JW Marriott Lima Hotel

The exceptionality of Marriott's Lima property is apparent from a distance: it’s housed in an eye-catching 25-story crystal tower that was built, optical illusion-style, by the US-based Arquitectonica to resemble an enormous arch. The pleasant surprises continue in the lobby, where guests are taken care of at multiple small counters, preempting long lines at check-in. All 300 rooms have water views, and were revamped in 2011 to include LCD TVs, ergonomic desk chairs, and colorful carpeting. The same renovation added JW Sushi Ceviche Lounge to the restaurant roster, which prepares four varieties of the Peruvian seafood specialty; try the ceviche made of five different types of fish. Lima is at its best in the Miraflores neighborhood, where the Marriott sits steps from the vast Pacific and dramatic cliffs, surrounded by gardens, parks, plazas, and a seawall running path.