The 10 Best Luxury Hotel Stays of 2023: My Awards

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Grab your passports and get ready to embark on a virtual journey with me as I spill the tea on the crème de la crème of luxury hotel stays in 2023. With Amsterdam as a convenient home base, I clocked in miles and memories across 16 countries this year, and I've got the lowdown on the places that made my heart skip a beat. From the charming streets of Copenhagen to my home city of Boston, this year has been a whirlwind of plush pillows and top-notch turndown service. So kick back, relax, and join me on a vicarious voyage through the 10 Best Luxury Hotel Stays of 2023: My Awards edition.

10. 25hours Hotel Indre By Copenhagen

Nestled in the heart of Copenhagen, the 25hours Hotel Indre By is a whimsical hotel with incredible aesthetics. Each room is a quirky masterpiece, and their common areas feel like stepping into a hip artist's dream, with vibrant colors, funky patterns, and an unpretentious vibe. The stunning bar is a showstopper, mixing up concoctions that are as Instagrammable as they are delicious. And if you're feeling fancy, Café Duse, the onsite tea room, is a hidden gem for those who want to sip their way into serenity. Book a stay here and you’ll find that staying in is as much an adventure as stepping out into the charming streets of Copenhagen!

9. Four Seasons Boston

Located in the heart of Boston's Back Bay, the Four Seasons Hotel Boston reigns supreme. Perched overlooking the enchanting Boston Public Garden, this gem of a location is my go-to in the city – seriously, who can resist the charm of Back Bay?

The hotel's arrival area, lobby, and porte cochère got a dramatic makeover courtesy of the renowned designer Ken Fulk. Having visited in late November, these spaces were decked out in picturesque holiday decor - the epitome of festive elegance. And don’t miss Coterie, the hotel's fresh and fabulous lounge and restaurant. Trust me, you don't want to miss the beef filet Rossini – it's a game-changer.

But the delights don't end there. Rise and shine with complimentary morning sips from Sottovento, the glamorous gourmet coffee bar. And if you're more of a stay-in-bed person, no worries – just order through the Four Seasons mobile app, and let the java come to you.

And speaking of goodies, "The Vaults" are your 24/7 snack paradise on every guest room floor. Stocked with treats and sips, it's like having your own personal refreshment haven. Bottom line: the Four Seasons Hotel Boston isn't just a stay; it's a sensory experience.

8. The Pelham Hotel

Step into the Pelham Hotel London, where modern luxury meets timeless elegance in a boutique haven that's as chic as it is classic. Located in a charming townhouse just across from the South Kensington tube station, you're not just in London; you're in the heart of the action.

My favorite part? They offer a daily afternoon cream tea in the prettiest library. And when hunger strikes, just mosey on down to La Trattoria by Alfredo Russo, the on-site Italian restaurant.

If you love classic, quintessential British vibes and want there to be no doubt you’re in the UK, the Pelham Hotel may be your perfect stay.

7. Hotel the Craftsmen

Welcome to Hotel the Craftsmen, my favorite hotel in my current home city of Amsterdam. With an incredible canalside location in the heart of the city, a stay here puts you right in the pulse of the city's vibrant energy.

Each room is a unique journey into craftsmanship, themed after different trades like The Miller, The Airplane Builder, The Artist, and more. It's not just a stay; it's a curated experience that transports you into the heart of Amsterdam's rich history and creativity.

And the vibes? Incredibly aesthetic. From the moment you step through the door, the atmosphere screams Amsterdam, with kind staff making you feel more like an honored guest than a traveler passing through. You’ll also be reaching for your camera at every turn.

I’d also be remiss if I didn’t mention the breakfast, and it’s a solid 10/10. Imagine waking up to a spread of traditional Dutch delights that make your taste buds do a happy dance. Poffertjes, anyone?

6. Maison Nabis

Bienvenue to the epitome of Parisian charm – Maison Nabis by Happyculture! Tucked away in a fantastic location that's basically the beating heart of Paris (the 9th arrondissement) this place is not just a hotel; it's a vibe, a lavish celebration of sumptuous decor that'll make your inner aesthete do a little happy dance.

You’ll find that the staff are kind, accommodating, and practically fluent in the language of hospitality. You'll feel like you're staying with friends who just happen to have an impeccably decorated Parisian pad.

And let's talk perks! Free snacks – because why settle for just a room when you can have a little extra munchy magic? All this without breaking the bank – Maison Nabis knows how to give you the Parisian dream without the nightmare price tag.

5. Boutique Hotel Albana Real

Get ready to be swept off your feet in the heart of the Swiss Alps at Boutique Hotel Albana Real in Zermatt! This luxury boutique gem not only offers Matterhorn views that will make your jaw drop but also boasts not one, not two, but three fabulous restaurants. And let's not forget the cocktail bar – because what's a Swiss getaway without a touch of glamour?

Now, picture this: a spa that's basically a portal to tranquility, making it almost impossible to peel yourself away. The struggle is real when you're centrally located in the heart of Zermatt with everything at your fingertips. You'll find yourself torn between exploring the town and never leaving the hot tub.

