As a travel enthusiast who has been writing about my global explorations for over a dozen years, I have had the great fortune to stay at some of the best hotels in the world. No matter your travel style, you are sure to find a hotel or resort on this list that will make you swoon. This collection of my all-time favorite hotels features accommodations that are not only comfortable and welcoming, but also worthy of planning an entire trip around your hotel stay. Pack your bags because my picks of the best hotels will please all sorts of travelers, even you!
1. Hana-Maui Resort – Hana, Hawaii
Best Hotel to Unplug and Relax
Hana-Maui Resort is gorgeous and offers incredible experiences like horseback riding, guided meditations, and net fishing classes. But what really makes this hotel special is the feeling here. It’s pure aloha! Formerly known as Travaasa Hana, this resort in the laid-back town of Hana on the island of Maui is where to go to unplug from technology and stress. Here you will connect instead with people, nature and the spirit of Hawaii. Learn more in my Hana-Maui Resort review or book your stay via Hotels.com.
2. Grand Hyatt Beijing – Beijing, China
Best Oasis in the Heart of a City
Attached to a large shopping mall and just blocks from the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square, the location of Grand Hyatt Beijing can’t be beat. Additionally, this hotel is home to remarkable restaurants, including Made in China, which is widely regarded as one of the best places in the world to dine on Peking duck. My family found our two-bedroom suite to be a wonderful retreat from the city and sites. Plus, Grand Hyatt Beijing is much more affordable than hotels of similar caliber in other metropolitan cities. Oh, and their breakfast buffet offers one of the tastiest and most expansive morning meal options I've ever experienced.
Grand Hyatt Beijing boasts an indoor tropics-themed pool with waterfalls and lush landscaping. In fact, the swimming pool is so fabulous, I had to include it on my list of the best indoor hotel pools in the world. Read reviews and book Grand Hyatt Beijing on Hotels.com.
3. Miraval Arizona Resort & Spa – Tucson, Arizona
Best Destination Spa Resort
Miraval Arizona is an incredible destination spa for adults recommended by the Queen of All Media herself, Oprah Winfrey. Yes, there are wonderful spa treatments and pools here. But there's so much more to a Miraval vacation. The focus is on emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being. This all-inclusive wellness retreat in Tucson is where guests can push themselves to find connection with their true selves and nature. This spa resort provides a space to get a glimpse of what we all want — a better life. Read my full Miraval Arizona review or book your stay.
4. Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa – Maui, Hawaii
Best Playground in Paradise
Hyatt Regency Maui is one of the best hotels in the world because it offers so much for families to love. Picture lush a landscape, a super fun kids club, and spectacular Drums of the Pacific Luau — all set on a sandy beachfront location in paradise. Plus, around 50 animals representing 21 species of animals including koi and penguins occupy the hotel’s fantastical grounds. Best of all, though, are the resort’s amazing swimming pools, waterslides, kiddie splash fountains, and other water features. Want to learn more? Read my Hyatt Regency Maui review and book your stay on Hotels.com.
5. Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North – Scottsdale, Arizona
Most Welcoming Desert Retreat
Vacationers seeking pampering, delicious food, outdoor activities, and idyllic desert scenery will love Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale. Tucked away in North Scottsdale next to Pinnacle Peak Park, this is where to go to escape it all. While lounging at one of the hotel's three pools, you never know when someone will stop by with complimentary homemade chocolate dipped granola bar bites, frozen grapes, or strawberry smoothies. Families will also find kid-friendly amenities for which the Four Seasons brand is renowned, like a spectacular kids club, child-sized robes, and a cool scavenger hunt with ice cream prize. Experience this desert retreat with my tips for Four Seasons Scottsdale with kids and book your Arizona getaway.
6. Aulani, A Disney Resort – Oahu, Hawaii
Most Magical Tropical Resort
Located on Oahu, Aulani Resort blends the magic of Disney with the beauty of Hawaii. The resort's centerpiece Waikolohe Valley includes a zero-entry pool, waterslides, a lazy river, water playgrounds and more. There’s even a manmade snorkeling lagoon filled with real fish. Don't be surprised if you see Disney friends like Mickey Mouse or Lilo and Stitch wandering the hotel property either. Parents will be pleased to know that while most Hawaiian resorts restrict kids clubs to ages 5+, Aulani welcomes children ages 3 to 12 at Aunty's Beach House for playtime. That's when mom and dad can sneak off to Laniwai Spa‘s 18,000-square-feet of spa goodness or squeeze in a round of golf at the Ko Olina Golf Club. Learn more about Aulani's pools and water features or book your Aulani vacation now.
7. Beaches Negril – Negril, Jamaica
Best All-Inclusive Resort for Families
The all-inclusive Beaches Negril in Jamaica has much to offer kids and parents. Pool lovers will rejoice upon seeing this resort’s water park with lazy river, waterslides, toddler splash area and three pools. The beautiful seven-mile sandy beach isn't bad either. You'll also find free-flowing tropical mocktails for the kids and cocktails for the adults. Young children will go gaga for Sesame Street character tuck-ins and bedtime stories. Meanwhile, all ages appreciate the resort's live music and Junkanoo parades. As if that weren't enough, there are amazing kids clubs for children from babies to teens. Learn more about all there is to do at Beaches Negril with kids and then reserve your Beaches Negril vacation!
8. Grand America Hotel – Salt Lake City, Utah
Best All-American Luxury Hotel for Kids
If you're planning to explore Salt Lake City, then there's no better place to stay than the Grand America Hotel. You get a lot of luxury for your bucks at this family-focused hotel. I’m not saying it’s a budget hotel by any stretch, but it’s very reasonably priced considering the high-end furnishings and amenities here. In addition to a Great Gatsby-esque outdoor pool, you'll also find a luring indoor spa pool under hand-blown glass chandeliers. Keep kids content with a treat at La Bonne Vie sweet shop, shopping at the darling JouJou Toy Store, and child-friendly afternoon teas. Take a peek at my Grand America Hotel review and book your stay now.
9. Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach – Huntington Beach, California
Most Dreamy Beach Town Hotel
California dreaming? Then you'll love Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach. Three palm-lined pool areas lure swimmers to splash, slide, and laze. Huntington Beach is known as Surf City USA so take to the waves at the surfing beach right across from the resort. In evenings, the hotel will provide guests with firewood, fire-making and maintenance, beach chairs, blankets, hot chocolate, and all the fixings for s’mores to enjoy right on the shores of the Pacific Ocean. The smoky smell of fire, gooey taste of marshmallows, and sound of ocean waves combine to make sweet vacation memories. Read Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach reviews and book your dreamy vacation stay via Hotels.com.
10. Dreams Las Mareas – Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Best Beachfront Hotel for Pura Vida
With room-front plunge pools, an superb spa, crescent-shaped beach, and kid-pleasing waterslide — Dreams Las Mareas offers a lot for vacationers to love. This all-inclusive resort in Guanacaste also features fun kids and teens clubs for ages 3 to 17. Pura vida, which translates to “pure life,” sums up the Costa Rican attitude of gratitude and laid-back lifestyle. If you're seeking to soak up some of those good vibes, then you'll be happy indeed at Dreams Las Mareas. Discover why families love Dreams Las Mareas and book your Costa Rican holiday now.
Explore More Amazing Hotels
Still can't decide where to stay on your next vacay?
Take a look at this list of the best hotels in the U.S. for kids, recommended by family travel experts.
For a fabulous beach holiday, peruse this list of the best beach hotels for families.
If you like hotel pools, then I bet you'll love these hotels with lazy rivers.
For a fall you'll always remember, book one of these spooktacular Halloween hotel packages.
Keep This List of the Best Hotels
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When reviewing this list of the best hotels, which option appeals most to you? Let us know in the comments below!
About Colleen Lanin, The Travel Mama
This is a fantastic list! I can’t wait for a beach holiday and we like a mix of activities and relaxing, so there are several great options here.
Enjoy your next hotel stay…and order room service for me! 😉
This is such a great list of hotels. We’ve been to Aulani and loved it so much. Their water slides are so fun. I’d love to take the kids to the Hyatt in Beijing. Looks so great.
Aulani really is such a great hotel. Since you like hotel pools, I bet you’d love the Grand Hyatt Beijing, too! 🙂
Hoo! Those all look amazing! I could definitely go for a couple of weeks at the Hana-Maui. Talk about major R&R.
There’s a reason it’s at the very top of this list! 🙂 Truly an amazing place to live in the moment and soak up the beauty of Hawaii!
These are all great picks. My family has been to a few of these, so I can tell it’s a winning list. I think when we’re able to feel good about traveling again, I’m going to angle for a trip to the Aulani.
You really can’t go wrong with an Aulani vacation! Enjoy!