World’s best hotels for 2026 revealed — just one ‘peaceful retreat’ in the US broke the top 5

Vacationers seeking swanky peace would be wise to look to the far east.

With summertime escapes ranking high on the priority list for most work-worn folks, Tripadvisor’s new “World’s Top 10 Hotels of 2026” ranking reveals the best, most serene accommodations for travelers hoping to take a luxe load off.

Meanwhile, 37% of US residents say they simply can’t afford to travel due to the high cost of living, leading some to go to extremes to get away by any means, such as selling snapshots of their feet to fetishists online in order to pay for a vacay.

It’s one icky, yet lucrative stunt that’s setting globetrotters free, allowing them to kick up their moneymaking feet in the supreme style.

And they’ll certainly need an ample budget to experience the optimal opulence seen on this ritzy list, as most of these spectacular stays are located outside the US.

“This year’s Best of the Best Hotels winners represent the top choices of millions of travelers who stayed, experienced, and took the time to review these properties,” Laurel Greatrix, Chief Communications Officer for Tripadvisor Group, said in a statement.

Researchers for the travel hub analyzed the quality and quantity of Tripadvisor reviews and ratings over the 12-month period, from January 1, 2025, through December 31, 2025, to identify the hottest hotels across the hemispheres.

G.H. Universal, a five-star getaway in Bandung, Indonesia, took the crown as the No. 1 hotel in the world, owing to its majestic design and extravagant amenities — including a courtyard swimming pool and the “G.H. Universal Pet Inn,” Indonesia’s only luxury pet hotel — with the splendid beauty of the vibrant city as its backdrop.

The grandiose grounds offer a sumptuous stay for which it may be worth breaking the bank and taking a trip this year.

“Whether it’s a luxury resort in Indonesia, an adventure lodge in Oregon, or a crane suspended above Amsterdam,” said Greatrix, “these winners create the foundation of truly unforgettable trips.”

Securing the second-place slot on the top 10 list is Hotel Colline de France in Gramado, Brazil.

Renowned for its charming and comfortable ambiance, the four-star boutique lodging exudes French elegance. With 34 suites furnished with Nespresso coffee machines and Smart TVs caters to the comfort of its guests. Goodies from prestigious brand L’Occitane, as well as a wellness center that offers relaxing massages, body and facial treatments, are said to make the haute holiday a happy one.

Taking the third place position on the podium is Hotel Sporting Family Hospitality in Livigno, Italy, boasting scenic mountain views, cozy quarters and family-friendly fun activities.

The FivePine Lodge and Spa in Sisters, Oregon, is the only US hotshot to make the worldwide ranking, earning the No. 5 spot. Inviting visitors to shop, mountain bike, road cycle, hike, fish and golf throughout its 20-acre property, the tranquil resort is best suited for sightseers seeking alfresco adventure and rustic charm.

The west-coast oasis landed No. 1 honors as the best hotel within US borders, followed by The Loutrel in Charleston, South Carolina, as the runner-up and The Verb Hotel of Boston, Massachusetts, coming in third.

New York City’s The Bryant Park Hotel narrowly missed the top 3 roundup, coming in at a close-but-no-cigar fourth place in the overall top 10 roster.

Here’s a list of the world’s 10 best hotels of 2026: