Each December, the staff of Hotel Scoop puts their heads together and selects a seasonal gift: the best hotels we have reviewed over the past year, as nominated by our reviewers. This year is no exception. Here are some hotels worth going out of your way to stay.
ZM Valley Resort, China
Reviewed by Chris Christensen
ZM Valley Resort stands out as one of the most distinctive boutique hotels not only near Shanghai, but anywhere the reviewer has traveled across 76 countries. Located a few hours outside the city, in a green valley, the resort offers a genuine sense of escape without sacrificing practicality for a long-weekend stay. Designed by an architect with a bold artistic vision, the property feels part art gallery, part landscape installation, with eclectic public spaces, a living green roof, and gardens that invite wandering.
Guest rooms are large, individually designed, and memorable, each more like a curated exhibit than a standard hotel room. Sustainability is woven into the experience, from thoughtful landscaping to design choices that blend into the environment. With rates starting surprisingly low for such a creative property, ZM Valley Resort delivers an uncommon combination of art, whimsy, and value that makes it unforgettable.
Check rates at Trip.com
XO Art House, Peru
Reviewed by Carolyn B. Heller
Cusco has no shortage of hotels catering to travelers on their way to Machu Picchu or Peru’s Sacred Valley, but XO Art House succeeds by doing something different. As Carolyn Heller notes in her review, this is not the largest or most deluxe hotel in the city. Its appeal lies instead in its strong visual identity, thoughtful use of art, and relaxed, human scale. The hotel’s design feels personal rather than formulaic, with art integrated throughout the property rather than confined to public spaces.
Its location is another strength, close enough to Cusco’s historic center for easy sightseeing while remaining quiet at night. Helpful staff round out the experience, making this an appealing choice for travelers who value character and creativity over conventional luxury.
Check rates online at Expedia, Booking.com, or Hotels.com.
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Nellie’s Landing, Canada
Reviewed by Carolyn B. Heller
Nellie’s Landing, located on Prince Edward Island, is a small, imaginative property that invites guests to sleep inside floating wine barrels, creating a glamping experience that feels playful without being impractical. The novelty is supported by genuine hospitality. The owners are deeply involved in making sure guests are comfortable and engaged, turning what could be a novelty stay into a warm and memorable experience. Waking up on the water adds to the sense of adventure, while the calm setting keeps the stay grounded and relaxing.
Nellie’s Landing stands out in 2025 as an example of how originality, when paired with good hosting, can create an experience guests talk about long after they leave.
Check rates online at the official site.
The Londoner, United Kingdom
Reviewed by Dana Rebmann
“I tend to be more of a beach girl than a city enthusiast when it comes to hotel stays, and I had many great seaside review opportunities this year. (The InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa, Four Seasons Resort O‘ahu at Ko Olina, and Terranea Resort, just to name a few.) But my time at The Londoner stands out among the pack of properties I was lucky enough to visit in 2025. This charismatic, self-proclaimed “World’s First Super Boutique Hotel” understands the importance of details. From a primo location on the southwest corner of Leicester Square, to its beautifully executed, hip design, to its subterranean spa with pool and hot tub, I look forward to returning.”
Check rates online at Expedia, Booking.com, or Hotels.com.
Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle, Thailand
Reviewed by Buzzy Gordon,
“Four Seasons is renowned the world over for its luxury hotels and resorts, but the upscale chain also deserves to be known for taking glamping to a new level, as showcased by the Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle, located in the exotic nexus encompassing three fascinating Southeast Asian countries: Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar (Burma). Guests at this all-inclusive resort indulge in mouthwatering local cuisine, enjoy specialty cocktails while taking in spectacular views of radiant sunsets, and get up close and personal with the gentle, intelligent pachyderms that are your neighbors in this sanctuary. Other meaningful activities abound (some are optional extras), when you are not sleeping in your canopied bed, bathing in your private, giant freestanding tub, or reposing on the deck of your extremely comfortable and distinctively furnished tented quarters.”
Check rates at Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle.
