Legendary Hotels of the World

Updated August 22, 2022.

If you’ve read my post about how to choose accommodations, you know the most stressful part of travel for me is choosing hotels! But the fact of the matter is simple: you have to stay somewhere. And fortunately enough for me, my husband likes to stay in nice places. Here’s a quick peek at some of the best and most legendary accommodations where we’ve stayed around the world—most of them stress-free!

The Fullerton Hotel, Singapore

My first trip to Singapore was one for the books for a lot of reasons, but most notably because of the incredible Fullerton Hotel. Housed in an historic post office, this is one of the grandest buildings in the country.

They have spacious rooms, an infinity pool (far less crowded than at the Marina Bay Sands), and an absolutely beautiful executive lounge, which I got to experience thanks to my generous husband! Not to mention the mini museum to the left of the lobby all about the post office and Singapore’s history, amazing sweet shop, and stunning entry. Just walking in made me feel as welcome as a queen would have been!

Need more? Check out my Singapore Page!

Caravelle Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon, is one of those destinations that got us some funny looks from people when we told them that’s where we were going. We spent the last days of 2015 here, and this was exactly the hotel where I wanted to stay! Its history is endlessly interesting to me.

During the Vietnam War it served as both the Australian and New Zealand Embassies, as well as the primary hangout for journalists. The rooftop bar was the prime location for these journalists to compare notes—and eventually to watch the fighting as it closed in. Oh, and a bomb went off in room 514 in August 1964; fortunately the journalists occupying that floor were all out on assignment, but they didn’t have a nice room to come back to at the end of the day.

Hotel Sacher, Vienna and Salzburg, Austria

I can’t say enough nice things about the Hotel Sacher! We have stayed in both locations, and we would recommend them both to anyone who wants kindness and luxury in Austria. Both properties are historic landmarks, and they are two of the most luxurious accommodations we’ve ever experienced. They are both ideally located in their respective cities, and really, who doesn’t want access to their world-famous Sacher Torte at all times of the day and night? Get the full review of our stay (and lots of photos!) in Staying at the Hotel Sacher Salzburg.

Need more Austria recommendations? Check out my Austria Page!

Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong

The Mandarin Oriental Hotels are notable for their 5-star luxury, but this is the original. We stayed here early in our marriage, and it was the first time I’d stayed in such a luxurious accommodation! Everything was over-the-top opulent, customer service was spot-on, and the bathroom was as large as the rest of the room! It was just beautiful, and I’d love to go back one day!

The Mailander House (aka The Bicycle House), Waco, TX

If you’re a Fixer Upper fan, you know exactly what this is! When I asked my mom where she wanted to celebrate her milestone birthday (which will remain numberless), she surprised me when she said “I think I’d like to go to the Silos!” So we did! And we stayed in an actual “fixer upper” from season 1, known to many as the “Bicycle House” because of the antique bike mounted on the wall in the office.

We rented it on VRBO, and it was an incredible experience! You can read all about it in A Peek Inside the Mailander House!

Marina Bay Sands, Singapore

I’ll be honest, because this is such a hot tourist attraction, staying here was a little bit like stayin at a zoo. Lots of people, lots of photos being snapped, lots of security, even gates to keep guests and visitors on the appropriate side of things. That said, it was a pretty epic experience to look out our wall of windows and see the Super Trees at eye level! And only guests are able to visit and swim at the highest infinity pool in the world.

Take a look at all the amazing things to do in Singpore (and how to visit the hotel without staying there) on my Singapore Page!

Trump International, Washington, D.C.

Note: This hotel is now operated as a Waldorf Astoria Hotel.

This is not a political statement. This is a history lover’s dream! The building is a former post office, and the word “grand” does not begin to describe it. It looks like a castle in the middle of downtown D.C., and it’s absolutely stunning inside! If you visited D.C. prior to about 2013, you may remember it as a run-down, trashy food court with tacky souvenir shops inside. But not anymore! The doormen smile and open the door for everyone (even if you’re not a guest), the couches and settees in the lobby are endlessly inviting, and their rooms are incredibly spacious! Click here to read about my experience Staying at the Trump International, D.C.!

The building itself was first opened in 1899 as an office building, and it’s been slated for demolition multiple times over the years. Somehow, it has always pulled through. Can’t stay here? Step inside for a look anyway, and don’t forget to go around the corner and go up in the clocktower for the view! Plan your own trip to the nation’s capital with all the resources on my Washingotn, D.C., Page!

I have stayed at this hotel once when my mom came to visit, and again for a Creative Retreat this past winter. I can highly recommend the experience!

Trapp Family Lodge, Stowe, Vermont

What’s so special about the Trapp Family Lodge? Is it the fall foliage? The world-class ski slopes? The list of activities as long as your arm? It’s all that… But it’s also the amazing ties to the von Trapp family of The Sound of Music! They started this amazing lodge as a music camp after fleeing Europe, going on tour around the United States, and settling in the Vermont mountains that reminded them of their Austrian homeland.

