While we do have a soft spot for the modern boutique, there's something to be said for the kind of experience that's only found in the grandest of grand hotels.
Beverly Hills Hotel
Los Angeles, California
Even a city as young as Los Angeles has its grandes dames, of which the Beverly Hills Hotel is without a doubt the queen. The "Pink Palace" celebrates its 100th birthday this year.
Hotel Gresham Palace
Budapest, Hungary
Just in case you need a little refresher on what exactly Hungarian Art Nouveau looks like, the Gresham Palace is a textbook example — and a fine luxury hotel to boot.
Balmoral
Edinburgh, Scotland
The doormen at the Balmoral still dress in full Highland regalia, but inside it's a more contemporary sort of classic, with modern interiors thanks to a Rocco Forte redesign.
Palacio Duhau Park Hyatt
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Though it's only been a hotel since 2006, the Duhau is a throwback to BA's roaring '20s, a time when the expression "rich as an Argentine" was instinctively understood.
Hotel Sacher Wien
Vienna, Austria
The Viennese know a thing or two about opulence, and the extravagant Sacher Wien, a Vienna landmark, is remarkable for much more than just a perfect chocolate torte.
Hotel Plaza Athenee
Paris, France
It's a rare historic hotel where youth doesn't look out of place, but the Plaza Athénée's clientele spans all ages, thanks to some timeless design and a flattering color palette.
The Fairmont San Francisco
San Francisco, California
If the spirit of 1907 weren't enough to make this old Nob Hill classic your first choice, there's also the legendary happy hour at tiki-kitsch masterpiece The Tonga Room.
Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi
Hanoi, Vietnam
Along with Hanoi's Opera House and Presidential Palace, the Metropole is among the more beautiful vestiges of the French imperial era — and an exceptionally well-run hotel.
Hotel De L'Europe
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
This riverfront beauty pays tribute to Amsterdam's artistic heritage. Rooms, decorated in rich hues, feature replicas of Dutch Master paintings from the Rijksmuseum.
Taj Mahal Palace
Mumbai, India
Long one of the most storied hotels in the world, the Taj Mahal Palace continues to earn its fame for a new century with its timeless glamour and its extremely devoted service.
