Hotels & Resorts – Trips To Discover

10 Best Ritz-Carlton Hotels and Resorts in the U.S.

Pavlo Fedykovych — Fri, 12 Jan 2024 19:26:16 +0000

F. Scott Fitzgerald mentioned it in his stories, Irving Berlin and Arctic Monkeys used the chain as a metaphor for an opulent life, and many Hollywood productions filmed inside the lavish hotels. Ritz-Carlton has cemented itself as an ultimate luxury accommodation brand. With large sophisticated suites, exclusive locations, and impeccable service that is. You know you made it if you’re staying at the Ritz. Currently, the brand operates more than 40 locations in the United States. Here’s the list of the best Ritz-Carlton hotels and resorts in the US for you to get to the highest heights of sumptuousness.

11 Best Luxury Hotels in Istanbul, Turkey

Georgie Darling — Sun, 17 Dec 2023 14:00:49 +0000

I was intrigued by Istanbul when I learned that it’s the only city in the world that spans two continents, Europe and Asia, separated by the Bosphorus Strait. Ever since then, I’ve been captivated whenever I’ve returned, thanks to the city’s wealth of monuments, museums, mosques, churches, palaces, bazaars, and neighborhoods that reflect its diverse and colorful past. Istanbul is a city that everyone should visit at least once in their lives to soak up the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman cultures that run through the city to this day.

Not sure where to stay next time you check out Istanbul? We’ve rounded up all of the best luxury hotels here.

Top 14 Hotels in Downtown Nashville, Tennessee

Alyssa Ochs — Sun, 10 Dec 2023 14:00:16 +0000

When I visited Nashville in the past, I found that the downtown area is a prime place to be when you want to be close to all the live music, amazing food, fun bars, and interesting museums. Rather than deal with a commute and parking, you can find hotels right in the heart of the honky tonks and nightlife scene for plenty of fun nights out on the town. To help you narrow down your accommodation options, here are some top hotels in downtown Nashville, one of the best places to visit in Tennessee.

Top 11 Boutique Hotels in Paris

Pavlo Fedykovych — Sun, 03 Dec 2023 14:00:08 +0000

Going boutique is the best way to savor the delights of Paris aka the City of Lights. You’ve got an impressive selection of hotels here that offer superb views of Parisian landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame, sublime historic interiors, a more intimate service, hidden spas, and a sense of inspired luxury. Choosing a smaller accommodation will make you feel closer to the neighborhood and bring a special atmosphere to your holiday. The lodging scene of the French capital is universal too and can cater easily to couples, families with children, and business travelers.

Here are the best boutique hotels in Paris for you to have the most rewarding time in this spectacular city.

12 Coolest Boutique Hotels in Boston, MA

K.C. Dermody — Fri, 24 Nov 2023 14:00:44 +0000

Boston offers a wide range of things to see and do, from exploring history and visiting world-class museums to catching a Red Sox game or taking a brewery tour. Visitors will also find many different accommodation options to choose from, including the usual big-name hotels, but for something different than your standard boring room, you might want to consider a boutique hotel. Boutique hotels are known for their more personalized service with a smaller number of rooms and often come with unique perks and thoughtfully crafted amenities.

By booking one of these top boutique hotels in Boston, you’re sure to enjoy a more memorable stay.

Top 14 Pet-Friendly Hotels in Denver, Colorado

K.C. Dermody — Thu, 16 Nov 2023 14:00:35 +0000

Having lived in Colorado for over a decade, with family and friends still in the area, I’ve made many trips back to Denver. Thankfully, there are a wealth of pet-friendly hotels to choose from, so there’s no reason to leave your four-legged best friend at home. Fido or Fluffy can have a great time here, even in the city, with lots of great parks, while endless hiking trails that run through the Rockies are just a short drive away.

Whether you’re looking for something more affordable, luxurious, or in between, these pet-friendly hotels in the Mile High City are sure to provide a great base.

Top 13 Luxury Hotels in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Alyssa Ochs — Wed, 15 Nov 2023 14:00:04 +0000

During the time I lived in Chicago, I would occasionally take weekend trips up to Milwaukee to visit the local breweries, kayak on the river, watch baseball games, and attend festivals. Milwaukee is also home to the Harley-Davidson Museum, the Milwaukee Museum of Art, beautiful parks, and iconic food centered around cheese and sausage. If you’re looking to treat yourself to a special weekend getaway, you might consider staying in one of the city’s upscale hotels, where you’ll be treated like royalty.

Here are some of the top luxury hotels in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to choose from.

