Editor Notes: A Curated Collection of My 10 Most Memorable Hotel Stays
- Jacqueline May
- Sep 2
- 6 min read
Updated: Oct 28
For over 20 years, I’ve traveled the globe in pursuit of culture, adventure, and those rare moments of refined luxury that stay with you long after checkout. From the mountains of Patagonia to the bustling streets of London, each hotel stay I’ve experienced has been more than a temporary address - it’s played a huge part of the journey itself.
What follows is my curated list of the some of the top hotel stays I’ve experienced worldwide. Since you know we don’t gatekeep around here, each hotel selection comes with details and average nightly costs, plus cost-savvy alternatives for travelers who want to capture the magic without the splurge.
1. Auberge Bishop’s Lodge, Santa Fe, NM
This high-desert beauty had attentive staff, cozy rooms with kivas (fireplaces) and a soothing spa which rounded out an elegant, recharging stay. Also, the stuffed and fried squash blossoms are a true delight for the senses. I may have had double servings and ordered them every time we ate here. Don't judge. You would too!
AT A GLANCE |
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Rate ~$800.00 - $1,200.00+/night (depending on season and room) |
Rooms 100 guest accommodations |
Amenities borders 1.7 million acres of national forest, minutes from downtown Santa Fe, chef-driven culinary experiences |
ALTERNATIVE STAYS |
Comparable Stays Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi |
Cost-Savvy Alternatives Ten Thousand Waves |
2. Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North, Scottsdale, AZ
This was supposed to be our wedding backdrop that never came to fruition (thank you COVID!). Luckily, husband and I were able to revisit it later for our own private celebration and it was magical. Luxurious desert setting, impeccable hospitality, and canyon‑framed views made it unforgettable. I'd recommend trying to plan a trip in April/May as it is not sweltering and the desert blooms are on full display.
AT A GLANCE |
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Rate ~$800.00 - $1,700.00+/night (depending on season and room) |
Rooms 210 guest accommodations |
Amenities close to 2 world-class championship golf courses, 3 fine dining restaurants, beautiful desert grounds surrounded by Saguaro cacti and the iconic Pinnacle Peak |
ALTERNATIVE STAYS |
Comparable Stays Sanctuary Camelback Mountain |
Cost-Savvy Alternatives The Phoenician, Hermosa Inn |
3. Conservatorium Hotel, Amsterdam
Perfectly placed in the heart of Amsterdam’s museum district—walking distance to art, canals, and nightlife. Stylish architecture and refined interiors made this a seamless stop on one of our longer European tours.
AT A GLANCE |
Rate ~$670.00 - $850/night (depending on season and room) |
Rooms 129 guest accommodations |
Amenities award-winning luxury spa Akasha, acclaimed dining at Taiko & Lounge à Barbounia, Green Globe certified, walking distance to main canals and museum quarter |
ALTERNATIVE STAYS |
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Comparable Stays Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam |
Cost-Savvy Alternatives Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht, Hotel Estheréa |
4. Sandy Lane Hotel, Barbados
Sandy Lane takes luxury to another level - flawless service, panoramic ocean views, and the most indulgent breakfast buffet you can imagine. And the rooms were larger than some apartments I’ve lived in. They welcome you with fresh juice and hand towels and even have a concierge pack/unpack service to make your holiday as seamless as possible.
AT A GLANCE |
Rate $1,200.00+/night (depending on season and room) |
Rooms 110 guest accommodations |
Amenities set right on a private beach in an ancient mahogany grove, 3 championship golf courses, multiple on-site restaurants, top-tier breakfast buffet |
ALTERNATIVE STAYS |
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Comparable Stays Coral Reef Club |
Cost-Savvy Alternatives Fairmont Royal Pavilion, Sugar Hill, Belmond |
5. Wynn/Encore, Las Vegas, NV
Visiting almost annually since 2012, the Wynn/Encore consistently impresses. The service is next-level, the spa at Encore is top-tier, and the restaurants never disappoint—be they Michelin-starred or casual. We eat a TON when we come here and a few of our favorite spots are Sinatra (Italian), Mizumi (Japanese), and Delilah (Supper club) - it's a vibe. Also, having breakfast at Tableau is a must. You might even catch a celeb sighting or two.
