The 25 Most Iconic Hotels to Visit on Earth, According to Travel Experts
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There are an estimated 187,000 hotels worldwide, with a whopping 17.5 million guest rooms available. But certain properties rise to the top of this hospitality heap, earning their reputations as the crème de la crème of incredible places to stay. To determine which hotels deserve the label of truly iconic, we tapped travel professionals, from writers and editors to luxury travel advisers, who shared their top picks with ELLE DECOR. Read on for the most iconic hotels in the world to visit in 2024—from historic grande dames to modern architectural marvels.
Fairmont Château Frontenac, Québec City
Abbie Synan, Fora Travel advanced adviser, OG travel blogger, and small group trip leader, has a few spots that stand out from her decade-plus of full-time traveling. Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, known as the most photographed hotel on earth, deserves its rightful place on a list of iconic hotels. Synan shares: “The historic property sits in the upper town, overlooking Old Québec City. The hotel originally opened in the late 1800s, standing as one of the first of the Canadian grand hotels, a series of palatial accommodations that were created by the railway company when they expanded the Canadian rail system.”
And while the building is no longer the tallest in Québec City, it is still a prominent, unmistakable part of the skyline. “Château Frontenac is a tour de force, with 18 floors and over 600 rooms,” Synan continues. A pro traveler tip: If you don’t mind the cold or the crowds, stay at the château during the city’s Winter Carnival when the town comes to life with snow sculptures, parades, and dogsledding, among other seasonal events.”
Marina Bay Sands, Singapore
The movie Crazy Rich Asians may have helped make Marina Bay Sands Singapore’s most recognizable landmark (Israeli Canadian architect Moshe Safdie designed it), but it’s also a paragon of luxury. “Visitors are spoiled for choice for luxury and famous accommodations in Singapore, but arguably the most iconic is the Marina Bay Sands Hotel,” says Synan of Fora Travel.
Be sure to pack your swimsuit because a must-do on any stay is to experience the impressive infinity pool. Take in the views of the city while swimming over 650 feet in the sky—an especially stunning treat at sunset with Singapore aglow below. “The Sands is a resort with something for everyone: a casino, shopping center, a theater, a museum, and several restaurants. The location is ideal, with many attractions easily within reach, such as the famed Gardens by the Bay right at the doorstep. With more than 2,500 rooms, there’s a type of suite or stay for everyone,” Synan adds.
The Savoy, London
Brianna Glenn, owner of boutique luxury travel agency Milk + Honey Travels, can’t get enough of the Savoy in London. She touts its longstanding reputation for luxury and elegance and its iconic entrance, making it a very recognizable landmark in the city. “A combination of historical significance, architectural beauty, cultural impact, association with famous individuals, and a prime location in central London near the River Thames makes it a favorite in a city with myriad hotel choices,” the travel adviser shares. The Savoy features a stunning blend of Edwardian and Art Deco architectural styles in its 267 luxury guest rooms and suites. Is it any wonder why everyone from Marlene Dietrich to Rihanna has spent the night here?
Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo, Monaco
Brandon Berkson, hotel expert and founder of Hotels Above Par, makes the case for Hôtel Hermitage, a European gem. “Part of Leading Hotels of the World, Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo is crème-de-la-crème luxury in the heart of Monaco. It feels elegant from head to toe: the Belle Epoque–style facade, regal interiors, and perhaps its most famous feature, the Jardin d’Hiver (or Winter Garden), a centerpiece rotunda with an atrium roof blueprinted by Gustave Eiffel,” he says. The cherry on top of this hotel is its collection of 280 rooms and suites overlooking Monaco’s midrise skyline and yacht-filled harbor.
The Peninsula Hong Kong
Look familiar? The Peninsula Hong Kong is also recognized as a film location for the James Bond film The Man with the Golden Gun. But, says Devorah Lev-Tov, a New York–based travel and food journalist, “the Peninsula Hong Kong is, simply put, the original grand dame of Asia.” This five-star hotel is part of Asia’s oldest hotel company still in operation and features a whopping 300 rooms and suites. Lev-Tov adds, “Opulence abounds at every turn, from the fleet of vintage Rolls Royces outside to the Roman-style indoor pool to the array of fantastic restaurants and bars. And the staff are there whenever you need them—and even when you don’t.”
