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Every hotel from our videos, with its Expedia rating and the tips guests wish they'd known.

29 stays
The Retreat at Blue Lagoon Iceland, photo 1The Retreat at Blue Lagoon Iceland, photo 2The Retreat at Blue Lagoon Iceland, photo 3The Retreat at Blue Lagoon Iceland, photo 4The Retreat at Blue Lagoon Iceland, photo 5

Grindavik, IcelandNewest

The Retreat at Blue Lagoon Iceland

9.8Exceptional on Expedia
173 verified reviews

  • Built into an 800-year-old lava flow, with a guests-only lagoon
  • Michelin-star Moss restaurant and a Blue Lagoon Ritual included

Know before you go

  1. Join the morning yoga (included)
  2. Take a guided hike through the lava fields
Check dates on Expedia
The Broadmoor, photo 1The Broadmoor, photo 2The Broadmoor, photo 3The Broadmoor, photo 4The Broadmoor, photo 5

Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA

The Broadmoor

9.6Exceptional on Expedia
1,000 verified reviews

  • Three pools, a five-star spa and paddle boats on Cheyenne Lake
  • Guests rave about the restaurants (12 reviews) and the spa (3 reviews)

Know before you go

  1. Take the free shuttle to Seven Falls
  2. Try a falconry lesson
Check dates on Expedia
Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel, photo 1Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel, photo 2Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel, photo 3Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel, photo 4Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel, photo 5

Gardens, Cape Town, South Africa

Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel

9.8Exceptional on Expedia
322 verified reviews

  • Nine acres of gardens and two heated pools in the middle of Cape Town
  • Guests rave about the service — and the afternoon tea

Know before you go

  1. Book the afternoon tea
  2. Walk Government Avenue into Company's Garden
Check dates on Expedia
La Mamounia, photo 1La Mamounia, photo 2La Mamounia, photo 3La Mamounia, photo 4La Mamounia, photo 5

Medina, Marrakech, Morocco

La Mamounia

9.2Wonderful on Expedia
757 verified reviews

  • A centenary chandelier, lantern-lit halls and 1,200 plant species in the gardens
  • Guests rave about the pool area (10 reviews) and the spa (5 reviews)

Know before you go

  1. Have dinner at Le Marocain (live Andalusian music)
  2. Book the royal hammam ceremony
Check dates on Expedia
Pera Palace Hotel, photo 1Pera Palace Hotel, photo 2Pera Palace Hotel, photo 3Pera Palace Hotel, photo 4Pera Palace Hotel, photo 5

Beyoğlu, Istanbul, Türkiye

Pera Palace Hotel

9.6Exceptional on Expedia
1,066 verified reviews

  • Franco-Ottoman style: neoclassical, Art Nouveau and oriental
  • Guests rave about the breakfast (84 reviews) and the spa with a hammam (24 reviews)

Know before you go

  1. Have afternoon tea under the daylight dome
  2. Stop by the Orient Bar
Check dates on Expedia
PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay, Singapore, photo 1PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay, Singapore, photo 2PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay, Singapore, photo 3PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay, Singapore, photo 4PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay, Singapore, photo 5

Marina Bay, Singapore

PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay, Singapore

9.4Exceptional on Expedia
1,014 verified reviews

  • A 21-story atrium with more than 2,400 plants
  • Guests rave about the breakfast (63 reviews) and the pool (28 reviews)

Know before you go

  1. Swim after dark
  2. Walk the Skybridge through the atrium
Check dates on Expedia
Fairmont Rio de Janeiro Copacabana, photo 1Fairmont Rio de Janeiro Copacabana, photo 2Fairmont Rio de Janeiro Copacabana, photo 3Fairmont Rio de Janeiro Copacabana, photo 4Fairmont Rio de Janeiro Copacabana, photo 5

Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Fairmont Rio de Janeiro Copacabana

9.2Wonderful on Expedia
1,004 verified reviews

  • Right on Copacabana Beach, with Sugarloaf views
  • Beach tennis Friday to Sunday and a beach club with live music

Know before you go

  1. Catch the live music by the pool
  2. Try beach tennis, Friday to Sunday
Check dates on Expedia
Wildlife Retreat at Taronga, photo 1Wildlife Retreat at Taronga, photo 2Wildlife Retreat at Taronga, photo 3Wildlife Retreat at Taronga, photo 4Wildlife Retreat at Taronga, photo 5

