Five Hotels That Are Worth the Money: Luxury Stays Worth the Splurge

Colorful La Fortuna sign in front of a tourism information center surrounded by lush rainforest vegetation in Costa Rica.

Five Hotels That Are Worth the Money

Luxury hotels are certainly a splurge, but every once in a while, you come across a property that guests can’t stop talking about long after they’ve returned home. Here are the hotels my clients have raved about—not just because of the beautiful rooms or luxurious amenities, but because of the unforgettable experiences they provide. If you’re looking for a hotel that’s truly worth the investment, these are five at the top of my list.


Nayara Tented Camp – La Fortuna, Costa Rica

Colorful La Fortuna sign in front of a tourism information center surrounded by lush rainforest vegetation in Costa Rica.
La Fortuna serves as the gateway to many of Costa Rica’s most memorable rainforest experiences, making it the perfect base for a stay at Nayara Tented Camp. 

 

At this unique property, guests stay in luxurious safari-style tents, surrounded by rainforest with the Arenal Volcano rising in the distance. Every tent features a private plunge pool fed by natural hot springs, while sloths and tropical birds are frequent visitors. Many travelers pair a stay here with a few days at one of Costa Rica’s beautiful Pacific beaches, giving them the best of both worlds—a rainforest adventure and a relaxing beach escape.


The Goring Hotel – London, England

Front entrance of The Goring Hotel in London featuring historic brick architecture, ivy-covered balconies, and national flags.
The Goring Hotel combines timeless British elegance with a rich heritage, making it one of London’s most celebrated luxury accommodations.

 

Elegant without being stuffy, The Goring is a true London institution. Opened in 1910, it is London’s last family-owned five-star hotel. This property is just a short stroll from Buckingham Palace, and has a strong connection to the Royal Family–Kate Middleton stayed here the night before her wedding to Price William! Guests love its beautifully appointed rooms, celebrated afternoon tea, and classic full English breakfast served with impeccable British style.


The Maybourne Riviera – Côte d’Azur, France

Elevated view of a Mediterranean marina and waterfront buildings along the Côte d’Azur framed by surrounding trees.
The French Riviera’s dramatic coastline and sparkling Mediterranean waters help create the breathtaking setting that makes The Maybourne Riviera so memorable.

 

Suspended dramatically on a rocky peninsula high above the Mediterranean between Monaco and the Italian border, The Maybourne Riviera feels as though it’s floating between sea and sky. Nearly every room, suite, and terrace offers sweeping panoramic views of the Côte d’Azur’s blue waters. Guests can enjoy Michelin-starred dining, an infinity pool that appears to merge with the sea, and access to the hotel’s private beach club with reserved sun loungers.


1 Hotel Hanalei Bay – Kauai, Hawaii

Beachfront resort surrounded by palm trees overlooking a sandy shoreline on Kauai's North Shore.
Set above one of Hawaii’s most beautiful bays, 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay combines coastal scenery, luxury accommodations, and a strong connection to the natural landscape

 

Perched above the crescent-shaped shores of Hanalei Bay, 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay is one of the most spectacular resorts in Hawaii. The resort blends luxury with sustainability, incorporating natural materials, locally sourced cuisine, and wellness experiences throughout the property. Guests can spend their days relaxing by the pool, enjoying the world-class spa, or exploring Kauai’s lush North Shore. With breathtaking views from nearly every corner of the resort, it’s easy to see why so many visitors leave planning their return.


Four Seasons Hotel George V – Paris, France

Exterior entrance of Four Seasons Hotel George V in Paris with French flags, manicured greenery, and luxury hotel façade.
An iconic Paris landmark, Four Seasons Hotel George V is renowned for its refined atmosphere, exceptional service, and classic Parisian luxury.

 

A beloved Paris hotel since 1928, Four Seasons Hotel George V captures the elegance and romance of the Paris travelers dream of experiencing. From the moment you step into the lobby, you’re greeted by spectacular fresh floral displays and an atmosphere of timeless sophistication. After a day exploring the City of Light, unwind with a cocktail in the intimate Le Bar before dining at one of the hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurants.

