The World's Most Beautiful Hotels of 2026, According to Time Out

An ancient castle in Ireland, a palace in Florence, and a hotel nestled among Iceland’s volcanic landscapes have made it onto Time Out’s list of the world’s most beautiful hotels. Learn more about the Top 10, each hotel’s unique features, and nightly rates

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An Irish castle, a Florentine palace, and a hotel set amid Iceland’s volcanic landscapes have made the Time Out list of the world’s most beautiful hotels. The publication’s experts selected 33 properties, 11 of which are located in Europe. Topping the list is Ashford Castle in Ireland—a five-star hotel housed in a castle with over 800 years of history.

Half of the top ten are European hotels. The list features a mix of historic residences with large gardens, vibrant resort complexes, and understated modern architecture. Here’s a look at which hotels made the top 10, what sets them apart, and what to expect in terms of room rates.

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How were the world’s most beautiful hotels selected?

The selection was compiled by an international team of Time Out editors, writers, and hospitality experts. A representative from the publication personally visited each hotel on the list. As Time Out explains, the selection is based on firsthand impressions of the locations, which the team evaluated during their travels.

Among the main reasons for making the list, the publication cites:

- Distinctive architecture: unusual buildings, historic residences, and original contemporary designs

- Beautiful interiors: the design of guest rooms and common areas

- Stunning views: natural surroundings and panoramic vistas visible from the hotel

- Well-maintained grounds: gardens, green spaces, and landscaping around the buildings

At the same time, Time Out explicitly states that the selection is subjective and not exhaustive. The publication does not use a scoring system or assign weights to individual criteria. Therefore, a hotel’s position on the list reflects the editorial team’s choice rather than the result of a standardized comparison of all hotels worldwide.

Learn more about cities around the world with the cheapest 5-star hotels by following the link.

Top 10 Most Beautiful Hotels in the World and Prices Per Night

The top ten in the Time Out ranking include hotels from nine countries. Historic castles sit side by side with designer resorts nestled among vineyards and volcanic landscapes.

The prices below are examples of rates for specific dates in September–October 2026. These are the costs per night for two adults, including taxes and fees, based on Expedia data available at the time of verification on September 4. Rates are subject to change. Amounts are listed in U.S. dollars, except where prices in British pounds are specifically noted.

1. Ashford Castle, Ireland – starting at $1,259 per night

This castle hotel near the village of Cong offers 83 accommodation options: rooms, suites, and the private Boathouse cottage overlooking the lake. The rooms feature traditional decor with bold colors and historic details.

2. The Hiramatsu Karuizawa Miyota, Japan – starting at $678 per night

This hotel in Nagano Prefecture is nestled in a 60,000 m² forest. It has 37 rooms, including nine private villas.

Large windows, natural materials, and private onsen allow guests to enjoy the mountain views in a tranquil atmosphere.

3. Four Seasons Hotel Firenze, Italy – from $2,377 per night

This Florence hotel is housed in historic palaces and offers 121 rooms and suites. Its standout feature is a large private garden in the heart of the city. Accommodation options include suites with frescoes and duplex rooms overlooking the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore.

4. Jackalope Hotel, Australia – starting at $392 per night

This boutique hotel on the Mornington Peninsula is situated on the grounds of an 11-hectare vineyard. According to the hotel, it features 44 designer rooms, a 30-meter infinity pool, and two restaurants. The Vineyard-category rooms overlook the vineyards and feature private terraces.

5. The Fifth Avenue Hotel, United States – starting at $1,134 per night

This New York City hotel, located at the corner of Fifth Avenue and 28th Street, has 153 rooms. Designer Martin Brudnizki created the interiors with a combination of rich colors, various textures, and decorative details. Madison Square Park is located nearby.

6. The Ritz-Carlton Tenerife, Abama, Spain – starting at $311 per night

This resort in southwestern Tenerife is recognizable for its terracotta buildings with Moorish motifs. The complex is situated on 160 hectares of land. The room decor blends shades of the ocean, the greenery of the botanical gardens, and the hotel’s facades.

7. ION Adventure Hotel, Iceland – starting at $399 per night

Located in the Nesjavellir area, this hotel stands out for its concrete structure on stilts and panoramic views of lava fields. Guests have access to a geothermal pool and a spa. A wake-up service is also available in case the Northern Lights appear at night.