Taronga Zoo, Sydney, Australia

Wildlife Retreat at Taronga

9.8Exceptional on Expedia
976 verified reviews

  • Free Taronga Zoo entry through a private back door
  • Guests rave about the restaurant (76 reviews) and the breakfast (58 reviews)

Know before you go

  1. Ask for an Animal View room
  2. Join the Daybreak Walk before the zoo opens
Check dates on Expedia
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, photo 1Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, photo 2Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, photo 3Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, photo 4Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, photo 5

South Ari Atoll, Maldives

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island

9.2Wonderful on Expedia
140 verified reviews

  • Two private islands linked by a footbridge
  • Ithaa Undersea Restaurant, five meters below the ocean

Know before you go

  1. Dine at Ithaa, the undersea restaurant
  2. Ask about the guided snorkeling
Check dates on Expedia
Hotel Abruzzi, photo 1Hotel Abruzzi, photo 2Hotel Abruzzi, photo 3Hotel Abruzzi, photo 4Hotel Abruzzi, photo 5

Rome, Italy

Hotel Abruzzi

9.6Exceptional on Expedia
1,003 verified reviews

  • 45 meters from the Pantheon, in Rome's historic center
  • Free breakfast at a restaurant partner nearby

Know before you go

  1. Borrow the free smartphone with sightseeing guides
  2. Ask about a private guided tour
Check dates on Expedia
Montage Laguna Beach, photo 1Montage Laguna Beach, photo 2Montage Laguna Beach, photo 3Montage Laguna Beach, photo 4Montage Laguna Beach, photo 5

Laguna Beach, California, USA

Montage Laguna Beach

9.4Exceptional on Expedia
769 verified reviews

  • Coastal bluff with direct beach access
  • Mosaic-tiled pool with private cabanas

Know before you go

  1. Reserve a private cabana at the Mosaic Pool
  2. Time dinner at Studio for sunset
Check dates on Expedia
San Clemente Palace, Venice, photo 1San Clemente Palace, Venice, photo 2San Clemente Palace, Venice, photo 3San Clemente Palace, Venice, photo 4San Clemente Palace, Venice, photo 5

Venice, Italy

San Clemente Palace, Venice

9.4Exceptional on Expedia
490 verified reviews

  • 900-year-old monastery buildings and ancient gardens
  • Free wooden shuttle to San Marco Square in about 10 minutes

Know before you go

  1. Have dinner on the Acquerello terrace over the lagoon
  2. Take the free shuttle to San Marco
Check dates on Expedia
The Peninsula Paris, photo 1The Peninsula Paris, photo 2The Peninsula Paris, photo 3The Peninsula Paris, photo 4The Peninsula Paris, photo 5

Paris, France

The Peninsula Paris

9.6Exceptional on Expedia
429 verified reviews

  • A 1908 landmark steps from the Arc de Triomphe
  • Rooftop L'Oiseau Blanc, with 360° skyline views

Know before you go

  1. Take afternoon tea at Le Lobby with a live jazz trio
  2. Ask about the private Seine cruise
Check dates on Expedia
Park Hyatt Tokyo, photo 1Park Hyatt Tokyo, photo 2Park Hyatt Tokyo, photo 3Park Hyatt Tokyo, photo 4Park Hyatt Tokyo, photo 5

Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan

Park Hyatt Tokyo

9.6Exceptional on Expedia
939 verified reviews

  • A 65-foot indoor pool under a glass atrium
  • Guests rave about the breakfast (7 reviews) and the restaurant views (6 reviews)

Know before you go

  1. Catch the live jazz at the New York Bar
  2. Borrow a free bicycle to explore Shinjuku
Check dates on Expedia
AYANA Resort Bali, photo 1AYANA Resort Bali, photo 2AYANA Resort Bali, photo 3AYANA Resort Bali, photo 4AYANA Resort Bali, photo 5

Jimbaran Bay, Bali, Indonesia

AYANA Resort Bali

9.4Exceptional on Expedia
1,000 verified reviews

  • 14 pools across a clifftop estate, plus a private beach
  • Guests rave about the pools (15 reviews) and the dining (15 reviews)

