From Experienced Travelers
It's time to plan your next vacation.
Booking a vacation gives me an incomparable rush of joy, but I consistently have a hard time deciding where to go next (although Greece and Japan are always at the top of my list).
And once you pick a destination, finding somewhere to stay is the next big step — where you lay your head at night can make or break a trip. I asked some of the most experienced travelers I know to tell me all about their favorite hotels, which resulted in this guide of 50 recommendations. Dive in, enjoy it, save it and share it with your friend who needs a vacation. And while you’re daydreaming about all of these hotels, tell me about your favorite hotel in the comments.
Africa
Cote d'Ivoire
Mövenpick Hotel Abidjan (Abidjan) + Pullman Abidjan (Abidjan)
Mövenpick Hotel Abidjan: "The hospitality was incredible, and the hotel made adjustments to make my friend feel special on her birthday." — Ariel
Pullman Abidjan: “The views are wild. Folks even book day stays just for the services and the views there.” — Ariel
South Africa
Notten’s Bush Camp (Sabi Sand Game Reserve)
“Truly a dream — set on a private game reserve in South Africa and specifically used for safari trips. The hotel is beautiful but simple. The staff is so attentive and lovely. There aren’t any electric lights on property (they have some power for charging devices), but I sort of loved that. It blended in with the surroundings, and when you come back from your game drive at night, everything is illuminated by lanterns. Meals are in an open-air dining room looking out at the preserve, and if you’re lucky, you might see an animal grabbing a drink of water.” — Jaymee
Asia
Indonesia
AYANA Resort Bali (Bali)
"My husband and I went on our honeymoon here, and everything about it was breathtaking — from our villa, the property's range of amazing pools and dining options." — Ivy
Soori Bali (Bali)
“It was designed by a world-renowned architect. It’s beyond stunning, but despite the modern look, it still feels incredibly warm and welcoming. What really makes Soori so amazing, though, is its staff, which is made up of truly the kindest people you’ll ever meet, all of whom genuinely want guests to have a memorable stay and will make all kinds of personalized arrangements to ensure they do.” — Gabby
Japan
Hakone Cuisine Inn Origin (Hakone)
"This hot spring spa in Hakone in the mountains outside of Tokyo is so relaxing. They cook breakfast lunch and dinner for you and the food is amazing." — Luke
Sri Lanka
Galle Face Hotel (Colombo)
“It’s like stepping back in time.” — Amanda
Taiwan
The Lalu Hotel (Sun Moon Lake)
“My room was luxurious while still feeling connected to nature, with a balcony overlooking the pool. The resort has an infinity pool that overlooks the lake, and the entire trip was like being in a spectacular fever dream.” — Rebecca
Thailand
Silavadee Pool Spa Resort (Koh Samui, Thailand)
“Absolutely beautiful setting with a great mix of luxury and local. Super helpful staff, and it was the perfect home base for exploring the island. Prices probably went up since White Lotus." — Emily
Caribbean
St. Lucia
Viceroy Sugar Beach (St. Lucia)
“Gorgeous setting and aesthetic, settled between the Piton Mountains." — Mike
Turks and Caicos
Rock House (Providenciales)
"Beyond its beauty, the people working there felt like family after just a few days, and the food was some of the best I've ever had. Great spot for honeymoons. This place is extremely secluded for how close it is to Grace Bay Beach!" — Carrie
Europe
England
Ees Wyke Country House (Lake District)
"I booked this on a whim, and from the moment I walked in, I was made to feel like it was my own home. Every part of the stay was as charming as it gets." — Margot
The Milestone Hotel (London)
“A luxury boutique hotel overlooking Kensington Gardens. The service is impeccable. Each room is individually designed and incredibly cozy, especially during the holidays. It all just feels quintessentially British." — Shana
France
Relais Christine (Paris)
