For discerning travelers seeking an insider experience of a destination, choosing a hotel is the key. Whether it’s an elegant boutique, a family-friendly resort or a luxury property with an impeccable service, every hotel has its own unique character and charm that makes it stand out from the competition.
However, when it comes to booking hotels online, the best way to find the right one isn’t as simple as reading a few reviews. A recent study from CivicScience found that most people don’t trust the top review sites, like TripAdvisor and Google, to give them accurate lodging advice.
That’s a major disservice to travelers, who could be making ill-informed decisions about where to stay.
To help, Vetted has compiled a list of the most trusted hotel reviews from our community of real travelers. Each of these reviews has been written by a Conde Nast Traveler journalist who knows the destination and has stayed at the hotel. They have been vetted by our team of editors who look for properties that offer an authentic, insider experience and reflect the local culture.
New York, the ultimate bucket-list travel destination of glimmering skyscrapers and honking yellow taxis, offers an intoxicating energy that attracts visitors from all over the world. The city’s dazzling array of hotels caters to nearly every traveler’s desire, from sleek contemporary boutiques to historic Gilded Age grandeur. With a new address cropping up almost as fast as new restaurants, this is a place where hotel-hopping is at its most invigorating.
When it comes to the most luxurious hotels, New York’s most acclaimed address is The St. Regis New York, whose rooms feel like a page out of an Ian Schrager history book, with beveled wall mirrors, crown molding and Waterford crystal chandeliers. The property also boasts a legendary bar, the King Cole Bar, where it’s believed that the bloody mary was invented.
The Capella Bangkok, which debuted in 2020 during the pandemic, is another five-star stunner in Thailand’s capital. This hotel combines an elegant East-meets-West design with high-tech amenities and auspicious feng shui detailing to create a serene sanctuary overlooking the Chao Phraya River. Rooms are spacious and airy, with light-filled interiors and marble bathrooms stocked with Pharmacopia amenities. The hotel’s highlight is the serene riverside villas, which have private gardens and plunge pools.
If you’re looking to save on hotel prices, it’s important to book in advance. Trivago recommends reserving your hotel at least two to three months before your departure date to get the best rates.
If you’re going to a popular destination during the summer or around holiday events, it’s best to reserve your hotel in advance to ensure availability. This is especially true for hotels during peak seasons, when the number of travelers increases significantly and rooms tend to sell out faster.
