Breadcrumbs [Home](/index%2Ephp/) > [My Favourite Hotels In The World: Brandon Berkson](/index%2Ephp/markdownify/node/3718) ![My Favourite Hotels In The World: Brandon Berkson](https://media.slman.com/RzLUY-o6knNmXNw_M_pr7JQ7vzo=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fslman.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F07%2Fslman-site-assets-220725-thumb-hero-my-life-in-hotels-brandon-berkson.jpg) Image: Jacumba Hot Springs Hotel [Travel](/index%2Ephp/culture/travel) / 23 July 2025 # 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. Image: Jacumba Hot Springs Hotel [ ![The Mark, Upper East Side](https://media.slman.com/tVSG_-k-omDtoFU-5xIHGCIY-io=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fslman.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F07%2Fsl-man-boutique-hotels-brandon-berkson-the-mark.jpg) ](https://www.themarkhotel.com/) The Mark, Upper East Side **My favourite hotel in the world is,** without a doubt, [Casa Angelina](https://www.casangelina.com/) 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**](https://www.themarkhotel.com/) **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](https://www.thegreenwichhotel.com/), 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 ](https://hotelchelsea.com/)and [The Portrait Room](https://www.theportraitbar.com/) 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](https://media.slman.com/AMcBw_2LdFGksLyA-KpdiQwxiQY=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fslman.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F07%2Fsl-man-boutique-hotels-brandon-berkson-casa-angelina-small-landscape.jpg) ](https://www.casangelina.com/) Casa Angelina, Amalfi Coast **Over on the West Coast,** I love [The Pearl Hotel](https://www.thepearlsd.com/) 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](https://www.castlehotsprings.com/) in Arizona – it looks so peaceful. I'm also really intrigued by [Sensei Porcupine Creek ](https://sensei.com/retreats/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](https://jacumba.com/), 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](https://media.slman.com/f7JBlhjjzrx38S3lmd3UHpyQtzw=/1920x0/smart/filters:no_upscale()/https%3A%2F%2Fslman.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F07%2Fsl-man-boutique-hotels-brandon-berkson-castle-hot-springs-full-bleed-1.jpg) ](https://www.castlehotsprings.com/) 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](https://www.fondazioneprada.org/?lang=en) always inspires me, and the people-watching is great. I usually stay at [Galleria Vik Milano](https://www.galleriavikmilano.com/), which is this artsy boutique spot tucked inside the Galleria. **When I’m in London** **I stay at** [**One Hundred Shoreditch**](https://www.onehundredshoreditch.com/)**.** 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](https://www.thehari.com/) 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](https://www.desiertoazulbaja.com/) 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](https://media.slman.com/OA9dYCOZdmv_jYB-PLJdWQTmPNM=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fslman.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F07%2Fsl-man-boutique-hotels-brandon-berkson-jacumba.jpg) ](https://jacumba.com/) Jacumba Hot Springs Hotel, Southern California [ ![The Pearl Hotel, San Diego](https://media.slman.com/3NzAk9A-SYcU4_OaCfQJQfDNhNI=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fslman.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F07%2Fsl-man-boutique-hotels-brandon-berkson-the-pearl.jpg) ](https://www.thepearlsd.com/) The Pearl Hotel, San Diego **The most luxurious hotel I’ve stayed at** **is** [**Raffles Jaipur**](https://www.raffles.com/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](https://www.houseofrohet.com/), [Mihir Garh](https://www.houseofrohet.com/mihir-garh.html), as well as chains like [Leela Palace](https://www.theleela.com/) and [Taj Hotels](https://www.tajhotels.com/en-in) are in a class of their own. Everything they do feels thoughtful and incredibly intuitive. They offer experiences you won't forget. [**Forestis**](https://www.forestis.it/en) **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](https://media.slman.com/lyVMBEfY53TJWKMocy4cKAWu1Vs=/1920x0/smart/filters:no_upscale()/https%3A%2F%2Fslman.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F07%2Fraffles-jaipur-full-bleed-1.jpg) ](https://www.raffles.com/jaipur/) Raffles, Jaipur **An under-the-radar spot you’ll want to check out is** [**Le Couvent des Minimes**](https://www.couventdesminimes-hotelspa.com/fr/) **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](https://ash.world/hotels/peter-and-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**](https://www.fourseasons.com/sensei/) **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**](https://www.etthem.se/) **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](https://media.slman.com/EUnymIX48R62pfpSa3ohnj2THCs=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fslman.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F07%2Fsl-man-boutique-hotels-brandon-berkson-couvent-des-minimes-small-landscape.jpg) ](https://www.couventdesminimes-hotelspa.com/fr/) Le Couvent des Minimes, Provence [ ![Hotel Peter & Paul, New Orleans](https://media.slman.com/Jvjo3exThdpZeuVeI_7eUBMryvs=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fslman.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F07%2Fsl-man-boutique-hotels-brandon-berkson-peter-paul.jpg) ](https://ash.world/hotels/peter-and-paul) Hotel Peter & Paul, New Orleans **For a beachside spot,** **I’m always impressed by** [**Monte-Carlo Beach**](https://www.montecarlosbm.com/en/hotel-monaco/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**](https://www.ombria.com/en/resort/viceroy-hotel-algarve/) **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](https://media.slman.com/5Ba9RqGjJRjHE3y-UC9LWz5OFc8=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fslman.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F07%2Fsl-man-boutique-hotels-brandon-berkson-casa-ett-hem.jpg) ](https://www.etthem.se/) Ett Hem, Stockholm **Lots of hotels go above and beyond these days**, **but I love it when they surprise me.** For example, the [Pendry](https://www.pendry.com/) 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](https://tierraatacama.com/) 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](http://hotelsabovepar.com) & follow Brandon on Instagram at [@BrandonBerksonX](https://www.instagram.com/brandonberksonx/?hl=en) DISCLAIMER: We endeavour to always credit the correct original source of every image we use. If you think a credit may be incorrect, please contact us at .