This dispatch is part of From the Window Seat, a series of immersive, long-form personal trip reflections, in-depth destination pieces, and sharp hospitality evaluations grounded in firsthand reporting and personal experience.
Ed. Note: Some of the stays mentioned below were hosted. They are indicated appropriately. As always, I only share experiences that I genuinely love, and all opinions and recommendations are entirely my own.
Becoming a full-time travel writer this year meant it also was a banner year for hotel stays.
Between New York staycations, hosted trips, and longer journeys through Menorca, Amsterdam, and Portugal, I checked into more than 15 hotels throughout the year. But this is not a complete ledger of every stay. Instead, it’s a considered edit of the properties that stayed with me long after check-out, and the ones I’d plan a return trip around without hesitation.
Below, I’m highlighting just five hotels that best represent the range of stays I experienced this year, from intimate boutique hotels and farmhouse-style retreats to estate stays and heritage luxury brands. Each one offers something distinct, whether it’s a sense of place, exceptional service, or a small detail that elevates the entire affair.
For each, I share who it’s best for, how I booked it, and the specific can’t-miss elements that made it stand out.
