Best Hotels by Brand

Imagine stepping into a grand lobby adorned with crystal chandeliers, plush furnishings, and an atmosphere that whispers luxury and adventure. Whether sinking into a bed with silk-smooth sheets or opening balcony doors to spectacular ocean views at sunrise, the hotels you choose profoundly shape your travel experiences.

In 2025, hotel brands have reached exciting new heights, with fresh rankings from U.S. News & World Report and NerdWallet spotlighting surprising winners and trendsetters. Join us as we explore the finest hotels, from opulent luxury escapes to rewarding, budget-friendly retreats that promise unforgettable journeys.

Four Seasons

When it comes to pure indulgence, few names resonate quite like Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. Crowned by U.S. News & World Report as the top luxury hotel brand, Four Seasons is synonymous with unmatched sophistication, meticulous attention to detail, and opulence that never feels excessive—just perfectly measured and timelessly elegant.

Take, for instance, the enchanting Four Seasons Resort Hualalai on Hawaii’s Big Island, ranked the #1 Four Seasons property. Imagine waking up in your beachfront villa, stepping out onto soft sands, and watching dolphins leap through crystal-clear waters. Or consider the historic charm of the Four Seasons Hotel Firenze, where Italian renaissance art meets contemporary luxury amid lush Florentine gardens. Whether lounging in a private cabana at Four Seasons Resort Nevis or indulging in a rejuvenating spa experience at any Four Seasons destination, every stay promises memories you’ll cherish long after you’ve checked out.

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts

In a thrilling twist for 2025, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts has surged to the top in NerdWallet’s coveted rankings, earning the title of the best overall hotel brand. Why Wyndham? Simple: unmatched value and superior rewards programs. Wyndham makes the dream of frequent travel not just achievable, but highly rewarding, thanks to its extraordinarily generous point system—guests earn an impressive 11.75% back on each stay. That’s real money saved on your next adventure.

Beyond rewards, Wyndham distinguishes itself with refreshingly low resort and parking fees, appealing deeply to seasoned travelers who’ve become weary of hidden costs. It’s a brand built around straightforward, honest value—ideal for road trippers, family vacations, or those simply seeking comfortable stays without breaking the bank. While Wyndham’s elite status perks aren’t extravagant, that’s precisely the appeal: consistent quality without unnecessary frills.

Marriott International

Marriott International continues to impress travelers worldwide by masterfully combining versatility and upscale elegance across a wide spectrum of hotels, from ultra-luxury properties to trendy urban retreats. Leading Marriott’s prestigious portfolio is The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad, an extraordinary property blending cosmopolitan glamour with refined luxury, set in Manhattan’s most vibrant district.

Cross the Atlantic, and Marriott dazzles with the legendary Hotel Imperial, a Luxury Collection Hotel in Vienna, where you’ll immerse yourself in old-world charm, grand ballrooms, and Viennese sophistication. Or lose yourself at the tropical paradise of Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Puerto Rico, where every suite overlooks pristine Caribbean waters. Marriott’s vast array of brands—from W Hotels’ stylish nightlife hubs to St. Regis’s timeless elegance—means travelers can always find a perfect match, whether for business trips, family vacations, or romantic escapes.

Hyatt Hotels Corporation

Few brands balance innovative design, relaxed luxury, and genuine warmth quite like Hyatt Hotels Corporation. With standout properties like Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, Golf Club & Spa in Southern California—think championship golf courses, lush gardens, and personalized luxury—and the charmingly historic Eliza Thompson House in Savannah, Hyatt continually pushes boundaries.

Hyatt’s strength lies in its ability to create unforgettable atmospheres—be it boutique charm at Andaz Hotels, urban chic at Hyatt Centric, or classic luxury at Park Hyatt. With excellent rewards and consistently high standards, Hyatt proves again and again why it’s a beloved favorite among frequent travelers and loyalty enthusiasts alike.

Hilton Worldwide

Hilton Worldwide, despite a surprising slide in NerdWallet’s latest rankings, remains a beloved choice among discerning travelers. Leading its global portfolio are standout Waldorf Astoria properties, epitomizing timeless sophistication. The Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills, ranked as Hilton’s best property, exudes Hollywood glamour with panoramic city views, rooftop dining, and star-worthy service. Equally enticing is the elegant Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam, blending historic canal-side beauty with modern amenities and European sophistication.

But Hilton faces challenges, notably with higher-than-average fees and lower point values for its loyalty program. However, its continued strength in customer service and sheer brand recognition ensures travelers still enjoy premium stays and lasting memories.

IHG Hotels & Resorts

IHG may have room for improvement in rewards, but its standout properties like the iconic Willard Intercontinental Washington—where presidents, dignitaries, and celebrities have stayed—still enchant guests. Across the Atlantic, IHG’s luxurious Six Senses Douro Valley in Portugal captivates with breathtaking vineyards, world-class spa treatments, and eco-friendly charm.

Although IHG struggles with rewarding loyalty, it thrives by offering unique and memorable experiences that emphasize history, style, and authenticity—a brand ideal for travelers who prioritize the destination and experience itself.

Preferred Hotels & Resorts: Boutique Charm and Exclusive Luxury

For those seeking intimacy, personalization, and boutique luxury, Preferred Hotels & Resorts delivers with flair. Standout properties such as the tranquil Montage Palmetto Bluff in South Carolina offer serene Southern elegance and exquisite service, while London’s charmingly intimate Egerton House Hotel transports guests into a cozy yet lavish British townhouse.

Preferred Hotels stand out by crafting distinctly personal experiences, ideal for travelers who value subtle luxury, exclusivity, and genuine hospitality.

Matching Brand with Personality

Choosing the perfect hotel brand isn’t simply about ratings. It’s about matching your personal travel style and desires to the right experience.

• For luxury seekers craving ultimate indulgence, Four Seasons and Marriott’s Ritz-Carlton are unmatched.
  
• For frequent travelers and reward maximizers, Wyndham’s unbeatable loyalty program offers exceptional value.
  
• For trendsetters and style enthusiasts, Hyatt’s contemporary flair and Marriott’s versatile luxury stand out.
  
• For charm-seekers and boutique lovers, Preferred Hotels and IHG’s distinctive properties offer character-rich stays.
  

The Magic of Travel in 2025 and Beyond

As 2025 unfolds, the world’s top hotel brands continue to redefine what travel can be. They deliver more than just accommodations; they’re curating emotional journeys, unforgettable moments, and stories worth telling.

From Wyndham’s exceptional rewards to Four Seasons’ opulent retreats, each brand offers something uniquely special, proving once again that travel isn’t just about reaching your destination—it’s about savoring every moment of the journey.

Whether it’s slipping into luxurious linens, dining under starlit skies, or simply feeling warmly welcomed at every turn, these hotel brands don’t just host your adventures. They become an integral, unforgettable part of them.

So pack your bags, book your next adventure, and let these outstanding hotel brands turn your dream trip into a vibrant reality. Because the magic of travel isn’t only about where you go, it’s about where you stay.