The best city hotels are urban sanctuaries, plush oases where you can recharge after a busy day exploring. But to be truly great, it takes more than just a comfortable bed and a well-appointed lobby. Many of the properties on this list — spanning the globe from Tokyo to Dublin — have one thing in common: fabulous staff that go out of their way to make your stay enjoyable.

Our member favorites include hotels in some of the world’s most cosmopolitan destinations. While the United States makes a strong showing with winners in Chicago, New York and Los Angeles, it’s no surprise that the City of Lights shines brightest, with three Parisian properties in the top 10. Aman, most famous for its hideaways in the countryside, also makes an impressively strong showing on this list.

1. Aman Tokyo
Tokyo, Japan

Occupying the top six floors of Tokyo’s Otemachi Tower, this hotel is one of the most striking urban properties in Asia. Members especially loved the “spectacular views of the Imperial Palace,” the “modern design” and the “perfect location.” Multiple entries mentioned the “excellent service,” with one declaring, “the service at the Aman is second to none.”

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2. Four Seasons Hotel George V
Paris, France

One of only two hotels to make the Best City Hotels list two years in a row, this classic Parisian address is known for its luxurious ambience, spacious apartment-style guest accommodations and “amazing food” at its three Michelin-starred restaurants. But there’s one luxurious detail that members especially loved: the “beautiful array of flowers” in the over-the-top lobby arrangements.

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3. Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok
Bangkok, Thailand

This legendary Thai property is a member favorite for its “lovely spa,” “great dining options,” “gorgeous rooms” and “fantastic breakfast.” The only thing travelers loved more than the “great location on the river” was the service, which some called “fabulous” and “top tier.”

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4. The Peninsula Chicago
Chicago, Illinois

This sophisticated property won over members with its “elegant,” “comfortable” and “modern” rooms. The “great location” in the heart of Chicago’s premier shopping district pleased some, while others touted the “superb dining” and “excellent food.” But most of all, it’s the “responsive service” and “terrific staff” that earned the Peninsula a spot in the top 10.

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5. Aman New York
New York, New York

Aman’s second property on this list stands out for its spacious accommodations and Zen-like atmosphere in busy Manhattan, offering guests “as much action or calm as you desire.” Members noted the location, staff, ambience and restaurant as top features of the hotel. One member boldly declared it the best hotel “in the best city in the world.”

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6. The Stafford London
London, England

Understated and chic, this London lodging has been popular with members for decades, notably for its staff. With “excellent restaurants,” including the celebrated American Bar and a new restaurant by chef Michael Caines serving modern European cuisine, the boutique hotel was described by one lucky member as his home-away-from-home in London: “They take care of me.”

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7. Le Bristol Paris
Paris, France

“The finest hotel in Paris,” according to one respondent, this top contender (which also appeared on this list in 2025) is “ideally located in the 8th arrondissement.” Other accolades include the “excellent two- and three-star dining” and the “beautiful interior garden space.” Many praised the atmosphere and décor, with one contributor describing it as “elegant, but not stuffy or overdone.”

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8. Ritz Paris
Paris, France

Supremely gracious and quintessentially French, this property is a longtime member favorite for its “beautiful rooms” and “delicious food.” But it’s the “great staff” and “amazing concierge” that set the hotel apart from others in la plus belle ville du monde. One past guest summed it up perfectly: “It’s the Ritz.”

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9. Hotel Bel-Air
Los Angeles, California

Members describe this lush California retreat as “a magical oasis of towering trees and colorful gardens in the heart of Los Angeles.” Guests love the iconic swimming pool and swanky piano bar, also noting the “peaceful rooms” that blend Spanish Colonial and French art deco styles. As one survey-taker says, “When I cross the bridge over the swan pond, I feel as though I’ve come home.”

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10. The Merrion
Dublin, Ireland

“I hated to leave!” said one member about this classic Dublin hotel, adored for its “utterly charming rooms” and “beautiful artwork scattered throughout the hotel.” The staff impressed people, too, with respondents paying particular attention to the “perfection in service” and “excellent service all around.”

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