Hotels.com Reveals Its 2024 Hotels of the Year

Inside the Glamis Suite at the Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh, Scotland. — Melissa Girimonte

Hotels.com recently revealed “Perfect Somewheres 2024,” the first-of-its-kind hotels of the year awards program that is based on how hotels treat their guests.

The “Perfect Somewheres” program celebrates a selection of the top 1 per cent of hotels in the Hotels.com app. Using a data-driven approach, winning hotels were selected based on proprietary guest experience data from their app, using criteria like guest interactions with staff, facilities featured at each property and the condition of the hotel.

The crown jewels atop the list of “Perfect Somewheres” are the following eight properties that “display the pinnacle of hospitality excellence across the globe in 2024,” including two swoon-worthy hotels in Scotland and a slice of history in Toronto.

The Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh at dusk with its striking clock tower. — Melissa Girimonte

Balmoral Hotel (Edinburgh, Scotland)

At the heart of Scotland’s capital on Princes Street is the iconic Balmoral Hotel, easily recognized by its majestic clock tower and Scottish Baronial-meets-Victorian-style facade. With 167 rooms and 20 suites that embody the landscape and heritage of the country — some with views of Edinburgh Castle, Arthur’s Seat and the Old Town — guests can expect warm, welcoming luxury from the moment they arrive. Plush bedding, comfortable furnishings and Italian marble bathrooms are just some highlights of the accommodations. Experience 4 AA Rosette dining at Number One restaurant, the award-winning afternoon tea at the Palm Court, or a dram at their whisky bar, SCOTCH. After spending four nights at this remarkable hotel, I discovered that true luxury, when executed perfectly, can make you feel right at home.

The exterior of Cowley Manor in Cowley, England with its Italianate-style facade, lush green gardens and a pond. — Hotels.com/Cowley Manor

Cowley Manor (Cowley, England)

Located in the Cotswolds, Cowley Manor is a 31-room hotel and spa on 55 acres of parkland, meadows and woods. With a history dating back 300 years, it was once owned by English kings and also inspired Lewis Carroll’s classic, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Beyond the spa, the property also features a restaurant, cocktail lounge and library.

A room at the Royal Savoy Hotel & Spa in Lausanne, Switzerland. It has a bed, desk, armchair with ottoman and a balcony. — Hotels.com/Savoy Hotel & Spa

Royal Savoy Hotel & Spa (Lausanne, Switzerland)

A landmark in Lausanne since 1909 with impressive views of the Swiss Alps and Lake Geneva, the Royal Savoy Hotel & Spa is the epitome of Swiss luxury and hospitality. The property boasts 196 rooms and suites, dining options including the Skylounge with its panoramic views of the city and the spa with both indoor and outdoor pools.

The exterior of the Old Mill in Toronto, Ontario with its Tudor-style, white facade with brown trim. — Hotels.com/The Old Mill

The Old Mill (Toronto, Ontario)

On the banks of the Humber River in Toronto’s west end is The Old Mill, a boutique hotel that was established in 1914. Outdoors, there is a secluded garden and its Tudor-style exterior is adorned with ivy. The interior features 57 rooms and suites decorated with handcrafted furnishings, vintage wallpaper and other touches that exude Old World charm. The spa, established in 2001, offers an array of services to make your visit a relaxing escape.

The exterior of the Hotel 1898 in Barcelona, Spain with its colonial-style white facade and grand entrance. — Hotels.com/Hotel 1898

Hotel 1898 (Barcelona, Spain)

At the centre of Barcelona on La Rambla is Hotel 1898, the Colonial-style hotel that once housed the headquarters of the General Philippines Tobacco Company. With its 169 exclusive rooms, a rooftop pool and a spa with Turkish baths, it’s a fantastic spot to explore all of the art, culture and architecture that the city has to offer.

A room at The Hermitage Hotel in Nashville, Tennessee with a large bed with light grey fabric bed frame and headboard, a grey settee with side table, and a round table by a window with two blue armchairs. — Hotels.com/The Hermitage Hotel

The Hermitage Hotel (Nashville, USA)

Nashville, Tennessee’s The Hermitage Hotel is the city’s “original million-dollar hotel,” making it a downtown landmark for more than 110 years. From its grand staircase in the lobby and the elegant guest rooms to sumptuous dining and afternoon tea each weekend, it is beloved by locals and visitors alike.

