02.12.26

Looking for a hotel that’s (much) more than a place to rest your head? U.S. News & World Report released its 16th annual best hotels ranking, evaluating over 31,000 accommodations in more than 400 destinations around the world — from all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean to five-star stays in Canada.

For the second year running, Four Seasons Resort Hualalai on Hawaii’s Big Island claimed the No. 1 spot in the U.S. category. Situated right on the water, the luxury resort features an 18-hole golf course, 15,000 square feet of fitness facilities, and eight swimming spots — including a saltwater pond that hosts friendly manta rays and an oceanfront infinity pool. 

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In another win for the hotel brand, No. 2 in the country is just a hop, skip, and couple of islands over: the similarly luxurious Four Seasons Resort Lanai, described by guests with terms like “paradise” and “heaven on Earth.” Back on the mainland, The Langham Chicago took third.

The swanky spot, which sits on the banks of the Chicago River, occupies the first 13 stories of a 52-floor skyscraper and boasts a 67-foot-long indoor pool. On the Canada ranking, the Four Seasons Hotel Toronto maintained its top position, with modern amenities, a spa, and cafe offering authentic French cuisine.

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Cabo San Lucas’ Esperanza, Auberge Collection came out on top in Mexico, where guests can enjoy a sculpture garden, coastal views, yoga classes — and an all around “extravagant” experience, per its U.S. News listing. 

Across the pond, Ireland’s Adare Manor held onto the lead spot in Europe. The 19th-century chateau-esqe hotel sits on a 840-acre estate just outside Limerick featuring “sweeping parklands, cultivated gardens, formal French gardens, [and] magnificent mature trees,” touts the property’s website. 

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To determine the best of the best, the report factored in the hotels’ star ratings, verified guest reviews, and the opinions of published travel experts. 

“Recognition in this year’s rankings sets hotels and resorts apart as the industry’s best, and each list provides a central starting point for travelers seeking the best options for them,” Zach Watson, senior data editor for travel at U.S. News, said in a statement. 

See the full rankings here.

Best Hotels in the U.S.

  1. Four Seasons Resort Hualalai (Big Island, Hawaii) 
  2. Four Seasons Resort Lanai (Lanai City, Hawaii)
  3. The Langham Chicago
  4. Mandarin Oriental, New York
  5. Mandarin Oriental, Boston

Best Hotels in Canada 

  1. Four Seasons Hotel Toronto
  2. Fairmont Pacific Rim (Vancouver) 
  3. Four Seasons Resort Whistler
  4. The Hazelton Hotel (Toronto)
  5. Four Seasons Hotel Montreal

Best Hotels in Europe

  1. Adare Manor (Ireland) 
  2. Four Seasons Hotel Firenze (Florence, Italy) 
  3. Le Bristol Paris
  4. The Connaught (London)
  5. Claridge’s (London) 

Best Hotels in Mexico

  1. Esperanza, Auberge Collection (Cabo San Lucas)
  2. Casa de Sierra Nevada (San Miguel de Allende)
  3. Chileno Bay Resort & Residences, Auberge Collection (Cabo San Lucas) 
  4. Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal (Cabo San Lucas)
  5. Las Ventanas al Paraíso, A Rosewood Resort (San José del Cabo) 

Best Hotels in the Caribbean

  1. Jade Mountain (St. Lucia) 
  2. Cap Juluca, A Belmond Hotel, Anguilla
  3. Cheval Blanc St-Barth
  4. Calabash Hotel (Grenada)
  5. Baoase Luxury Resort (Curaçao)

Best Hotels in Bermuda

  1. Hamilton Princess & Beach Club – A Fairmont Managed Hotel
  2. Rosewood Bermuda
  3. The St. Regis Bermuda Resort
  4. The Loren at Pink Beach
  5. Azura Bermuda

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