My Favorite Hotels in 2023—and Why They Were Worth the Price

In 2023, hotels largely reclaimed their ability to serve as beacons of pure comfort: They largely overcame the labor and supply chain crises of the pandemic years and returned to full-service operations.

We certainly paid a pretty penny for that service, as nightly rates continued to soar to previously unthinkable heights. But it was worth it: Hotels once again became capable of making us feel pampered and truly cared for, which is a balm during challenging times. And in fact, with 2023 also seeing the first-ever editions of the World’s 50 Best hotels list and a similar ranking by La Liste—each recognizing the industry’s global hospitality standard bearers—discussions about hotels this year were often celebratory, as they should be.