As 2018 draws to a close, it is time for my annual “Top 10” series. Here, I’ll look back on my 10 favorite hotel stays from 2018.
As a reminder, this is not a top-1o all-time list nor does it even contain the 10 most luxurious or expensive hotels I stayed at this year. Rather, it represents my subjectively favorite stays. With the vast majority of my hotel stays at Hyatt, it is no surprise that 7/10 on the list are Hyatt properties.
10. Hyatt Regency Mainz
I spend so much time at this hotel and received a suite upgrade for the first time ever earlier this year. That’s hardly a surprise when the hotel has only two suites in the entire property!
> Read More: Hyatt Regency Mainz (Suite) Review
9. Grand Hyatt Hong Kong
I literally sealed myself in this hotel for 72-hours last month and appreciated the spacious suite and excellent service, particularly in the Grand Club.
> Read More: Grand Hyatt Hong Kong Review
8. Villa Kennedy, Frankfurt
What a beautiful hotel this is in the heart of Frankfurt. While I’ll usually choose the Hyatt Regency in Mainz whenever I am in the Frankfurt area, this was a treat to stay here.
> Read More: Rocco Forte Villa Kennedy Frankfurt Review
7. Andaz Singapore
The Andaz is a beautiful property in Singapore that I found more appealing than the Grand Hyatt. Great service with a beautiful suite added up to be an excellent stay.
> Read More: Andaz Singapore (Suite) Review
6. The Kahala, Honolulu
My favorite hotel in Hawaii never disappoints. I enjoyed a wonderful stay here with my wife, her first time in Hawaii.
> Read More: The Kahala: Still a Treasure in Honolulu
5. Hyatt Carmel Highlands Inn
This is my “family favorite” hotel. Twice a year I make the five-hour drive north along US-101 with my wife and son to this property in beautiful Carmel. It honestly is not the best property (by a long shot) in terms of amenities or beauty, but the surrounding area is pristine and the staff is excellent.
> Read More: Hyatt Carmel Highlands (Townhouse Spa Suite) Review
4. Park Hyatt Tokyo
I received a tremendous suite upgrade in perhaps the most iconic Park Hyatt hotel. The service at this property is unparalleled and the food also great. It was great to return to this property after many years.
> Read More: Park Hyatt Tokyo (Park King Suite) Review
3. Park Hyatt New York
Two great stays at this hotel in 2018 and two wonderful suite upgrades. Breakfast is great and the pool is my favorite hotel pool in the USA.
> Read More: Afternoon Swim at the Park Hyatt New York
2. Park Hyatt Milan
I received a tremendous suite upgrade Tip: use points to pay for your stay and you can park for free. Parking runs over 80EUR/night, making this one of the best properties to use your points at.
> Read More: Park Hyatt Milan (Prestige Suite) Review
1. Wynn Las Vegas
My massive suite upgrade coupled with the superb breakfast and spa (thanks to American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts program) make this my most memorable hotel stay of 2018. Talk about a “baller” suite…
> Read More: Wynn Las Vegas (Salon Suite) Review
CONCLUSION
I want to give an honorable mention to family-run Hotel Rosengarten in the Italian Dolomites. I just spent a quick night at the property, but would love to return to this hotel with my family. Dobbiaco, Italy is a charming little town.
You’ll notice the Miraval Arizona, which was the most expensive of the year, did not make the cut. While my room was nice and I enjoyed the stay overall, I just don’t think that property was for cell phone-addicted me. The Park Hyatt Paris also did not make the cut.
What was your favorite hotel you stayed at this year?
next trip, if they open it up through SLH, stay at the Relais Christine. Not quite as many property amenities, but probably a much better stay. room was great, tucked in away, so noisy protests won’t wake you.