Hotel Hot List Spans the Globe

When it comes to researching hotels and finding the top spots for vacationing, Conde Nast has competitors beat. They search the globe for the best finds, racking up serious flyer miles as they explore 43 countries. While Conde Nast promotes the top luxury destinations around the globe at varying price points, they point out that “the hotels share a common standard in their artful blend of high style and a strong sense of place.” Let's have a look, shall we?

Rosewood San Miguel de Allende

Want to step back in time? The Rosewood San Miguel de Allende is part of the stunning development by the ruling Canal family in the seventeenth century—in fact, they built nearly the entirety of San Miguel's historic district. The top pick at this special hotel is the Tower Suite, which features a giant private terrace overlooking the city and gardens. The hotel is just two blocks from El Centro and allows you to spend minimal time traveling to the sights, and more time exploring them.

“The 13-acre property, enviably sited in the centro, is without peer in a town that has its share of swank hotels. Within view of the iconic pink spires of the main church, it has 67 rooms laid out like a classic Mexican hacienda."

Four Seasons Resort Vail

This hotel evokes thoughts of the grand alpine hotels so well-known in classic films and luxury magazines of yore, and what's even better is that the whole family can enjoy this experience. Spa therapies, a dip in the pool, and mountain exploring make up just a fraction of the activities you can enjoy while at Four Seasons Resort Vail. The kids are more than welcome!

"All 121 rooms and 24 suites are spacious—the smallest are just under 600 square feet—and the decor is aptly Western, with limestone gas fireplaces, leather club chairs, and hickory and leather headboards on the coma-inducing beds."

The Ranch at Rock Creek

This ranch is a 6,000-acre wonder in Montana, one that captivates wannabe cowboys while striking awe in city folk and country travelers alike. With a great Western décor that smacks of earlier days with settlers, cowboys, and American Indians, the Ranch at Rock Creek really brings roughin' it and luxury living quite close. You won't find a TV in your hotel room, and most rooms don't have bathtubs, but you will find an unexpected depth of enjoyable activities at the ranch. A simple 25-accommodation setup affords you more privacy—even more if you select the Trapper canvas cabin, set apart from the rest of the lodge.

“And the Ranch at Rock Creek does, thanks largely to its relaxed yet professional staff, who aim to please and hit the mark every time.”

Le Royal Monceau

Conde Nast and Paris go together like cheese and crackers, and they choose some particularly wonderful properties in the city as top choices. Refurbished, perfectly situated, and stunning, the 149-room and suite layout at the Royal Monceau is one of the best accommodations available in Europe. Look for rooms with little extras, like the duplex suites and rooms that feature the elusive “garden view.”

"Residents seeking a sophisticated luxury spa experience will find the new Spa at Royal Monceau an ideal sanctuary in which to indulge in the joy of living well. With a beautifully redesigned indoor swimming pool and a new fitness centre with top of the range equipment, the Spa promises to be a haven of wellness and bliss."

Shangri-La Hotel Paris

It seems repetitive to call such a high-quality hotel like the Shangri-La a “paradise,” but that's exactly what it is. Shang Palace, a Cantonese restaurant, is due to open in the hotel in July 2011, complete with a full team of chefs from China. The compact hotel rooms are beautifully furnished and appointed with tasteful touches.

“Originally built as the residence of Roland Bonaparte (a grand-nephew), its public rooms retain regal grandeur—sky-high ceilings, ormolu and wedding cake moldings—that define Paris's 'palace' hotels.”

From mega-opulent to quaint and cozy, Conde Nast has a great deal of recommendations for you. Caution, though: once you start exploring, you'll be planning extended vacations all over Europe and North America—and that's just a start.