"Intimate, thoughtfully decorated and makes you feel the beauty of Paris from inside the hotel.” — Lillian
Le Couvent des Minimes (Manosque, Provence)
“A former 17th-century convent that’s now a spa run by L’Occitane. Everything smells of lavender and looks like heaven.” — Clare
Italy
Hotel Poseidon Positano (Positano)
"A family home that was transformed into a hotel. It's incredibly quirky and so charming. It was opened in 1955 by a newly-married couple from Naples. This year, the family celebrates 70 years of independently-owned success." — Laina
Palazzo Avino (Ravello)
"From breathtaking views to an exceptional aperitivo, every detail was divine. We’ve been married more than 8 years, but somehow, in this little castle on a cloud, it felt like our honeymoon all over again." — Leya
Masseria Trapana (Puglia)
“It felt luxury while still being boutique as a converted farm house turned hotel. The staff was so attentive but never around. Beautiful, updated, yet historical. Had bikes, the pool was out of Call Me by Your Name, and the kitchen stayed open late for us one night just to make sure we were fed upon arriving.” — Samantha
Borgo Egnazia (Puglia)
"It’s so romantic, the food is absolutely delicious and the atmosphere is so peaceful." — Reilly
Borgo Pignano (Volterra)
"It's the dream combination of quintessential Italian countryside and unadulterated luxury. It was only after I stayed at Borgo Pignano that I learned it was owned by the billionaire VC Michael Moritz, who apparently spent 20 years lovingly transforming it." — Clare
The St. Regis Venice (Venice)
“The service is excellent, and the views are next-level." — Kyra
Netherlands
The Hoxton, Lloyd Amsterdam (Amsterdam)
"It's in the Eastern Docklands, which is a burgeoning arts and culture burrough tucked away from the city center and tourists. It's quirky, a little bizarre, creative, unexpected and provoking — not unlike the city itself." — Lara
Scotland
Prestonfield House (Edinburgh)
"Prestonfield makes you feel like you're staying at a royal's country manor, but you're only a 20-minute walk to downtown Edinburgh. And you’ll probably spot a peacock." — Phoebe
B+B Edinburgh (Edinburgh)
"Located in an old brownstone building on the new section of Edinburgh. The rooms have the most gorgeous view of the city and the staff are extremely kind.” — Rachel
House of the Gods (Edinburgh)
“Kindest and most thoughtful staff I’ve ever experienced.” — Rachel
Switzerland
Hotel Schweizerhof (St. Moritz)
"We went off season so it was much more affordable, but the views were still incredible. Has an old school elegant charm that made me feel like I was in a different era." — Alex
Central & South America
Costa Rica
Entre dos Aguas (Samara)
"It's a 7-room hotel that feels like a treehouse built into the jungle. There's a small pool, a communal kitchen and living and dining space." — Julia
Sendero (Nosara)
“I still think about Sendero. It’s a magical place that truly makes you feel connected to nature, and the food was delicious and memorable. I didn’t want to leave.” — Me, a big Sendero fan and the author of this MICHELIN Guide article
El Salvador
Mizata Antiresort (Playa Mizata Mizata, Teotepeque)
"Right on the beach with access to a fabulous pool day club and delicious food." — Amanda
North America
Mexico
La Casa de la Playa Xcaret (Playa del Carmen)
“An all-inclusive that is truly a luxury hotel. From the food to the spa to the service, this is one of the best hotels in the world." — Gordon
Hotel Escondido (Puerto Escondido)
"It's the epitome of relaxation, surrounded by things to do (Casa Wabi, a mezcal distillery and the best omakase on earth) yet nothing at all. Untouched beaches and superb service." — Sydney
United States (in alphabetical order)
California
Cavallo Point Lodge (Sausalito)
"On National Park Service property, but privately managed. Incredible grounds at the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge. Access to the city, but you feel like you're on a retreat." — Ashley
Hotel Bel-Air (Canyon Hills)
“Simply the greatest hotel i’ve been to from a facility and location standpoint. I loved it so much, my wife and I got married there.” — Saam
