Over the year, the staff of Hotel Scoop reviewed hundreds of hotels. We asked the staff which ones were their favorites, and this is what they told us.
Halekulani Hotel in Waikiki is a luxurious oasis that stands out for its calm and quiet ambiance amidst the energy of Hawaii’s most famous beach destination. The hotel’s rooms are decorated in its signature seven shades of white, creating a serene and airy retreat, many with private balconies offering stunning views of the Pacific Ocean or Diamond Head. Guests are pampered by attentive service, whether relaxing by the mosaic-tiled pool, indulging in treatments at the spa, or enjoying the exquisite dining options. Highlights include the award-winning fine-dining restaurant La Mer and the more casual House Without a Key, perfect for sunset cocktails accompanied by live Hawaiian music and hula. With its blend of tranquility, elegance, and impeccable hospitality, Halekulani remains a top pick for discerning travelers seeking a peaceful escape in Waikiki.
Links to book Halekulani Hotel:
Reviewed by Dana Rebmann
The Boulders Resort & Spa Scottsdale is a luxurious retreat nestled in the high Sonoran Desert foothills north of Scottsdale, Arizona. Spanning 1,300 acres, the resort seamlessly integrates with its natural surroundings, featuring adobe-style casitas and villas set amidst striking 12-million-year-old granite boulders. Guests can choose from 160 casitas and 59 villas, each offering rustic Southwestern charm with modern amenities, including wood-beamed ceilings, wood-burning fireplaces, and private patios or balconies overlooking the desert landscape or golf courses.
The resort boasts two championship golf courses designed by Jay Morrish, a 33,000-square-foot spa offering a range of treatments, and multiple dining options that cater to diverse palates. Palo Verde, the signature restaurant, serves southwestern-inspired dishes for breakfast and dinner, while the Spotted Donkey Cantina offers a casual dining experience with an extensive menu and margaritas. Guests can also enjoy activities such as tennis, pickleball, rock climbing, and guided nature walks, making it an ideal destination for both relaxation and adventure.
Links to book The Boulders Resort & Spa Scottsdale:
Reviewed by Dana Rebmann
Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas offers a luxurious retreat on Thailand’s tranquil Koh Phangan island. Guests begin their experience with a private speedboat transfer from Koh Samui, complete with champagne service. The resort features 64 traditional Thai-style suites and villas, each with a private deck and plunge pool, and modern amenities like king-sized beds, flat-screen TVs with Netflix and Apple TV, and complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi. The resort’s pristine white-sand beach and two communal swimming pools, including an adults-only option with a swim-up bar, provide ample relaxation opportunities. Dining options include The Bistro, offering continental and Thai cuisine, and Yukinoya, the island’s only Japanese restaurant. For ultimate relaxation, the resort’s spa, set amidst lush greenery, offers a range of treatments in a serene environment.
Links to book Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas:
Reviewed by Buzzy Gordon
Hotel Illa d’Or in Puerto Pollença, Mallorca, seamlessly blends historic charm with modern luxury. Established in 1929, this boutique hotel has attracted notable guests, including Agatha Christie, who stayed in 1932 and later penned “Problem at Pollensa Bay.”
The hotel offers a variety of accommodations, from standard rooms to sea-view suites with balconies, all equipped with contemporary amenities. Guests can enjoy an outdoor pool, a fully equipped gym, and a serene spa featuring hydromassage beds, saunas, and Turkish baths. Dining options include a terrace restaurant with stunning Mediterranean views, serving a blend of local and international cuisine. Its prime location along the Pine Walk promenade provides easy access to the beach and the charming town center, making Hotel Illa d’Or a top choice for travelers seeking elegance and tranquility in Mallorca.
Links to book Hotel Illa d’Or:
Reviewed by Chris Christensen
The Kings Throne Inn and Guest House is a historic bed and breakfast located in Toledo’s Old West End Historic District. Built in 1892, the inn features four private rooms, each furnished with period antiques and modern amenities. Guests have access to communal spaces, including a fully equipped kitchen, dining room, living room, and parlor, fostering a welcoming and home-like atmosphere. The inn’s proximity to attractions such as the Toledo Museum of Art and downtown Toledo makes it an ideal choice for travelers seeking both comfort and convenience.