Colorful La Fortuna sign in front of a tourism information center surrounded by lush rainforest vegetation in Costa Rica.

Five Hotels That Are Worth the Money

Luxury hotels are certainly a splurge, but every once in a while, you come across a property that guests can’t stop talking about long after they’ve returned home. Here are the hotels my clients have raved about—not just because of the beautiful rooms or luxurious amenities, but because of the unforgettable experiences they provide. If you’re looking for a hotel that’s truly worth the investment, these are five at the top of my list.


Nayara Tented Camp – La Fortuna, Costa Rica

Colorful La Fortuna sign in front of a tourism information center surrounded by lush rainforest vegetation in Costa Rica.
La Fortuna serves as the gateway to many of Costa Rica’s most memorable rainforest experiences, making it the perfect base for a stay at Nayara Tented Camp. 

 

At this unique property, guests stay in luxurious safari-style tents, surrounded by rainforest with the Arenal Volcano rising in the distance. Every tent features a private plunge pool fed by natural hot springs, while sloths and tropical birds are frequent visitors. Many travelers pair a stay here with a few days at one of Costa Rica’s beautiful Pacific beaches, giving them the best of both worlds—a rainforest adventure and a relaxing beach escape.


The Goring Hotel – London, England

Front entrance of The Goring Hotel in London featuring historic brick architecture, ivy-covered balconies, and national flags.
The Goring Hotel combines timeless British elegance with a rich heritage, making it one of London’s most celebrated luxury accommodations.

 

Elegant without being stuffy, The Goring is a true London institution. Opened in 1910, it is London’s last family-owned five-star hotel. This property is just a short stroll from Buckingham Palace, and has a strong connection to the Royal Family–Kate Middleton stayed here the night before her wedding to Price William! Guests love its beautifully appointed rooms, celebrated afternoon tea, and classic full English breakfast served with impeccable British style.


The Maybourne Riviera – Côte d’Azur, France

Elevated view of a Mediterranean marina and waterfront buildings along the Côte d’Azur framed by surrounding trees.
The French Riviera’s dramatic coastline and sparkling Mediterranean waters help create the breathtaking setting that makes The Maybourne Riviera so memorable.

 

Suspended dramatically on a rocky peninsula high above the Mediterranean between Monaco and the Italian border, The Maybourne Riviera feels as though it’s floating between sea and sky. Nearly every room, suite, and terrace offers sweeping panoramic views of the Côte d’Azur’s blue waters. Guests can enjoy Michelin-starred dining, an infinity pool that appears to merge with the sea, and access to the hotel’s private beach club with reserved sun loungers.


1 Hotel Hanalei Bay – Kauai, Hawaii

Beachfront resort surrounded by palm trees overlooking a sandy shoreline on Kauai's North Shore.
Set above one of Hawaii’s most beautiful bays, 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay combines coastal scenery, luxury accommodations, and a strong connection to the natural landscape

 

Perched above the crescent-shaped shores of Hanalei Bay, 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay is one of the most spectacular resorts in Hawaii. The resort blends luxury with sustainability, incorporating natural materials, locally sourced cuisine, and wellness experiences throughout the property. Guests can spend their days relaxing by the pool, enjoying the world-class spa, or exploring Kauai’s lush North Shore. With breathtaking views from nearly every corner of the resort, it’s easy to see why so many visitors leave planning their return.


Four Seasons Hotel George V – Paris, France

Exterior entrance of Four Seasons Hotel George V in Paris with French flags, manicured greenery, and luxury hotel façade.
An iconic Paris landmark, Four Seasons Hotel George V is renowned for its refined atmosphere, exceptional service, and classic Parisian luxury.

 

A beloved Paris hotel since 1928, Four Seasons Hotel George V captures the elegance and romance of the Paris travelers dream of experiencing. From the moment you step into the lobby, you’re greeted by spectacular fresh floral displays and an atmosphere of timeless sophistication. After a day exploring the City of Light, unwind with a cocktail in the intimate Le Bar before dining at one of the hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurants.