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. Hotels (including safari lodges) were rated on their facilities, location, service, food, and overall value. Properties were classified as city or resort based on their locations and amenities. [Source T+ L ]
Excitement around a return to Europe is reflected in how high hotels in some of the Continent’s great cities placed on this year’s list. It’s noteworthy that two newcomers placed among those properties: Hôtel Madame Rêve, in Paris, at No. 9 and Rosewood Villa Magna, in Madrid, at No. 10. More impressive still is that for the first time in more than a decade, our readers selected a European hotel as their No. 1 in the world: Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco, in Italy’s iconic Tuscan countryside, is 2022’s best hotel.
That’s not the only big shift in this year’s top 100 rankings. Last year, India was the clear “country winner,” with 12 hotels placing in the top 100. While India still fared well this year, with 11 properties (the same number as Italy), the country best represented in 2022 was the United States, with 19 properties. Our readers loved a variety of hotels from sea to shining sea. The charming Pickering House Inn, in New Hampshire, landed highest at No. 4, followed by the iconic Lowell in New York City at No. 8. Glamping concept Under Canvas Mount Rushmore is No. 30; while the private-island resort Little Palm Island Resort & Spa, in Florida, is No. 94.
Below, the full list of the best hotels in the world, according to T+L readers.
1. Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco, Montalcino, Italy
Five thousand acres of Tuscan splendor offer a lot of room to create a memorable guest experience, and that’s exactly what Rosewood did with this centuries-old estate surrounded by rolling vineyards and towering pine trees. Sure, there’s Old World charm at every turn, but modern additions and something-for-everyone amenities make Castiglion del Bosco a multisensory experience. There’s a Brunello di Montalcino winery, a cooking school, tennis courts, a spa focusing on rest-promoting treatments, and even a little terra-cotta-roofed church. A new complex was recently added to the property that orbits around 19 sumptuous suites. Here, no need to draw the curtains: you want to wake up to breathtaking views of the UNESCO-listed Val d’Orcia Natural Park and the hilltop town of Montalcino.
Score: 99.25
2. Grace Hotel, Auberge Resorts Collection, Santorini, Greece
On the quieter side of Santorini, where the same iconic whitewashed architecture and stunning sunsets can be found without the crowds, this recently redesigned 20-room hotel is ideally suited for quiet intimate moments, whether that’s for meditative mornings staring out at the blue waters of the Aegean or afternoons soaking in the cliffside infinity pool.
Score: 99.22
3. Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi, South Malé Atoll, Maldives
A 45-minute yacht sail from the airport in Malé gets you to this island paradise in style. Its 119 villas come with everything a traveler could want out of a Maldivian vacation: postcard-perfect ocean views, private plunge pools, and dedicated butlers, who offer what one reader called “the best personalized service.”
Score: 99.11
4. Pickering House Inn, Wolfeboro, New Hampshire
A two-year renovation completed in 2018 transformed this historic home (originally built in 1813) into a charming 10-room guesthouse. Not far from the bucolic shores of Lake Winnipesaukee, the inn’s individually designed rooms come with a gourmet breakfast expertly prepared by executive chef Jonathan Hudak.
Score: 98.95
5. (tie) One&Only Reethi Rah, North Malé Atoll, Maldives
At this resort on one of the largest islands on the North Malé Atoll, the most daunting task is having to pick between a glamorous overwater villa — all with catamaran nets over the Indian Ocean, some with infinity pools — and a stylish beach villa surrounded by tropical foliage and set on dazzling-white sand.
Score: 98.93
5. (tie) Royal Mansour Marrakech, Morocco
Set within the storied walls of the city’s energetic medina, this 12-acre expanse functions almost like a city unto itself, with its 53 private riads designed in mosaic tiles, thick carpets, and artisan furniture, plus a spacious outdoor pool, fragrant gardens, and Michelin-starred dining.
Score: 98.93
7. Capella Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
Considering the competition, to be ranked the best resort in Bali counts for a lot. But thanks to architect Bill Bensley’s artsy vision, readers say “there’s nothing like” this “magical” tented camp experience in the Indonesian jungle.
Score: 98.87
8. The Lowell, New York City
A landmark hotel first opened in 1927 on Manhattan’s tony Upper East Side, the 74-room Lowell is aptly described by one voter as a “home away from home.” The rooms and suites that populate its 17 floors are accented with wood-burning fireplaces and lush terraces. Further enhancing the experience: easy, intuitive service by the staff and perks like complimentary shoeshines and personalized welcome beverages and amenities.
Score: 98.80
9. Hôtel Madame Rêve, Paris
Located within a short walk of both the Bourse de Commerce and the Samaritaine department store, this 82-room bolt-hole — one of the newest hotels in the City of Light — delivers on a comfortable yet fashionable experience, especially on its verdant, 10,000-square-foot rooftop and restaurant. Despite only having opened last October, it’s already “the Parisian place to go out,” one reader attested.
Score: 98.73
10. (tie) Rosewood Villa Magna, Madrid
The Spanish capital is in the throes of a hospitality renaissance, and among its leaders is this 154-room haven, perched on the elegant Paseo de la Castellana. Everything about the hotel feels incredibly discreet, from the handsome interiors to Tarde.O, its sexy cocktail bar.
Score: 98.67
10. (tie) The Oberoi, New Delhi
Though located near many of New Delhi’s top attractions, the 220-room Oberoi retains an urban-resort feel thanks to two different pools and a number of fabulous restaurants and bars, including Baoshuan, which features a Chinese menu by renowned chef Andrew Wong.
