The Best World-Class Hotels And Resorts To Book In 2026, According To Research

A banner vacation revolves around so many details. While traveling to a destination on your bucket list is bound to satisfy your wanderlust, a fantastic hotel can easily make or break the entire trip. Exceptional accommodations set the tone, which is why it's important to look out for these red flags when booking a hotel. It's your temporary home base, after all, and the creature comforts can truly convey that enviable "home away from home" feeling.

If you're gearing up for 2026 travels, we've got you covered. This year sees several highly anticipated hotels open their doors, many situated in landmark locations known as much for their exquisite scenery as their notable sites. These properties truly define luxury, complete with elevated amenities that enhance your stay and transform an ordinary hotel booking into something you may remember as much as you do the trip itself.

We've rounded up a few of the most world-class hotels and resorts to book in 2026, incorporating both upcoming openings and lodgings that opened within just the last year. Each one is carefully vetted for its features, location, and aesthetic appeal. Whether you enjoy booking your stay around your hotel or you have a specific type of property in mind, this guide is just what you need to make an informed decision.

Home to the iconic Petronas Towers, which stand 88 stories high and were once the tallest twin skyscrapers in the world, Kuala Lumpur is a vibrant hub that welcomes business travelers from all over the world. Malaysia's capital city also draws people for its beautiful temples, ancient Batu Caves system, ever-burgeoning food scene ( just brush up on the country's strict etiquette around alcohol before booking your trip), and the buzzy Golden Triangle. The latter is the city's central business district and much like its own mini city. It's also conveniently located less than an hour's drive from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport. 

The new Waldorf Astoria Kuala Lumpur is located in the Golden Triangle and is ideal for those traveling both for business and pleasure. Slated to open at the end of 2026, the hotel will feature the expansive Grand Ballroom, which, at more than 17,000 square feet, is poised to be one of the largest in the city. Multiple dining options are also planned, catering to cravings for Italian, Indian, and Mediterranean fare. Other highlights include swanky cocktail bars and a breakfast buffet.

The hotel's rooms and suites are dressed in clean lines and restrained color palettes, with some featuring deep soaking tubs and floor-to-ceiling windows offering sweeping views of the city. Perks like free Wi-Fi and an on-site fitness center add to the experience. Known for its lavish and beautifully appointed interiors, the Waldorf Astoria spans 36 locations around the world. This addition to the fold only heightens its reputation for glamour and distinctive service.

Marrying history with luxury, the Cambridge House in Mayfair, right in the heart of London, occupies a mansion dating back to 1756. At that time, it belonged to Sir Charles Wyndham, and it later served as the location for the Naval and Military Club. After 1999, though, the unused building was largely a symbol of notable architecture. As a Grade I-listed Georgian townhouse, it stands out with its symmetrical proportions and distinctive neoclassical design.

Today, it's a distinguished addition to the Auberge Resorts Collection that is scheduled to open in spring. The carefully restored townhouse is now a lavish 102-room hotel featuring luxurious accommodations and a menu of upscale amenities. Among those is a three-story spa offering holistic treatments, a pool, and a bathhouse. A chic restaurant bearing mid-century influences is also planned, offering classic English fare and afternoon tea. 

The hotel's prime location in charming Mayfair puts guests just steps from history, luxury, and storied architecture. It's situated just opposite Green Park and a short walk from Buckingham Palace. Vibrant Piccadilly Circus is less than a mile's walk from Cambridge House, giving visitors a chance to explore iconic destinations like Fortnum & Mason and the famed Hatchards bookshop. London is one of the best cities in the world for kids, according to travel expert Rick Steves, making this a great option for a family vacation. 

The Scottish Highlands genuinely carry travelers away from the chaos of modern life. Defined by sweeping moorlands and lochs, the region draws visitors who are as interested in nature as they are in its rich history. The northern Highlands in particular are known for their remote vibe, and Sutherland is an ideal spot to soak up that ambiance with its population of about 13,000 people. 

Hope by WildLand gives visitors a bird's eye view of the area's immense beauty, offering a far-removed ambiance set within a carefully restored lodge dating from the 1870s. Warm and earthy, the aesthetics pick up where the outside world left off, welcoming visitors with details like oak-wood furnishings and rich materials like tweed and oilskin. The effect is at once rustic and elegant, supported by guest perks like wood-fired hot tubs and gleaming water views. 