Club Med Charlevoix, Canada
Reviewed by Tim Leffel
“The hotels that stand out for me are the ones where I enjoyed every minute, and I’m sad to leave. I only had one night at this Club Med overlooking the St. Lawrence River in Quebec, so it was a scramble to sample all that was on offer, especially since most everything is included. Yes, it’s an all-inclusive resort, which is very rare in the Americas when you get north of Mexico and the Caribbean. This is a ski resort in winter, a hiking and mountain biking spot in summer, with all the food and drink having a French flair and dedication. The playful decor, entertainment, and trained acrobats put a smile on the faces of guests, young and old.”
Check rates online at Expedia, Booking.com, Agoda.com, or Hotels.com.
Forest Villas Hotel, Arizona
Reviewed by Karin Pezo
Forest Villas Hotel is a family-owned boutique property in Prescott that delivers a sense of affordable elegance paired with genuinely warm hospitality. As Karin Pezo notes in her review, the hotel’s Mediterranean-inspired design, art-filled public spaces, and inviting lobby create a feeling of relaxed refinement that feels more personal than a typical chain hotel. Spacious rooms, many with balconies and hillside views, are complemented by thoughtful amenities including a seasonal outdoor pool, hot tub, garden fire pit, and a complimentary hot breakfast.
Friendly, attentive service and easy access to Prescott’s historic downtown and surrounding trails make Forest Villas Hotel a standout choice for travelers seeking comfort, character, and value in northern Arizona.
Check rates online at Expedia, Booking.com, Agoda.com, or Hotels.com.
InterContinental San Diego, California
Reviewed by Nancy Brown
“InterContinental San Diego was one of my favorite hotel stays in 2025 for several reasons. This InterContinental is ideally situated in San Diego, California. Having a room with bay views is an added bonus. I love everything about the Club Lounge at this hotel. Grab a glass of bubbly from the club lounge, along with some nibbles, and head out to the patio. There are heat lamps and blankets on the patio, in case you happen to be visiting in January. Customer service was friendly, from check-in to restaurants. Finally, the hotel is pet-friendly.”
Check rates online at Expedia, Booking.com, or Hotels.com.
Parador de Ronda, Spain
Reviewed by Ilona Kauremszky
Perched dramatically above the El Tajo Gorge with direct views of the iconic Puente Nuevo, Parador de Ronda is a historic stay where heritage and scenery combine for maximum impact. Set in the former town hall and food market, this classic Parador blends old-world architecture with bold art and modern comforts, making every corridor and terrace feel like part of a curated journey through Andalusia’s culture and landscape.
Rooms, especially corner suites, offer dual perspectives of the valley and the 19th-century Alameda del Tajo, while the cliffside pool provides a surreal sense of floating above the gorge. Breakfast in the sunlit restaurant frames the dramatic views like a living postcard, and attentive service rounds out a stay that feels both soulful and timeless.
Check rates online at Expedia, Booking.com, Agoda.com, or Hotels.com.
Art’otel Zagreb, Croatia
Reviewed by Penny Sadler
Art’otel Zagreb is a contemporary luxury hotel located in the heart of the city, just steps from Ban Jelačić Square and many of Zagreb’s main cultural sights. As Penny Sadler notes, the hotel distinguishes itself through its strong artistic identity, featuring original works by Croatian artist Boris Bućan throughout the public spaces and guestrooms, creating a stay that feels curated rather than generic.
The hotel pairs its art-forward design with modern comforts, including spacious rooms, eco-conscious practices, and inviting social spaces. Dining and nightlife are part of the appeal, with a lively rooftop bar and an on-site restaurant that attracts both guests and locals. Art’otel Zagreb stands out as a smart choice for travelers who want central access, contemporary style, and a clear sense of place.
Check rates online at Expedia, Booking.com, Agoda.com, or Hotels.com.
Le Capitole, Quebec
Reviewed by Margarita Ibbott
Le Capitole is a classic luxury hotel in the heart of Quebec City’s historic district, known for its elegant, old-world charm and proximity to key attractions like the Old Port and Petit Champlain. Penny Sadler highlights the property’s refined atmosphere, where traditional architecture and understated sophistication meet modern comforts. Guestrooms are spacious and well-appointed, blending timeless décor with contemporary amenities, and many offer views of the city’s charming streetscape.