Links to book The Kings Throne Inn and Guest House:
Reviewed by Jamie Rhein
SureStay Plus Hotel by Best Western Cebu City is a recently opened hotel in the heart of Cebu City, Philippines. Its central location, within walking distance of Fuente Osmeña Circle, provides guests with easy access to numerous shopping and dining options. The hotel features modern, well-appointed rooms equipped with amenities such as refrigerators, electric kettles, microwaves, and flat-screen TVs. Guests can enjoy a complimentary breakfast buffet that offers a variety of Filipino dishes, including garlic rice, bangus, longganisa, and tocino. The attentive and friendly staff are noted for their exceptional service, assisting with arrangements like laundry services and local excursions. While the hotel currently lacks an in-house restaurant for lunch and dinner, its proximity to local eateries such as Bo’s Coffee and Jollibee ensures guests have convenient dining alternatives.
Links to book SureStay Plus Hotel by Best Western Cebu City:
Reviewed by Jamie Rhein
Condado Vanderbilt Hotel in San Juan, Puerto Rico, combines historic elegance with modern luxury. Originally opened in 1919 and extensively renovated in 2014, the hotel features 310 rooms and suites, some with 24-hour butler service and stunning ocean views. Guests can enjoy a 10,000-square-foot spa, oceanfront infinity pools, and multiple dining options, including the fine-dining 1919 restaurant and the casual Ola Oceanfront. Located in the vibrant Condado district, this iconic property offers easy access to San Juan’s top attractions.
Links to book Condado Vanderbilt Hotel:
Reviewed by Maureen Littlejohn
The Global Ambassador, located at the intersection of Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Paradise Valley, is a 141-room luxury hotel that opened in December 2023. Developed by restaurateur Sam Fox, the hotel features a European-inspired design with a white brick facade and black ironwork. Accommodations range from 460-square-foot king rooms to a 2,000-square-foot Presidential suite, all adorned with soothing earth tones and hardwood floors. Guests can enjoy five signature dining venues, including the French bistro Le Âme and the rooftop Mediterranean restaurant Théa, offering panoramic views of Camelback Mountain. Additional amenities include a two-story spa with seven treatment rooms, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and 5,000 square feet of meeting space.
Links to book The Global Ambassador:
Reviewed by Rebecca L. Rhoades
Vista Verde Guest Ranch is a luxury all-inclusive dude ranch located near Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Set at an elevation of 7,752 feet in the Elk River Valley and surrounded by the Routt National Forest, the ranch offers a blend of Western hospitality and modern amenities. Accommodations include lodge rooms and private cabins, each equipped with complimentary snacks and beverages. Guests can enjoy a variety of activities such as horseback riding, fly fishing, mountain biking, and cooking classes, with programs tailored for both families and adults. The ranch operates year-round, providing seasonal activities like snowshoeing and sleigh rides in winter, and hiking and paddleboarding in summer. Dining is a highlight, featuring meals prepared by talented chefs, with options ranging from casual cookouts to gourmet dinners. The Great Room in the Main Lodge serves as a central gathering place, complete with a floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace and comfortable leather seating. With its combination of adventure, relaxation, and top-notch service, Vista Verde Guest Ranch offers a memorable Colorado getaway.
Links to book Vista Verde Guest Ranch:
Reviewed by Nancy Brown
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Surfsand Resort in Cannon Beach, Oregon, offers a family and pet-friendly coastal retreat less than 80 miles from Portland. The resort features 96 recently renovated rooms and suites, many with oceanfront views of Haystack Rock. Accommodations include amenities such as mini-fridges, microwaves, Keurig coffee makers, and gas fireplaces, with some suites offering Japanese soaking tubs and private balconies. Guests can enjoy complimentary s’mores at evening bonfires, and the on-site Wayfarer Restaurant serves local seafood and other regional dishes. The resort’s proximity to downtown Cannon Beach provides easy access to shops, galleries, and breweries, making it an ideal destination for a relaxing getaway.