Another major highlight is the Clachan at Hope. These buildings bring the traveler's experience to life with thoughtful amenities, like a gym, space for spa treatments, and what the hotel dubs an "adventure centre." Those who seek a bit of adventure from their time in the Highlands can find it here, as professionals guide visitors on everything from hiking in the wilderness to brisk swims. The caveat is that accommodations are limited to just seven rooms, so it's best to book early to enjoy a stay when the property opens in the spring of 2026.

One of the world's most famous cities for clothes shopping Milan, Italy, offers travelers the perfect blend of culture, history, and style. Milan is brimming with fascinating architecture and a medley of studios and boutiques. The Brera district in particular gives visitors plenty to see and do, and it's one of the most desirable parts of the city in which to stay. It's here that the Six Senses Milan is scheduled to open in winter 2026, putting travelers just across the street from the Pinacoteca di Brera museum and steps from Duomo cathedral and numerous restaurants.

The hotel will feature 68 rooms and suites within a meticulously decorated property balancing local and contemporary style. Exquisite details, including handmade smoked glass, mosaic tiles, warm brass hardware, and boldly veined marble, bring each area of the hotel to life. Wellness is a central focus, with a full-service spa planned alongside both a rooftop pool and an indoor pool.

Communal areas give guests a spot to mingle or enjoy a lavish meal, including a private courtyard housing the hotel's deli and restaurant. Both will offer seasonal dishes. Impressively, the Six Senses Milan is sustainably designed with eco-conscious materials. An on-site "Earth Lab" invites travelers to create their own sustainable products. Six Senses Fort Barwara is one of the most luxurious wellness retreats you can book in 2026, so expect this location to be just as decadent. 

Long known to outdoor enthusiasts for its dramatic terrain and access to Yellowstone National Park, Big Sky is a beloved ski country that sits in the Rocky Mountain West area. Just under a 90-minute drive from Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport, this region draws nature lovers for its pristine, natural beauty and powder-packed slopes. In 2025, One&Only Moonlight Basin opened as the luxury resort brand's first property in the United States.

Bridging the gap between alpine hospitality and the iconic Montanian wilderness, the property occupies multiple buildings that offer tremendous views of the Spanish Peaks and Lone Mountain. Guest accommodations include 73 rooms and suites within the lodges, as well as several freestanding cabins tucked in the woods. Guests also have the option to book private homes, an ideal option for those who need more rooms or are planning an extended vacation. Many rooms have upscale amenities like outdoor soaking tubs and fireplaces.

One&Only Moonlight Basin caters to both foodies and wellness enthusiasts. The property is home to six dining establishments, with options ranging from a swanky terrace bar to an upscale Japanese restaurant. The resort also features a spa and an indoor pool.

In the fall of 2025, the Hobo Hotel Oslo opened to great enthusiasm. The popular boutique hotel chain is known for its eclectic and creatively designed interiors. "Fun" is the key word at the Oslo outpost, which features over 180 rooms and suites spread across five different types of design concepts. Guests can choose from charming "snug" quarters, spaces with either city or courtyard views, and larger rooms ideal for longer stays. 

Each comes with home-away-from-home perks, like free Wi-Fi and free breakfast. The rooms are also built with the Hobo's signature "peg-wall" accent. The thoughtful detail features assorted items that are free for guests to borrow through the duration of their stay, from maps to tote bags. The overarching vibe throughout the hotel is unconventional, with public spaces boasting bold palettes and quirky details blending contemporary furnishings with expressive artwork.

Every Hobo property embraces local culture, and the Oslo location is no different. Restaurant menus brim with ingredients sourced from area farms and microbreweries, a detail that also reflects the hotel's commitment to more sustainable practices — just make sure to read up on this unexpected dining etiquette tourists need to know before visiting Norway. Event spaces are equally engaging, with plenty of avant-garde artwork to spark inspiration and even a tucked-away library for those guests who might want to spend some quiet time relaxing.

Rail travel may be a convenient way to reach a destination, but in the United Kingdom, it can also satisfy a different type of wanderlust. As a significant part of the country's rich heritage, rails wind through everything from picturesque countryside to quaint villages. The Belmond Britannic Explorer is Wales and England's first luxury sleeper train, connecting London with the wilds of Cornwall and the Lake District. Travelers can also visit Wales on their rail journey. 