Ritz Paris, Paris
The Ritz Paris is undoubtedly an iconic hotel and a fixture on any list of historic luxe properties that stand the test of time. “The moment you walk into the lobby of the Ritz Paris you know you’re in a special place. From the legendary afternoon tea to the spectacular spa and everything in between, the Ritz Paris is the definition of grande dame,” shares Lev-Tov.
With over a century of glamorous history dating back to its 1898 debut, the Ritz Paris epitomizes Parisian chic and the benchmark of five-star service. Be sure to unwind in its world-class spa, and then grab a cocktail, à la Ernest Hemingway, at his namesake bar on-site.
Ashford Castle, County Mayo, Ireland
This actual castle hotel, tucked on the scenic shores of Lough Corrib, has 800 years of history woven through its sprawling 350-acre estate (not to mention five restaurants and bars). Guests can enjoy laying their heads in any of the 83 rooms and suites—a couple of which are named for U.S. politicians who have stayed there, including Ronald Reagan and Ted Kennedy. But, for the epitome of white glove service, a stay in the private boathouse, including 24-hour butler access, is a must.
“There’s an innate sense of belonging once you pass through Ashford’s iconic stone gates,” says Catherine Reilly, managing director of Brendan Vacations, a bespoke Celtic tour company. She notes the characters you’ll encounter on the estate, including Irish wolfhounds and two sisters who have worked at the castle for decades. “It’s the decadence of afternoon tea in the Connaught Room, a visit to Squire Danaghers’s Cottage—the original house where The Quiet Man was filmed in the 1950s—or what our guests refer to as ‘the best dining experience ever’ at the Wine Cellars at Ashford Castle, [which offers] private wine tastings and dinner in the secret passageways of the castle.”
Raffles Hotel, Singapore
While Marina Bay Sands is a marvel of modern-day Singapore, its predecessor, Raffles Hotel, was built in the late 1880s and was named after a British colonial official. The property has 115 rooms and perfectly blends creature comforts with old-world charms. “Guests should not leave until they’ve saddled up to the Long Bar and ordered a Singapore Sling. Boozy, rich, and sweet, the drink is famed for being created here,” shares Synan of Fora Travel.
For film buffs, Crazy Rich Asians shot several scenes at the hotel, and famous guests like Charlie Chaplin and Elizabeth Taylor have stayed throughout the years. In the late 1980s, Raffles was given the distinction of Singapore’s recognizing it as a national monument, so it is treasured by locals and visitors alike.
Claridge’s, London
There’s a reason that Claridge’s has been referred to as the annex to Buckingham Palace. Not only has it counted royal fans from Queen Victoria to Queen Elizabeth II, but it also contains palatial splendor within its Art Deco interiors. In fact, during a recent renovation, the hotel added two subterranean floors, which include an underground spa and swimming pool designed by André Fu; plus chicly decorated rooms, suites, and myriad dining options, including Claridge’s restaurant designed by Bryan O’Sullivan Studio. “There is no better place in London for afternoon tea, a decadent breakfast, or frankly, just the best kind of people-watching while sipping a martini,” says Fora Travel adviser Nadine Fedorenko.
Adare Manor, County Limerick, Ireland
Adare Manor is an iconic château-like property on the Emerald Isle, complete with neo-Gothic features like gargoyles, heraldry, and decorative stone. “Apart from the paradisiacal parkland golf courses at Adare Manor befitting a country in the top tier of global golfing destinations, the Manor itself fits very well indeed into [a list of] iconic hotels,” says Reilly of Brendan Vacations. “My favorite is the Gallery, where breakfast and afternoon tea are served, in the second-longest room in Ireland. The vast vaulted room is simply exquisite with wood carvings, tapestries, marble fireplaces, and stunning stained-glass windows.”
“From the manor you can walk out the gates into one of Ireland’s prettiest villages, with thatched cottages, a rich history, and strong heritage,” she adds.
