When it comes to hotels, there are a lot of choices. And that can make it difficult to know which one is the best for a given travel situation. There are a variety of factors that come into play when choosing which hotel to book, including cost, location, amenities and reputation. The Forbes Vetted team takes all of these into consideration when compiling our annual lists. These hotel roundups feature a handful of the top options in each city for business or pleasure, based on our readers’ feedback and a thorough hotel review.
To help travelers find the best place to stay, our editors use a combination of data-driven metrics and an editorial process that combines the expertise of both our travel team and readers. The rankings are based on several criteria, such as guest satisfaction (which is measured by TripAdvisor reviews), price/value, location, amenities and design. We also consider whether a hotel is in a desirable neighborhood or has unique features, such as being steps from an iconic landmark or a popular dining spot.
The results show that luxury hotels have the greatest level of satisfaction with guests, while mid-scale and budget properties tend to have the lowest. However, there are exceptions. For example, the historic and luxurious The Mark Hotel in New York City is a mid-scale option that has a five-star rating, based on its rooms, amenities and service. It is located in a beautiful Art Deco building that was built in 1927 and features modern-day amenities.
While our list of best hotels is based on actual hotel experiences, travelers can get more information about each property by reading the online reviews posted on TripAdvisor and other sites. The more authentic and positive these online reviews are, the better chance a hotel has of getting chosen by potential customers. This is particularly true if a hotel answers customer questions online. Hotels that do this are 53% more likely to get bookings.
Whether you want to be in the heart of the action or are looking for some peace and quiet, there’s something for everyone on this year’s list. In our top 10, you’ll find a historic gem in the heart of the city, a luxury resort that offers private islands and a world-class spa, a hotel that caters to families with amenities like child-friendly dining options, a boutique hotel with a rooftop pool and more.
The results of this year’s Best Hotel ranking may surprise some frequent travelers. For instance, the no-frills Best Western ranked at the bottom of our list, while Hilton came in second to last. While Hilton’s loyalty program and elite status rates are strong, its industry-worst resort fees and parking charges definitely hurt it in this rankings. On the other hand, Choice Hotels’ low fees and great value earned them a top spot in our rankings. This makes it worth a look if you are considering a change of scenery for your next business trip or vacation.