AT A GLANCE |
Rate ~$375-$2,600.00+/night (depending on season and room) |
Rooms 4,748 Rooms and Suites |
Amenities set at the end of the Vegas strip you are close enough, but removed from all that Las Vegas has to offer, the most 4 star restaurants in North America, chic bars, golf course, shopping, two Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star awarded spas. |
ALTERNATIVE STAYS |
Comparable Stays The Palazzo, The Venetian, ARIA Resort and Casino |
Cost-Savvy Alternatives The Bellagio, Fontainebleau, Caesars, ParkMGM |
6. Kimpton Seafire Resort, Cayman Islands
Every time I go down to the Cayman Islands this is where I stay. Kimptons are great at greeting you with a refreshing beverage cocktail upon arrival. It's a nice welcoming touch. The beach? Absolutely stunning. Service? Attentive but relaxed. Food is solid, and the spa is my definition of bliss—serene, soothing, unmatched.
AT A GLANCE |
Rate ~$600.00-$1,500.00+/night (depending on season and room) |
Rooms 264 Rooms and Suites |
Amenities private beach with food and beverage service on the famed seven-mile beach, several restaurants on property, happy hour every evening, close to most attractions |
ALTERNATIVE STAYS |
Comparable Stays Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman |
Cost-Savvy Alternatives Westin Grand Cayman, Sunset House |
7. The Singular Patagonia
Remote, dramatic, and unforgettable. Just like Patagonia. Positioned in Patagonia’s wild beauty, with food that could compete with top fine-dining sourced locally. The room views were breathtaking and soul-stirring.
AT A GLANCE |
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Rate ~$500.00 - $1,200.00/night (depending on season) |
Rooms 57 Rooms and Suites |
Amenities world-class spa, gourmet restaurant, proximity to 20+ different excursions |
ALTERNATIVE STAYS |
Comparable Stays Awasi Patagonia |
Cost-Savvy Alternatives Explora Patagonia, Tierra Patagonia |
8. Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, Québec, Canada
This fairy-tale castle perched above the St. Lawrence had epic views, historic charm, and truly grand scale—every step felt cinematic.
AT A GLANCE |
Rate ~$350–$500/night/night (depending on season and room) |
Rooms 610 Rooms and Suites |
Amenities breathtaking views of the St. Lawrence river, luxury spa and dining options, pet friendly |
ALTERNATIVE STAYS |
Comparable Stays Hotel Clarendon |
Cost-Savvy Alternatives Hôtel Le Germain, Auberge Saint-Antoine |
9. Çırağan Palace Kempinski, Istanbul
Overlooking the Bosphorus, the view alone was worth it’s weight in gold. In the quiet of our room, we were greeted with a silver tray of delicate Turkish delights and pistachio-studded sweets that taste like heaven. Tugra Restaurant’s refined cuisine and regal interiors felt like stepping into history. The scent of saffron and warm spices lingers from the kitchens, where Ottoman-inspired dishes transform tradition into art.
AT A GLANCE |
Rate ~$450–$700/night (depending on season and room) |
Rooms 317 Rooms and Suites |
Amenities stunning views of the Bosphorus river, traditional Turkisk hammam, helipad, tradional Ottoman dining and beverage services |
ALTERNATIVE STAYS |
Comparable Stays Shangri‑La Bosphorus |
Cost-Savvy Alternatives Swissôtel Bosphorus, The Marmara Taksim |
10. The Langham, London
An oasis just outside the city’s heartbeat. Our daily tea time here was sublime—refined, indulgent, and unhurried. The neighborhood’s exclusivity and calm made the hustle and bustle of the travels and city exploration feel like a restful, elegant escape.
AT A GLANCE |
Rate £350–£600/night (depending on season and room) |
Rooms 380 Rooms and Suites |
Amenities Michelin-starred Roux at The Landau restaurant and the Artesian bar, luxury spa, Palm Court tea service |
ALTERNATIVE STAYS |
Comparable Stays Corinthia Hotel London |
Cost-Savvy Alternatives The Athenaeum Hotel, Flemings Mayfair |
Honorable Mention: The Lowell, NYC
Intimate. Newspapers each morning. Your latte? A small luxury. Room service and personalized care made you feel curiously at home in refined comfort.
AT A GLANCE |
Rate ~$750–$1,000/night (depending on season and room) |
Rooms 74 Rooms and Suites |
Amenities Michelin restaurant Majorelle, Pembroke room afternoon tea, pet friendly |
ALTERNATIVE STAYS |
Comparable Stays The Mark |
Cost-Savvy Alternatives The Chatwal, The St. Regis New York |
Final Thoughts
After two decades of exploring over 28 countries and countless cities, I’ve come to realize that luxury isn’t just about a five-star rating it’s about how a place makes you feel. It’s the small gestures: the perfect warm latte delivered to your suite, the view that greets you each morning, or the staff who remember your name.
These hotels represent the best of what I’ve experienced so far, but they’re also reminders that travel is deeply personal. Whether you’re seeking indulgence or value, there’s always a way to craft a journey that feels uniquely yours. And for me, the adventure continues one unforgettable stay at a time.
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