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A new Hotel Hall of Fame has been revealed, celebrating the best establishments around the world with enduring appeal.
The spots that reign supreme have been listed by glossy holiday guru Esquire, and nine hotels have been added to the list for 2026.
That includes one UK hotel, as well as options from around the globe, spanning the US, Italy, France and more.
The top picks include a historic Parisian hotel, a celebrity-studded LA stay and a Lake Como resort with views straight out of a dream.
Here’s a rundown of the Hotel Hall of Fame for 2026 – and how you can book a stay at one of the world’s finest properties…
Set across 12 acres of gardens in the hills above Beverly Hills, Hotel Bel-Air maintains its international recognition while remaining one of Los Angeles’ most discreet stays.
Just minutes from Beverly Hills, the property feels worlds away from the bustle of the city. The estate features Swan Lake, manicured gardens and secluded suites discreetly positioned throughout the landscape to offer guests an oasis of calm.
Approaching eight decades of history, Hotel Bel-Air has long been synonymous with Hollywood glamour. Legendary guests have included Marilyn Monroe and Grace Kelly. Today, the hotel offers 103 rooms and suites, many featuring private patios or garden views – allowing guests to live like stars during their stays.
Doubles from $1,060 (£800)
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An iconic Parisian landmark overlooking the Place de la Concorde, Hôtel de Crillon stands as a monument to French history and modern culture.
Born from the vision of Louis XV, this former royal palace has, for centuries, opened its regal gates to monarchs, artists and luminaries who have shaped the fabric of life in Paris.
At the heart of Hôtel de Crillon’s culinary scene is French gastronomy with a modern twist, using elevated French classics as a starting point.
The Setai, Miami Beach, Miami, US
The Setai in Miami Beach features an unequivocally modern design flair, inspired by Asian Art Deco – even the lobby flooring was transported from Shanghai’s old city.
Here, you have direct access to a coveted part of Miami Beach, with full service to enjoy from your sun lounger.
Not a beach person? No need to fret – three infinity pools are available too, alongside 16 new poolside cabanas, a glamorous courtyard and top-notch spa.
Bright pink and like something out of the Barbie movie, The Colony is one of the most chic hotels in the world.
Guest rooms are designed to be both memorable and unique, with details including floral prints, detailed adornments and a sense of homeliness combined with a pop of colour.
It made its debut in 1947, and has welcomed celebrity guests including Judy Garland, Lena Horne, John Lennon, Sophia Loren and Frank Sinatra.
Perry Lane Hotel has been recognised by Esquire as one of the world’s best hotels, earning a place for its design, elevated hospitality, and a deep connection to the city it calls home.
Located in the heart of Savannah’s Historic District, Perry Lane blends modern luxury with the city’s historic character.
From rooftop evenings at Peregrin to globally inspired dining at Emporium, Perry Lane has become known for experiences that feel both elevated and personal.
While visiting the affluent Ludovisi district in Rome, the Munich-born hotelier, Francesco Nistelweck, fell in love with a three-storey house.
In October 1889, he turned the mansion house into a hotel to welcome its first guests, with 63 bedrooms designed by his wife – and the rest is history.
Nowadays, Hotel Eden is home to 98 expansive suites and offers guests a true Roman experience with breath-taking views across the city, capturing a spectacular panorama, an urban spa and top-notch food and drink.
Monaco is synonymous with glamorous hotels, so it’s even more impressive that the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo is the only one in the principality to make the Hall of Fame.
It was built in 1864 on the Plateau des Spélugues, when Monte-Carlo was barely taking shape.
During the 1950s, the Hôtel became a favourite venue for Princess Grace – and is just as royally spectacular today.
The Mark hotel offers 106 guest rooms and 47 suites, including the largest hotel penthouse suite in North America.
Located at the corner of Madison Avenue and 77th Street, it is just steps from Central Park and the city’s most celebrated museums, galleries, and boutiques.
Lucky guests – with bank accounts to match – can book a stay in the hotel’s penthouse across the entire top two floors. The Mark is celebrating the world’s biggest sporting event with a four-night stay for the World Cup final, complete with tickets to the match and helicopter rides.
And all with a price tag of $1 million (£743,000).
When you arrive at the Intercontinental Mark Hopkins Hotel and see the gold trimmings, glossy revolving doors and imposing facade, you’ll know you’re in for a treat.
The historic landmark hotel in San Francisco is opulence at its finest – and this year celebrates its 100th anniversary.
One rave Google review of the hotel read: ‘The historical character of the hotel is truly unique, and the location is excellent. There are so many things to do within a short distance, making it a great place to experience Nob Hill and the surrounding areas of San Francisco.’
Badrutt’s Palace Hotel in St. Moritz, Switzerland has been an icon of Alpine luxury since 1896.
The hotel’s 159 rooms and suites, with views of Lake St. Moritz, are spectacular, as are its 11 restaurants, two bars, and legendary winter nightclub.
In terms of entertainment, the hotel boasts the largest outdoor infinity pool in St. Moritz, a Kids Club and the highest padel court in Europe alongside a brand-new tennis court.
Hotel Bennett in Charleston, South Carolina is located on the corner of the city’s famed King Street and historic Marion Square.
The 179-room property combines European architectural inspiration with classic Southern furnishings and details.
