The Top 20 Hotels in the World
The most stylish places to stay.
The Explorest app is great for a number of reasons (e.g. finding photo locations near you, knowing which essentials to pack on a trip, improving your photography skills) and one of the most useful ways to draw inspiration from our curated collection of thousands of destinations is to check out the many incredible hotels we spotlight. From the deserts of Egypt to the concrete jungle of New York City, we offer insight into accommodations across the globe. You can indulge in luxury at the Hôtel Ritz Paris or sleep with a view of Shanghai's skyline from your private room at the Shanghai EDITION. And although all of the 20 hotels listed below are unique, each one will feel like a home away from home—no matter how far away you are.
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North America
1. The Beekman, a Thompson Hotel
The Beekman is located in the center of the lively Lower Manhattan neighborhood in NYC. Our favorite feature of the well-designed space is the 9-story atrium, which features cast-iron railings, decorative flooring and ambient lighting. From the top, you can see each floor and take in the intricate, vintage-style architecture that transports you back in time.
credit: @joethommas — discover The Beekman Hotel Atrium & Bellman on the Explorest app
2. The Maker Hotel
The Maker Hotel is the perfect getaway for New Yorkers who are craving a break from the city. It takes about two hours to get from Manhattan to The Maker and the easiest way to arrive to this Hudson Valley hot spot is to take the train. Once you're there, enjoy their quaint rooms and immersion of mid-century design and historic architecture that makes for an alluring combination of past and present.
credit: @joethommas — discover The Maker Hotel Lobby on the Explorest app
3. San Francisco Proper Hotel
Proper Hospitality, which currently has properties in California and Texas, is an emerging leader in innovative interiors and the cultivation of eclectic, yet comforting, hotels. The San Francisco Proper Hotel invites you in with bold colors, quirky decor, and high-end lifestyle experiences. It's an ideal place to stay if you're a fan of less traditional hotels that still offer a level of luxury in their lobby, restaurants, and rooms. Not to mention, the locations of all Proper hotels have been carefully thought out so when you stay there, you're guaranteed to be close to shops, cafes, coffee shops and more.
credit: @sdamiani — discover San Francisco Proper Hotel Lobby with Blue Couches on the Explorest app
4. Palmer House Hilton Hotel
If you're staying in the Chicago area and are a fan of architecture, then Palmer House Hilton Hotel is for you! The 4-star hotel has been an icon of the Chicago hospitality trade for over 150 years and the opulent entrance will have you falling in love the moment you walk into the lobby. Take a walk around the property and then stroll over to the Theatre District, Art Institute of Chicago and Millennium Park—all three are within walking distance of Palmer House.
credit: @elensham — discover Palmer House Hilton Hotel Lobby on the Explorest app
5. Baypoint Landing Campsite House & Empire Range
For those who prefer to sleep under the stars, we recommend staying at Baypoint Landing Campsite in Oregon. The picture-perfect camping spot, which offers rentable cabins and airstreams, sits modestly along the waterfront and has scenic views of the coast. Even though it isn't a traditional hotel, Baypoint Landing has amenities, such as a pool, fitness center, and kids den to cater to the needs of any type of traveler.
credit: @bdorts — discover Baypoint Landing Campsite House & Empire Range on the Explorest app
6. Greenwich Hotel
With 88 rooms, Manhattan's Greenwich Hotel is a fairly large accommodation that feels chic and intimate. The Greenwich Village staple has a variety of rooms to choose from, including king bedrooms, suites and penthouses, like the N. Moore Penthouse featured in the photo. The 2,500 square feet of this particular penthouse is the epitome of luxury. There are 30-foot atelier windows (a rarity in NYC), a sitting room that's complemented by a brick fireplace and elegant wood furniture and an in-room sauna and steam room to treat yourself to some proper R&R.
