The best city hotel are also mini-destinations. They might be found in dynamic locations with world-class museums, reputable restaurants, and endless things to do, but the hotels themselves have also curated experiences and amenities that encourage guests to spend more time on property—whether it’s through interesting artwork, exquisite dining options, or flawless customer service. The results of the World’s Best Awards for this year have been compiled. Travel + Leisure Readers prefer well-rounded properties and have a preference for those in Southern cities. Charleston, South Carolina.
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How Voting Works
Every year for our World’s Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe—to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. The 2025 survey was completed by nearly 180,000 T+L subscribers. Over 657,000 votes were cast for over 8,700 different properties (hotels cities cruise lines etc.).).
The criteria used to rate hotels included: their location, amenities and rating.
- Rooms/facilities
- Location
- Service
- Food
- You can also value
Respondents could rate each characteristic as excellent, above the average, average or below average. The final scores are the averages of all these responses.
What Readers Really Loved
The results of this year’s T+L survey made one thing very clear: readers value service that is personal. Making a return to the best continental U.S. city hotels list—it was last featured in 2023—The Loutrel (No. Twelve is one of the five Charleston properties that our readers highly rated. The welcoming smell when you enter, the spacious rooms, and the comfortable beds are all things that scream subtle luxury. One reader also said the downtown location and the free breakfast, drinks, and snacks make this a “great value.”
Another Southern favorite Bowie House, Auberge Resorts Collection (No. The No. 14 was praised for its “professional” staff, “friendly service”, and expertly curated decor. One T+L reader said that it “sets the standard for luxury hotel in Fort Worth.” WBA Hall of Fame The Jefferson, Washington DC No. Many readers cite its “impeccable service” as a reason to choose No. 2. One reader said that the staff goes “above and beyond” to fulfill any request, while another considered it “one of best hotels”. [they] Have you ever stayed in?”
Only one hotel could be crowned the best, even though all the hotels featured are excellent in their own rights. Find out which city hotel topped the list this year.
The Winner
Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas
Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas
Named best hotel in Las Vegas Waldorf Astoria has been rated as one of Sin City’s most luxurious and restful hotels by T+L’s readers for 2024. Although it is conveniently located near the Strip, just steps from the casinos and vibrant nightlife, the Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas offers a peaceful retreat, with luxurious touches everywhere (such as a full service spa). One reader said that the Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas was a real gem on The Strip. Every detail has been designed with comfort and elegance in mind, from the stunning non-gaming ambience to the breathtaking views and top-notch amenities. This includes the pool on the eighth floor, which is calmer than a typical club. Here, guests are treated to city vistas and attentive waiter service—as several readers attested, Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas is a property with “friendly,” “wonderful” staff and “great hospitality.”
T + L Reader
The hotel is designed to provide comfort and elegance.
— T + L Reader
The Complete List
1. Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas
Reader Score: 98.00
2. The Jefferson, DC: Washington, D.C.
WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader Score: 95.95
3. Wentworth MansionCharleston
Reader Score: 97.44
4. The Hay-Adams: Washington, D.C.
WBA Hall of Fame Honoree Reader Score: 96.98
5. L’Ermitage Beverly Hills
Score for Reader: 96.95
6. Pendry West Hollywood
Reader Score: 96.80
7. The Post Oak Hotel at Uptown Houston
Reader Score: 96.71%
8. The Eliot Hotel: Boston
Score for Reader: 96.57
9. John Rutledge House InnCharleston
Reader Score: 96.25%
10. Hotel MaverickGrand Junction (Colorado)
Reader Score: 95.00
11. Market Pavilion HotelCharleston
Reader Score 95.78
12. The LoutrelCharleston
Reader Score 95.76
13. Hotel Emma: San Antonio, Texas
Reader Score 95.76
14. Bowie House, Auberge Resorts CollectionFort Worth, Texas
Reader Score: 95.64
15. The Spectator HotelCharleston
Reader Score: 95.43
