#hotels

#hotels

From boutique hotels to glamping getaways, we want to hear your opinions. Typically, we're the ones giving readers travel recommendations. But this year, we're asking you to share your opinions too. Do you have a hotel you love? A resort you keep going back to? We're asking you to nominate your favorite places to stay within a four-hour drive of Washington, DC, from country inns to destination spas. Your picks could end up in our May issue.

What sets this isolated rock apart from the competition? It's a question of substance and that ghastly overused word, "authenticity." Capri will always be the pretty one - the view from the Via Krupp and the Faraglioni as seen from La Fontalina are starlet gold - and the island of Procida took recent fame as Europe's 2022 culture capital. Still,

We've all watched a film or series and wanted to step straight into it. So, it's hardly surprising that set jetting'is shaping up to be a top travel trend again for 2026. We've already seen it in recent years with the White Lotus effect-the Four Seasons Maui reported a 425% year-on-year rise in website visits after the first season aired. Set jetting seems to be a particularly big hit with Gen Z and millennial travelers-81% now plan their getaways based on what they've seen

For someone whose job is seeking out the new and notable in travel, 2025 was a year when the old guard came out on top. Why? Hotel prices remained sky-high, leading us to look for places delivering maximum value. Established hotels often have deeper ties to their destinations, making them more solid conduits for local experiences so long as they aren't resting on their laurels. They've also had time to figure out how guests move through their space, what they want from their experience and how best to deliver.

It's no secret by now that Iceland is one of the world's greatest destinations. First-time visitors drive jaws agape around the ring road, marvelling at the primal landscapes being moulded in front of their eyes, ancient to us but younger than most other countries on Earth. Repeat visitors delve into the hidden corners of the country, immersing themselves in the small towns that cling to precarious coastlines, undertaking epic multi-day treks, and discovering that every fjord, valley, and mountain heath holds something wonderous.

Most famous as the hometown of Shakespeare's tragic couple Romeo and Juliet, Verona isn't typically one of the first cities in Italy that tourists visit, but it's definitely worth a trip. Located in the northern Italian region of Veneto, Verona is less than 90 minutes from Venice or Milan via high-speed train. It's also within striking distance of Lake Garda, making it a great stop on a trip through northern Italy.

Kyoto's hotel scene has moved far beyond the traditional ryokan-versus-business-hotel divide. A wave of boutique openings and international entries has expanded the spectrum in recent years, making it easier than ever for travelers to find stays that balance convenience, style, and affordability. If you're on the hunt for something that won't break the bank, there are plenty of options that range from no-frills hideaways to borderline luxury retreats that deliver remarkable value, all for rates starting at under $300 a night.

With a nickname like the Queen City, it's no surprise that Charlotte (named for Queen Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz) is a powerhouse among the Southeast's cities, on par with Atlanta. It's the most populous city in North Carolina, and its location at the state line draws day trippers and weekenders from South Carolina, too. A prosperous banking and finance industry drove the city's modern evolution into this shiny cosmopolitan center, and you'll find many of the world's leading hotel brands here.

The city offers endless options, and while that's part of the magic, it can also make choosing your home base a little tricky. Each neighborhood offers something different-some are better for sightseeing, others for nightlife, and some are just perfect for soaking up that authentic NYC feel. The good news? There's no wrong choice, as long as it suits your travel style.

Choosing where to stay in Chiang Mai can feel overwhelming, especially with so many neighborhoods offering their unique charm. While the Old City is the historic heart, there's much more to explore-think bustling markets, café-lined streets, tranquil riverside escapes, and leafy residential areas with a more local vibe. Each neighborhood has its own personality, from energetic and vibrant to peaceful and secluded, and the one you pick can really shape your trip.

Throughout Sri Lanka's tropical landscapes, myths and legends capture the essence of the island with ancient cities, diverse wildlife, and idyllic beaches, making it a traveler's paradise.

Longfellow Hotel is situated in the heart of the West End, offering wellness amenities like an on-site spa and proximity to Tandem Coffee + Bakery.

Menorca, an UNESCO biosphere reserve since 1993, offers a unique farm-to-table experience that attracts those who appreciate authentic local Spanish cuisine.

Bermuda's hotel scene is as varied as the island itself, featuring sprawling resorts, golf courses, cozy hideouts, and historic estates, blending luxury and comfort.

Texas boasts diverse hotel options across its cities, showcasing unique characteristics that cater to various travelers, from upscale stays in Houston to boutique hotels in Austin.

Boston, a city rich in history, offers stunning waterfront views, a vibrant dining scene, and a lineup of top hotels recognized for personalized luxury and service.

Houston's hotel scene is experiencing a boost with new openings like Hotel Saint Augustine in Montrose and Thompson Houston, catering to diverse travelers from families to groups.

Osaka radiates an energy that's distinctly its own-part bustling metropolis, part creative hub, part cultural crossroads. Beyond its legendary culinary reputation, the city has evolved into a destination for world-class cocktails, cutting-edge design, and thriving arts.

Naples offers a vibrant experience with ancient streets filled with life, rich culinary traditions, and a variety of accommodations to suit every traveler.

Fouquet's New York beautifully marries French elegance with the understated chic of Tribeca, offering guests a taste of Parisian luxury in Manhattan.

Saint Tropez, once a fishing village, transformed from bohemian roots into a glamorous hub of hedonism where both luxury and authentic experiences coexist.

Lisbon's hotel scene is flourishing, with affordable options under $350 a night becoming prominent alongside boutique hotels and global brands, enhancing its status as a mini-break destination.

Antalya has quietly become one of the Mediterranean's most exciting hotel destinations, lifting it away from its past of mega-resorts and buffets to a refined experience.