Score: 98.67
12. The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur, India
The regal energy of this palace hotel, located across Lake Pichola from Udaipur’s City Palace, is legendary. “Heaven on Earth,” declared one reader. Spread across a verdant estate measuring over 1.3 million square feet, this hotel is all about opulence and tranquility. Another voter, who spent five days at the property after her wedding, wrote: “They made it so, so special. The location, construction, and food is unmatched.”
Score: 98.58
13. Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Bali, Indonesia
Stretching across 24 tropical acres along the Ayung River and surrounded by rice paddies, this 60-key retreat feels like a “Balinese village in one place,” according to one voter. With a gorgeous spa, four restaurants and bars, and an organic garden, there’s plenty to do no matter your interests.
Score: 98.31
14. Wilderness Safaris Bisate Lodge, Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
The unforgettable experience of gorilla trekking is the focus of this lodge at the edge of Volcanoes National Park. Spacious thatched-roof guest rooms are among the most stylish accommodations you’ll find in the region, and the kitchen pays particular attention to growing vegetables to give meals a locavore touch.
Score: 98.29
15. Portrait Firenze, Florence
The Michele Bönan–designed interiors of this boutique hotel, which sits steps from the iconic Ponte Vecchio, might be the most strikingly modern in Florence. Book one of the Arno-facing suites with balconies to enjoy some of the best views in the city.
Score: 98.25
16. Raffles Istanbul
Occupying 27 floors of the multi-use Zorlu Center, this modern hotel packs a lot into its urban setting, especially in the spa, which houses three hammams, two pools, and a gym. It’s worth carving out time to explore the property’s well-curated art collection, which encompasses 224 works from both Turkish and international creators.
Score: 98.25
17. The Oberoi, Marrakech, Morocco
Contained within a 1.2 million-square-foot orchard filled with citrus and olive trees, this newcomer impresses with both its size and Moorish architecture. Villas feature private plunge pools for ultimate privacy, and an ayurvedic spa offers meditation, yoga, and healing spa treatments to help guests relax even further.
Score: 98.24
18. Capella Hanoi, Vietnam
Located near the opera house in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, this Bill Bensley–designed property is a glamorous homage to the excess of the Roaring Twenties in Vietnam. Rooms are not only spacious, they’re beautifully eye-catching, thanks to a mix of colors, patterns, and textures. “Despite being a very young staff, they have a love for culture, food, and the arts, which made my stay a great experience,” one reader shared.
Score: 98.18
19. White Elephant Palm Beach, Florida
The little sister to the Nantucket original, this resort from the White Elephant team added youthful energy to the destination when it opened its 32 tropical-inspired rooms in November 2020. Its restaurant Lola 41 has since become a hot spot not just for its grilled catch of the day and fruit-forward cocktails but for the prime people-watching, too.
Score: 98.13
20. The Loutrel, Charleston, South Carolina
One of the newest properties on the top 100 list, this swank 50-room hotel in Charleston’s historic district only opened last fall, but it has already impressed travelers. Readers remarked on its genteel interiors, rooftop lounge serving up addictive cocktails and fantastic city views, and thoughtful touches like “beautiful rooms that come with handwritten notes.”
Score: 98.00
21. (tie) Monasterio, A Belmond Hotel, Cuzco, Peru
Housed inside the former Seminary of San Antonio Abad — a landmark building from the 16th century — this 122-room hotel on Plazoleta Nazarenas is historical opulence at its finest. Intricately carved wood fixtures and arched pathways take you back in time, but the thoughtful VIP service is in keeping with today’s luxury standards.
Score: 97.87
21. (tie) Sani Asterias, Halkidiki, Greece
Fifty-seven elegantly designed suites are spread across a beach in pristine Halkidiki, one of northern Greece’s premier seaside destinations. The resort is famous for its complimentary perks, which include morning and evening sails around the Aegean. Another on-property bonus: French skin and body brand Anne Semonin created bespoke treatments for the spa.
Score: 97.87
23. Shangri-La the Shard, London
Prepare for what one reader dubbed “awesome views of London” at this hotel inside a now-iconic Renzo Piano glass skyscraper. Spread among the 18 floors are 202 modernly appointed rooms, three distinct dining venues, and the highest hotel pool in Western Europe.
Score: 97.86
24. Coquillade Provence Resort & Spa, Gargas, France
This “unbelievably charming” Relais & Châteaux resort near the Luberon is “a destination unto itself,” according to T+L readers. Rustic-chic rooms, a fabulous spa, and gourmet restaurants are complemented by the owner’s two great passions: wine (the property is surrounded by vineyards) and cycling (it has its own cycling center).
Score: 97.82
25. (tie) Taj Palace, New Delhi
Located near many of the city’s international embassies, this lush six-acre property pampers its guests with world-class amenities including a massive outdoor pool, a mini golf course, five dining outlets, and a spa that focuses on ayurvedic treatments.
Score: 97.60
25. (tie) Pendry Chicago
With its central location in the city’s Loop, this 364-room hotel ticks a lot of boxes before you’ve even stepped inside the historic art deco Carbide & Carbon building. Rooms have a sleek, modern aesthetic, while the restaurant and bars are trendy destinations for both travelers and locals, especially Château Carbide, a seasonal rooftop bar designed to evoke the south of France. [Source T+ L ]
Score: 97.60