tl;dr – There were some good ones to pick from but I’ve narrowed the list!
I’m grateful for the many wonderful travel experiences I’ve been able to enjoy this year. As the year closes out, I wanted to quickly rundown my top 15 hotel stays. I’ll be releasing the full reviews of each of these properties as part of YATFEST in a few weeks. So stay tuned for that. You can check out my Top 5 flights from 2025 here. Ok, let’s do it!
15. Anantara The Marker Dublin
I was impressed by the hotels complimentary breakfast for elites as well as its wet area. A solid option if you find yourself in Dublin.
14. Los Suenos Marriott Ocean & Golf Club
A bit under the radar and overshadowed by showier properties in Costa Rica, I was impressed by the service here. Pupbeard, approved.
13. Hotel La Compañía Casco Antiguo – The Unbound Collection by Hyatt
I was intrigued by this property in Panama City’s old town. It’s a bit of a cluster but the rooms are nice, and if you like variety, you’ll have several restaurants to choose from.
12. Portom International Hokkaido – New Chitose Airport
This might be the best airport hotel in the world, no lie. Solid rooms, it’s literally attached to the airport and it has an onsen? Come on, bruh.
11. W Taipei
This was a quick stay but a solid one. Centrally located, with solid amenities – a spacious gym, nice outdoor pool, and strong spa facilities – I was impressed with this W property. I didn’t get the biggest room but it had a great view of the Taipei 101.
10. The Santa Maria, A Luxury Collection Hotel & Golf Resort Panama City
Located very close to PTY airport, this is a wonderful choice for any stopovers in Panama City. Just a solid overall property.
9. Schloss Lieser, Autograph Collection
I like wine. I drink wine. At this restored castle you can wake up on the Mosel River and relax in the luxurious spa facilities before you spend the day tasting all the riesling you can drink.
8. Hotel Imperial, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Vienna
It’s a legend, and it is nice.
7. Sol Bungalows – Bocas Del Toro
Overwater bungalows in…Panama? Yes.
6. Hotel La Compañía del Valle – The Unbound Collection by Hyatt
This is where Disney got the inspiration for Encanto. No, I made that up but this off the beaten path property is a gem in the Hyatt portfolio and will be for years to come. The spa is the draw here (it sadly had not opened yet when I visited) and I view this property much more favorably than its urban sibling (#13 on this list).
5. Park Hyatt Vienna
I was sold when I realized the pool is one of those where you can perfectly hear the music underwater.
4. Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo
Beats the pants off its down-the-street-rival, the Hyatt property at #13 on this list. This is where you stay in Panama City’s old town.
3. Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono
I visited a ski destination in summer and it felt like I owned the place. Cosign.
2. Park Hyatt Istanbul Macka Palas
Hamman suite allowing you to Turkish bathe yourself and then hop in your private steam room too. Top end service. Istanbul is one of the ‘world’s cities’ with tons of luxury brand hotels, many of which are right on the Bosphorous. That said, the PH Istanbul definitely holds its own.
1. Burghotel und Restaurant “Auf Schönburg”
An old time German castle on a hill? Check. A full on sauna in your bathroom check. Sweeping views of the sloping riesling vineyards along the Rhine River? Check.
Honorable Mentions:
S/O Vienna, Hotel Kabuki, Kissel Uptown Oakland, Costa Rica Marriott Hotel Hacienda Belen.
I want to extend a special ‘Thank You’ to all of my readers this year. Happy New Year and much more to come in 2026!
