2025 Wrapped: Our Year’s Worth of Hotel Picks

By AHL Editorial Team on 12.30.25

This year was full of good discoveries in travel. We were once again surprised by the city streets of New York, Paris, and London and left a piece of our hearts at the beaches of Sicily and New Jersey (yes!), then back to San Diego and the Palm Springs desert. The best-in-class in Berlin, the wilds of the Estonian countryside and a classic Hong Kong stay also left a mark and us wanting to go back for more. Here are 14 of our 2025’s favorites you can bookmark for your upcoming adventures.

THE EMORY London, England

London’s first all-suite hotel, The Emory joins the Maybourne Group’s legendary portfolio (Claridge’s, The Connaught, and The Berkeley next door) as its most forward-thinking property yet. This is where cutting-edge architecture and design meets world-class wellness, exceptional dining from Jean-Georges Vongerichten, and service that makes you feel like the most important person in London.

The Emory
Rates $1300 and up
Old Barrack Yard, London, England
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Check out Daniel Schwartz’s review of The Emory on A Hotel Life

THE TWENTY TWO New York, NY

Moody and quietly extravagant with just the right amount of mischief, The Twenty Two claims the best location in New York City. Perched at Union Square where Downtown creativity meets Uptown polish, it puts you steps from great galleries, iconic bookstores, a sprawling farmers market, and the city’s best casual-fine dining. The hotel captures NY’s finest energy: local, lively, with an all star culinary program and nightlife.

The Twenty-Two
Rates from $540
East 16th Street, New York, NY
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Check out Tansy Kaschak’s review of The Twenty-Two on A Hotel Life

VILLA IGIEA Sicily, Italy 

A historic Sicilian grande dame just outside Palermo, perched above the sea on a terraced estate. Wander gardens dotted with classical statues, lounge by the pool with sweeping water views, and savor Sicilian flavors in fresco‑filled salons, all wrapped in polished, warm service.

Villa Igiea
Rates from $450
Salita Belmonte, Palermo, Italy

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Check out Ross Belfers’s review of Villa Igiea on A Hotel Life

THE JAMES BRADLEY Jersey Shore, New Jersey

Set within a reimagined historic home, The James Bradley strikes a balance between architectural heritage and a chic, minimalist aesthetic. The interiors are sleek but warm, defined by sculptural furniture, bold artworks, and a serene coastal palette. More than a boutique stay, it feels like a class in modern design — intimate, elegant, and unmistakably stylish – a great discovery on the Jersey Shore.

The James Bradley 
Rates from $230
3rd Avenue, Bradley Beach, New Jersey
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Check out Ernesto Roman’s review of The James Bradley on A Hotel Life

HÔTEL BALZAC Paris, France

Steps from the Arc de Triomphe, Hôtel Balzac is a discreet hideaway in the 8th Arrondissement, once the private residence of literary icon Honoré de Balzac. Revived by Vivre – Les Maisons Bertrand and reimagined by Festen Architecture, its interiors channel the quiet glamour of 1930s Paris with a softly lit lobby, intimate lounge, and elegant bar. 58 guestrooms and suites offer luxe accommodation, some with terraces and others with sweeping Eiffel Tower views. Downstairs, Spa Ikoï offers a Japanese-inspired sanctuary replete with treatment rooms, sauna, gym, and a private plunge pool.

Hôtel Balzac
Rates from $600
Rue Balzac, Paris, France
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Check out Andrew Wasserstein’s review of Hôtel Balzac for A Hotel Life

LAFAYETTE HOTEL San Diego, California

Since opening its doors in 1946, The Lafayette Hotel and Club has been a “landmark of San Diego,” luring Hollywood’s elite down the California coast. Housed in an iconic American Colonial Revival architectural style building, it is listed on the US National Register of Historic Places. The legendary locale underwent a $31M renovation, reopening in 2024 under the helm of local hospitality heavyweights, CH Projects. Inside, camp and maximalist Wes Anderson-esque interiors capture the glory days of cinematic glamour, with the premises featuring 141 guest rooms and suites, a 24/7 diner, lobby bar, centerpiece pool club, Lou Lou’s Jungle Room supper club & live music venue, an Oaxacan Mezcalaria, and a private bowling alley & billiards bar.