Film and TV buffs will enjoy a stay at this estate too: Adare Manor was a filming location for The Last Remake of Beau Geste and the X-Factor. The property has also hosted multiple members of the British royal family plus celebrities as varied as Niall Horan from One Direction and Bill Murray.
The Plaza, New York City
“It may be the most famous hotel in the world, thanks to Kay Thompson and Hilary Knight’s Eloise, but the Plaza Hotel remains the hotbed of quiet New York luxury,” explains Hannah Selinger, a James Beard award–nominated lifestyle journalist. “Perched at one of the city’s most iconic corners—Central Park South and 5th Avenue—the hotel, now run by the Fairmont Group, offers guests everything from a bespoke Champagne bar to a traditional afternoon tea in the Palm Court,” she adds.
Will the concierge provide a strawberry leaf for your ailing turtle if you need it, à la Eloise? At the Plaza, they probably won’t say no—and they are pet-friendly.
Beverly Hills Hotel, Los Angeles
Built in the early 1900s, this hotel helped transform Beverly Hills into one of the most legendary neighborhoods in Los Angeles—and a playground for the stars. “The reputation of the hotel really took off in the 1950s when it became known for its glamorous patrons, mostly within the television and film industries,” explains Federenko of Fora Travel. “Specifically, the Polo Lounge within the hotel became the stomping/drinking grounds for the likes of Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack.”
The iconic hotel is famous for its 23 bungalows favored by celebrities like Marilyn Monroe, but design lovers will be especially enthralled to see its famed banana leaf–printed Martinique wallpaper IRL, which has been a fixture of the hotel since the 1940s.
The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel, New York
New York City is no slouch when it comes to luxury hospitality offerings, but the Carlyle is an especially iconic Big Apple hotel. Named for a British essayist, the Carlyle has been called “the New York home” of presidents from JFK to Ronald Reagan to Harry Truman. The hotel boasts 35 stories and 192 rooms on Manhattan’s tony Upper East Side, just a block from Central Park.
“The Carlyle is one of those rare places that transcends trends and instead remains abuzz because it is so inimitably itself. It’s no exaggeration to say that when you stay here, you feel like family: The staff is so welcoming and predicts what you might need before you even know it yourself,” says travel journalist Juliet Izon.
“And, of course, there’s hardly a more iconic bar in all of NYC than Bemelmans: No visit to the property is complete without an evening cocktail while you admire the famed murals,” she adds.
Hotel Imperial, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Vienna, Austria
“The 138-room Hotel Imperial in Vienna stands out as lavish and opulent in a city known for its palaces,” says travel and food journalist Lev-Tov. “Think dripping chandeliers and silk-covered walls and impeccable service.”
This iconic property in an iconic European capital is currently celebrating 150 years. But perhaps the most memorable part of a stay at this five-star accommodation is its signature turndown amenity. Lev-Tov adds, “My favorite thing was the delectable (and historic) Imperial Torte left in my room each night.”
Badrutt’s Palace Hotel, St. Moritz, Switzerland
Badrutt’s Palace was one of the first purpose-built ski lodges in the world—and one of the first with electricity. The hotel was opened in 1896 by Caspar Badrutt and until 2016, was run by his descendants. Says Federenko: “It’s the place to see and be seen—everyone from Alfred Hitchcock, Charlie Chaplin, Rita Hayworth, and John Lennon have graced the halls (perhaps not so much the ski slopes).... Plus, its New Year’s Eve party is one of the most raucous and luxe in the world. Millions are spent every year to make sure it’s the best party anywhere.”
The hotel has 155 rooms, either with sweeping lake vistas or quaint village views.
Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, Cap d’Antibes, France
You might know this hotel for Sophia Ritchie’s O.T.T. wedding this summer, but Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc—which opened in the late 19th-century—actually took off when another American couple defied early-20th-century convention and rented the hotel for a summer season.
“If you’re looking for a hotel with history as well as a celebrity track record, this one’s it,” says Fedorenko. “From F. Scott Fitzgerald, Ernest Hemingway, Marc Chagall, John F. Kennedy, Marlene Dietrich, Orson Welles, the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, Charles de Gaulle, Winston Churchill—almost everyone who is anyone has had a holiday here.”
Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc is owned by the Oetker family and has 118 bespoke rooms and suites. Did we mention the new Dior spa?
Breakers Palm Beach, Palm Beach
Henry Morrison Flagler, who founded this iconic hotel in 1878, was one of the transformational forces that helped South Florida to become the tourism behemoth it is today. Originally the Palm Beach Inn, the Breakers hotel has become a worldwide-recognized icon of luxury in South Florida. (Fun fact: The moniker “the Breakers” comes from the original building having “rooms down by the breakers” or where the sea would foam on the breakwater.)
But onto its glow-up: In the early 1900s, the hotel was rebuilt with 425 rooms and suites. “The guest register became a who’s who of early 20th-century American industry—everyone from the Astors, Vanderbilts, Rockefellers, Andrew Carnegie, and J.P. Morgan came to stay—as well as numerous U.S. presidents and European nobility,” shares Federenko.
Today, it remains one of the most iconic independently owned hotels. “Around $30 million is spent annually to keep the property in spiffy condition,” adds Federenko. “This property is truly one of a kind, where service is key, and a feeling of true luxury pervades.”
Hôtel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel, Paris
“No hotels in Paris are more iconic than the so-called palace hotels, and in my opinion, the grande dame of these grande dames is Hôtel de Crillon,” explains travel journalist Juliet Izon. “I was fortunate enough to stay at this 18th-century landmark for my wedding anniversary this summer, and even with my admittedly high expectations I was still floored by everything. From its prime location on the Place de la Concorde to the high-touch level of service and the drop-dead gorgeous pastries from brand-new Butterfly Pâtisserie, everything here screams elegance. And, even if you’re not spending the night, it’s worth dipping in for a drink at Bar Les Ambassadeurs just to ogle the ceiling frescoes.”
This five-star property has 78 rooms, 36 suites, and 10 signature suites, including two designed by the late, great Karl Lagerfeld.
The Broadmoor, Colorado Springs, Colorado
With guests as wide ranging as Kevin Bacon and John D. Rockefeller, the five-star Broadmoor has long been ushering the elite into its welcoming fold. This Pikes Peak area gem opened in 1918 and has been a famous hotel ever since. Part of the Historic Hotels of America portfolio, the Broadmoor boasts 5,000 acres featuring a whopping 784 guest rooms (including an entire manor house available for rent). It’s also home to the Primrose Room, along with multiple other on-site restaurants and amenities. Be sure to plan your visit to coincide with the famous Sunday brunch, which requires an estimated 1,000 hours of employee prep each week. (Pro tip: The Easter brunch is an especially lavish occasion.)
For those who want a more adventurous stay, consider the Broadmoor’s wilderness extensions, like Cloud Camp high in the Rockies, Fly Fishing Camp, and an all-inclusive western getaway at the Ranch at Emerald Valley. The Broadmoor also operates the highest cog railroad on earth, which dates back to 1890 and has been recently revamped.
Grand Hotel, Mackinac Island, Michigan
Michigan’s Grand Hotel has more than a century of luxury hospitality under its belt. Set on posh Mackinac Island in the aquamarine Lake Huron, this hotel is reachable only via small plane or ferry. Since its 1887 debut, it has hosted everyone from six U.S. presidents to Mark Twain and Madonna. With no cars allowed on Mackinac, guests can explore via bike, on foot, or by transport from a bygone era—horse and carriage.
If golf is your thing, travelers should consider a day at the Grand’s 18-hole course, the Jewel—the only course in the world that includes a horse-drawn-carriage ride between the front nine and the back nine. The Grand Hotel’s iconic front porch, said to be the longest on the globe, is the perfect spot for a refreshing, post-golf cocktail-cum-happy hour. Follow with a multicourse dinner in the dining room, complete with formal dress code. (There are 12 other restaurants and bars for those who’d prefer not to get fancy.) Don’t miss the recently refurbished pool, which got a massive $10 million overhaul overseen by Vern Yip of Trading Spaces fame.
