Esquire magazine has unveiled its first Hotel Hall of Fame, a curated list of 21 properties that have become destinations in their own right. Europe dominates the selection with nine hotels spanning six countries, from the shores of Lake Como to the Alpine heights of St. Moritz.
Unlike typical rankings that chase the newest openings, the Hall of Fame focuses on longevity and cultural impact. To qualify, hotels must have been open for at least five years and have demonstrably shaped their local community or region's identity.
European heavyweights on the list
France contributes two Parisian landmarks: Hôtel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel on Place de la Concorde and Le Meurice near the Tuileries Garden. Both have hosted royalty, artists, and heads of state for over a century. The selection comes as Paris faces social tensions, yet its luxury hospitality sector continues to draw global attention.
Italy is represented by three properties: Hotel Eden in Rome, a 19th-century palazzo near the Spanish Steps, and two Lake Como icons—Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni in Bellagio and Grand Hotel Tremezzo in Tremezzina. These lakeside retreats have defined Italian elegance for generations.
Monaco's Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo, with its Belle Époque façade overlooking the Casino, also makes the cut. Switzerland's Badrutt's Palace in St. Moritz, an alpine landmark since 1896, represents the Engadin valley's winter tourism heritage.
In the UK and Ireland, London's Hotel Café Royal on Regent Street and Ballyfin Demesne in County Laois, a restored Regency mansion set on 600 acres, round out the European entries.
Why these hotels matter
“Being great for any span of time is hard work; doing so for years on end is downright remarkable,” said Madison Vain, Executive Editor at Esquire. “But the thing is, for these 21 hotels, there’s no end to their reign in sight.”
The list reflects a broader trend in luxury travel: guests increasingly seek properties with authentic local roots and storied pasts. Many European hotels are embracing immersive cultural experiences, from vinyl record collections to curated DJ sets, to deepen guest engagement.
Esquire's Hall of Fame also includes twelve non-European properties, from Los Angeles's Hotel Bel-Air to Mexico's Rosewood Mayakoba. But the European contingent stands out for its density of historic palaces and country estates that have shaped continental hospitality standards.
For travelers planning a visit, these hotels offer more than a room—they provide a gateway to European history. Paris continues to innovate with cultural offerings, and staying at a landmark like Le Meurice places guests at the center of that evolution.
The full list includes 21 properties, with Europe claiming nine spots—a testament to the continent's enduring appeal for discerning travelers.
