8 five-star Hotels

There's something deliciously impractical about building a hotel on a cliff. While most sensible hoteliers would plant their flag on a sandy beach or charming piazza, Francesco Mansi had grander ideas back in 1956. Fresh from his adventures in Mexico, he took one look at the Amalfi Coast and thought: …

Towering over Riyadh's skyline, Al Faisaliah Tower is Saudi Arabia's first skyscraper. Part of the complex is a seven-story tower that today houses the five-star Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah, Riyadh. The 267-meter-tall (876 feet) tower was built in 2000, in those times when the country limited nonreligious tourism to a …

A new luxury hotel in Paris, Le Grand Mazarin, is Maisons Pariente's first property in the city and is located a few blocks from Cathédrale Notre-Dame. The hotel is in the historic Marais district, known for its vibrant cultural identity. Victor Hugo used to call this neighborhood his home, and …

In the Roaring Twenties, Casa del Mar was the hotspot for Hollywood stars. The former beach club, originally opened in 1926, has then developed into one of the most luxurious beach hotels in Santa Monica. It's called "the house of the sea", but the five-story building looks more like a …

Since late 2012, the Alpina Gstaad hotel has been alluring visitors from around the world with its old-school Swiss charm and chic modernity. The Alpina Gstaad winner of several distinct hotel awards should be your go-to destination for a one-of-a-kind Swiss experience. These accommodations go above and beyond to provide …

Situated in Old Town Krakow, the Hotel Stary has captured the grandeur of the hotel’s past while showcasing the erudite décor. The renovations have resurrected what was once a marvelous merchant’s home, dating back to the 15th century. Voted “the most beautiful hotel interior design in Europe,” any guest of …

The Altira Hotel is a great spot for panoramic views, situated in Taipa, Altira Macau, and offering hotel window views of the Macau Peninsula. This is easily the best feature of this luxurious hotel because few hotels offer a 270-degree view of a natural body of water. However, the in-room …

Located in Yountville (a small town with no less than four Michelin starred restaurants) in California’s Napa Valley, Bardessono is an award-winning boutique hotel specially commended for its green credentials. The hotel uses salvaged materials, geothermal heating, and solar energy to bring cutting-edge eco-philosophy to California’s wine region. You can …