Our priorities when choosing a hotel are incredibly personal. For some, it’s all about locations, location, location. Others won’t accept anything but five-star luxury. And there are even some who decide where to lay their head for the night based on the breakfast reviews.
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With the rise of social media, there are plenty of us who make their decision purely on aesthetics – and if that’s you, you might just want to read on to discover the world’s most beautiful hotels.
The new ranking, compiled by Time Out and based on visits by the magazine’s hotel experts, features some of the best-looking properties around the globe.
Of the 33 that made the cut, 11 are in Europe – including the stunning property that claimed the number one spot.
The most beautiful hotel in the world? Ashford Castle in Ireland
First built more than 800 years ago, Ashford Castle in Ireland has a long and storied history, having once been owned by the Guinness family.
Now a five-star hotel, guests can stay in one of the 83 rooms and suites, with Time Out noting that “bedrooms go all-in on colour, several with views straight over Lough Corrib from the bed”.
One of the highlights is undoubtedly the spa, with the relaxation pool set within a striking bronze conservatory.
Ashford Castle was also dubbed the world’s best heritage hotel.
Other dazzling properties across the continent
Half of the hotels in the top 10 are found in Europe, each with their own appeal – from manicured gardens in Florence to beautiful brutalism in Iceland.
Third place went to Four Seasons Hotel Firenze, which has 121 rooms and suites across the 15th-century Palazzo della Gherardesca and the 16th-century Palazzo Del Nero.
Having been turned into a Four Seasons in 2008, the property is home to the Giardino della Gherardesca, one of the largest private gardens in Florence.
According to Time Out’s review, “you will feel like literal royalty sleeping here”. You can’t beat that, we suppose.
The Ritz-Carlton Abama, Tenerife, narrowly missed the top five, with Time Out praising its “whimsical architecture” with salmon-coloured buildings throughout.
Closely following in seventh place was ION Adventure Hotel, Iceland, a brutalist-fan’s dream protruding out of Mount Hengill.
The final European property to make the top 10 is The Phoenicia in Valletta, Malta, a “ridiculously chic play to stay” that has the world’s most beautiful hotel pool.
Other highly ranked stays include 1 Hotel Mayfair, London (12th); Le Pavillon de La Reine, Paris (13th); Gleneagles, Scotland (14th); Villa Igiea, Palermo (20th); Mandarin Oriental Conservatorium, Amsterdam (22nd); and Hospes Infante Sagres, Porto (23rd).