Whatever your preferences and tastes, there’s nothing like spending the night somewhere truly special. From easy-going beachside breaks to exciting city escapes, and peaceful alpine retreats, the world’s most impressive hotels and resorts come in all shapes and sizes. Looking for accommodation with the wow factor? Read on.
Glamorous beach resorts
If you’re in need of some rest and relaxation, nothing beats a glamorous beach holiday. Whether it's a cutting-edge hotel on Dubai’s sun-drenched coastline, an overwater villa in the Maldives, or a swanky seaside resort like the Hilton in the Carribean island of Aruba, staying just steps from swathes of pristine sand and sparkling sea is the epitome of luxury.
As well as stunning beachfront settings, many top-of-the-range hotels offer upgrades to make your experience even more sumptuous. For example, high-end holiday resorts in the Caribbean and Thailand offer some of the best swim-up suites in the world, where you can enjoy direct access to the pool from your room.
However, you don’t necessarily have to break the bank to enjoy this level of splendour. Many affordable coastal resorts in popular destinations such as Turkey and Greece come with standout features such as beach clubs, watersports, infinity pools and seafront spas without costing you a small fortune.
Outstanding facilities and service
For many travellers, a hotel’s service and amenities can make or break a holiday. After all, a warm welcome, friendly staff and access to top-notch facilities go a long way towards making your stay comfortable and convenient – and it may even have you returning year after year.
Of course, the standards you expect depend on your priorities and budget. While some people may need fine-dining restaurants and personal butler service for added wow factor, others may find that complimentary refreshments or a helpful concierge team are enough for an enjoyable stay, whilst some look for hotels with entertainment. It also depends on whether you’re looking for All-Inclusive hotels, which usually include a choice of dining options, drinks and use of facilities in the overall price, or if you want a more tailor-made experience.
The easiest way to ensure you choose somewhere with great hospitality and amenities is by opting for a hotel with a four- or five-star rating. However, it may be that you prefer the intimate atmosphere and attentive service offered by boutique or independent hotels, in which case star rating may not be as important. Before you book, it's worth doing some research and reading reviews from previous guests to find the perfect place to suit your needs and tastes.
Visually appealing hotels
Sometimes, finding a fantastic hotel is as much about the outside as it is about the inside. Whether it's the opulent palaces of the Far East or the grand country mansions and fairytale castles of Europe, some buildings take your breath away before you’ve even set foot inside. We stayed in the Grand Hotel Des Iles Borromees in Lake Maggiore Italy and were blown away by the grandeur. In today’s world of social media and camera phones, the visual appeal of the hotel is becoming a priority for the discerning traveller. Staying in a run-of-the-mill resort is no longer enough – guests now want their accommodation to be unique and aesthetically pleasing.
Places like Las Vegas and Florida are known for their extravagant and themed hotels, while European destinations like Greece and the Balearic Islands offer beautiful whitewashed resorts with plush interiors. For the ultimate in luxury and seclusion, far-flung destinations like the Caribbean and Asia offer picture-perfect thatched villas, rustic mountain lodges and jungle retreats that are made for the camera lens.
Spectacular views
From dramatic cityscapes to majestic natural wonders, some of the world’s most prestigious resorts come with show-stopping views. To find the most jaw-dropping vistas, look out for hotels with unique locations such as those nestled in jungles, perched upon cliffs and mountains, or towering high above city skylines. You can even stay in hotels which overlook some of the world’s most iconic landmarks, such as the Shard in London, the Taj Mahal in India, St Mark’s Square in Venice and the Eiffel Tower in Paris. We stayed at the Venetian hotel in Las Vegas, and as well as a view of the Las Vegas strip, we also had a canal in the middle of the hotel with gondolas!
When a hotel’s surroundings are its main selling point, you can also expect features such as floor-to-ceiling windows, private balconies, viewing platforms, and rooftop restaurants with uninterrupted views of the stunning scenery and beguiling sights. Make sure you bring along your camera so you can capture some envy-inducing snapshots during your stay.
Whatever it is that makes you say 'wow', there are many different aspects to a hotel that can enhance your experience and ensure you enjoy a truly memorable holiday. So what are you waiting for? Start your search today to find the perfect setting for your next trip.
*Collaborative post
Being able to swim up to your suite is the holiday dream - so many of these places sounds absolutely incredible :)
ReplyDeleteThese places all sound incredible! It makes me want to book a holiday ASAP.
ReplyDeleteThe location is a big factor, as well as views. I love to be by the sea! :)
ReplyDeleteI love hotels and even better if they have some va va voom! I really need a holiday!
ReplyDeleteI would love to stay in one of those on water bungalows in Bora Bora
ReplyDeleteAt the moment I am holding off looking for hotels until I return from Seoul next month. But definitely taking your advice into consideration
ReplyDeleteReading this has deffo got me in the holiday mood. We are planning a trip soon, so will be going all out on the accommodations for sure x
ReplyDeleteOh my word, you really have made me want to start searching out my next holiday. Hotels are my favourite kind of break. Mich x
ReplyDeleteThis is such a great post - there is something wonderful about a good hotel, hands up they don't have to be everything, but sometimes they can really add a special touch to your holiday stay.
ReplyDelete