My Favourite Hotels In The World: Brandon Berkson

New Yorker Brandon Berkson founded travel media brand ‘Hotels Above Par’ to share his passion for boutique hotels. So, who better to spotlight some of the best stays – and restaurants – around the world? From small properties in the US to blow-the-budget properties in India, these are the places he recommends for your next trip.

The Mark, Upper East Side

My favourite hotel in the world is, without a doubt, Casa Angelina on the Amalfi Coast. It’s tucked away in the little town of Praiano. I could spend every single summer there and never tire of it. It's just something about those crisp, all-white interiors, the breathtaking views of the Tyrrhenian Sea, and that wonderfully warm Italian hospitality. Everything feels luxurious and incredibly calming. It's truly one of those rare places that's effortlessly beautiful without ever trying too hard.

I’ve lived in NYC for years, though I love checking into The Mark on the Upper East Side. It's right across from Central Park, and it just screams class. Plus, you might spot a celebrity or two while you're there. I also love The Greenwich Hotel, which is home to one of my favourite restaurants, Locanda Verde. Its Italian food is consistently excellent and the atmosphere has that perfect NYC vibe.

I love hotel breakfast, and the best one I’ve ever had was at Ett Hem in Stockholm. I've never been to a more homely hotel.

When I want a great cocktail in NYC, it’s always a tough call between the Lobby Bar at Hotel Chelsea and The Portrait Room at The Fifth Avenue Hotel. Both have completely different vibes but are special in their own way. Hotel bars in New York just have that magic.

Casa Angelina, Amalfi Coast

Over on the West Coast, I love The Pearl Hotel in San Diego for an affordable stay. It's a re-imagined mid-century motel, and it totally captures that California cool vibe. Picture this: an L-shaped layout around a curved little pool and an outdoor restaurant that screens classic movies on warm nights. It's pure nostalgia. Rooms start around $200, and it's just a quick drive from Downtown. Plus, you've got Liberty Station and Ocean Beach nearby, two unsung San Diego neighbourhoods that are worth a visit.

The desert always feels like the ultimate reset. I've been wanting to visit Castle Hot Springs in Arizona – it looks so peaceful. I'm also really intrigued by Sensei Porcupine Creek in Rancho Mirage; it has that elevated, holistic approach to wellness that I love, all set against the stunning Santa Rosa Mountains. And then there's Jacumba Hot Springs Hotel, which recently reopened in southern California. It’s still very much under-the-radar and has these amazing mineral-rich waters, and that stripped-back desert vibe.

Castle Hot Springs, Arizona

Milan is my go-to for a city break. People are often surprised when I say it's my favorite Italian city, but I just love that contrast of old and new. Brera is super walkable and full of gorgeous boutiques, Fondazione Prada always inspires me, and the people-watching is great. I usually stay at Galleria Vik Milano, which is this artsy boutique spot tucked inside the Galleria.

When I’m in London I stay at One Hundred Shoreditch. Lore Group always nails the vibe and I've got a soft spot for east London. Call me basic but the creative energy there is unmatched. If I'm heading to west London, The Hari is my go-to. Its Belgravia location and that wonderfully charming, sybaritic feel make it such a good choice.

For a romantic trip, I’d always choose Mexico. I'm especially obsessed with Todos Santos – it’s a laidback, surfer-esque beach town about 90 minutes from Cabo. It's relaxed, creative and brimming with charm. Desierto Azul is this dreamy four-key boutique hotel with an infinity pool that seems to just disappear into the desert. With minimal interiors, and warm, personal service, it’s wildly romantic.

Jacumba Hot Springs Hotel, Southern California

The Pearl Hotel, San Diego

The most luxurious hotel I’ve stayed at is Raffles Jaipur. The place genuinely looks and feels like a royal palace – and every single detail is incredibly well-considered. Our suite even had its own private plunge pool, and the service… It was beyond anything I've ever experienced. My butler packed my bags and best believe it was the best packing job I've ever seen. In fact, India does hospitality like nowhere else. The Rohet House, Mihir Garh, as well as chains like Leela Palace and Taj Hotels are in a class of their own. Everything they do feels thoughtful and incredibly intuitive. They offer experiences you won't forget.

Forestis in the Dolomites is also beyond impressive. I stayed in its penthouse suite and no joke, it was one of the best I've ever seen. The panoramic views of the snow-capped peaks, having our own private plunge pool and the super clean, minimalist design – every detail was so thoughtfully done. I get a little nostalgic just thinking about it…

Raffles, Jaipur

An under-the-radar spot you’ll want to check out is Le Couvent des Minimes in Provence. It used to be a convent and now it's this beautifully renovated property that blends old-world architecture with quiet contemporary interiors (lots of neutral tones plus thoughtful vestiges such as a clock tower and stained-glass windows). I really love places with history that have had a big transformation. On this topic, it would be amiss, too, if I didn’t mention Hotel Peter & Paul in New Orleans. The owners at Ash Hotels reimagined a convent, rectory and schoolhouse, transforming them into a design-centric boutique hotel. The Elysian Bar, located on the property, is a yellow- and red-heavy cocktail lounge that’s just amazing.

An under-the-radar spot you’ll want to check out is Le Couvent des Minimes in Provence.

Sensei Lanai in Hawaii has the best spa. It totally changed the game for me. Don’t hate me for recommending a Four Seasons resort – I promise this one feels more boutique-y. Every single treatment room has its own private onsen and Japanese garden. I'm usually pretty high-energy but I left feeling completely grounded.

I love hotel breakfast, and the best one I’ve ever had was at Ett Hem in Stockholm. I've never been to a more homely hotel. They had dairy-free butter and a whole selection of non-dairy options ready for me. So many hotels say they feel like home but this one absolutely knocks it out of the park in that category. Room service is also a real treat. The one thing I’ll always order is tiramisu.

Le Couvent des Minimes, Provence

Hotel Peter & Paul, New Orleans

For a beachside spot, I’m always impressed by Monte-Carlo Beach. It's this super chic, five-star hideaway just outside Monaco. Right now, it's all sunshine yellow thanks to a Jacquemus summer takeover, which is amazing. The private beach, those fabulous cabanas, and the pier set-up are just the epitome of Riviera glam.

I recently visited Viceroy Ombria in the Algarve which offers lots of cool experiences. A highlight was being able to wear beekeeper suits and holding honeycombs, before sitting down to a honey tasting. It was such a unique, hyper-local experience – and I didn't even get stung.

Ett Hem, Stockholm

Lots of hotels go above and beyond these days, but I love it when they surprise me. For example, the Pendry brand really caught me off guard in the best way possible. I thought it might feel overly corporate but I ended up loving it. The New York location is fantastic, and the ones in Natirar and San Diego are also so well done.

The Atacama Desert in Chile is at the top of my bucket list. Tierra Atacama looks unreal – it’s surrounded by the kind of scenery that makes you feel tiny in the best way possible.

For more travel recommendations visit HotelsAbovePar.com & follow Brandon on Instagram at @BrandonBerksonX

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