The Best Hotels Of The Year 2022

By AHL Team on 12.14.22

At A Hotel Life, we review the most creative hotels in the world — and some stand out because they are great at what they do, and their character, charisma, and thoughtfulness are undeniable. So, to wrap up 2022 and get ready for the new year, we bring you a list of our favorite findings from all corners of the world.

From the best safari lodge in Africa and hidden gems in European capitals to a brutalist getaway in Mexico, an ephemeral rave hotel in Poland, and the best future-forward and community-driven experiences, here is a roundup worth bookmarking for your upcoming adventures.

We asked our editors and contributors to share a track representing the hotel they reviewed and created a playlist to keep you company as you go exploring.

BEST GUEST EXPERIENCE: THE VENICE VENICE HOTEL, VENICE, ITALY

The Venice Venice Hotel is a lesson in creative hospitality that makes our hearts beat a little faster. Fearlessly retro-progressive, it was brought to life by Francesca Rinaldo and Alessandro Gallo, first-time hoteliers with a strong background in fashion and art. Their vision of “Postvenezianità” rooted in local historical excellence that looks into the future, is deeply embodied in every inch of their project. From the stunning design and art curation of each room and amazing food and retail to the impeccable service and attention to detail, and overall sensory bliss, Venice Venice is a 50/50 dream stay.

Check out Tansy Kaschak’s review of The Venice Venice Hotel

The Venice Venice Hotel
Rates from $527
Sestiere Cannaregio 5631, 30121 Venezia VE, Italy
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BEST COMMUNITY BUILDER: MICHELBERGER HOTEL, BERLIN, GERMANY 

Analog at its core but with a robust sense of innovation since its inception 14 years ago, Michelberger Hotel is as wholesome as it is intrinsically cool. Their eclectic design, food & beverage offerings (with produce from their own farm), and great cultural programming ooze creativity — and everything is people-first. A favorite of music lovers and makers (there is a recording studio on-site), it is housed in a building that dates back to 1906, located in the ever-lively Friedrichshain in East Berlin. Future-forward at heart, the community spirit is felt all over, and the owners, Nadine & Tom Michelberger, are always around delivering their high spirits to guests and passersby that make the hotel’s welcoming lounges and café areas their hub to work from and socialize.

Check out Hamzeh Alfarahneh’s review of Michelberger Hotel

Michelberger Hotel
Rates from $100
Warschauer Str. 39-40, 10243 Berlin, Germany
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BEST FUTURE-FORWARD HOTEL: DESA POTATO HEAD, BALI, INDONESIA

Community-driven, plastic-free, zero-waste, all-natural everything and even its own R&D lab and workshop that upcycles its waste, Desa Potato Head in Seminyak, Bali, takes what it means to be a future-forward hotel many miles further. Rooting their hospitality in local culture, from the installation in the lobby to in-room kits and treats, the hotel draws into many local aspects and reimagines them with a sophisticated and contemporary twist. Effortlessly bringing together people, culture, design, brilliant programming, and outstanding hospitality, it offers the industry a solid direction to follow.

Check out Tara Basro’s review of Desa Potato Head

Desa Potato Head
Rates from $196
Jl. Petitenget No.51B, Kerobokan Kelod, Kec. Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
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BEST COUNTRYSIDE HOTEL: SÃO LOURENÇO DO BARROCAL, ALENTEJO, PORTUGAL

Secluded in 780 hectares of wilderness, São Lourenço Do Barrocal is a luxury rural retreat in the quiet countryside of Alentejo, Portugal. The thoughtful approach to design and hospitality hits that sweet spot between simplicity and refinement and it instantly makes you feel at home. Much of the organic and seasonal food comes from on-site farm. Though the history of the property goes back two centuries, when it was a village with fifty families, the hotel feels fresh in its reimagined form while also embracing its roots — be it in the ancient olive trees seen in the estate, fermenting wine in clay pots, or the old bullfighting ring that now hosts music and culture festivals.

Check out Lily Cole’s review of São Lourenço Do Barrocal

São Lourenço Do Barrocal
Rates from $421
São Lourenço do Barrocal, 7200-177, Portugal
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BEST DESERT RETREAT: PARADERO, TODOS SANTOS, MEXICO

Nestled between the Pacific Ocean, endless ancient cactus fields, and the views of the stunning Sierra Laguna mountains of Baja California Sur, Paradero in Todos Santos, Mexico, is a sight that takes your breath away. A magical, brutalist wonderland that looks emerged from the desert, the hotel is an artistic dialogue between nature and human creativity. And the activities to craft a personal retreat are also both carefully organized or naturally spontaneous: Meditate as the mountains turn purple on sunset, groove to ethereal tunes, sign up for daily yoga and surf classes, organize mountain expeditions, or just sit back, enjoy the local food and sip on mezcal cocktails.