Lafayette Hotel 
Rates from $240
El Cajon Boulevard, San Diego, California
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Check out Andrew Wasserstein’s review of Lafayette Hotel on A Hotel Life

CHÂTEAU ROYAL Berlin, Germany

Set in the heart of Berlin’s Mitte, Château Royal is equal parts hotel, gallery and gathering place. Spread across two historic buildings reimagined with contemporary flair, it holds 93 rooms filled with bespoke design, site-specific artworks, and a mood that’s as sophisticated as it is approachable. With a restaurant rooted in Mediterranean flavors, a cocktail bar that doubles as a salon for the city’s creative set, and partnerships that tie it to Berlin’s art, fashion, and cultural calendar, this is where Berlin’s past and present meet in style.

Château Royal
Rates from $270
Neustädtische Kirchstraße, Berlin, Germany

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Check out Tansy Kaschak’s review of Château Royal for A Hotel Life

THE PARKER Palm Springs, California

Maximalist design playground where vintage Palm Springs kitsch meets seclusion and luxury. Complete with croquet lawns, bocce and lemon groves, world class dining and desert mountain views for miles, this is a California fever dream.

The Parker Palm Springs
Rates from $600
East Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, California

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Check out Janet Mercel’s review of The Parker for A Hotel Life

RANCHO VALENCIA San Diego, California

Sun-drenched Spanish Colonial hideaway sprawling across forty-five acres of citrus groves where fresh-squeezed Valencia orange juice arrives at your door each morning and world-champion tennis pros await on 18 immaculate courts. Southern California’s only Relais & Châteaux property trades ocean views for olive-grove seclusion.

Rancho Valencia
Rates from $1000
Valencia Circle, Rancho Sante Fe, California

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Check out Sarah Gold’s review of Rancho Valencia for A Hotel Life

1 HOTEL MAYFAIR London, England

Preserved moss walls in every room and reclaimed oak floors underfoot make this Mayfair sanctuary feel like a biophilic retreat in the heart of London. Steps from Green Park with filtered water taps replacing plastic bottles, deep stone baths, two-Michelin-starred dining at Dovetale, and rooms that prioritize calm over clutter.

1 Hotel Mayfair
Rates from $460
Berkley Street, London, UK

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Check out Tansy Kaschak’s review of 1 Hotel Mayfair for A Hotel Life

PILGUSE RESIDENCY Saaremaa Island, Estonia

Peaceful, off‑grid wellness retreat in a lovingly restored 19th‑century farmhouse on Saaremaa’s wild west coast. Set on a 90‑hectare estate, with sweeping nature views, seasonal local treats, cozy saunas and hot tubs, horseback rides, kayaking, and gin tasting at its own Elda Distillery.

Pilguse Residency
Rates from $160
Jõgela-Pussa, Jõgela, Saaremaa Island, Estonia

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Check out Lotte Beilin’s review of Pilguse Residency for A Hotel Life

BROADWICK SOHO London, England

Broadwick Soho is transportive and transformational. Here, you slip into a different skin, into the shoes of someone a touch more fabulous than before stepping through the pink front door. Interiors are lush, with signature leopard print accents that are tastefully flamboyant and suitably retro. Service is friendly but never pushy, anticipating and meeting every need. The entire affair is refined without losing its sense of wonder or welcome

Broadwick Soho
Rates from $680
Broadwick Street, London, UK
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Check out Kelsie Ponder’s review of Broadwick Soho for A Hotel Life

FOUR SEASONS HOTEL Hong Kong, China 

In the heart of Central, Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong feels like the heart of the city’s energy, with wall‑to‑wall windows framing Victoria Harbour and skyline views that make it hard to leave your room. Big‑city glamour meets true hospitality here, from sun‑lit spa and rooftop‑level lounges to Michelin‑starred dining and a hot bar scene, minutes from great waterfront shopping and ferries.

Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong
Rates from $760
Finance Street, Hong Kong, China
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Check out Alex Catarinella’s review of Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong for A Hotel Life

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