Luxury Accommodations: 15 First Class Hotels From Around the World
Six of these hotels have hosted me in the past. However, this particular post is not sponsored. This post contains affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission if you book or purchase through these links. You can read my full disclosure policy here.
Are you a luxury traveler? Maybe you are celebrating that special anniversary, going on your honeymoon, or it’s just time to reward yourself with a luxury getaway. Either way, if you are looking for a top-notch trip, then you are looking for luxury accommodations. And, you need not look any further.I am sharing my personal list of 4 and 5-star luxury stays from across the globe including Canada, Europe, Asia, South America and right here in the United States. Each of these hotels holds a special place in my heart and rekindles fond memories. So, if you’re heading to one of these destinations, check out these luxury accommodations!
Asia
1. JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa-Phuket, Thailand
STARS: *****
The JW Marriott Phuket is one of the most luxurious places I have ever stayed in my life! It sits waterfront on Mai Khao Beach and you can walk out on the sand and get daily Thai massages right there on the beach!
This tropical resort has a pool with waterfalls and an adults-only area, some of the best Phad Thai I have ever eaten and top-notch service!
Europe
2. Hotel Grand Bretagne-Athens, Greece
STARS: *****
The Hotel Grand Bretagne in Athens exudes elegance from the moment you enter. Conveniently located right across from the Parliament Building, it also offers majestic views of the famous Acropolis. This was our view at breakfast one morning!
If you are looking for an iconic stay with iconic views in an iconic destination, this is where you want to be!
Book Rooms | Read Reviews | Read Hotel Grand Bretagne Post
3. Palace Luzern-Lucerne, Switzerland
STARS: *****
Lucerne was the first city I visited in Switzerland making Palace Luzern my first Swiss hotel experience. I remember thinking if this is Switzerland, then yes, please!
From our gorgeous balcony views of Lake Lucerne to a lavish spa and sweeping terrace views, this is how you want to experience Lucerne, Switzerland!
The hotel is currently closed for renovations and will reopen in 2019. It was fabulous before so I can’t imagine what it will look like after the renovations!
Until then you can…
Read Reviews | Read Palace Luzern Post
4. Le Richemond-Geneva, Switzerland
STARS: *****
And while Lucerne was my first stop in Switzerland, Geneva was my last and you know how they say save the best for last, right? Well, Le Richemond made sure I left Switzerland with memories to last a lifetime!
Our suite was absolutely amazing with a separate den, a balcony with views of Lake Geneva, and a huge bathroom with a double marble shower and jacuzzi tub with a TV encased in the wall!
Book Rooms | Read Reviews | Read Le Richemond Post
5. Eurotel Riviera Montreux-Montreux, Switzerland
STARS: ****
Visiting the Montreux Riviera is like being in a fairytale and the Eurotel Riviera Montreux contributes to said fairytale with views like this from its rooms!
Don’t you want to wake up to this view of Lake Geneva every morning?
Book Rooms | Read Reviews | Read Eurotel Riviera Montreux Post
6. Pulitzer Amsterdam-Amsterdam, The Netherlands
STARS: *****
Often called “the Venice of the North”, Amsterdam is the city of canals. It’s a fabulous city to walk, but if you are wanting to stay in quiet luxury accommodations in the middle of the action, the Pulitzer Amsterdam is just the place!
Located right on a canal and not far from the Anne Frank House, the Pulitzer has a gigantic interior courtyard that makes you feel like you have been transported into the countryside. Don’t miss the beautiful exposed brick and beams in the rooms!
Book Rooms | Read Reviews | Read Pulitzer Amsterdam Post
You might also like: WHERE TO STAY IN COPENHAGEN: A REVIEW OF THE AC HOTEL BELLA SKY
South America
7. JW Marriott Hotel Lima-Lima, Perú
STARS: *****
The JW Marriott Hotel Lima might be the prettiest hotel I have ever walked in to. It just has a presence I can’t describe. I loved the security of only being able to access my hotel floor with a room key, the plush beds and a bathroom that could fit 20 people inside!
Sitting right on the ocean in the upscale Miraflores section of Lima, I remember actually being sad to leave. We got in after midnight and checked out the next morning. So, I was about to explore Lima and then fly to Iquitos to explore the Amazon River but I was sad because I was checking out of this hotel! That should tell you something…
Caribbean
8. The Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman-Cayman Islands
STARS: *****
Want to get away to a Caribbean island, but aren’t sure which island to go to or where to stay? I highly recommend Grand Cayman and with it, The Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman!
If this pool isn’t inviting enough, the turquoise and royal blue waters of the Caribbean are just across from it!
Canada
9. Fairmont Empress-Victoria, BC, Canada
STARS: ****
If you haven’t discovered Fairmont hotels in Canada, you’re missing out. So, let me introduce them to you! A lot of them look just like the Fairmont Empress in Victoria, British Columbia! To be completely honest, I didn’t actually stay here, but I spent a fantastic afternoon having afternoon tea here and exploring the property.
Given this coupled with my experience at other Fairmont hotels, I can fully recommend this property with confidence!
10. Fairmont Banff Springs-Banff, AB, Canada
STARS: ****
The Fairmont Banff Springs was my first Canadian Fairmont hotel and the one that made me fall in love with them. I may or may not have visited Banff and Lake Louise 4 times in 16 months!
If you stay at the Banff Springs, request a room with a view of the Rockies, have afternoon tea and most definitely try out the spa!
Book Rooms | Read Reviews | Read Banff Springs Post
11. Fairmont Le Château Frontenac-Québec City, Québec, Canada
STARS: ****
My most recent love affair with Canadian Fairmont hotels was with the Le Château Frontenac in Québec City! I spent a fun week there in May and it’s beautiful (both the hotel and Québec City)! It’s also said to be the most photographed hotel in the world!
If you are looking to have a luxury French getaway, this is the place to stay!
United States
12. The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay-Half Moon Bay, California
STARS: *****
The Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay was a getaway to avoid the awful summer heat here in Alabama. It’s located right on the Pacific coast just south of San Francisco and we went in July. It was cold enough at night to wear jackets while roasting s’mores around our personal fire pit on the patio outside our room!
13. The Beverly Hilton-Beverly Hills, California
STARS: ****
Los Angeles is truly an iconic American city and one I had the pleasure of living in for four fabulous years! I miss it and I go back to visit annually. I love staying in the Beverly Hilton, also known as the home of the Golden Globes!
On two different occasions, they have not had the type of room I reserved and so they upgraded me. The first time was to a junior penthouse with a separate living room and a dining room big enough for a conference table!
However, the second time was most definitely the best upgrade I’ve ever received anywhere. They put us in a top floor full penthouse for the entire length of our stay!
You know, the kind that requires a separate key to a separate hallway door to enter. The kind that had chandeliers and furnishings that probably cost more than everything I’ve ever bought in my entire life. The kind that had a powder room, a fireplace, a soaker tub with 180-views of Los Angeles and the Hollywood Hills. And the kind that is used when an A-list star is getting ready for the Golden Globes! THAT kind of upgrade!
14. The Palazzo-Las Vegas, Nevada
STARS: *****
Who loves to go to Vegas? I do!! I have been to Vegas 6 times. Two of those visits were for work conferences when I was still a practicing RN. The other four times were to participate in the Las Vegas Rock N Roll 1/2 Marathon and I am now a proud four-time finisher!
For the half marathon trips, my friends and I always stay at the Palazzo because they offer a great runners’ rate making it very affordable, especially when splitting the cost with a friend.
Every room is a suite, we always request a view of the strip and I love that there are TVs in the bathroom and remotes that will turn down the blackout shades from bed!
15. The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago-Chicago, Illinois
STARS: *****
The view from our room!
One weekend a couple of summers ago, we took a long weekend getaway to Chicago to celebrate our anniversary and see Bon Jovi in concert at Soldier Field. We stayed at the Ritz-Carlton Chicago which is conveniently located above a Macy’s on the Magnificent Mile and has sweeping views of Lake Michigan and Michigan Avenue!
PIN IT!
I had great experiences and loved my time at each of these hotels. They all have incredible service, friendly staff, and either gorgeous water or beautiful city views! These are just a few of the reasons why they make great luxury accommodations!
Have you stayed in any of these? If so, which one(s)? If not, which one of these would be at the top of your hotel bucket list?
‘Til next time…
Trimm Travels,
There’s something special about staying at a 4-or-5 star resort or hotel. I used to not want to splurge on accommodations, but it really does make a trip magic when you get to stay somewhere indulgent. Great list – especially Quebec and the Caymans!
Hi Eileen-There really are times where it’s fun to just splurge and relax! Thanks for reading! 🙂
Such elegant places to lay your head! I love the Ritz chain as well as the Four Seasons for luxury. Wish I’d made it to Montreaux when I was in Switzerland.