If you're a fan of Thai cuisine, Rua Thai is your ticket to flavor paradise. That red curry? Trust me, it's the stuff of dreams. Check out @albanarealrestaurants for a sneak peek of the culinary wonders that await.

Oh, and a quick note for the road warriors: Zermatt is a car-free city, so park your wheels in nearby Täsch and hop on the train. But worry not, the hotels here have a solution – small tuk-tuk style rides to pick you up. Talk about arriving in style!

So, whether you're sipping cocktails, indulging in spa bliss, or savoring the flavors of the world at Rua Thai, Boutique Hotel Albana Real is not just a stay; it's an alpine adventure with a touch of luxury and a whole lot of Matterhorn magic.

4. The Hoxton Paris

Step into The Hoxton, Paris, where 18th-century grandeur meets Instagram-worthy perfection in the heart of the 2nd arrondissement. As a photographer I must mention that everywhere you turn, there's a snapshot waiting to happen. But my personal pick? The little library corner, where you can cozy up with a book and soak in the Parisian vibes.

Sure, some rooms might play the compact card, but fear not – they're thoughtfully planned out and dripping with style. And the breakfast here isn't just a meal; it's a culinary affair. I’m also a fan of the ample workspaces, making it the ideal spot for a chic remote office.

In a city known for its elegance, The Hoxton, Paris, isn't just keeping up; it's setting the standard. So, whether you're sipping coffee in the stunning common spaces or getting lost in the charm of your thoughtfully styled room, you’re sure to enjoy this stay.

3. Four Seasons Geneva

When I tell you the Four Seasons Geneva blew me away, I am not exaggerating. From the moment you step into the palatial lobby to the heavenly retreat of the spa, this place doesn't just offer luxury – it defines it.

Now, let's talk favorite activities, because at the Four Seasons Geneva, even choosing what to do is a decadent delight:

1. Admiring the city views – because why settle for any view when you can have a Geneva panorama?

2. Ordering room service in a bathrobe – a culinary experience without leaving your cocoon of comfort.

3. Lounging around the suite – because sometimes, doing nothing is the best something.

4. Sippin' a drink at the bar – where each sip is a toast to the good life.

5. Swimming in the pool – because a dip in luxury is always a good idea.

6. Relaxing in the hammam – for when you need to steam away the stresses of the day.

7. Chilling at the rooftop restaurant (Izumi!) – where dining reaches new heights, literally.

8. Enjoying some afternoon tea – because elegance never takes a break.

9. Wandering the property – every corner tells a story of indulgence.

10. Soaking in the spa tub – because a soak here isn't just a bath; it's a ritual of relaxation.

I mean, there's enough to keep you happily occupied for days – from city-view admiration sessions to spa tub soaks. But, let's be real, Geneva's beauty is a force to be reckoned with, so you might want to peel yourself away from all that sumptuousness and explore the city's beauty.

2. Hotel Charmante

Hold on to your snow boots, because I'm about to spill the beans on the chicest secret in Bergen, Norway – Hotel Charmante, the boutique hotel you'll want to book ASAP before it becomes everyone's go-to escape.

This new gem is like a breath of fresh fjord air, with unparalleled aesthetics and an ambiance that's basically a love letter to style. Each bedroom is a uniquely designed masterpiece, creating a dreamy cocoon that'll make you feel like you stepped into a Norwegian fairytale.

Picture this: the halls serenaded by dreamy French music, and every common space serving looks straight out of a design magazine. It's the kind of place that leaves you wondering if you accidentally stumbled onto a movie set.

When in Bergen, you absolutely cannot miss this stay. It's not just a boutique hotel; it's a passport to a chic escape that's about to make waves. So, grab your suitcase, click that booking button, and get ready to be in on the secret before Hotel Charmante becomes the hottest topic in travel circles.

1. Manon Les Suites

As for my #1 hotel of 2023, say hello to Manon Les Suites in beautiful Copenhagen, Denmark. This dream stay had been on my hotel bucket list for a long time and it did not disappoint. I’m sure it’s graced your Instagram feed at one point or another, and it’s like a little slice of Bali right in the heart of the city. A truly impressive creation from the Guldsmeden Hotels family, it somehow looks even better than the photos in real life. The center-piece of the property is a jaw-dropping atrium where the vibes are as heated as the pool. Yep, you heard it right – a heated pool, lounge beds, and a bar that screams vacation mode. It’s the kind of place that’ll make you think you accidentally ended up in a tropical dream.

Pro Tip: I visited in January and the prices were surprisingly reasonable! And if you’re as content-obsessed as I am, wake up early when the pool opens to get images like these.

Whether you're an avid traveler or an armchair explorer, these 10 Best Luxury Hotel Stays of 2023 are more than just accommodations – they're a symphony of comfort, style, and unparalleled hospitality. As the year comes to a close, let this curated list be your guide for what will hopefully be a travel-filled 2024. Safe travels and let me know which hotel caught your eye in the comments!