In many unforgettable adventures, hotels often serve as a home base. This provides easy access to creature comforts, convenient services, and destinations that attract locals and tourists alike. At the very least, these accommodations serve as a safe place to rest after a day of exploring.
Some hotels also stand out by serving as destinations in themselves. These places offer one-of-a-kind experiences, iconic architecture, and unforgettable settings that make the stay just as memorable as the location. From remote natural escapes to architectural marvels, these must-visit hotels go far beyond standard accommodations. Here are some of the world’s most exceptional hotels that promise more than just a good night’s sleep.
1. Marina Bay Sands – Singapore
Marina Bay Sands is an icon of modern Singapore. With its three towering structures crowned by a massive SkyPark, the hotel is home to the world’s most famous rooftop infinity pool. Here, guests can swim above the city skyline, watch light shows over the bay, and enjoy sweeping views that stretch into Malaysia on a clear day.
Beyond the pool, Marina Bay Sands offers a luxury shopping mall, a wide selection of fine-dining restaurants, a casino, and its own museum and entertainment venues. Its central location makes it easy to explore nearby attractions like Gardens by the Bay and the Merlion, but many guests find themselves content to spend their entire stay within the resort complex.
2. NUSTAR Hotel – Cebu, Philippines
NUSTAR Hotel stands out as a luxury hub by offering world-class amenities with a strong sense of place. This 5-star hotel in Cebu is part of a sprawling integrated resort that includes upscale shopping, gaming, fine dining, and entertainment venues all under one roof.
What sets NUSTAR apart is its elevated coastal location along the Mactan Channel, a perfect spot to enjoy views of the water and city skyline. Here, guests can relax in chic, spacious suites, unwind at the spa, or enjoy rooftop cocktails at sunset. With easy access to Cebu’s historical landmarks, island-hopping adventures, and vibrant culinary scene, NUSTAR Hotel is both a destination and a launchpad for exploring the Queen City of the South.
3. Burj Al Arab – Dubai, UAE
Often described as the world’s only “7-star hotel,” the Burj Al Arab redefines luxury with its private chauffeur-driven Rolls-Royce fleet and butler service for every suite. Located on its own artificial island, this sail-shaped hotel offers total seclusion with uninterrupted views of the Arabian Gulf.
Booking a stay at this complex engineering feat presents guests with the opportunity to dine in an underwater restaurant and relax in opulent spa facilities. It’s also an option for them to arrive in ultimate style by helicopter via the hotel’s iconic helipad.
4. The Ritz Paris – France
The Ritz Paris stands as a symbol of timeless elegance in the heart of Place Vendôme. Since opening in 1898, it has welcomed royalty, celebrities, writers, and fashion icons. This list includes Coco Chanel, who lived in one of the suites for over 30 years.
The rooms at this storied hotel are furnished with antique decor and period detailing, and guests can relax in the exclusive Ritz Club spa or enjoy cocktails at the famed Hemingway Bar. The hotel also hosts the Ritz Escoffier cooking school for those interested in French cuisine. With its deep cultural history and luxurious atmosphere, the Ritz Paris delivers an experience that goes beyond simple accommodation.
5. Explora Parque Nacional Patagonia – Patagonia, Chile
Located in the heart of Chile’s Patagonia National Park, Explora Patagonia is built for travelers who want to connect deeply with nature. The lodge is surrounded by ice fields, rivers, and towering peaks, making it a favorite for hikers and wildlife enthusiasts.
Daily guided excursions are part of the experience of staying here. These range from half-day walks to full-day treks and horseback rides led by local guides. The lodge’s large windows allow guests to take in the landscape from the warmth of their rooms, while the accommodation’s design ensures that nature remains the main attraction.
6. Amangiri – Utah, USA
Amangiri is tucked away in the rocky canyons of southern Utah and offers an extraordinary blend of minimalist luxury and raw desert landscape. Built to complement its surroundings, the resort is almost invisible against the backdrop of red rock formations and vast open skies.
Guests come to the Amangiri for solitude, natural beauty, and wellness. The hotel offers exclusive and extensive spa treatments, private tours of slot canyons, and helicopter and hot-air balloon rides over Monument Valley. With its quiet, introspective atmosphere and dramatic scenery, Amangiri is a dream for those seeking a peaceful retreat.
7. Hotel Belmond Copacabana Palace – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Overlooking the world-famous Copacabana Beach, this Art Deco landmark has been a favorite among celebrities and dignitaries since the 1920s. Its white façade and grand interiors set the stage for a glamorous stay in one of South America’s most vibrant cities.
The Copacabana Palace is known for its lavish Carnival celebrations, refined dining, and elegant pool area. Whether enjoying a beachside caipirinha or taking in views of Sugarloaf Mountain, guests here experience Rio in classic style.
8. Giraffe Manor – Nairobi, Kenya
Giraffe Manor offers an experience like no other. Located on a private estate in Nairobi, this colonial-style building is home to a herd of endangered Rothschild giraffes that freely roam the grounds. These towering mammals even poke their heads into windows during breakfast. A stay here blends wildlife conservation with a sense of whimsy that few other hotels can match.
These hotels transform the idea of accommodation into a travel experience on their own. Whether it’s sharing breakfast with giraffes or swimming high above a city skyline, each of these destinations provides guests with more than just a place to stay. These hotels serve as a home for stories that are worth traveling for.