Check out Ben Pundole’s review of Paradero

Paradero
Rates from $500
La Mesa KM 59 +3100, Degollado, 23300 Todos Santos, B.C.S., Mexico
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BEST HOTEL FOR PRIVACY: MAISON VILLEROY, PARIS, FRANCE

With a quintessentially Parisian façade, a Michelin-star restaurant, top-notch butler service, and an entire wellness floor that can be used privately, opulence at Maison Villeroy is abundant even though it’s an intimate 11-room hotel. Located in the heart of Paris’ golden triangle, just a kilometer away from the Eiffel Tower, the hotel, housed in a 1908 listed historical building, is chic, quiet, comfortable, and discrete. You can choose to spend your entire stay without ever crossing paths with another guest.

Check out Emilie Fouilloux’s review of Maison Villeroy

Maison Villeroy
Rates from $906
33 Rue Jean Goujon, 75008 Paris, France
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BEST CAMPING HOTEL: AUTOCAMP, UPSTATE NY, USA

Set in 37 acres of a blissful campground in the beautiful New York’s Hudson Valley, AutoCamp offers three types of accommodation, making the perfect base for a forest getaway. A family-friendly space with every detail in place, lots of activities and games, and an endearing staff knowledgeable of the area, AutoCamp is a great way to experience the wilderness without having to contend with it.

Check out Janet Mercel’s review of AutoCamp

AutoCamp Catskills
Rates from $169
882 NY-212, Saugerties, NY 12477, United States
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BEST FAMILY HOLIDAY: MENORCA EXPERIMENTAL, MENORCA, SPAIN

Menorca Experimental is a beautifully reimagined 19th-century farmhouse in the arid landscape of Menorca, in the Balearic Islands, Spain. A rural retreat by the sea, it boasts 43 rooms and nine private villas, functionally designed by Dorothee Meilichzon, with fun color palettes and tastefully quirky elements. Large open spaces and terraces mean lots of ground for the kids to explore and run around carefree under the Spanish sun. With a sizeable pool and Biologique Recherche-designed spa, the adults get their own playgrounds too. 

Check out Mark Whelan’s review of the Menorca Experimental

Menorca Experimental
Rates from $185
Camí de Llucalari, 07730, Illes Balears, Spain
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BEST JUNGLE RETREAT: ZUNYA, MALPAIS, COSTA RICA

Snuggle in the beautiful private bay of Malpais, a short drive from Santa Teresa in Costa Rica, Zunya, is a regenerative living system in the jungle. With multiple accommodation options to choose from between various types of tents and rooms, a vegan restaurant serving delicious meals and cocktails, community-driven art, and beautiful design integrated with nature, it attracts a wellness-seeking crowd. The holistic offerings are abundant: Different types of yoga, martial arts, and natural movement classes like heart-centered communication and animal flow are all included in the room fee.

Check out Alinka Echeverria’s review of Zunya

Zunya
Rates from $179
Playa Carmen-Malpais intersection, Puntarenas Province, Malpais, 60111, Costa Rica
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BEST WORK-FROM-ANYWHERE: WHITE CITY HOUSE, LONDON, UK

A high-energy space housed in the old BBC Television Center in West London, White City House is a part of Soho House. Combining their signature design, attention-to-detail aesthetics with the charm of London, the 45-room hotel is a perfect embodiment of functional, thoughtful spaces that inspire and motivate you — be it to work out on in the impressive gym, catch up on those emails or host an important meeting. And of course, it comes with extra perks, from an indoor lap pool to a cinema, and a big commitment to people and sustainability. Community events and support for new projects abound, and everything from their razor to minibar goodies is free of single-use plastic.

Check out Tansy Kaschak’s review of the White City House

White City House
Rates from $288
2, Television Centre, 101 Wood Ln, London W12 7FR, United Kingdom
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BEST BAREFOOT ESCAPE: COMO COCOA ISLAND, MALDIVES

Turquoise ocean, white sand, over-the-water bungalows, amazing dive sites — the usual Maldives drill. But, what sets COMO Cocoa apart is its dedication to authentic barefoot luxury and future-forward design. Located in the southern atolls of the Maldives, less than an hour’s boat ride from Male, the resort is relaxation-central. COMO Cocoa offers some of the best diving experiences, including night diving with UV lights. A true slice of heaven, it has everything one needs to reconnect with thyself.

