What does it take to truly be the world's best hotel?
Is the world's best hotel really just a matter of luxury and expense? My take on the World's 50 best hotels" ranking. #62
Last week, the highly anticipated list of the 50 world's best hotels was revealed by the same organization that produces the world's 50 best restaurants.
We were lucky though to experience 4 hotels on the list: we had lunch at the Aman in Venice (#14), had our last winter sun holiday this year at Hotel Esencia (#19) in Mexico, enjoyed the big spa at Gleneagles in Scotland (#32) in February a few years ago and of course we return to the Newt (#37), again and again. And I would love to stay at the top-ranked hotel, Pasalacqua in Italy, but it’s proven difficult to find availability at a rate that would be acceptable.
And that’s where I got a bit disappointed with that list: it consists of the most luxurious and expensive hotels in the world and didn’t unveil any surprising hidden gem. It also doesn’t have many independent unique boutique hotels.
For me, a world’s best hotel is a place that truly feels unique, either because the location is heavenly, the style is very individual, the welcome is so warm that you feel you’re staying with a friend, or the memories you create there couldn’t have happened anywhere else. Places like Lundies House or Eros Keros for instance. They are remote and not budget hotels but they have rates at decent prices, especially off season, and certainly can’t be beaten in terms of the fabulous experience and memories you’ll create there.
So what would be define “world’s best” for you? Would be great to have your ideas in the comments - and I’ll also start a chart. Maye we can then create our own world’s best hotels list!
Extra finds
Nobu Hotel San Sebastian
From 415 Euros - Check latest prices and availability
Housed in the former Vista Eder Palace, one of the last historic buildings on La Concha Bay designed by the architect Francisco Urcola, Nobu Hotel San Sebastian offers 17 luxuriously designed guest rooms and suites, the iconic Nobu restaurant, Nobu Terrace with stunning sea views, and a rooftop infinity pool exclusively for hotel guests. The interiors seamlessly unite the Franco-Basque Belle Époque style of the building with Nobu's signature Japanese minimalism. Located on the Paseo Miraconcha, the hotel boasts spectacular views over the La Concha Bay towards Santa Clara Island and is just a 15-minute stroll from San Sebastián's Old Town, Parte Vieja, with its buzzy pintxo bars.
One Sloane, London
From £500 - Check latest prices and availability
Located just off London Chelsea's Sloane Square, the hotel has 30 bedrooms and suites, a top floor restaurant, lobby, and a downstairs bar. Arts and Crafts detailing is inspired by Chelsea's long association with this artistic movement, including William Morris wallpaper. Housed on the new top floor, One Sloane's spectacular light filled restaurant was inspired by the 'Peacock Room' created in 1876 by local artist Whistler. Panoramic views open across the city skyline, while the restaurant's elegant cupola offers an octagonal space with views across Chelsea. No pool.
Grand Hotel Son Net
From 790 euros - Check latest prices and availability
Grand Hotel Son Net, a luxury hideaway on a private state dating back to the 17th century, nestled in the Serra de Tramuntana, on the beautiful island of Mallorca and only 20 minutes away from Palma city. Only 31 spacious rooms and suites, two elegant restaurants, an impressive infinity pool surrounded by private cabins, a beauty center and a fabulous collection of fine contemporary art. an impressive infinity pool surrounded by private cabins. My fellow travel afficionado Lisa,
stopped by this summer and found it beautiful.Facuaria, Puglia
From 200 euros - Check latest prices and availability
In Puglia, in the heart of the Itria Valley, a 19th century Masseria among olive trees was carefully restorated to become a boutique hotel. The farmhouse houses six rooms, including suites and junior suites, different in terms of furnishings and dimensions, each with a private garden or terrace. A salt water pool in the center of a large green lawn, after crossing the vegetable garden and breathing in the scent of rosemary.
Verno House, Budapest
From 208 £ - Check latest prices and availability
This new hotel in Budapest has 50 rooms and is located on the corner of Szabadság Street and October 6th Street, rooted in the heart of the city. Verno Hourse offers an exquiste wellness space. No pool but the spa has a hot bath, sauna and Turkish steam bath.
Latest openings
To make things simpler I will, from now on, list here the additional addresses and new openings that I used to send in a big monthly email to my paid subscribers.
If you want to uncover more addresses every week and get access to the map with all 700 or so I shared over the year, please consider becoming a paid subscriber. This can be for just a month or for longer and you can of course pause or cancel at any time. Merci!
This week, find out about the restaurant with rooms in Somerset the London crowds are rushing to book, a renovated finca in Ibiza yoga-friendly, a very pretty Marrakech riad, a Paris hotel with garden and more.