5 Legendary Luxury Hotels You Must Visit at Least Once

Experience Timeless Elegance at the World's Most Iconic Luxury Hotels

Aman Tokyo LobbyPhoto Courtesy of Aman Tokyo

Introduction

Certain hotels do more than offer a bed for the night — they define an era, capture the spirit of a city, and leave an indelible mark on every guest’s memory. Legendary luxury hotels are living works of art where history, glamour, and impeccable service intertwine. Whether it’s your first visit or a once-in-a-lifetime splurge, these five iconic properties promise an experience that transcends ordinary travel.

1. The Ritz Paris (Paris, France)

The Ritz Paris at NightPhoto Courtesy of The Ritz Paris

Few addresses are as synonymous with elegance as the Ritz Paris. Since opening in 1898, the Ritz has hosted royalty, celebrities, and literary legends like Ernest Hemingway and Coco Chanel (who famously lived in a suite for decades).

Signature Experience: The Ritz's lavish suites, Michelin-starred dining at L’Espadon, and the world-renowned Ritz Club Paris spa.
Why Visit: It's not just staying at a hotel; it's becoming part of Parisian history, where luxury was practically invented

🛎 Insider Tip: Book the Suite Impériale for Versailles-level grandeur without leaving the Right Bank.

2. The Plaza Hotel (New York City, USA)

The Plaza Hotel Exterior Street ViewPhoto Courtesy of The Plaza Hotel

Commanding Fifth Avenue and Central Park South since 1907, The Plaza is woven into New York City's cultural fabric — a backdrop for classic films, high society galas, and timeless memories.

Signature Experience: Afternoon Tea at The Palm Court, dramatic Grand Ballroom events, and white-glove butler service in The Legacy Suites.
Why Visit: The Plaza isn't just a place to stay; it's a symbol of New York glamour at its finest.

🛎 Editor’s Note: Upgrade to a suite overlooking the Pulitzer Fountain for a true "Home Alone 2" moment.

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3. Aman Tokyo (Tokyo, Japan)

Aman Tokyo Spa and Serenity PoolPhoto Courtesy of Aman Tokyo

Aman properties are synonymous with minimalist elegance, and Aman Tokyo elevates this philosophy to skyscraping heights — literally — occupying the top six floors of the Otemachi Tower.

Signature Experience: Serene ryokan-inspired suites, a breathtaking black basalt pool with skyline views, and the city's most refined omakase dining.
Why Visit: Aman Tokyo offers a rare blend of Zen tranquility and urban sophistication, creating a sanctuary high above the electric city below.

🛎 Travel Note: Visit in cherry blossom season for unforgettable vistas from the hotel’s floor-to-ceiling windows.

4. Hotel Cipriani, A Belmond Hotel (Venice, Italy)

Hotel Cipriani Offers Iconic Glamour With Venetian Views And Vintage CharmPhoto Courtesy of Hotel Cipriani

Tucked away on the tip of Giudecca Island, Hotel Cipriani has been Venice’s hidden jewel since the 1950s — a playground for Hollywood royalty and European aristocrats.

Signature Experience: Private motorboat transfers, authentic Venetian gardens, and the famous Cipriani Bellini cocktail by the Olympic-sized pool.
Why Visit: Few places marry relaxed glamour and cinematic beauty quite like the Cipriani.

🛎 Resident Insider Tip: Reserve a table at Oro Restaurant, a Michelin-starred gem with mesmerizing lagoon views.

5. Burj Al Arab Jumeirah (Dubai, UAE)

Aerial View of Burj Al Arab Against Dubai's Iconic SkylinePhoto Courtesy of Burj Al Arab Jumeirah

Sometimes called "the world’s only seven-star hotel," the sail-shaped Burj Al Arab redefined modern luxury when it opened — and it remains a global icon of opulence.

Signature Experience: Duplex suites with private butlers, Rolls-Royce fleet airport transfers, and underwater dining at Al Mahara.
Why Visit: For travelers who believe that too much luxury is never enough, the Burj delivers — with drama to match.

🛎 Insider Secret: Book the Terrace for exclusive infinity pool access over the Arabian Gulf.

Conclusion

Luxury hotels come and go, but legends endure. These five storied properties offer more than exceptional accommodations — they offer transformative moments. Whether it’s sipping champagne under gilded ceilings or waking to panoramic cityscapes, a stay at any of these icons is not merely a vacation — it’s a chapter in your personal history.