There are just so many excellent hotel properties all over the world, and there are so many yet to come. I am only going to list down the properties that I have had a chance to experience first hand. I also have so many more hotel properties on my bucket list that I would love to visit in the near future.
01. SURYAGARH, JAISALMER
This is an absolutely stunning hotel property situated in the middle of the Thar Desert in Rajasthan. The food and hospitality is going to be the key highlight for me from this place. The doodh jalebis, the halwai breakfast and waking up to the sounds of peacocks and flutes are to die for. It holds a very special place in my heart, since I got married here in 2019 and there are so many great memories I hold dear to me. If you visit Rajasthan, visiting Suryagarh is a must!
02. UDAIVILAS, UDAIPUR
The photos say it all, but adding to that is the absolutely mesmerizing hospitality they offer. Right from being greeted in the most royal way with rose petal showers and welcome drinks, this place should be on your bucket list. Though this hotel is on the pricey end, visiting it in off- season is an option. Some rooms have an attached private pool where you can wake up, order some breakfast after a morning swim. The spaces within Udaivilas have massive sheesh domes, and you can sing to melodious musical nights!
03. UMAID BHAVAN PALACE, JODHPUR
Being the sixth biggest private, royal residence in the world, Umaid Bhavan Palace is a completely royal experience from start to finish. The entrance is usually done with rose petals showered on your feet, with an entrance with a royal umbrella. The central dome is circled with 10 dancers who dance for about 5 minutes to give you a warm welcome. This property has my heart when it comes to great ambience and do not miss their Berry Patch Mocktail, Aglio e olio and home made Rasmalai .
04. FOUR SEASONS HOTEL, BORA BORA
The Four Seasons is definitely going to be the best hotel I have ever stayed in. Located in French Polynesia, in the middle of light blue lagoon waters and coral reefs that your eyes can’t stop looking at. This place is dreamy with it’s restaurants on white sand beaches and enjoying a nice cocktail in sunset hour. The best part is it’s direct views to the stunning peak of Mt. Otemanu which looks beautiful every single day. The snorkelling experiences here and one’s that will stay in my heart forever. This is where I spent my honeymoon, and it is so dear to me.
05. MANDARIN ORIENTAL, BANGKOK
A marvelous property in so many ways, this hotel is located in the heart of Bangkok and has a lot of heritage value associated with it. The hospitality, and staff here is as good as family because of the way they treat you. If you happen to visit, do not miss the Bamboo Bar in the hotel where they have AMAZING live jazz music you can attend to with a glass of your favorite drink. I would love to go back to Mandarin Oriental, I remember being so impressed with their hospitality
06. RAILAY bay resort & spa, THAILAND
Thailand is a perfect place to go to if you want a vacation which involves a few tourist activities and also a place to relax. Railay Bay Resort is on an island slightly off the coast and has a few hotels on it, however this offers the best. The cottages here have outdoor plunge pools which are so relaxing after a swim in the beach. The beach has the perfect crystal blue water that you can swim in. The rooms are spacious, and is designed in a very local style of architecture with a lot of warmth and comfort. If you are looking for a place to relax in Thailand this is it.
07. TAJ LAKE PALACE, UDAIPUR
The Taj Lake Palace is a place with history and heritage making it an experience that is one of a kind. Located on the midst of Pichola lake, sunsets from here with the white walls, and pink bougainvilleas is a treat to the eyes. The courtyards inside the palace are filled with flowers, and fountains with the tunes of the flute each morning. The food here is great as well, do not miss the Mezze Platter, White Chocolate Sampler and the Sheera, which are all delicious!
08. LOBENGULA, SHAMWARI GAME RESERVE, SOUTH AFRICA
Shamwari Game Reserve as the name suggests is a reserve in South Africa which has a few safari cottages and they accomodate game drives every single day. Lobengula Lodge is luxury in the middle of the wild, having 360 degree views of the reserve. I absolutely loved the food here, so homely and delicious. The staff were super friendly and the game drive rangers were very experienced and knew exactly the right places to take us to. I have been on other game drives, but this one is class apart. The best part about this was being able to be so close to the animals, without having 100’s of jeeps all around you.
09. TAJ MAHAL PALACE, MUMBAI
This is another one on the top list of hotels, with lip smacking food, great architecture and views. Looking right across the Gateway of India and the water of the Arabian sea, this place is an absolute delight. Don’t miss the Golden Dragon restaurant food on a nice evening, as well as the Sea Lounge offering some delicious Chaat. The menu is so carefully curated at Taj Mahal Palace and each space has a story to tell.
