08/09/2021
1. The Plaza, New York
Opened in 1907 and designated an official landmark in 1969, The Plaza is arguably the most famous hotel in New York.
Located on Fifth Avenue and Central Park South, the 20-story building is the setting of the 1950s "Eloise" children's book series and the backdrop for classic films such as "Funny Girl," "The Great Gatsby" and "Home Alone 2: Lost in New York."
2. Hotel Ritz Paris
Famously the headquarters of Coco Chanel, Ernest Hemingway and Ingrid Bergman, the legendary Hotel Ritz Paris has set the standard for luxury hotels since its 1898 opening.
Located by the Tuileries gardens and overlooking Place Vendome, it was declared "the most romantic hotel in the world" by Sophia Loren.
3. Claridge's, London
Opened in 1898, this Mayfair institution has been the London residence of Cary Grant, Audrey Hepburn and Yul Brynner. (Spencer Tracy once famously declared that, upon passing, he'd rather go to Claridge's than heaven.)
The art deco beauty is also the most storied hotel in England: During World War II, it was the haven for countless dignitaries and heads of state. In fact, Suite 212 was declared Yugoslavian territory in June 1945 so that Crown Prince Alexander II could be born on his own country's soil.
4. Raffles, Singapore
Named after Stamford Raffles, the founder of Singapore, this opulent, colonial-style hotel had surprisingly humble beginnings: It was originally built as a small 10-room bungalow.
It's now arguably the most famous hotel in Asia and, more than 125 years after opening, was declared a national monument.
5. Taj Mahal Palace, India
Built in 1903, the Taj Mahal Palace is Mumbai's first harbor landmark, the site of the first licensed bar in the city (the Harbour Bar, which still stands) and the first hotel in India to have steam elevators.
The Taj is renowned across the world for its vast elegance, impeccable service and sheer magnitude: It has 560 rooms, 44 suites and 1,500 staff, including 35 butlers.
Have you ever been to one of those? 😉