Hotel Bennett’s historic site formerly housed the original west wing of The Citadel, South Carolina’s Military Academy, and more recently was home to the Charleston Library. Construction on the hotel began in 2015.
Philadelphia’s Four Seasons brings everything you might expect from the luxury hotel brand – delightful food options, gorgeous interiors and quality service.
A standout feature is the spa and wellness facilities, as well as events organised by the hotel, such as walking and running tours.
Plus, this summer, the hotel is introducing The Match Room, a sports lounge experience where live matches will be shown.
Rosewood Mayakoba is very much an ‘it’ destination in Mexico, with its Serenity Pool, golf course and spa.
Built along winding lagoons and a mile-long arc of white sand beach, it offers 129 renovated suites with plunge pools, butler service, garden showers, individual docks, and an exclusive collection of Private Residences.
It also has a sacred water well from the ancient Mayans, which sits on a private island amid the spa.
In Paris, most tourists visit the Tuileries as a stop on their itinerary – few have the luxury of being able to access the gardens from their doorstep.
Le Meurice, overlooking the Tuileries, has stood since 1835, and bears all the hallmarks of a typically Parisian hotel: opulent interiors, excellent hospitality and quality food.
‘Stepping into Le Meurice feels like discovering a quiet oasis just moments from the energy of Place Vendôme. From the moment I arrived, I was greeted with such warmth and genuine smiles – the kind of welcome that instantly makes you exhale,’ one review read.
Situated on the border of St. James’, Mayfair and Soho, this London hotel has an address many would pay millions to have – and, as such, attracts the upper echelon of guests.
It’s typically ‘London’, too, with swish interiors and quintessentially British afternoon teas.
Famous guests include Oscar Wilde, Winston Churchill, Princess Diana and David Bowie.
Lake Como featured in the recent Devil Wears Prada 2 movie – and has soared in popularity since.
If you’re planning on heading there soon, check out the Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni, one of the best addresses in the already top-quality area.
‘Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni is something that only dreams are made of. From the moment we arrived to the moment we left we were transported to a time where holidays were true vacations. We were treated like guests of a palatial estate yet it felt like a comfortable home,’ one visitor said of their stay.
€4,000 for two nights
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The Peninsula Beverly Hills, an exclusive retreat that resembles a private residence built in the classic Renaissance style, has 195 guestrooms and an expansive rooftop.
It was refurbished last year, adding new adornments such as marble quartz surfaces, and French-inspired upholstery.
The highly coveted rooftop got an update, too, and now boasts 10 luxury cabanas and an elevated poolside experience.
Another Mexican addition to the list, and also a Rosewood hotel, Las Ventanas al Paraiso boasts 84 suites and villas and 30 residences, tranquil oceanfront sanctuaries.
It’s located where the desert meets the sea, bringing a real sense of calm.
Plus, it is designed around local Mexican artistry – featuring original works by leading artists and handmade details.
The second Lake Como address to make the cut is Grand Hotel Tremezzo, which has stood across the water from Bellagio as a hotel since 1910.
Featuring exquisite gardens, unparalleled views and delicious food, it is very much the place to be this summer.
‘The suites were beautiful, elegant, and spacious with stunning direct views of Lake Como. Every detail felt luxurious while still being warm and comfortable, read one rave review. ‘The breakfast buffet each morning was delicious with a huge variety of fresh pastries, fruit, made-to-order items, and authentic Italian specialties. Easily one of the best hotel breakfasts we’ve had.’
Four Seasons Hotel at the Surf Club, Surfside, Florida, US
Originally opened on New Year’s Eve in 1930 as a private social club, The Surf Club has long been a cornerstone of Florida hospitality.
Today, Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club blends the historic aspect of the property with contemporary design.
One rave review read: ‘Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club Miami delivers a refined and quietly luxurious experience from the moment you step in.
‘The design of the space immediately stands out. Grand archways, coffered ceilings, warm ambient lighting, and lush greenery come together to create a calm and beautifully curated environment.’
Ballyfin Demesne, County Laois, Ireland Hotel Hall of Fame 2026
Hotel Bel-Air, Los Angeles, US
Hôtel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel, Paris, France
The Setai, Miami Beach, Miami, US
The Colony, Palm Beach, US
The Perry Lane Hotel, Savannah, US
Hotel Eden, Rome, Italy
Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo, Monaco
The Mark, New York, US
Intercontinental Mark Hopkins Hotel, San Francisco, US
Badrutt’s Palace, St. Moritz, Switzerland
Hotel Bennett, Charleston, US
Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia, Philadelphia, US
Rosewood Mayakoba, Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Le Meurice, Paris, France
Hotel Café Royal, London, UK
Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni, Lake Como, Italy
The Peninsula Beverly Hills, Beverly Hills, US
Las Ventanas al Paraiso, Los Cabos, Mexico
Grand Hotel Tremezzo, Lake Como, Italy
Four Seasons Hotel at the Surf Club, Surfside, Florida, US
Ballyfin Demesne, Country Laois, Ireland
Source: Esquire
Rounding out the list is Ballyfin Demesne, a three-Key Michelin hotel in Laois, Ireland.
The five-star property is located at the foot of the Slieve Bloom Mountains, and the interiors are just as majestic as the scenery surrounding the hotel.
Everywhere you look, you’ll see embellishments such as 17th-century Flemish tapestries, chandeliers and a real attention to detail.
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