Travelers’ Choice Awards 2018: The Best Hotels for Every Traveler

For AFAR’s second annual Travelers’ Choice hotel awards, our readers cast close to 60,000 votes to recognize their favorite hotels, from a romantic retreat on Italy’s Amalfi Coast to a cliffside lodge in northern New Zealand.

Travelers’ Choice Awards 2018: The Best Hotels for Every Traveler

Announcing the winners of the 2018 Travelers’ Choice Awards: Hotels

Some of the best views of Tokyo can be found here.

Some of the best views of Tokyo can be found here.

Courtesy of Mandarin Oriental

BEST URBAN OASIS: MANDARIN ORIENTAL, TOKYO Given this hotel’s extensive spa treatments and 11 top-notch dining options, and roomy quarters, you might not want to leave this nirvana 30 floors above Tokyo’s Nihonbashi district. But if you do, the Mandarin Oriental connects directly to the city’s vast subway system, making it easy to explore the sprawling metropolis.

Finalists:

Indulge in Six Senses (especially taste) at the Portuguese wine country resort.

Indulge in Six Senses (especially taste) at the Portuguese wine country resort.

Courtesy of Six Senses Douro Valley

BEST VINEYARD HOTEL: SIX SENSES DOURO VALLEY Wellness and wine pair well at the renovated 19th-century manor nestled in Portugal’s Douro Valley, the world’s oldest demarcated wine region.

Finalists:

Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora is your own tropical paradise.

Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora is your own tropical paradise.

Courtesy of Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora

BEST FOR AN EPIC STAY: FOUR SEASONS RESORT BORA BORA
Close your eyes and imagine the turquoise waters of a French Polynesian lagoon, home to schools of neon-hued fish. Beyond the thatched roof of your overwater bungalow, mist hangs low around Mount Otemanu on Bora Bora. Now open your eyes and book a stay at this resort, on the winner’s list again this year.

Finalists:

Marie Antoinette took piano lessons in the building that became Hôtel de Crillon; now, a suite (pictured) is named for her.

Marie Antoinette took piano lessons in the building that became Hôtel de Crillon; now, a suite (pictured) is named for her.

Courtesy of Hôtel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel

BEST NEW HOTEL: HÔTEL DE CRILLON, A ROSEWOOD HOTEL

The restored neoclassical palace is steps away from the most famous boulevards of Paris. Ornate but modern interiors and stellar service prove how its new interpretation of French hospitality fits the 21st century. Read more reasons to love this hotel: The Showstopping Hotels Redefining Modern Hospitality

Finalists:

Designer Patricia Urquiola's touch is evident throughout Il Sereno.

Designer Patricia Urquiola’s touch is evident throughout Il Sereno.

Courtesy of Il Sereno Lago di Como

BEST DESIGN HOTEL: IL SERENO LAGO DI COMO Designer Patricia Urquiola broke with Lake Como tradition when she brought her clean, modern style to its shores. In 30 spacious suites, guests will find a soothing neutral color palette and floor-to-ceiling windows with waterfront views.

Finalists:

Andaz Maui presents the best of Hawaii: great beaches, tasty bites, and a sociable atmosphere.

Andaz Maui presents the best of Hawaii: great beaches, tasty bites, and a sociable atmosphere.

Courtesy of Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort

BEST BEACH HOTEL: ANDAZ MAUI AT WAILEA RESORT The versatile Maui beach resort helps everyone feel at home. Sip a mai tai with live music at Lehua Lounge, take in the sunset from one of three cascading infinity pools, or swim with the sea life (GoPro and snorkeling gear included).

Finalists:

Luxury meets adventure at The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs.

Luxury meets adventure at The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs.

Courtesy of The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs

BEST FOR OUTDOOR ADVENTURE: THE LODGE AT KAURI CLIFFS Sweeping Pacific vistas? Check. Scenic hiking? Check. Renowned sport fishing? Surfing? World-class golfing? Check, check, check. You can do it all at the 22-suite lodge that sits on 6,000 acres near Matauri Bay on New Zealand’s North Island.

Finalists:

Celebs past and present have been staying at La Mamounia since its opening in 1925.

Celebs past and present have been staying at La Mamounia since its opening in 1925.

Courtesy of La Mamounia

BEST GRANDE DAME: LA MAMOUNIA Sensory pleasures abound in the Marrakech palace hotel: the sound of splashing water from a courtyard fountain, the sight of traditional zellige tile-work patterns and sculpted wood, the scent of orange blossoms and roses from the garden. For a truly over-the-top experience, book one of the three 7,500-square-foot riads.

Finalists:

Experience traditional Balinese healing techniques at Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve.

Experience traditional Balinese healing techniques at Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve.

Courtesy of Mandapa

BEST SPA & WELLNESS RETREAT: MANDAPA, A RITZ-CARLTON RESERVE Resident masters in the ancient art of Balinese healing help you relax your body and spirit at the two-time winning resort in Ubud. Book an appointment to balance your chakras (with a private aromatherapy or acupressure session), or experience an offsite blessing ritual conducted by a high priestess.

Finalists:

Business and leisure intertwine at Baccarat Hotel in Manhattan.

Business and leisure intertwine at Baccarat Hotel in Manhattan.

Courtesy of Baccarat Hotel & Residences New York

BEST BUSINESS HOTEL: BACCARAT HOTEL & RESIDENCES NEW YORK The famed French crystal company opened its flagship luxury hotel in Midtown Manhattan in 2015. Enjoy a craft cocktail at the bar or book a treatment at the first dedicated spa by skincare line La Mer.

Finalists:

Hotel Santa Caterina, with its Amalfi Coast views, is a perfect spot for a romantic getaway.

Hotel Santa Caterina, with its Amalfi Coast views, is a perfect spot for a romantic getaway.

Courtesy of Hotel Santa Caterina

BEST ROMANTIC RETREAT: HOTEL SANTA CATARINA The family-owned Italian hideaway perched on the picturesque Amalfi Coast is a favorite with honeymooners. Order an Aperol Spritz at the beach club or admire the pink bougainvillea and Mediterranean Sea from your private balcony.

Finalists:

Get ready for award-winning meals and beautiful accommodations at Le Bristol.

Get ready for award-winning meals and beautiful accommodations at Le Bristol.

Courtesy of Le Bristol Paris

BEST FOODIE STAY: LE BRISTOL PARIS With four Michelin stars and four distinct eateries all helmed by the legendary chef Eric Frechon, Le Bristol is worth a trip to Paris for the meals alone.

Finalists:

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