Check out Jude Vargas’ review of COMO Cocoa

COMO Cocoa
Rates from $1850
Makunufushi South Malé Atoll, 20109, Maldives
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BEST CONCIERGE SERVICE: J. K. PLACE ROMA, ROME, ITALY

In the historic center of Rome, minutes from the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps, hiding behind a 17-century façade is J. K. Place Roma — where all your dreams come true, courtesy of a magical concierge. In a city with so much to see and do, getting a tailored experience makes all the difference. From recommendations for non-touristy eateries to tours with an archeologist and picnics in the ruins, nothing is impossible for the dream team. And you get to return to a stylish, exceptionally designed hotel with everything on point, making your stay one for the books.

Check out Polina Sova’s review of J. K. Place Roma

J. K. Place Roma
Rates from $632
Via di Monte d’Oro, 30, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
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BEST TO CATCH THE WAVES: SOMOS, SANTA TERESA, COSTA RICA

In the northern tip of Santa Teresa, Costa Rica, SOMOS is a seven-room surf hotel and hostel. With lots of spots to chill or work from during the day, the hotel transitions to an exciting, cozy, communal space at night graced by great music and food. Built with ecology in mind and rooms fit for both short and longer stays, SOMOS is the perfect surf hotel. Connect with the team to organize classes and step up your board game.

Check out Victoria Clarks’s review of SOMOS

SOMOS
Rates from $66
25 M Al Sur Frente a Lora Amarilla. Lote, Santa Teresa Beach, Cobano, Provincia de Puntarenas, Puntarenas, 60101, Costa Rica
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BEST HOTEL TO TIE THE KNOT: CASTELFALFI, TUSCANY, ITALY

Think rolling hills and undisturbed vineyards and forests: Castelfalfi has the best of the Tuscan countryside framed into one hotel. The setting alone is dreamy enough to make it a perfect spot for weddings and events, but if you need more convincing, the hotel has its own medieval church, seven restaurants, three pools, 151 rooms and suites and three villas. A multitude of activities keeps everyone occupied — from truffle foraging to wine-tasting and golf at the largest course in Tuscany. An ecology of its own, Castelfalfi practices regenerative agriculture, producing its wine, olive oil, grappa and food while also giving back to the community. 

Check out Hamzeh Alfarahneh’s review of Castelfalfi

Castelfalfi
Rates from $355
Località Castelfalfi, 50050 Montaione, Firenze, Italia
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BEST IN AN UP-AND-COMING NEIGHBORHOOD: HOTEL LES DEUX GARES, PARIS, FRANCE

Designed by the celebrated Luke Edward Hall, Hotel Les Deux Gares is a little feast for the eyes. Tucked down a narrow street in Paris’ 10th arrondissement, set between two of the city’s major train stations, Gare du Nord and Gare de l’Est, the hotel is conveniently located to get in and out of town and the airport. An intimate lifestyle hotel where the staff is joyful, the rooms are snug but colorful, and the food (and scene) at Café Les Deux Gares across the street is delicious. The best part? You get all of this at a price that won’t break the bank.

Check out Tansy Kaschak’s review of Hotel Les Deux Gares

Hotel Les Deux Gares
Rates from $131
2 Rue des Deux Gares, 75010 Paris, France
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BEST CITY RESORT: THE MADRID EDITION, MADRID, SPAIN

Arriving via the historical gate or the sleek, sculptural staircase entrance, The Madrid EDITION is a showstopper from the get-go. Opened in 2022 with a boom, the 200 rooms and two penthouses designed by John Pawson are minimal, clean, and soothing in their aesthetic, while the multiple bars and restaurants designed by Ian Schrager’s team are bold, colorful, and dramatic. The diverse culinary options attract the local crowd, and the rooftop pool, spa, and 24-hour gym ensure all-around wellness in the heart of Madrid’s old town, close to the main art hotspots. A perfect balance between relaxation and action, this urban resort has it all.