Bardessono (Yountville)
“Every bit feels luxurious and serene. It's located in the heart of Yountville, making it easily accessible to top-tier restaurants, wineries, and shopping. But if you never want to leave the hotel, that's fine too, because they have everything you could possibly need to truly relax and unwind in wine country.” — Jaymee
The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay (Half Moon Bay)
"Incredible view of the bay, two superb golf courses, great outdoor seating and fire pits, large and luxurious rooms and top-notch exclusive weekend brunch." — Sam
Colorado
Hotel Jerome (Aspen)
"Oldest hotel in the small, luxurious town of Aspen. The bar is my most favorite setting. Oversized leather chairs, big fire roaring 365 days a year." — Meghan
Westin DIA (Denver)
"Corporate, but so lovely. The staff was so kind and welcoming and genuinely seemed happy to be there. At no point did we feel like we were at the airport." — Aditi
Florida
JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort (Marco Island)
"Hands down my favorite resort in Florida. The beach is spacious and uncrowded, the food is incredible and the rooms are luxurious." — Lauren
Fontainebleau Miami Beach (Miami)
“One of those places that's been around for decades — something evident in the many Frank Sinatra and James Bond-a-la-Sean Connery references throughout the hotel. But it's a classic for a reason. It has a prime location, overlooking the beach. It also has an amazing spa offering and great restaurants, bars and pools.” — Marina
Hawaii
Hyatt Regency Maui (Maui)
"My room was spacious and beachy. The resort had beach access, multiple pools, and room for wildlife to roam around." — Rebecca
Illinois
The Langham (Chicago)
“Converted from the old IBM headquarters. Amazing service, the rooms are perfectly modern but not cold, and honestly, it smells amazing.” — Andrew
Indiana
Bottleworks Hotel (Indianapolis)
“A Coca-Cola bottling factory from the 1920s was turned into a modern luxury hotel in downtown Indy. Pretty amazing." — Madeline
Maine
Sea Rose Suites (Ogunquit)
"Washer dryer in the suite! Plenty of space! Good indoor and indoor pools. Very kid-friendly." — Deena
New Jersey
The Woolverton Inn (Stockton)
"Recently went here for a cozy winter getaway from the hustle and bustle of NYC, and even in the gloomy weather, I felt so relaxed and restored after my trip." — Rob
New York
The Marlton Hotel (Manhattan)
"Tucked away on West 8th in West Village, this boutique hotel overlooks Washington Square Park. Perfectly captures the magic of the neighborhood." — Marina
Gansevoort Meatpacking (Manhattan)
“My suite was big enough to fit a group of friends — the couch pulled out for extra space. I brought my dog and they left NYC-themed toys for her which was such a cute touch. This hotel also has great restaurants and venues attached to it, and I loved the rooftop pool.” — Becca
The Pines (Mount Tremper)
“We stayed there for a friend’s wedding a few years ago. So rustic and beautiful, and it’s conveniently located above a perfectly cozy restaurant of the same name helmed by the same owners. Don’t skip their dinner!” — Maya
Glen Falls House (Round Top)
“I'm biased because I got married here but I discovered Glen Falls House amid the pandemic when I was looking for a swimming hole that wasn't too busy." — Ilana
Washington DC
The Line (Adams Morgan)
"It used to be an old church — just really cool and unique. Great lobby for cocktails or dinner. And in the morning you can go there for a good coffee and pastry." — Eric
Wyoming
Four Seasons Jackson Hole (Jackson Hole)
“I love that it’s right on the base of the mountains, so you got this really amazing view from the resort. The food is great, and they have amazing activities that they can arrange for guests, like wildlife safaris.” — Hilary
This is just the beginning of the travel content I’ll be sharing on Extra Credit. Travel guides and in-depth hotel reviews will be available for paid subscribers soon! 💌 In the meantime, thank you for being here.