The quest to find the best hotel is as personal as choosing a favorite food. What’s considered luxurious in one part of the country may be viewed as every day in another. And that’s why it’s helpful to know which hotels get the most kudos from real travelers like you. To do that, we asked readers to submit their favorites to our Forbes Passport site, which collects price and availability information from the most popular online booking sites, then ranks them by popularity. The results show the hotels that are most worth your money, while also making it easier to book the perfect stay.
Among the top picks:
If you’re seeking luxury, consider this gem in the heart of downtown Manhattan. Its opulent amenities include six high-end restaurants, an outdoor pool, a rooftop helipad and 24-karat gold iPads that guests can use for their room services. And it’s easy to get in and out of the property thanks to a Rolls Royce shuttle service from the airport.
New York City is home to a vast array of luxury accommodations from historic grande dames and glitzy newcomers. This midtown hotspot is the latest from the Conrad brand, which has a residential feel in its rooms with separate living, dressing and sleeping spaces. Suites feature modern furniture with clean lines and chevron wood floors, plus white marble and tile bathrooms. Those seeking a little extra space can book a suite with two bedrooms, while families looking for an affordable NYC getaway will appreciate the kid-friendly features.
This upscale boutique hotel is located in a 1920s landmark, and Jacques Grange designed the interiors to match the opulent atmosphere. Guests can dine in the rooftop restaurant, which is accessible via the hotel’s private elevator or enjoy drinks and live music in the bar. And the hotel’s proximity to Central Park makes for an ideal base for exploring the Big Apple.
While some luxury hotels focus on over-the-top amenities and opulence, others provide more subdued comforts with the same quality of service. To determine which of these options is right for you, check out our list of the best luxury hotels in America.
Amid the flurry of travel review websites, you’ll want to pay close attention to who writes the reviews and whether they’re verified. There are plenty of fakes out there—from reputation management operatives hired by hotels to boost their ratings and lower those of their competitors, to disgruntled former employees and even the occasional fake account called MelissaK. In fact, a recent survey by CivicScience found that the majority of people who read hotel reviews on the leading review sites don’t trust any of them.
That’s a major disappointment to hoteliers who invest time and resources into getting their properties on these sites. As a hotel owner, you want to be on the review sites that matter most to your target audience. That way, you can make sure your customers are getting accurate and useful information.