Check out Alex Sez de Mora’s review of The Madrid EDITION

The Madrid EDITION
Rates from $394
Pl. de Celenque, 2, 28013 Madrid, Spain
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BEST PARTY HOTEL: TENT HOTEL, GARBICZ, POLAND

The Tent Hotel comes to life every August around the glacier lake Garbicz in Poland, during the Garbicz Festival, for four or five days of music and friendship celebration. Considering the setting, everything here is quite unexpected: a spa in the middle of the forest, a wine bar, and a myriad of food options — think curries, pizza, and schnitzel, but also 3D-printed meat. With about 100 or so tents that are low in their environmental impact, they get sold out in the blink of an eye. If you get a spot, thank the rave gods for allowing you into their fairytale.

Check out Tansy Kaschak’s review of Tent Hotel

Tent Hotel
Book via email
Garbicz Festival, Poland
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BEST CITY SLICKER: ACE HOTEL BROOKLYN, NEW YORK, USA

The Brooklyn outpost of ACE Hotel is quite obviously the coolest kid on the Downtown block. The entrance with a light installation, Stan Britter’s modernist ceramic mural, and a fabulous fire escape-like staircase feels hip, local, and casually luxe. A city essential, it is conveniently located, a little away from the usual noise, but with easy access to most Brooklyn neighborhoods and Manhattan. It also earns extra points for being co-working friendly — think communal lounges, meeting rooms, and coffee bars. Cool design, rooms in collaboration with Roman and Williams, good food and beverage options, and well-curated cultural programming: There is never a dull moment at this city slicker.

Check out Janet Mercel’s review of Ace Hotel Brooklyn

Ace Hotel Brooklyn
Rates from $239
252 Schermerhorn St, Brooklyn, NY 11217, United States
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BEST TREE HOUSE HOTEL: PEDRAS SALGADAS SPA & NATURE PARK, PEDRAS SALGADAS, PORTUGAL

Located in the heart of the Pedras Salgadas Park in Northern Portugal, the unique hotel comprises 16 Eco-Houses that are suspended among the trees using lightweight, self-supporting construction technology that blends into nature. A destination to treat your mind and body, Pedras Salgadas Spa and Park has good food (try the mini-seeded croissant!), expansive spa offerings, a tennis court, a pool, a sauna, and spring water jet treatments. Don’t forget to check out the much sought-after Fountain of Youth healing water that is in the park.

Check out Moral Turgeman’s review of Pedras Salgadas Spa and Park

Pedras Salgadas Spa and Park
Rates from $152
Rua Dr. Henrique Botelho, Parque Termal, Pedras Salgadas, Portugal
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BEST OFF-THE-GRID HOTEL: ADRERE AMELLAL ECO-LODGE, SIWA, EGYPT

A giant sand castle of a hotel on the edge of the glimmering lake Siwa, Adrere Amellal is tucked away in the deserts of Egypt. It is not easy to reach, but it is blissfully off the grid. Situated in a serene palm-lined oasis surrounded by sand dunes and hundreds of saltwater pools, the hotel — completely made of natural elements — blends into its surroundings seamlessly. It has 40 uniquely designed rooms made of sand bricks and salt, multiple cozy nooks and bar areas, and dinner is served somewhere different every night. Built to be kind to the environment, the entire establishment has no electricity and is lit using candles. Truly a one-of-a-kind getaway, Andrere Amellal takes you back in time while being firmly in the sustainable future.

Check out Olimpia Emo Capodilista’s review of Adrere Amellal

Adrere Amellal
Rates from $553
Gaafar Mountain, Siwa, Matrouh Governorate 5010301, Egypt
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BEST HOUSE-TURNED-HOTEL: CHEZ GEORGES, RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL

Sitting at the top of a hill in the laid-back and colorful Santa Teresa neighborhood, Chez Georges is the unexpectedly brutalist cool house-turned-hotel in Rio de Janeiro. From the moment you step in — which is through a glass-clad elevator — you are enveloped in natural Brazilian lushness. Super-cozy seven suites with chic design elements, unbeatable views of iconic beaches such as Copacabana and Ipanema, a memorable Brazilian breakfast, and a pool, Chez Georges promises an intimate stay with also opportunities to socialize with other guests in their beautiful communal spaces.