The exterior of Hotel Verdun 1882 in Lyon, France with its white 19th century facade, large windows and wrought-iron balcony. — Hotels.com/Hotel Verdun 1882

Hotel Verdun 1882 (Lyon, France)

Lyon is rich in history with some sites dating back over 2,000 years and one of its most treasured properties is the Hotel Verdun 1882. Originally the private residence of Fritz Hoffner, founder of the Georges Brewery, it became a hotel in 1921. Each of its 30 rooms is unique and decorated with a thoughtfully curated collection of furniture, paintings, photos and books from around the world.

The exterior of The Fingal Hotel in Edinburgh, Scotland, a ship transformed into a floating five-star hotel. — Hotels.com/The Fingal Hotel

Fingal Hotel (Edinburgh, Scotland)

Berthed in the Leith area of Edinburgh’s historic waterfront is the Fingal Hotel, a floating five-star hotel with one-of-a-kind cabins and suites, a stunning ballroom and breathtaking views from its deck. First launched in 1963 as a ship that carried lighthouse equipment to coastal towns around Scotland, she was owned as a private yacht before being transformed into a boutique hotel. If you’re in Edinburgh but not staying at The Fingal, make reservations at their award-winning restaurant, The Lighthouse, for a delicious meal accompanied by creative cocktails.

Canadian Highlights

In addition to Toronto’s The Old Mill, over 60 Canadian hotels made this year’s list, including:

A room at Le Germain Maple Leaf Square in Toronto, Ontario with large bed, an art piece depicting a basketball player over the bed, and a wooden desk with black chair. — Hotels.com/Le Germain Maple Leaf Square

Le Germain Hotel Maple Leaf Square (Toronto, Ontario)

Right at the centre of Toronto’s arts and entertainment district is Le Germain Hotel Maple Leaf Square, known for its warm ambiance. Egyptian cotton bedding, comfy pillowtop mattresses and rainfall showerheads are just some of the luxurious features at this property.

The exterior of the Hôtel-Musée Premières Nations in Wendake, Quebec at dusk. The hotel is reflected in the river. — Hotels.com/Hôtel-Musée Premières Nations

Hôtel-Musée Premières Nations (Wendake, Quebec)

Located only 20 minutes outside of Quebec City, Hôtel-Musée Premières Nations in Wendake is a boutique hotel and the home to the Huron-Wendat Museum. Each room’s decor is inspired by the culture of the First Nations and the hotel’s restaurant, La Traite, features cuisine inspired by the First Nations terroir made with fresh, local products.

A room at the Wedgewood Hotel and Spa in Vancouver, British Columbia with a large bed and large glass doors leading to a patio with table, umbrella and seating. — Hotels.com/Wedgewood Hotel and Spa

Wedgewood Hotel & Spa (Vancouver, British Columbia)

Wedgewood Hotel & Spa is a boutique luxury property in Downtown Vancouver that’s been family-owned and operated for 40 years. Renowned for its comfort and understated elegance, it offers guests exceptional service plus amenities like the spa and Bacchus, its Michelin-recommended restaurant.

A room at the W Hotel in Montreal, Quebec with a large central bed, turquoise bench, and modern lighting fixtures overhead. — Hotels.com/W Montreal

W Montréal (Montréal, Quebec)

The W Montréal, within walking distance of both downtown and Old Montréal, is in the historic Banque du Canada building. In addition to its stylish, cityscape-inspired rooms, it offers live DJs, fine dining and even a karaoke experience with tapas and sake cocktails.

A room at The Muir in Halifax, Nova Scotia with a large, midcentury modern-inspired bed and chair, and end tables with modern hurricane lamps. — Hotels.com/The Muir

Muir, Autograph Collection (Halifax, Nova Scotia)

Nova Scotian hospitality meets bespoke luxury at Muir, one of the most unique hotels in Halifax. Designed by renowned architecture firm, MacKay-Lyons Sweetapple Architects, the oceanfront property includes an art gallery, a speakeasy, a wellness centre and exclusive experiences for guests.

View the full list of Perfect Somewheres 2024 here.

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