Links to book Surfsand Resort:
Reviewed by Nancy Brown
Trogon Lodge is a boutique mountain retreat nestled in Costa Rica’s Savegre Cloud Forest, approximately a 2 to 2.5-hour drive from San José. Situated at an elevation of 7,000 feet, the lodge offers 25 charming cabins surrounded by centennial oak trees and vibrant gardens, providing guests with an immersive nature experience. The on-site restaurant, El Quetzal, emphasizes a farm-to-table approach, featuring fresh trout from their own farm and produce from their hydroponic garden. Activities include guided birdwatching tours, notably the Quetzal Quest, and hikes such as the Paramo Tour and Cerro de la Muerte Hike, catering to nature enthusiasts seeking tranquility and adventure.
Links to book Trogon Lodge:
Reviewed by Karin Pezo
Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort & Spa in Avila Beach, California, is a historic wellness retreat renowned for its natural mineral springs discovered in the 1880s. The resort features 72 guest rooms and suites, each equipped with a private outdoor hot tub on the terrace or patio, providing a serene and rejuvenating experience. Guests can enjoy amenities such as hillside hot tubs nestled in the woods, an outdoor swimming pool, and the Yoga Dome offering various classes. The on-site Gardens of Avila restaurant serves farm-to-table cuisine, enhancing the holistic wellness experience. The resort’s proximity to the Bob Jones Trail allows easy access to the Pacific Ocean, making it an ideal destination for relaxation and outdoor activities.
Reviewed by Carolyn B. Heller
Saraya Rum Private Luxury Camp offers a luxurious “glamping” experience in Jordan’s Wadi Rum Desert, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The camp features 30 upscale cottages designed with fabric-draped ceilings, chandeliers, and modern amenities, including air conditioning and spacious private bathrooms. Guests can enjoy traditional Bedouin hospitality, with activities such as jeep tours to ancient petroglyphs, camel rides, and stargazing in the clear desert skies. Dining includes authentic meals like zarb, a Bedouin dish of meat and vegetables cooked underground, served in a communal setting adorned with colorful woven fabrics. Evening entertainment often features traditional music and dancing around the campfire, providing an immersive cultural experience.
Reviewed by Carolyn B. Heller
MIRA Earth Studios is a luxury retreat nestled in Mexico’s Valle de Guadalupe, renowned for its wine country charm. The property features 10 studios designed by architect Juniette Bermudez, each equipped with private jacuzzis, saunas, and fire pits, seamlessly integrated into the natural landscape. Guests can enjoy amenities such as fully stocked kitchenettes with local products, outdoor fire pits, and individual jacuzzis maintained at a cozy 100 degrees. Future expansions include a 45-foot swimming pool, bar area, and a restaurant in collaboration with chef Jose Luis Hinostroza. MIRA Earth Studios emphasizes sustainability with green roofs planted with native flora and a water treatment system for reusing wastewater.
Links to book MIRA Earth Studios:
Reviewed by Lydia Carey
Rancho Cacachilas is a 35,000-acre solar-powered adventure guest ranch in Baja California Sur, Mexico, offering all-inclusive stays with guided activities and meals. Accommodations include safari-style tents and resort rooms, providing a comfortable retreat amid the natural landscape. Guests can explore over 60 kilometers of private trails, engage in sustainable practices like beekeeping and cheesemaking, and enjoy farm-to-table dining experiences. The ranch emphasizes regenerative tourism, aiming to restore and preserve the local ecosystem.
Reviewed by Tim Leffel
Falkensteiner Hotel Prague is a stylish urban boutique hotel located just a few minutes walk from Prague’s main train station, making it a convenient choice for travelers. The hotel seamlessly blends historic architecture with modern interior design, featuring vibrant public spaces and the popular Monkey Bar, known for its innovative cocktails and lively atmosphere. Guests can enjoy a highly praised breakfast that offers a curated selection of quality items, catering to both indulgent and health-conscious preferences. The on-site spa provides relaxation facilities, including a sauna, steam room, and relaxation area, allowing guests to unwind after exploring the city. Accommodations are thoughtfully designed, offering comfortable beds, modern amenities, and a quiet environment despite the central location.
Links to book Falkensteiner Hotel Prague:
Reviewed by Tim Leffel
Those were our favorites. How about you? Where did you stay that would make your list of best hotels in 2024?