Launched in 2025, the upscale train feels a bit like a time capsule with its distinctive old-world influence and richly appointed interiors. Suites of different sizes are available, from compact twin cabins to posh grand suites. All have plush bedding and en suite bathrooms, restrained color palettes and subtle artwork, and distinguished furnishings reflective of heritage British style.

Guests can enjoy a full hotel experience during their rail adventure, with classy restaurants, apothecary-style bars, and even entertainment cars where guests can unwind and mingle while enjoying the scenery. The Britannic Explorer also houses a wellness train, created in partnership with British wellbeing brand Wildsmith, where guests can lose themselves in the serenity of nurturing spa experiences.

Set in an early 20th-century Art Nouveau building, this addition to the Mandarin Oriental family is a study in elegance. It offers a prime location on the Ringstrasse, putting visitors within walking distance of many important historic landmarks. The boulevard is rich in stunning architecture, and guests are always just steps away from the Vienna State Opera and Hofburg Palace. 

Featuring over 130 rooms and suites, the prestigious hotel exudes a distinguished sort of character that's evident in its unique blend of crisp and contemporary aesthetics and warm, old-world influence. Showy light fixtures command attention, for example, while subdued wood accents ground public spaces to maintain a sense of balance. The rooms carry the same cachet, featuring very subtle palettes and restrained furnishings for an overall vibe that is both serene and modern.

Vienna's reputation as a stalwart of art and culture is evident even in the hotel's amenities. Concierges are always on hand to build local itineraries, but a day spent inside can be just as rewarding. The four on-site restaurants range from breezy to swanky to moody, while a welcoming wellness center offers a gym, indoor pool, and spa services. According to Rick Steves, Vienna offers something for everyone, so you'll be sure to find plenty to explore. 

Natural beauty and small-town charm contribute to the Hudson Valley's appeal. Travelers who want to experience this New York region can enjoy a stay at the Six Bells Countryside, which is described by the brand as a "storybook you can sleep in." Set within a building dating from 1850, the hotel has undergone numerous iterations over the decades. 

Charm is king in this three-story property that is home to a mere 11 rooms. Each one is clad in its own unique elements, with deeply saturated color palettes, exquisite furnishings, and vintage-style wallpapers all adding character to the respective spaces. The accommodations are a fitting match for quaint Rosendale, the inn's sweet town that, in and of itself, feels like something out of a different era. A few small shops dot the Main Street, conveying a sense of coziness that influences the hotel's hospitable quality.

Even the hotel's tavern-style restaurant exudes an old-world feel. Ingredients are locally sourced, with classic dishes like flatiron steak, cheddar rosemary biscuits, sparkling wines, cocktails, and mocktails all on the menu. The property is a true escape from the chaos of the city, giving visitors a chance to truly disconnect and experience a more intimate getaway.

Patiala, in the northern Indian state of Punjab, exudes regality from every turn. Royals have made their home here for centuries, and its architecture and culture are evidence of its rich history. Guests visiting the legendary city to learn about these roots will feel right at home at Ran Baas The Palace. The former palace once belonged to the region's queens, and its early life is evident from every turn. Ornamental courtyards, grand fountains, and ornate furnishings lend the hotel the kind of opulence only seen in fairytales.

Guests are treated like royalty from the start, with rooms and suites offering palatial details like chandeliers, high ceilings, and views of lavish gardens. Traditional Punjabi cuisine fills the menu, blending in street foods that are popularly sold by vendors throughout India. The hotel also has a serene spa dressed in soothing tones, where services employ heritage self-care practices melded with Ayurvedic tradition.

There's much to see and do beyond these palace walls, and the concierges can arrange everything from sightseeing local landmarks to sports. Chefs even provide cooking classes to individuals and groups, for those who hope to leave with a greater understanding of Indian cooking techniques.

To compile this comprehensive list of the best world-class hotels and resorts to book this year, we began by identifying many of the properties that were either scheduled to open in 2026 or had recently opened in 2025. Our focus was on properties that had already generated some extra attention and media buzz, including press releases and conversations on social media.

We focused exclusively on verified sources like brand announcements and official websites, ensuring that all details (including room numbers and distances) were accurate. The goal was to create a list that spanned destinations around the world, including properties that were both classic and contemporary.

The traveler experience is huge, with consideration given to proximity to local landmarks, historic relevance, and important amenities that contribute to a more comfortable stay. The resulting selection reflects those hotels and resorts that bring the best of all worlds for travelers who hope for a discerning and memorable stay.