We stayed here at peak fall foliage weekend, and it was just as beautiful as you might think! You can read all about our experience here: Staying at the Trapp Family Lodge!

For more about Stowe, check out
10 Reasons to Visit New England in the Fall!

Corte di Giulietta, Verona, Italy

How often do you look out your window and see Juliet’s infamous balcony? That’s just what we did every day we were in Verona! La Corte di Giulietta (The Courtyard of Juliet) shares the coutyard with Juliet’s house (and, of course, its balcony), and staying there for Valentine’s Day was like a dream come true.

The room was large and luxurious, it’s just steps away from everything Verona has to offer, and the welcome was incredibly warm!

Check out my Italy Page to plan your own Veronese getaway!

The Savoy, London, England

When the hotel’s address is simply its name, I think that officially makes the hotel an icon. The Savoy in London is known for its traditional tea, is located in historic Covent Garden, and even has its own butler school! We were fortunate enough to stay here in March and couldn’t have felt more proper.

Love all things English? Check out my United Kingdom Page for tips, food recommendations, itineraries, and more!

Royal Hawaiian, Waikiki, O’ahu, Hawaii

Um, it’s mighty pink, folks! In fact, if you go to a paint store you can request “Royal Hawaiian Pink” paint for yourself! On our recent anniversary getaway to beautiful Hawaii, we decided to treat ourselves to a couple of nights in this historic hotel, right on Waikiki Beach! It’s one of the first ever resorts in Hawaii, and that means they have the prime real estate, including view of iconic Diamond Head!

From the welcome muffins to the free history tour, from the pink guava juice to the pink seersucker bathrobes, the Royal Hawaiian has done a wonderful job making sure their guests are welcomed, comfortable, and having fun! Check out the full review in Staying at the Royal Hawaiian!

For all things Hawaii, check out my Pacific Islands Page!

The Titanic Hotel Belfast, Northern Ireland

While this hotel has only been open since 2017, it is already legendary in my book! The hotel is located just steps from the impressive Titanic Museum Belfast, and inside the former drawing offices of Harland and Wolff, the company who designed and built the Titanic! I had the opportunity to stay here with my brother Joel, a self-proclaimed “Titaniac”!

I could have spent weeks exploring the historic offices, enjoying afternoon tea, and poking around at all the historic details! If you find yourself with an opportunity to visit or stay in the beautiful hotel, you will not be disappointed! Read all about it in my post about Staying at the Titanic Hotel Belfast.

For all our Northern Ireland adventures, check out my United Kingdom Page!

La Mamounia, Marrakech, Morocco

Not all “luxury hotel” title-holders deserve the title. We were absolutely shocked at just how legendarily we were treated at La Mamounia in Marrakech on our recent trip to Morocco—legendarily rude. Moroccan hospitality is typically kind and welcoming, but that could not be further from the truth at La Mamounia. We were repeatedly degraded and scolded during our stay, and we will never return.

Read my most scathing review ever:
Why I Will Not Recommend La Mamounia

Le Temple des Arts, Ouarzazate, Morocco

However horrible La Mamounia was, Le Temple des Arts was the most wonderful opposite! We were greeted with mint tea and cookies, every person working there was kind and considerate, and the grounds were green and lush despite being in the desert. The staff truly went above and beyond for us, and we couldn’t have been more grateful for their kindness.

For example, I was working out the one morning we were there, and one of the gentlemen saw me doing my ab work while lying on the grass. He brought me a lawn chair cushion to use! That is the above and beyond service that made us want to go back to Ouarzazate before we even left!

Read on: Staying at Temple des Arts and my Morocco Page

The Peabody Hotel, Memphis, Tennessee

This list would not be complete without mention of the South’s Grand Hotel and its most adorable mascot: the Peabody Ducks! This hotel is one of the Historic Hotels of America, and the two daily Duck Marches have been delighting guests and the public for decades.

Adorable waterfowl aside, this hotel truly defines Southern hospitality. You’ll come in as a tourist and leave as a family member. Every member of the staff was kind to us during our stay, No detail was overlooked. And because it was Christmas, the decorations kept us in the spirit the whole weekend!

Read on: Staying at the Peabody Hotel Memphis

The Hermitage Hotel, Nashville, Tennessee

I had the unexpected delight of staying at the Hermitage Hotel in Nashville. Dating back to 1910, The Hermitage Hotel has played host to the likes of war heroes, presidents, musicians (of course), and true legends like Babe Ruth, Amelia Earhart, and Carrie Chapman Catt. It was the headquarters of the Women’s Suffrage movement, and have you see the stained-glass ceiling?

Having grown up in Tennessee, I’d dreamt of staying here since I was a little girl, but never thought it would happen, until it did!

More details here: What It’s Like Staying at the Hermitage Hotel, Nashville

Would you want to stay at any of these amazing places around the world?What else is on your list? Comment to let me know!

Need more about choosing an accommodation? You need my Travel Planning Page!

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