Check out Francesca Wade’s review of Chez Georges

Chez Georges
Rates from $189
Ladeira do Meireles, 90 – Santa Teresa, Rio de Janeiro – RJ, 20241-340, Brazil
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BEST ARTIST RESIDENCY: NUMEROVENTI, FLORENCE, ITALY

Evoking a sense of Florence’s decadent history while still feeling contemporary, Numeroventi’s six exquisite rooms with frescoed ceilings are designed to cater to artist residencies. This “ZENaissance” palazzo in the heart of town is a quiet retreat for creative expression, art, and collaboration. Though there is no restaurant, bar, or other hotel amenities like a pool and gym on-site, Numeroventi channels the city as its playground while bringing in the cozy apartment-like vibe, making you feel like a local during your stay.

Check out Courtney Scott’s review of Numeroventi

Numeroventi
Rates from $189
Via dei Pandolfini, 20, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
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BEST CLASSIC AND REASSURING: CHILTERN FIREHOUSE, LONDON, UK

Chiltern Firehouse is as iconic London as it can get. Housed in a Grade II listed red-brick fire station and restored keeping in mind the heritage value of the building, the rooms are comfortable with all the necessary amenities and a phone where dialing 00 will get you anything. However, we are told you will be too busy hanging at the bar, enjoying their Frozen Aperol Spritz, or keeping an eye out for Mick Jagger to walk in. With fantastic service that makes you feel like you’re returning to a familiar place and amazing dining and nightlife — the place boasts a Michelin-starred restaurant and a bar that is the stuff of legends — it might be hard for you ever to leave the hotel.

Check out Jesse Rose’s review of Chiltern Firehouse

Chiltern Firehouse
Rates from $932
1 Chiltern St, London W1U 7PA, United Kingdom
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BEST UNEXPECTEDLY ROMANTIC HOTEL: SHILA, ATHENS, GREECE

Filled with shoppable art and antique furniture carefully curated by its inspired creators, Shila leans towards intuitive hospitality, bringing guests an indulgent, otherworldly realm of elegance and sensuality during their stay. Nestled in the chic side of Athens — in the Kolonaki neighborhood — it features six dreamy suites, each designed to have its own unique character and overflowing with charm. Having the late ‘20s neoclassical building as its muse, Shila’s romantic tales are woven throughout, and the great breakfast and bespoke services will keep you coming back.

Check out Georgia Hopkins’ review of Shila 

Shila
Rates from $220
Mantzarou 10, Athina 106 72, Greece
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BEST SAFARI HOTEL: ROYAL MALEWANE, HOEDSPRUIT, SOUTH AFRICA

Royal Malewane is a bespoke luxury safari lodge tailor-made to your preferences — and it also feels like your fabulous aunt’s house in the bush. Off the grid in the famed Greater Kruger National Park in South Africa, it is the best place to be for the ultimate safari experience: with its own watering hole and perfect location, spotting the big five is an everyday affair. Tasteful design in its interiors and elegantly sustainable, the intimate non-hotel is one you wouldn’t want to leave.

Check out Carolina Ramierez Herrera’s review of Royal Malewane

Royal Malewane
Rates from $2017
Avoca Road, Thornybush Private Game Reserve, Hoedspruit, 1380, South Africa
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BEST HIDDEN GEM: VALVERDE HOTEL, LISBON, PORTUGAL

Hiding in plain sight at the traditional Avenida da Liberdade, a wide esplanade dotted with old trees in the heart of Lisbon, Valverde Hotel, despite its central location, is a secluded and gorgeously designed respite. Valverde is a celebration of hospitality centered around you and your needs and makes you feel cared for in the best way. Amenities like sensory receptors that dim lights as you get into bed and a heated outdoor pool are soothing. And a well-paced dose of socializing can be found at the restaurant and lush courtyard — where guests and visitors are welcome equally. Chic.

Check out Tansy Kaschak’s review of Valverde Hotel

Valverde Hotel
Rates from $215
Av. da Liberdade 164, 1250-146 Lisboa, Portugal
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BEST BUDGET-FRIENDLY HOTEL: PALIHOTEL SAN FRANCISCO, SAN FRANCISCO, USA

Palisociety’s latest outpost brings the brand to San Francisco’s Union Square with easy access to bridges, tons of shopping, and museums, all within walking distance. Combining tasteful contemporary yet classic design, Palihotel furthers its visual legacy while not skimping on functionality. Super-friendly service, delicious breakfast, bedrooms fit for a king, and an overall cheerful atmosphere, the reasonably-priced hotel is worth every penny.

Check out Matthew Placek’s review of Palihotel San Francisco

Palihotel San Francisco
Rates from $120
417 Stockton St, San Francisco, CA 94108, United States
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