Know before you go

  1. Catch the sunset at Rock Bar
  2. Ask about the floating brunch
Check dates on Expedia
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The Strand, London, UK

The Savoy, London

9.6Exceptional on Expedia
1,000 verified reviews

  • A legendary landmark on the Thames
  • Guests rave about the restaurant (43 reviews) and the breakfast (21 reviews)

Know before you go

  1. Save a morning for breakfast in the Gallery
  2. End an evening at the American Bar
Check dates on Expedia
The Majestic Hotel Santorini, photo 1The Majestic Hotel Santorini, photo 2The Majestic Hotel Santorini, photo 3The Majestic Hotel Santorini, photo 4The Majestic Hotel Santorini, photo 5

Santorini, Greece

The Majestic Hotel Santorini

9.2Wonderful on Expedia
623 verified reviews

  • Pool with a bar, sauna and steam room
  • Guests rave about the breakfast (38 reviews) and the pool area (27 reviews)

Know before you go

  1. Make time for the big breakfast
  2. Unwind in the sauna and steam room
Check dates on Expedia
The Westin Resort & Spa, Whistler, photo 1The Westin Resort & Spa, Whistler, photo 2The Westin Resort & Spa, Whistler, photo 3The Westin Resort & Spa, Whistler, photo 4The Westin Resort & Spa, Whistler, photo 5

Whistler, British Columbia, Canada

The Westin Resort & Spa, Whistler

9.2Wonderful on Expedia
1,819 verified reviews

  • Village Centre, near Whistler Blackcomb
  • Guests rave about the pool area (51 reviews) and the spa (35 reviews)

Know before you go

  1. Save the evening for the heated pool and hot tubs
  2. Add the spa's steam room
Check dates on Expedia
Jumeirah Al Naseem, photo 1Jumeirah Al Naseem, photo 2Jumeirah Al Naseem, photo 3Jumeirah Al Naseem, photo 4Jumeirah Al Naseem, photo 5

Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, UAE

Jumeirah Al Naseem

9.4Exceptional on Expedia
524 verified reviews

  • Private beach with Burj Al Arab views
  • Guests rave about the restaurants (14 reviews) and the pool area (7 reviews)

Know before you go

  1. Hop on the free abra water taxi
  2. Try a guided kayak session
Check dates on Expedia
Fontainebleau Miami Beach, photo 1Fontainebleau Miami Beach, photo 2Fontainebleau Miami Beach, photo 3Fontainebleau Miami Beach, photo 4Fontainebleau Miami Beach, photo 5

Miami Beach, Florida

Fontainebleau Miami Beach

8.4 on Expedia
9,145 verified reviews

  • Oceanfront, with poolside cabanas
  • Lapis Spa circuit with steam baths and mineral pools

Know before you go

  1. Add a poolside cabana
  2. Book the Lapis Spa circuit
Check dates on Expedia
Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center, photo 1Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center, photo 2Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center, photo 3Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center, photo 4Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center, photo 5

Nashville, Tennessee

Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center

8.8Excellent on Expedia
1,852 verified reviews

  • A climate-controlled garden under glass, with an indoor boat ride
  • SoundWaves water park and 18 on-site restaurants

Know before you go

  1. Ask for an interior balcony room
  2. Take the indoor boat ride
Check dates on Expedia
The Cove at Atlantis, photo 1The Cove at Atlantis, photo 2The Cove at Atlantis, photo 3The Cove at Atlantis, photo 4The Cove at Atlantis, photo 5

Paradise Island, Bahamas

The Cove at Atlantis

8.6Excellent on Expedia
1,003 verified reviews

  • Suites between two private beaches (Cove Beach & Paradise Beach)
  • Guests rave about the pool area (34 reviews) and the beach (32 reviews)

Know before you go

  1. Add a private cabana on Cove Beach
  2. Walk over to Aquaventure, the water park
Check dates on Expedia
Hotel del Coronado, Curio Collection by Hilton, photo 1Hotel del Coronado, Curio Collection by Hilton, photo 2Hotel del Coronado, Curio Collection by Hilton, photo 3Hotel del Coronado, Curio Collection by Hilton, photo 4Hotel del Coronado, Curio Collection by Hilton, photo 5