The hotel’s location makes it ideal for exploring Québec City on foot, while the attentive staff and quality on-site dining add to a stay that feels both gracious and memorable. Whether visiting for a weekend getaway or a longer urban stay, Le Capitole delivers a taste of classic Quebecois hospitality with polished service and easy access to the city’s rich cultural scene.
Check rates online at Expedia, Booking.com, Agoda.com, or Hotels.com.
Fordson Hotel, Oklahoma
Reviewed by Rebecca L. Rhoades
The Fordson Hotel in Oklahoma City transforms a historic industrial building into a stylish, design-forward boutique stay that celebrates the city’s creative spirit. Penny Sadler highlights the property’s striking blend of original architectural features — like exposed brick and steel — with modern interiors and contemporary art, creating spaces that feel both rooted in history and lively with personality. Guest rooms are thoughtfully curated with custom furnishings and bold patterns, offering a boutique experience that’s as visually engaging as it is comfortable.
Beyond design, the Fordson impresses with its social energy. Its vibrant lobby lounge and rooftop bar draw locals and travelers alike, making the hotel feel like a destination within the city rather than just a place to sleep. With attentive service and a location near downtown attractions, the Fordson Hotel stands out as a memorable and stylish choice for visitors to Oklahoma City.
Check rates online at Expedia, Booking.com, Agoda.com, or Hotels.com.
Kimpton Virgilio, Mexico
Reviewed by Lydia Carey
Kimpton Virgilio is a contemporary luxury hotel in Mexico City that combines sophisticated design with the vibrant character of its historic surroundings. As Ilona Kauremszky notes, the property strikes a balance between modern style and local flavor, with sleek interiors, artistic accents, and thoughtful details that elevate the guest experience. Spacious, well-appointed rooms offer comfort and calm in the midst of the city’s dynamic energy, while amenities reflect Kimpton’s signature approach to personalized service.
The hotel’s location makes it easy for guests to explore nearby cultural highlights, from historic plazas to world-class museums. Social spaces like the lobby and rooftop bar create a sense of place and encourage lingering, and the attentive staff ensures stays feel tailored and welcoming. For travelers seeking a design-driven luxury base in Mexico City, Kimpton Virgilio delivers both style and substance.
Check rates online at Expedia, Booking.com, or Hotels.com.
Hotel Casa Colonial, Mexico
Reviewed by Jamie Rhein
Hotel Casa Colonial in Cuernavaca is a charming adults-only stay with historic character and a relaxed, artsy atmosphere that feels more like a well-loved home than a standard hotel. Jamie Rhein highlights its Spanish-colonial architecture, tranquil garden courtyard with a central pool, and beautifully appointed rooms that blend rustic details with modern comforts. The staff’s warm, attentive service and the property’s walking-distance location near Cuernavaca’s cathedral and other landmarks make it a welcoming base for exploring the city. Breakfast and meals at the on-site restaurant overlooking the gardens enhance the sense of place, making Casa Colonial a memorable choice for travelers seeking both history and personality in central Mexico.
Check rates online at Expedia, Booking.com, Agoda.com, or Hotels.com.
Margaritaville Hotel, Kansas
Reviewed by Jamie Rhein
Opened in June 2025, Margaritaville Hotel Kansas City brings a tropical, laid-back vibe to the heartland, delivering the casual fun and quirky design the brand is known for right in the Midwest. Jamie Rhein highlights the hotel’s colorful surf-inspired décor, lively public spaces, and playful nods to Jimmy Buffett classics, creating a resort-style atmosphere that feels like a breezy escape even far from the beach.
The property balances its signature beachy energy with thoughtful amenities, from indoor and outdoor pools with waterslides to casual gathering spots and comfortable seating areas that invite lingering. Dining and drink options, including the LandShark Lobby Bar and coffee spot, add to the relaxed, social feel, making Margaritaville Kansas City a fun, upbeat choice for travelers looking for something spirited and different in Kansas.
Check rates online at Expedia, Booking.com, Agoda.com, or Hotels.com.