Top 14 Romantic Getaways in Oregon

K.C. Dermody — Tue, 14 Nov 2023 14:00:21 +0000

After living in Oregon and spending lots of time exploring nearly all corners of the state, I’ve found numerous destinations that are ideal for romantic getaways, but trying to decide where to go from the practically overwhelming number of choices can be challenging. Oregon boasts lots of stunning natural scenery with landscapes that make it ideal for outdoor adventure. You’ll find everything from breathtaking coastlines with spectacular beaches to lush mountains, waterfalls, lakes, and rivers, not to mention its renowned wine country for touring and tasting and a wealth of cultural attractions in the cities. These hotels offer something for everyone from the coast to the Cascades and in between.

12 Best Luxury Hotels in Cartagena, Colombia

Georgie Darling — Mon, 13 Nov 2023 14:00:55 +0000

There were multiple points when I fell in love with Cartagena: while wandering through the vibrant and colorful streets of Getsemani, listening to a saxophonist while watching the sunset, and when exploring the colonial architecture of the Old Town. This must-see destination in South America offers the best of both worlds – the ocean on one side and bustling city life on the other. Luckily, there is also an endless array of incredible places to stay in Cartagena, and we’ve rounded up all of the best hotels in the city below!

Top 10 NYC Hotels with Free Parking

Pavlo Fedykovych — Fri, 10 Nov 2023 14:00:53 +0000

Parking doesn’t come easy in New York City – aka one of the world’s most visited and well-known cities. That’s why it’s a blessing when your hotel offers a free one. Such a feature saves you from a frantic search of the spot and all the distress that goes with it. Also, in most cases, you’re saving money on day fees too. From airport lodgings to central hangouts, here are the top NYC hotels with free parking.

12 Coolest Cave Hotels in Cappadocia, Turkey

Georgie Darling — Thu, 09 Nov 2023 14:00:00 +0000

I’ve visited Turkey plenty of times, but nowhere captured my attention quite like Cappadocia. This dreamy region, known for its distinctive rock formations (called fairy chimneys), has become a top spot for awe-inspiring hot air balloon rides and picturesque adventures. While you’re here, there’s nowhere better to stay than one of Cappadocia’s famous cave hotels. Cave hotels in Cappadocia are not just ordinary hotels but historical and cultural monuments that preserve the legacy of past civilizations. Many of these hotels have been restored and renovated with modern amenities, but they still retain their original charm and character. Not sure where to stay next time you’re here? Read on for all of the best cave hotels in Cappadocia!

12 Best Caribbean Resorts with Water Parks

K.C. Dermody — Wed, 08 Nov 2023 14:00:13 +0000

One of the best things about staying at a resort is that you’ll often have all you need right on the property. You can enjoy a relaxed getaway without having to rent a car, and usually plenty of activities, beautiful pools, a range of dining and drinking venues, and sometimes even water parks. In the Caribbean, you’ll find properties that offer the chance to enjoy idyllic beaches as well as a myriad of ways to swim, float, slip, and slide, which is sure to thrill the kids and the kids at heart.

These family-friendly properties in the Caribbean offer some of the best, from Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula and Puerto Rico to the beautiful islands of Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, and St. Lucia.

12 Best Hotels in Mayfair, London

Georgie Darling — Tue, 07 Nov 2023 14:00:59 +0000

It doesn’t matter how many times I wander through Mayfair; it’ll always remain somewhere I find almost overwhelmingly impressive. Bordered by four famous streets – Park Lane, Oxford Street, Regent Street, and Piccadilly – Mayfair is one of London’s most prestigious neighborhoods and comes with the clientele to match. Here, you’re within easy distance of beautiful spots like Hyde Park or luxury shopping stores down Bond Street. You’ll also find a magical range of hotels in Mayfair – and we’ve rounded up the best ones below!

Top 14 All-Inclusive Resorts for a Destination Wedding

K.C. Dermody — Mon, 06 Nov 2023 14:15:16 +0000

A destination wedding at an all-inclusive resort is sure to be memorable for you and your guests. They’re the perfect place for your ceremony, providing a built-in vacation for all while also making planning a breeze. It can be much less stressful than a traditional wedding with staff who will ensure everything goes according to your plan. With ideal weather, breathtaking scenery, and a wealth of activity options, you’ll be able to enjoy your honeymoon in the same spot too.

From the dazzling Caribbean to the exotic South Pacific, these all-inclusive resorts are some of the top to consider for your destination wedding.

15 Best Hotels in Downtown Boston

Alyssa Ochs — Fri, 03 Nov 2023 13:00:49 +0000

When you want to experience the best that Boston has to offer and have an easy commute to the city’s top attractions, the downtown area is a great place to be. Here, you’ll find a vibrant entertainment scene with theaters and concert spots, as well as restaurants and the waterfront close by. Downtown landmarks for your itinerary include the Greenway, City Hall, Faneuil Hall, Quincy Market, the Old South Meeting House, and Boston Common.