10. MELIA SERENGETI LODGE, TANZANIA
This hotel has ultimate views of the vast serengeti plateau and is located slightly above the rest of Serengeti. The sunrise here is spectacular, and every room has a balcony that overlooks the whole grassland. The best part of Melia Serengeti is the infinity pool and sitting down here to just enjoy this view. There are relatively less people that come away from the center of Serengeti to stay here, so if you want the feeling of being isolated, here is the place to be.
11. W HOTEL, LONDON
This place is another one which is dear to my heart, and I have been here a few times. The best part about this hotel is the location, in the heart if Leceister Square making it so easy for you to move around London. London is one of my favorite cities in the world, and being in W hotel, with an M&M store right beneath it gets no better. On your next visit to London, try out W hotel.
12. FATEHPRAKASH PALACE, UDAIPUR
Udaipur surely seems to have my heart when it comes to hospitality, this one is another such amazing property to stay in. It is a part of the very old city palace in Udaipur and the interiors of this space are striking facing the Pichola lake. One of the elements I love the most about Fatehprakash Palace is the pool, being recently renovated facing the Pichola lake and almost giving you an infinity lake feeling.
13. ZANZIBAR SERENA HOTEL, ZANZIBAR
This beautiful property faces the Arabian sea and has stunning views that are dreamy to wake up to. Located near stone town, this hotel is situated in a great location for you to take nice long walks. The beach in front of the hotel is great to take a nice long walks, but not as ideal for swimming. Serena Hotel has a lot of heritage value as well and has amazing spaces to relax under palm trees.
14. LEELA PALACE, UDAIPUR
Another one in Udaipur, is the Leela Palace, this is an absolutely beautiful property facing the Pichola lake in Udaipur. It is one of the properties I visited when we were looking for a place to get married. From the moment I saw it, I fell in love with the spaces. The courtyards are absolutely breath taking with every wall embellished with so many antiques. The welcome is usually done with some musicians sitting by the side of the entrance.
15. SERENA SAFARI LODGE, NGORONGORO
If you ever dreamed of doing the ultimate safari in your life and wanted to stay at a really great hotel overlooking the crater, this has got to be it. The Serena hotel has been around for many years, since I was a little child. The interiors of this place are so rustic, one of a kind with local motifs and decorated with handicrafts. The highlight for me is the location, since you wake up or sleep to the sounds of wildlife and get a chance to explore the unique.
16. SHERATON, MALDIVES
This is not on the list for being the most beautiful, but is here for being the most practical. When you visit the Maldives, the islands are scattered all over and when you land in Male Airport, you have to either access your resort through speedboat or by seaplane. The cost for the seaplane transfer is approximately 600$ per person and that can get pricey if you travel in a family of 4. So if you are looking for a speedboat transfer that can get you to a great hotel, try out the Sheraton in Maldives.
17. FOX RESORTS, SRI LANKA
When we visited the fox resorts in Kandy, Sri Lanka the property just opened up and we were the first few guests to stay there. The location is definitely impressive and we really loved the morning views overlooking the green tea estates. The best part of the hotel is also it’s restaurant which overlooks Kandy since the property is on top of a hill. Helga’s Folly was another hotel property we visited and those looking for a more spooky, unique experience should try that out.
18. BEST WESTERN HOTEL RED LION, SALISBURY
This hotel is the oldest in Salisbury and being a flower lover, this place is beautiful. The location is great because most restaurants are walking distance. We tried some Italian food when we were there last and it was delicious. The hotel interiors have a deep rooted history with lot’s of antiques and objects placed around for you to see. The Red Lion Salisbury is definitely a must do when you are around this area.
18. TARANGIRE SAFARI LODGE
If you are looking for a unique experience, Tarangire Safari Lodge is an experience one of a kind. This is a tented camp in the Tarangire National Park and staying here was a remote, and amazing time. The tents are well equipped with the basics, such as a shower, dressing area, and a comfortable bed, but you need to carry sufficient battery backup since it doesn’t have any electric plugs. The sunsets at Tarangire safari lodge is the best part and listening to the animals walk around the tent is spectacular.
Those were a quick top 19 hotels that I love and recommend, let me know if you want me to write a blog on Top Hotels on my Bucket List!
Lots of Love,
Road Dress Travelled x