Hi Elaine-I love them too! As for Montreux, just means you need to head back to Switzerland, right?? Thanks for reading! 🙂
I would love to stay in more luxury hotels. Honestly idk what my travel style is because I love both hostels AND luxurious hotels! The only one I’ve stayed at from your list is the Fairmont Chateau Frontenac in Quebec. It was amazing, wasn’t it?! Loved our room there, and the hotel dog in the lobby! He was such a cutie. I see you’ve got a lot of Marriott, Fairmonts, and Ritz properties so I will have to investigate those for upcoming trips! I’m actually staying at a Marriott property in Michigan in November so you’ve got me excited about that! It doesn’t look quiiiite as nice as the one in Thailand though, LOL!!
Hi Sarah-I hear you! I wasn’t sure what my travel style was in the beginning and even now, I don’t know that I would categorize myself. I certainly love the luxurious side of things but honestly, most of my trips aren’t spent in 5-star hotels. It’s a big reason that I didn’t “niche” when I started my blog. I didn’t know my travel style and I didn’t want to limit myself to any one country or type. Everyone said I had to, but I decided I didn’t have to and I’m glad I didn’t! Hope you enjoy your Marriott stay in November and thanks for reading! 🙂
I have been blessed to have stayed at quite a few of these locations! I worked in Switzerland for 3 years and can tell you that they definitely have some of the most luxurious hotels in the world, and the staff usually have attended special universities dedicated to luxury hospitality which are exceptional!
Hi Andi-You got to work in Switzerland for 3 years? I’m so insanely jealous! I love love love Switzerland! How interesting that they attend special universities dedicated to luxury hospitality. It definitely shows!! Thanks for reading! 🙂
Ok, so I’m not really a luxury travel type person, but I’m pretty much sold on the Thailand hotel. The Fairmont looks a lot like the Biltmore in Florida (which has some hauntings). The Ritz Carlton in Moon Bay California looks like a place that I need to go to next week……life is getting to me. Booking that one in T-minus…five…four….three….two…..one….
Hi Janiel-The hotel is Thailand is amazing as is the Ritz in Half Moon Bay. They’re all fabulous, treat yourself! Thanks for reading! 🙂
Fairmont is the synonym for luxury in Canada. Most of them are housed in a historic building and has an elegant feel to it. But to be honest, I much prefer the modern, contemporary hotels I come across in South East Asia! I would love to stay at JW Marriott in Phuket someday!
Hi Cat-Oh I love the modern, contemporary hotels in other countries as well! That JW Marriott was amazing for sure! Thanks for reading! 🙂
These are the hotels which dreams are made from. Every hotel in Switzerland that you have listed look insanely gorgeous and special. Switzerland is SO GOOD at luxury! Also the one in BANFF looks like a castle in the forest. These are a great selection of gorgeous properties
Hi Kimberly-Glad you like it and you are SO right. Switzerland is FANTASTIC at luxury! The Banff hotel is pretty snazzy too I must say! Thanks for reading! 🙂
Yes!!! The Fairmont in Banff is so amazing — was just there in June. It’s massive and totally gorgeous. We’re hoping to get to Switzerland next year, too, so I love that you have so many options for Switzerland in this post. Palace Luzern — yes, please! 🙂
Hi Julianne-I LOVE Banff! One of my absolute favorite places. Switzerland is another one so I’m so excited you’re planning to go! I have a lot of posts on Switzerland with all kinds of info! Thanks for reading! 🙂
I have stayed at the Palazzo in Las Vegas. I love their rooms! It feels more luxurious to me somehow simply because of the sunken living room area. My only gripe is that there aren’t coffee makers in the room. I need a cup of coffee BEFORE I go downstairs to get a cup of coffee. Come on, Palazzo! It’s the little things.
Chateau Frontenac is exquisite, too. I would have liked to have spent more time in my room there, but was busy running around.
I’ll be sure to try to check off more of these accommodations in the future.
Hi Juliann-You aren’t the only one with that complaint about no coffee in the rooms. My friend I usually go to Vegas with has the same complaint. I’m not a huge coffee drinker (only the frou-frou stuff and it has to be freezing outside) so no big deal for me. But on one of our trips, she actually brought her mini keurig! LOL! She needs her coffee before coffee too. Then we discovered Prestige at the Palazzo where we could do breakfast buffet, all-day coffee/soft drinks, hors d’oeuvres and unlimited cocktails. Score! Thanks for reading! 🙂