Especially if this is your first time visiting the city, consider staying at one of these top hotels in downtown Boston.

Top 9 Luxury Hotels in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California

Pavlo Fedykovych — Wed, 01 Nov 2023 13:00:34 +0000

Central Coast is at its most alluring at Carmel. It’s a small California coastal town that beacons with moody Pacific beaches, a long inspiring promenade, a plethora of galleries, and a vibrant scene of prime dining establishments. This corner of Monterey County has been a mecca for artists since the beginning of the 20th century. Writers, poets, actors, and painters were flocking here to find blissful refuge among the cypress trees and crashing Pacific waves.

These top luxury hotels in Carmel-by-the-Sea will gift you with moments of tranquility paired with superb service for an ultimate Monterey County break.

14 Best Family Resorts in New England

K.C. Dermody — Mon, 30 Oct 2023 13:15:01 +0000

When it comes to family vacations, New England offers a lot. You’ll find everything from sandy beaches to sparkling lakes and mountains that provide opportunities for all sorts of outdoor adventure and relaxation. There are also some fabulous family-friendly resorts that provide an ideal base in every New England state, ensuring you’ll find a great place to land, with these properties particularly ideal for families.

14 Best Family Resorts on the East Coast

K.C. Dermody — Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:15:29 +0000

Planning a family trip can be a challenge with the number of destinations to choose from overwhelming on its own. You have to consider the costs as well as the interests of the kids and the parents. After determining the kind of vacation you’d like to enjoy, perhaps a beach getaway, a mountain escape, or a trip to a theme park, you’ll be able to narrow down your options. Choosing a family-friendly resort can make it infinitely easier as you’ll often have everything you need right on the property, including activities for all ages.

These top resorts for families on the East Coast provide fantastic options in locations everywhere, from mountains and beaches in New England to properties near Disney World and in the Caribbean-like Florida Keys.

Top 10 Clothing-Optional Resorts in the U.S.

Pavlo Fedykovych — Thu, 26 Oct 2023 13:00:08 +0000

Staying at a clothing-optional resort is a good way to try out au naturel vacationing for beginners and a great experience overall. The nudity there is not obligatory like in the nudist resorts and everyone has a chance to choose a comfortable degree of getting naked. Sounds fun? You just need a proper accommodation to do it in the best way possible. These top clothing-optional resorts in the U.S. are sure to give you a superb bare holiday experience.

Top 25 All-Inclusive Resorts Worldwide, According to Guests in 2023

Noah Holtgraves — Tue, 24 Oct 2023 17:04:36 +0000

Welcome to our exclusive list of the world’s 25 top-rated all-inclusive resort destinations. Our analysis of over 2,000 all-inclusive resorts worldwide reveals the finest vacation havens that captivate travel aficionados and guests.

We undertook a detailed two-part investigation, including a statistical and a qualitative review sentiment analysis, to rank and identify the most cherished experiences and top-praised amenities that set these resorts apart. Our findings also reveal the common critiques guests have about these vacation paradises.

Join us on this luxurious journey as we showcase the unmatched offerings of these elite vacation spots.

These jump links breakdown everything you will learn on this page:

Categories: Top All-Inclusive Resorts by Type
Understanding All-Inclusives: Definition & Features
The Elite 25: Best All-Inclusive Resorts Globally
Visual Guide: Interactive Map & Table of Top Resorts
Research Process: Our Methodology & Approach

Categories: Top All-Inclusive Resorts by Type

Best Overall: Excellence Playa Mujeres, Mexico
Best Adults Only: Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun, Mexico
Best Luxury: Secrets Cap Cana Resort & Spa, Dominican Republic
Best Family-Friendly: Moon Palace The Grand – Cancun, Mexico
Best Adventure/Sport: Voyage Belek Golf & Spa, Turkey
Best Couples: Paradisus Palma Real Golf & Spa Resort, Dominican Republic
Best Wellness: Akumal Bay Beach & Wellness Resort, Mexico

Understanding All-Inclusives: Definition & Features

What is an All-Inclusive Resort? Also sometimes called a resort with “everything included,” or referenced by the ellipsis “all-inclusive(s),” these destinations try to offer everything you might want on a vacation, typically in one complex. You will find a range of onsite amenities at each resort. According to the EHL Hospitality Business School in Switzerland, most all-inclusive resorts are like full-service resorts, including multiple onsite restaurants, exercise spaces, spas and meeting places and are frequently luxurious properties. All-inclusives bundle everything into one “package” or bill.

What Does All-Inclusive Mean? According to EHL, the main difference between full-service and all-inclusive resorts is how you pay for them. With an all-inclusive resort package, your room, unlimited food and most drinks, services, amenities, gratuities and all the extras are bundled together in one bill instead of separate bills for all the amenities, experiences, activities, meals, spas and more. One of the main benefits of selecting an all-inclusive package is knowing what you will spend at the resort without being surprised by all the added-up charges during your stay.