Amangiri, Canyon Point, Utah
It’s no surprise that the industry-defining opulence of Utah’s Amangiri has earned a spot on our iconic hotels list. Juliet Izon, a New York–based luxury travel and design journalist, explains why: “There may be no property that sends other travel writers into paroxysms of joy more than this secluded resort in the Utah desert. Is it the minimalist-chic rooms? The heart-stopping (but super fun) via ferratas? Or maybe, simply, the pancakes? It’s the alchemy of it all.”
Considered one of the most expensive hotels in the world, Amangiri has managed to earn an almost cultlike status among in-the-know travelers. “While the rooms here certainly don’t come cheap, you’d be hard-pressed to find another hotel that comes close to the beauty, discretion, and luxury than Amangiri. I’m still dreaming about how beautifully they folded my laundry and cleaned our rental car of 10 days of accumulated hiking dirt and debris,” Izon says.
Amangiri is also noteworthy for the untouched southern Utah wilderness that surrounds it. Thirty-four rooms, all suites, help keep the luxe boutique feel even with the grand scale of Mother Nature.
La Mamounia, Marrakech
Widely considered one of the best hotels in the world, this five-star resort in Marrakech is the ultimate luxury experience. Synan, of Fora Travel, explains: “This 55-room hotel was a former sultan’s palace, so the grounds, especially the pool and gardens, are truly fit for a king. La Mamounia is inspired by a blend of North African and Art Deco design, and unique, truly ornate details are around every corner.”
Be sure to allow time to unplug, and don’t miss the traditional hammam spa for a wellness experience with a stunning backdrop. Guests are in good company too, as this iconic property has hosted famous visitors throughout the ages, from Winston Churchill to Paul McCartney to the Kardashians.
Grand Hotel Kronenhof, Pontresina, Switzerland
The Grand Hotel Kronenhof is considered another grand dame property, having welcomed Europe’s elite for centuries. It is an architecturally significant gem that stands out even within the unmatched beauty of its alpine backdrop.
Brandon Berkson, from Hotels Above Par, notes: “This resplendent 112-room, neo-Baroque outpost is in the small town of Pontresina, which is an arm’s length away from the oh-so-posh St. Moritz. The hotel was recently renovated by legendary French interior designer Pierre-Yves Rochon (he also designed the Four Seasons George V and Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills).”
According to Berkson, other top-line amenities include a jaw-dropping mountain-front spa, complete with a flotation pool with underwater music, saunas, and steam rooms, plus tantalizing treatments such as facials using Swiss skin-care brand Valmont. A number of highly regarded on-site restaurants up the culinary ante, too.
Villa d’Este, Lake Como, Italy
“Favored by European aristocracy since the 1800s, Villa d’Este hotel still has an air of calm and unmatched chicness,” shares Fora Travel pro Federenko.
And it’s hard to think of a more beautiful spot in Europe than the famed mountain and lake views of the Y-shaped Lake Como. Set in Cernobbio, Villa d’Este’s 152 elegantly appointed rooms are ready to welcome guests. But what people really love about this iconic hotel, and what keeps them coming back year after year, are two key factors: 25 acres of stunningly manicured gardens (some of Italy’s most well known, in fact) and the other main visual highlight, a floating pool in the middle of the lake. La vita è bella, indeed.
Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid
With stunning Belle Epoque–style architecture, this luxury Spanish hotel is so iconic that the facade is listed as a national monument. “The appeal of the Ritz is its classic style.… It is what you think of when imagining the grand European hotels of the past,” says Fora Travel’s Synan. Not only is the building stunning, it has an ideal location in the city, with close distance to several of Madrid’s fantastic museums and a short walk to El Retiro Park.
“Come hungry, [as] some of my favorite parts of a stay are the dining options, from afternoon tea in the sunny yet sophisticated Palm Court [shown here], to reservations at Deessa, the two-Michelin-starred restaurant,” Synan adds. “When I’m in town, I always grab an after-dinner drink at Pictura. It has one of my favorite design elements, being a row of portraitures peering at you from the back of the bar.”
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