Where the millionaires holiday! The luxury hotels crowned best in the world – and one is in the UK

EVER wondered where the rich and famous stay on holiday? Well we’ve been given an insight into their absolute favourite hotels around the world and they are pretty spectacular.

Paces with the most unforgettable food, cutting-edge design, and immersive experiences have been awarded a place on Conde Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Best Hotels list for 2024.

These are the top eight hotels on the list:

1. The Lodge at Bodego Bay, California

A relaxed hotel along California’s Sonoma coast, guests here like to take day trips to local vineyards and stroll the empty beaches. 

The property came in for high praise for its ocean shell massages, signature breakfast sandwich and thoughtful details like a pair of binoculars in every room for guests to take in the ocean views. 

2. The Ritz-Carlton, Doha

Qatar’s newish Ritz Carlton was number two on the list thanks to its sea view gym, indoor tennis courts and luxury hammam spa. 

But also for the jaw-dropping flashiness in the interior, including the largest chandelier in the Middle East. 

3. Hermann Bungalows, Palm Springs, California

This chic Mid Century ‘hotel within a hotel’ was described as being ultra-luxe and uber stylish.

The stunning resort in the desert also has mountain views while you’re lounging by the pool.

4. The Thief, Oslo

This chic hotel in the Norwegian capital was loved by guests for its super fancy taste in art, with pieces from heavyweights like Antony Gormley and Andy Warhol lining the rooms and corridors.

Also a highlight was the secret underground tunnel leading to the hotel’s gym and spa.

5. The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto

Clearly the Ritz Carlton knows how to impress guests – the second of the brand’s hotels on the list ended up there thanks to its exceptional views of the Kamogawa River and Higashiyama mountains. 

It has its own Japanese Zen Garden, naturally, and is known for its extra touches like the handmade soaps and Imabari bathrobes.

Meanwhile in Britain…

The first London hotel to make the cut was Raffles London at The OWO – one of the most talked about hotels in London this century, according to Conde Naste Traveler.

From 1906 to 1964 the hotel’s building served as the War Office where D-Day was planned.

Influential political and military leaders of the time walked the corridors, and spies, notoriously, had their own entrance.

In 2016, Mumbai-based Hinduja Group purchased the building’s lease and invested almost £1.6 billion in refurbishments. They also brought Raffles on board.

Refurbishments took seven years, but there’s now 120 rooms and suites, four restaurants, three bars, a Guerlain spa, and a 65-foot subterranean pool.

State offices have now become suites, which all honour the building’s Edwardian heritage.

Rooms are adorned with marble fireplaces, chandeliers and geometric carpets.

The Haldane Suite used to be Churchill’s former office.

Argentine chef Mauro Colagreco heads up three of the restaurants – one for fine dining, one with a private table option, and Saison by Mauro Colagreco, which is a space that offers Mediterranean cuisine.

The Guard’s Bar, the hotel’s main bar, offers sixteen signature drinks that pay homage to British ingredients, local producers or international influences in a nod to the Raffles locations found across the globe.

There’s also a tiny Spy Bar, which occupies old MI5 and MI6 interrogation rooms in the basement.

Ian Fleming, creator of James Bond, was a regular visitor to the Old War Office building, which is where he conjured the idea for 007.

The Spy Bar is located in two rooms that were numbered 006 and 007 in the early 20th century.

They acted as high security storage vaults for identity papers and mission reports of MI5 and MI6 agents. 

Guests can head to the speakeasy-style bar for a nightcap and to marvel at an Aston Martin DB5 mounted on the wall.

It seems there’s a price for luxury, as room rates at the hotel don’t come cheap.

For a one night stay in a room for two adults, you’re looking to pay around just shy of £3,500.

The hotel placed 33rd on the list out of a list of 50.

On the World’s 50 Best Hotels list, it was placed at 13.