Coronado, San Diego, California

Hotel del Coronado, Curio Collection by Hilton

8.8Excellent on Expedia
1,069 verified reviews

  • Welcoming guests since 1888
  • Guests rave about the restaurants (57 reviews) and the beach (47 reviews)

Know before you go

  1. Reserve your beach fire pit ahead
  2. Rent a bike for the shoreline path
Check dates on Expedia
The Plaza, A Fairmont Hotel, photo 1The Plaza, A Fairmont Hotel, photo 2The Plaza, A Fairmont Hotel, photo 3The Plaza, A Fairmont Hotel, photo 4The Plaza, A Fairmont Hotel, photo 5

Fifth Avenue, New York City

The Plaza, A Fairmont Hotel

9.0Wonderful on Expedia
1,008 verified reviews

  • One guest called it "the quintessential New York City experience"
  • Suites include butler service · Central Park steps away

Know before you go

  1. Reserve afternoon tea ahead
  2. The subway is about a minute away
Check dates on Expedia
Fairmont Banff Springs, photo 1Fairmont Banff Springs, photo 2Fairmont Banff Springs, photo 3Fairmont Banff Springs, photo 4Fairmont Banff Springs, photo 5

Banff National Park, Alberta

Fairmont Banff Springs

9.4Exceptional on Expedia
1,005 verified reviews

  • One guest saw elk crossing the Bow River from their room
  • Heated outdoor pool (36 reviews) · a drink at the Rundle Bar

Know before you go

  1. Ask for a mountain view
  2. Book the spa ahead
Check dates on Expedia
Grand Wailea Maui, A Waldorf Astoria Resort, photo 1Grand Wailea Maui, A Waldorf Astoria Resort, photo 2Grand Wailea Maui, A Waldorf Astoria Resort, photo 3Grand Wailea Maui, A Waldorf Astoria Resort, photo 4Grand Wailea Maui, A Waldorf Astoria Resort, photo 5

Wailea, Maui, Hawaii

Grand Wailea Maui, A Waldorf Astoria Resort

8.8Excellent on Expedia
1,002 verified reviews

  • Right on Wailea Beach, 40 acres of gardens
  • Waterslides, waterfalls and a swim-up grotto bar

Know before you go

  1. Lava tube slide opens 10:30
  2. Pack reef-safe sunscreen
  3. First scuba lesson is complimentary
Check dates on Expedia
The Venetian Resort Las Vegas, photo 1The Venetian Resort Las Vegas, photo 2The Venetian Resort Las Vegas, photo 3The Venetian Resort Las Vegas, photo 4The Venetian Resort Las Vegas, photo 5

Las Vegas Strip, Nevada

The Venetian Resort Las Vegas

9.4Exceptional on Expedia
18,737 verified reviews

  • Every room is a suite
  • Guests rave about the restaurants (1,001 reviews), pools and spa

Know before you go

  1. Book the gondola ahead
  2. Reserve a pool daybed online
  3. Walk to Sphere indoors
Check dates on Expedia
Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge, photo 1Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge, photo 2Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge, photo 3Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge, photo 4Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge, photo 5

Orlando, Florida

Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge

9.0Wonderful on Expedia
1,001 verified reviews

  • Real savannas with giraffes, zebras and birds below the balconies
  • Guests love the pool (big waterslide) and the food

Know before you go

  1. Book a savanna view room
  2. Wake up for sunrise
  3. Ask for night vision goggles
Check dates on Expedia
Hotel Xcaret Mexico, photo 1Hotel Xcaret Mexico, photo 2Hotel Xcaret Mexico, photo 3Hotel Xcaret Mexico, photo 4Hotel Xcaret Mexico, photo 5

Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Hotel Xcaret Mexico

8.8Excellent on Expedia
1,760 verified reviews

  • Xcaret parks included, with transport
  • Guests rave about the food and the 16 pools

Know before you go

  1. Reserve Xel-Há & cenote tours early
  2. Pack mineral sunscreen
  3. Bring water shoes
Check dates on Expedia
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#ad As an Expedia Group affiliate, Staytale may earn a commission if you book through these links, at no extra cost to you. Ratings and review counts are as shown on Expedia when we researched each stay and may have changed. Tips come from guest reviews and official hotel info; we haven't stayed at these hotels ourselves. Photos from the Expedia property listings.

Check dates on Expedia