The Best Hotels of 2025 Have Aged Like Fine Wines
A case for skipping the shiny new thing when you plan your next great vacation.
The Chancery Rosewood, in London.
Photographer: Ben AndersFor someone whose job is seeking out the new and notable in travel, 2025 was a year when the old guard came out on top.
Why? Hotel prices remained sky-high, leading us to look for places delivering maximum value. Established hotels often have deeper ties to their destinations, making them more solid conduits for local experiences — so long as they aren’t resting on their laurels. They’ve also had time to figure out how guests move through their space, what they want from their experience and how best to deliver. Fresh debuts, on the other hand, may offer buzz, but they take time to find their sea legs. When an older property emerges from a major renovation, you get the best of both worlds: design that feels fresh paired with time-honored services and a seasoned staff.