The 100 Best Hotels in the World in 2016
By
Sara Clemence
July 06, 2016
Taj Lake Palace Udaipur India
Credit:
Courtesy of Taj Lake Palace
The farther, the better.
That’s one big takeaway from this year’s list of best hotels in the world, as decided by Travel + Leisure readers. Among the top 20 are an industrial-chic expedition property near the southern tip of Chile (the Singular Patagonia), a fishing retreat in the middle of New Zealand’s North Island, more than three hours from Auckland (Huka Lodge), and a do-everything Colorado resort that’s a five-hour drive from the nearest big airport (Gateway Canyons Resort).
The remoteness of many of these properties is a testament to how intrepid and discerning our readers are — they are willing to endure overnight flights, extended drives, and multiple connections for extraordinary lodging. But it also speaks to the ability of the winners to provide such special experiences far outside of traditional travel destinations.
Every year for our World’s Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise lines, spas, airlines, and more. Readers rated hotels on their rooms and facilities, location, service, food and drink, and overall value.
Though there are many faraway hotels in our top 100, plenty of winners were more convenient to reach. The No. 2 property, the Spectator Hotel, is in the heart of charming Charleston. Farmhouse Inn, whose signature is elegant country decor, is nestled in California wine country.
Though smaller, independently owned hotels made up a large portion of the roster, some well-known brands earned kudos, too. The Peninsula Shanghai, known for its expansive rooms and jaw-dropping rooftop bar, marks its fifth consecutive year on the list.
And newcomers really shook up the rankings. The Spectator and the Singular are among them, as are the elegant, old-world Casa Gangotena in Quito, Ecuador, which came in eighth, and equestrian escape at the Willcox, in Aiken, South Carolina (No. 7). Most startling may be the appearance of Indonesian surf retreat Nihiwatu, which has a cult following among the most sophisticated travelers, and makes its debut as No. 1.
That’s one big takeaway from this year’s list of best hotels in the world, as decided by Travel + Leisure readers. Among the top 20 are an industrial-chic expedition property near the southern tip of Chile (the Singular Patagonia), a fishing retreat in the middle of New Zealand’s North Island, more than three hours from Auckland (Huka Lodge), and a do-everything Colorado resort that’s a five-hour drive from the nearest big airport (Gateway Canyons Resort).
The remoteness of many of these properties is a testament to how intrepid and discerning our readers are — they are willing to endure overnight flights, extended drives, and multiple connections for extraordinary lodging. But it also speaks to the ability of the winners to provide such special experiences far outside of traditional travel destinations.
Every year for our World’s Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise lines, spas, airlines, and more. Readers rated hotels on their rooms and facilities, location, service, food and drink, and overall value.
Though there are many faraway hotels in our top 100, plenty of winners were more convenient to reach. The No. 2 property, the Spectator Hotel, is in the heart of charming Charleston. Farmhouse Inn, whose signature is elegant country decor, is nestled in California wine country.
Though smaller, independently owned hotels made up a large portion of the roster, some well-known brands earned kudos, too. The Peninsula Shanghai, known for its expansive rooms and jaw-dropping rooftop bar, marks its fifth consecutive year on the list.
And newcomers really shook up the rankings. The Spectator and the Singular are among them, as are the elegant, old-world Casa Gangotena in Quito, Ecuador, which came in eighth, and equestrian escape at the Willcox, in Aiken, South Carolina (No. 7). Most startling may be the appearance of Indonesian surf retreat Nihiwatu, which has a cult following among the most sophisticated travelers, and makes its debut as No. 1.
100. andBeyond Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp, Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
Score: 94.50
More information, andbeyond.com/kichwa-tembo-tented-camp
1 of 100
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99. The Resort at Pedregal, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Score: 94.524
More information, theresortatpedregal.com
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93. River Inn of Harbor Town, Memphis, Tennessee
Score: 94.71
More information, riverinnmemphis.com
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91. The Greenwich Hotel, New York City
Score: 94.76
More information, thegreenwichhotel.com
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86. The Inn at Harbour Town, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Score: 94.95
More information, seapines.com
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84. (tie) Madikwe Safari Lodge, Madikwe Game Reserve, South Africa
Score: 94.96
More information, madikwesafarilodge.co.za
16 of 100
84. (tie) La Casa Que Canta, Zihuatanejo, Mexico
Score: 94.96
More information, lacasaquecanta.com
17 of 100
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75. Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa, Johannesburg, South Africa
Score: 95.09
More information, saxon.co
26 of 100
74. Tambo del Inka, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Sacred Valley, Peru
Score: 95.11
More information, starwoodhotels.com
27 of 100
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72. Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle, Chiang Rai, Thailand
Credit:
Courtesy of Four Seasons Resorts
Score: 95.17
More information, fourseasons.com/goldentriangle
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70. La Residence, Franschhoek, South Africa
Score: 95.27
More information, theroyalportfolio.com
31 of 100
69. La Réserve Paris Hotel, Spa & Apartments, Paris
Score: 95.29
More information, lareserve-paris.com