What Countries Have All-Inclusives? We found a total of 2,163 all-inclusive resorts across 77 countries worldwide. Egypt tops the list with 265 resorts, followed by Mexico with 237, Turkey with 215, Spain with 103, and Greece with 86. Our analysis shows that Mexico has the most top-rated all-inclusive resorts worldwide, with 15 on our top 25 list. Turkey has two best globally. The Dominican Republic, on the other hand, may only rank #18 for the most all-inclusive resorts globally, but it has eight of the world’s best ones.

The Elite 25: Best All-Inclusive Resorts Globally

We used two types of analysis to evaluate all-inclusive resorts: a statistical analysis and a qualitative review sentiment analysis. The statistical analysis counts and rates customer reviews from Tripadvisor to calculate a Customer Review Score. On the other hand, the qualitative review sentiment analysis extracts customer feelings, emotions, and nuanced points of view from reviews with the highest Customer Review Scores through natural language processing. Together, these analyses provide a comprehensive understanding of customer satisfaction and a holistic evaluation of the highest-rated resorts worldwide.

Visual Guide: Interactive Map & Table of Top Resorts

Credit: Trips to Discover

Top 10 All-Inclusive Resorts as rated by ‘Trips to Discover,’ featuring destinations from Cancun, Mexico to Belek, Turkey.

Research Process: Our Methodology & Approach

Independent: We conduct our research independently to recommend the best destinations using data analysis. Our top recommendations are based solely on data extraction and a ranking formula. Our research is editorially independent, but we may earn a commission for any purchases made through links on this page.

Data Source: We conducted a comprehensive search for all-inclusive resorts worldwide, one country at a time, by using the property type filter on Tripadvisor and selecting only all-inclusive resorts. Out of the 195 countries globally, we found that 77 countries have all-inclusive resorts for 2,163 all-inclusive resorts worldwide. We sought to see which resorts are statistically objectively the favorites among those who stay there.

Data Extraction: We used Web Scraper, a data extraction tool, to extract review data for the 2,163 all-inclusive resorts on Tripadvisor. We pulled all review data between 9/18/23 and 9/19/23.

Statistical Analysis: We based these rankings on an analysis of the 2,163 resorts. Our team has developed a unique algorithm to rank hospitality establishments called the Customer Review Score. The score considers the number of Tripadvisor reviews and the average review score for each location. The more reviews a resort has, the higher it will typically rank. However, to avoid over-emphasizing the impact of wildly high review counts, the algorithm utilizes an exponential function, giving diminishing returns for higher review counts. The algorithm thus balances review frequency with review quality. The final scores are presented on a 5-point scale.

Qualitative Review Sentiment Analysis: We take customer reviews seriously at Trips to Discover. To gather the most recent 100 customer reviews for each resort from Tripadvisor, we used Outscrapper, a reliable data-scrapping tool. We used ChatGPT Advanced Data Analysis for qualitative review sentiment analysis, which knows how to write and execute Python code and can work with file uploads. Qualitative sentiment analysis is a method that uses machine learning, statistics, and natural language processing (NLP) to understand the underlying parts of guest emotions on a macro scale.

Human Authored: Our qualitative analysis focused on different perspectives, including what distinguishes the location for customers, shared perceived advantages and disadvantages for patrons, and crucial decision-making factors for those who choose to stay there. To ensure accuracy, we meticulously cross-checked the sentiment analysis output against the raw review data. We wrote each resort’s final customer review summaries (the “what guests are saying” section) based on the information from the fact-checked AI-generated qualitative review sentiment analysis.

Replicability: All the data used for this project is publicly available for study replication. The 2,163 resorts used in this analysis are on Tripadvisor with the latest customer reviews, where you can identify review scores, counts and more!

Data: You can download the data behind our research here in Google Sheets. It includes all 2163 resorts used in the analysis with direct links to their Tripadvisor pages. You will also find all the review tallies, ratings and Customer Review Scores for these resorts. This workbook also contains all 2,500 resort review samples used for our sentiment analysis in that book. We have removed all proprietary calculations from the books. You can view the raw qualitative sentiment analysis outputs based on these 2,500 reviews here in Google Docs; however, We are choosing to withhold the valuable and meticulously crafted prompts used to create these analyses. Please feel free to use or share this data with whoever may find this helpful — we ask that your purposes be noncommercial and that you link back to this page so its contributors can receive proper credit for their work.

Contact: The ranking algorithm is proprietary, but if you want to build a similar project or have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact noah@strivemedia.com, and he can walk you through the process.