Esquire has announced its 2026 Hotel Hall of Fame, a curated list celebrating 21 of the world's most distinguished and appealing luxury hotels. The selection spans continents, highlighting properties from the United States, Europe, and Mexico, with a notable inclusion of one hotel from the United Kingdom.
Among the honorees is Hotel Bel-Air in Los Angeles, described as a discreet oasis nestled in the hills above Beverly Hills. With a history nearing eight decades, it has hosted celebrities like Marilyn Monroe and Grace Kelly. Paris is represented by Hôtel de Crillon, a historic landmark overlooking the Place de la Concorde, which began as a royal palace and is known for its modern take on French gastronomy.
Miami Beach's The Setai is recognized for its Asian Art Deco-inspired design and direct access to the beach, complemented by three infinity pools and a spa. In Palm Beach, The Colony hotel is noted for its distinctive pink aesthetic and unique guest rooms, having welcomed guests such as John Lennon and Sophia Loren since its 1947 debut.
Savannah's Perry Lane Hotel earned a spot for its blend of modern luxury and historic character in the heart of the city's Historic District. Rome's Hotel Eden, a historic mansion transformed into a hotel in 1889, offers 98 suites with panoramic city views and an urban spa. Monaco's Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo, established in 1864, is highlighted as a glamorous property that was a favorite of Princess Grace.
New York City's The Mark hotel features 106 guest rooms and 47 suites, including the largest hotel penthouse suite in North America. San Francisco's Intercontinental Mark Hopkins Hotel, a historic landmark celebrating its 100th anniversary, is lauded for its opulent design and prime location. In Switzerland, Badrutt's Palace Hotel in St. Moritz is an icon of Alpine luxury, boasting 159 rooms, multiple dining options, and extensive recreational facilities.
South Carolina's Hotel Bennett in Charleston combines European architectural inspiration with Southern furnishings, situated near historic Marion Square. Philadelphia's Four Seasons is recognized for its dining, interiors, service, and spa facilities, with plans to introduce a sports lounge called The Match Room.
Mexico's Rosewood Mayakoba offers a luxurious experience with its lagoon-side suites, golf course, and spa, featuring a sacred Mayan water well. Paris's Le Meurice, overlooking the Tuileries Garden, is noted for its opulent interiors and exceptional hospitality, providing a tranquil urban retreat. The UK's inclusion comes from Hotel Café Royal in London, situated in a prime Mayfair location and known for its sophisticated interiors and traditional afternoon teas.
Italy's Lake Como region is represented by two properties: the Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni, celebrated for its dreamlike atmosphere and palatial estate feel, and Grand Hotel Tremezzo, offering exquisite gardens, views, and a luxurious guest experience since 1910.
Other US-based hotels on the list include The Peninsula Beverly Hills, a Renaissance-style retreat with updated rooftop amenities, and Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club in Surfside, Florida, which blends historic charm with contemporary design. Mexico also features Las Ventanas al Paraiso, a sanctuary where the desert meets the sea, designed with local artistry.
Rounding out the list is Ballyfin Demesne in County Laois, Ireland, a five-star property at the foot of the Slieve Bloom Mountains, noted for its majestic interiors featuring 17th-century Flemish tapestries and chandeliers.