credit: @joethommas — discover Greenwich Hotel N. Moore Penthouse on the Explorest app
7. The Siren Hotel
Set in the 1926 art-deco Wurlitzer Building of Detroit, Michigan, The Siren Hotel is one of a kind. Enter the lobby and you'll immediately appreciate the attention to detail in every nook and cranny of the establishment. In addition to the welcoming rooms, there's also a retro cafe called Karl's, a trendy cocktail bar affectionately named the Candy Bar for its pink decor and Albena, which is a high-end restaurant that offers an 8-seat tasting menu prepared by Chef Garrett Lipar. Because of the wonderful eateries on the property, you'll never have to leave the hotel, but if you choose to, you're within walking distance to the Detroit Opera House, Comerica Park, public transportation (DPM) and so much more!
credit: @hayden__scott — discover The Siren Hotel Lobby on the Explorest app
8. Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown
The Four Seasons has earned an international reputation of elegance and extravagance for good reason. Their hotels always meet guests' standards and the Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown in Manhattan is no exception. Book a stay at the 5-star hotel and experience a luxe vacation in the heart of TriBeCa. Ask the highly-trained staff about their local recommendations and you'll get to see a side of New York that's specifically tailored to your travel needs.
credit: @joethommas — discover Four Seasons Downtown Hotel Lobby on the Explorest app
9. 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge
1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge is an eco-conscious, art-centered, and inviting space that's become a hip destination for travelers around the world. The juxtaposition of industrial elements, like heavy light fixtures and concrete beams against soft touches, like plush pillows and neutral hues, feels modern, on-trend and comforting. If you're looking for one of the best views of Manhattan, make your way to Harriet's Rooftop on top of the hotel. With a handcrafted cocktail in hand, you'll see the beauty of Brooklyn and NYC from above the East River.
credit: @joethommas — discover 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge Lobby Lounge on the Explorest app
Europe
10. St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel
For pop-culture fans: If this ruby-red staircase looks familiar it's because it was used in the Spice Girls "Wannabe" music video. The patterned carpet, large windows, and bright lights in the lobby of St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel are jaw-dropping—even if you aren't a fan of the female pop group. The building was originally built in 1873 and today, it's one of the most well-known hotels in London. So if you're traveling across the pond, we highly recommend staying overnight and witnessing hundreds of years of British history at the St. Pancras.
credit: @rontimehin — discover St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel London Staircase on the Explorest app
11. Shangri-La Paris
If the featured image by the talented @parisverra doesn't convince you to book a room at the Shangri-La Paris, then we don't know what will! A view of the Eiffel Tower, breakfast on a balcony, and lush robes—what more could you need when staying in the City of Love? Take a page out of Paris' book and splurge on the Eiffel Tower King Bedroom so you can wake up to the sight of the world's most famous iron structure. It's a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you won't want to miss out on!
credit: @parisverra — discover Shangri-La Hotel Eiffel Tower King Bedroom view of Eiffel Tower on the Explorest app
12. Rosewood London Hotel
Serving as an urban oasis in the middle of London, The Rosewood London Hotel allows you to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and transport yourself into a serene environment. The Edwardian mansion not only offers rooms furnished with belle epoque decor, they also have an outdoor terrace, bra, brasserie, and state-of-the-art spa and fitness center. The hotel embodies the perfect balance of paying homage to styles of the past, whilst not having to compromise on the comfort of modern guests.
credit: @nastasiaspassport — discover Rosewood London Hotel Courtyard on the Explorest app
13. Hôtel Ritz Paris
The Hôtel Ritz Paris is one of Europe's most posh accommodations. Its proximity to historic landmarks, like the Louvre and Champs-Élysées, coupled with the iconic build of the hotel's structure, which was originally erected in 1898, has made The Hôtel Ritz Paris a coveted destination for high-end travelers. An example of the level of the hotel's luxury can be seen in the feature image below of the Marie Antoinette bedroom in the Imperial Suite. The bedroom was crafted to appear as an identical replica of Marie Antoinette's room at Château de Versailles, so anyone that stays there gets to wake up feeling like royalty.
credit: @joethommas — discover Marie Antoinette Bedroom in the Imperial Suite of Hôtel Ritz Paris on the Explorest app
14. Meldrum House Country Hotel
The Meldrum House Country Hotel is easily accessible from Aberdeen (about a 30-minute drive) and stands on 240 acres of pristine property. Before it was a hotel, Meldrum House served as a residence to royals for hundreds of years. Each hotel room is designed with classic Scottish decor and guests are treated to sprawling views of the manicured golf course while they dine on incredible cuisine at the on-site restaurant. While you're there, don't forget to visit the 800-year-old cave bar!
credit: @elensham — discover Meldrum House Country Hotel on the Explorest app
Asia
15. InterContinental Singapore Robertson Quay Hotel
Wake up to the Singapore skyline at InterContinental Singapore Robertson Quay Hotel. The floor-to-ceiling glass windows overlook the city and offer unobstructed views of the towering skyscrapers—some of the rooms even have river views, too. You can stay in and enjoy the panoramic scene from the comfort of your own room or you can venture out and explore the lively Robertson Quay district.
credit: @calvin.pkl — discover InterContinental Singapore Robertson Quay Hotel Room City View on the Explorest app
16. Pan Pacific Singapore
The heigh-defying architecture at the Pan Pacific Singapore hotel is simply marvelous. Ride the glass elevator up to the top floor and then look down (if you aren't afraid of heights) and see the geometric design of intersecting pathways. For the photographers out there: Hold on tightly to your camera! It's a long way down, but the view is well worth it. Guests that are more keen on exploration than taking pictures can check out Orchard Road, Marina Bay or the Botanic Gardens, which are all nearby Pan Pacific Singapore.
credit: @mart.lindner — discover Pan Pacific Singapore Look Down on the Explorest app
17. The Shanghai EDITION Hotel
From New York and LA to London and Shanghai, EDITION Hotels have been on the radar of must-stay hotels for quite some time. The Shanghai EDITION is particularly intriguing, with sweeping views of the city and waterfront Bund. The interior will have any design lover oohing and aahing, especially if you prefer a more modern style of decor. In the penthouse, you can ease into a warm bubble bath while taking in the famous Shanghai skyscrapers, like the Oriental Pearl TV Tower and Shanghai Tower.
credit: @joethommas — discover Shanghai EDITION Hotel Penthouse Bathroom & Pudong Skyline on the Explorest app
18. Regent Shanghai Pudong Hotel
Another Shanghai staple in the hospitality world is the Regent Shanghai Pudong Hotel. The 187 rooms and suites rooms aren't to be ignored, but the real star of the hotel is the infinity pool. The body of water offers next-level city views of Shanghai's business district in Lujiazui. I mean, have you ever seen this perspective of the city? If you're in need of an enviable new Instagram photo, this hotel is the place to stay. P.S. Don't forget to pack your swimsuit!
credit: @karstenkoehn — discover Regent Shanghai Pudong Hotel Pool view of Shanghai Skyline on the Explorest app
19. Residence 55 at Middle House
The Middle House hotel and Residence 55 residential apartments were designed by the renowned Italian architect Piero Lissoni. Both places are excellent examples of contemporary architecture in the Jing’an District's trendy neighborhood along Nanjing W Road. The mix of striking lines and sleek curves is Lissoni's signature, and throughout the accommodations space, you'll find examples (like the staircase featured below) of his masterful work and attention to great detail.
credit: @joethommas — discover Residence 55 Staircase at Middle House on the Explorest app
Africa
20. Guardian Guest House
The view at Guardian Guest House in Egypt is almost too good to be true. It's great for those who are traveling on a budget, too, since the average stay per night is normally under $50. The best way to take full advantage of this hotel is to open up the windows and listen to the sounds of the city and prayer calls while watching the sun set behind the pyramids—incredible! You can also head up to the roof terrace to see another perspective of Great Sphinx of Giza & Pyramid of Khafre.
credit: @parisverra — discover Guardian Guest House view of Great Sphinx of Giza & Pyramid of Khafre on the Explorest app
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