8. Le Jardin des Douars, Morocco – starting at £161 per night

Located near Essaouira, this hotel features 19 rooms, six suites, and six private villas. Its grounds include a botanical garden, terraces, and courtyards. The two heated pools are divided by purpose: one is for adults, the other for families with children.

9. The Phoenicia Malta, Malta – starting at $649 per night

The hotel is located in Floriana, near the entrance to historic Valletta. A garden path along the bastion walls leads to sweeping views of Marsamxett Harbor. One of the complex’s main attractions is the Bastion infinity pool, which is heated in winter.

10. Mount Nelson, South Africa – starting at $1,192 per night

The famous pink hotel in Cape Town has been welcoming guests since 1899. It features 196 rooms and suites and approximately 3.6 hectares of gardens. The historic building at the foot of Table Mountain combines an urban location with extensive green spaces.

The offers listed here help you estimate your budget, but they apply to different dates and accommodation categories. Before booking, it’s worth checking whether the rate includes breakfast, spa access, and cancellation options.

In our previous article, we explained how to book hotels abroad without making mistakes.

Ashford Castle: What Makes the Top-Ranked Hotel Special

The history of Ashford Castle began in 1228, when the Anglo-Norman de Bourgo family founded the castle in western Ireland. Over the centuries, it was rebuilt and expanded. In 1852, the estate was purchased by Benjamin Lee Guinness, a member of the famous brewing family. During the Guinness era, Victorian additions, new roads, and extensive woodlands were introduced. These changes shaped the appearance of the residence that guests see today.

In 2013, Ashford Castle became part of the Red Carnation Hotels collection. The new owners carried out a large-scale restoration with the help of local craftsmen. The interiors have retained the character of the historic estate: crystal chandeliers, rich colors, decorative fabrics, and long corridors. A standout architectural feature is the spa pool in a glass-enclosed pavilion with a bronze frame.

The grounds of the modern estate cover 350 acres, or about 142 hectares. Here, guests can go horseback riding and biking, fish, and play golf. Loch Corrib and the forest trails make the castle an ideal destination for a few days of countryside relaxation.

One of the most interesting activities on offer is a private falconry session led by an instructor. During the one-hour session, the bird flies between the trees and returns to the participant’s hand, which is protected by a glove. The cost is €140 for one person or €210 for two. This is an additional expense that should be factored in along with the cost of accommodations.

What to check before booking a hotel from the Top 10?

The room rate doesn’t always reflect the total cost of your trip. Additional expenses depend on the hotel’s location, meals, and the activities you choose. Before paying, it’s worth checking a few details:

1. Room category and view from the window. The panoramic view shown in promotional photos may only be available in select rooms. For example, at Jackalope, a view of the vineyards is included in the “Vineyard” category. Be sure to confirm the category name, whether a terrace is included, and the specific view.

2. The cost and duration of the transfer. For a hotel outside the city, it’s important to plan ahead for the trip from the airport and trips to nearby towns. Check whether a car is needed and how much parking or a transfer costs.

3. Policies regarding children. Not all hotels are suitable for families with young children. For example, Jackalope accepts guests aged 12 and older. When searching for a room, be sure to specify the exact ages of your children.

4. Services included in the rate. Check for breakfast, access to pools, saunas, and the spa. Massages, private lessons, and certain activities may incur additional charges even if the room rate is high.

5. Prepayment and cancellation. Pay attention to the deadline for free cancellation and the penalty amount. For example, Jackalope’s standard terms require full prepayment and cancellation at least 14 days before check-in to avoid a penalty. For a specific offer, check the terms listed during the booking process.

It’s best to compare offers for the same dates, room category, and number of guests. This will help you determine whether a lower price is truly a better deal or if it comes with fewer amenities and stricter cancellation policies.

No matter how well thought-out your itinerary is, there is always room for force majeure when traveling. Unexpected medical expenses, transportation delays, or luggage problems can ruin your plans and budget. Travel insurance helps you avoid unnecessary worries in such situations. You can apply for a travel insurance policy for a specific trip online at Visit World - quickly and without unnecessary bureaucracy!

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We remind you! Popular European tourist destinations are becoming increasingly crowded, so travelers are looking for alternatives without the crowds. In 2026, attention is turning to countries that remain off the beaten path but offer unique experiences, affordable prices, and an authentic atmosphere. Read more about 5 European countries that are rarely visited by tourists.

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