6 Bucket-List Hotels to Visit, From a Wellness Resort to a Floating Hotel
Even with all the lodging options available to travelers in 2024, hotels are still at the top of my list. There's nothing quite like checking in, enjoying the luxurious amenities, and having the best service at your fingertips, from the concierge to in-room dining. When those same properties offer one-of-a-kind experiences — like cooking lessons with an executive chef or exclusive access to a national park — the case for staying at a hotel is even stronger.
The best hotels truly break the mold with the experiences they offer, whether it's a personal bath butler (yes, seriously) or a nightlife curator who hosts an evening out on the town for guests. To celebrate the best of the best, Hotels.com released their Perfect Somewheres 2024 list with properties plucked from the top one percent of the vast selection available on their travel site. The criteria? The highest ratings on check-in, amenities, staff, and demand, as well as glowing reviews from travelers around the world.
This list of hotels caters to every type of travel experience: there's a wellness retreat complete with an onsite shaman for ceremonies; a floating hotel with preserved design details for history buffs; and a glamorous beachside property that is set to appear on the new season of HBO's "The White Lotus." Keep scrolling to see the best hotels of the year — you're bound to find one to add to your must-visit list.
— Additional reporting by Theresa Clayton
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The Prospect Hollywood
The Prospect Hollywood ($259 per night)
For a proper Los Angeles experience, my recommendation is always to choose a hotel with character. The Prospect Hollywood hotel boasts Martyn Lawrence Bullard-designed rooms that capture the golden era of cinema like no other. Think glittering chandeliers, antique mirrored minibars, velvet headboards, in-room clawfoot tubs, and more. It's also centrally located at just a five minute walk from the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
"Loved this beautiful boutique property," said a reviewer. "Decorated beautifully and so comfortable. The staff and management were so helpful and accommodating. The manager Jason went out of his way to help us navigate the area and make reservations for us."
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Hotel Chapter Roma
Hotel Chapter Roma ($330 per night)
Located in walking distance of the Pantheon and the Trevi Fountain, Hotel Chapter Roma is a must-stay for a visit to Rome, Italy. Going well beyond the usual amenities, guests can sign up for experiences like a night out curated by a nightlife expert or cooking lessons with an executive chef.
One reviewer, who gave the hotel a perfect rating, wrote: "Excellent property that is walking distance to Trastevere (a plethora of food and bar options) and also the key attractions in the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona etc. The room is pleasingly unique and the staff made every effort to provide information about restaurants, directions. Communication prior to arrival was also seamless. 10/10 and a must try - really feels like a nice bolt hole away from the madness with nice touches all round. PS. The rooftop bar is an excellent option."
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Ohla Barcelona
Ohla Barcelona ($392 per night)
The guest experience at Ohla Barcelona starts before you even arrive. An experience team reaches out prior to your stay to get your preference for bedding scents, sheets, and pillows, ensuring you get the sleep experience you desire. Once you arrive and check in, you have access to a full-service spa, outdoor pool, health club, sauna and so much more — as well as the opportunity to book a bath butler and personal shopper.
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Fingal — A Luxury Floating Hotel
Fingal — A Luxury Floating Hotel ($392 per night)
If a floating hotel is on your bucket list, you'll want to book the Fingal on Edinburgh's waterfront in Scotland. The 22-cabin property, formerly a lighthouse tender, features preserved design details which history buffs will enjoy. It's also centrally located: Princes Street, Royal Mile, Edinburgh Playhouse Theatre, and Palace of Holyroodhouse are a short drive away, and the Port of Leith Tram stop is just a three minute walk from the hotel.
"A wonderful stay on a truly beautiful ship," wrote one reviewer who rated it a 10/10. "The cabins are luxurious, stylish and comfortable. The staff are friendly and welcoming, and the bar, restaurant and sun decks are luxurious and well appointed. The complimentary tickets to Britannia were a surprising bonus."
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The Palmaïa House of Aïa
The Palmaïa House of Aïa ($1,105 per day)
Are wellness retreats more your speed? Then add The Palmaïa House of Aïa to your dream destination list. Located in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico, the beachside, all-inclusive retreat has it all, from a full-service spa and four outdoor pools to sauna/ice bath contrast therapy and breathwork classes. The menu is all plant-based with the option for custom-built nutrition plans to serve your unique dietary needs. And if you really want to lean into the wellness experience, there's even an onsite shaman available for ceremonies.
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Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui
Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui ($1,001 per night)
As a fan of "The White Lotus," it's always been my dream to stay at one of the lavish hotels featured on the series (without the drama, of course). Enter the Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui in Koh Samui, Thailand. The breathtaking property is set to feature on season three, and it lives up to the show's extravagant standards. From a full-service spa and steam room to a private beach and nearby diving reefs, Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui spares no expense when it comes to luxury.
A reviewer wrote: "Absolute luxury offering and epic views. The staff are literally the best we've ever experienced at a resort property. Very well run. Excellent food especially the Thai food at dinner."
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Jessica C. Andrews (she/her) is the senior content director of shopping and UK at PS. With more than 15 years of experience, her areas of expertise include fashion, shopping, and travel. Prior to joining PS, Jessica held senior roles at Teen Vogue, Refinery29, and Bustle, and contributed to The New York Times, Elle, Vanity Fair, and Essence. She's appeared on "Good Morning America," NBC, and Fox 5 New York, and spoken on various panels about fashion, hair, and Black culture.