Latest news with #KristenDalton

Hospitality Net
08-05-2025
- Hospitality Net
Tripadvisor Reveals 2025 Travelers' Choice Awards: Best of the Best Hotels Winners, Unveiling the World's Most Unforgettable Stays
NEEDHAM, Mass. - Tripadvisor, the world's leading travel platform, revealed the winners of its annual Travelers' Choice Awards: Best of the Best Hotels, spotlighting this year's top-rated hotels worldwide as identified through Tripadvisor reviews. Claiming the title of the No. 1 Top Hotel in the world is Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya in Mexico, which also secured the world No. 1 spot in the All-Inclusive and Treat Yourself categories. The 2025 Travelers' Choice Awards: Best of the Best Hotels are part of Tripadvisor's larger Travelers' Choice Awards umbrella, shining a light on travelers' favorite experiences around the world. The awards are determined based on the quality and quantity of traveler reviews and ratings specific to each subcategory posted on Tripadvisor over the 12-month period from January 1, 2024, through December 31, 2024. Winners are among the top one percent of the 1.6 million hotel listings on Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor's Best of the Best Hotels captures the opinions of millions of travelers worldwide and offers trusted guidance for travelers to plan their best stays. Known for their outstanding hospitality, premium amenities and prime locations, Tripadvisor's Best of the Best Hotels stand out as top choices in their respective destinations and across the globe. When I travel, I care about two things when it comes to booking my hotel – a convenient location and a space that feels like a home away from home. A distinction like Travelers' Choice gives users the insights they need to make those informed decisions when choosing a hotel. Kristen Dalton, President, Tripadvisor This year, Tripadvisor announced an exciting new subcategory showcasing the most unique hotels across the globe through the One-of-a-Kind list. Taking the award for the No. 1 One-of-a-Kind Hotel, Taj Lake Palace in Udaipur, India, is where royalty meets fairy tale, with breathtaking panoramas of the serene water, rolling hills, and views of the splendid city of Udaipur. This year's winners tell us what travelers are looking for – comprehensive amenities, elegance, and attention to detail , said Dalton. That's why Travelers' Choice is such a helpful tool. It takes the guesswork out of finding those hidden gems tailored to your needs. Top Hotels in the World 1. Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya – Akumal, Mexico Akumal, meaning "Place of the Turtle" in Mayan, lives up to its name. Snorkelers often find themselves gliding beside these gentle creatures. The crystal-clear waters are teeming with vibrant coral and colorful fish, making it a snorkeler's dream. Just an hour south of Cancun, this laid-back coastal town feels like its own world. Reviewers compliment the beachfront views and exceptional amenities of this hotel. Local experiences: Aktun Chen: A scenic rainforest park with an underground river for swimming, a zipline, and cave exploration that's ideal for both nature explorers and thrill-seekers. Yal-ku Lagoon: Visitors can find multicolored fish and sea turtles while snorkeling in this natural sanctuary. The water is shallow and life jackets are provided, so it's a great adventure, even for families with kids. The rest of the World's Top 10 Hotels: 2. Grandvrio Ocean Resort Danang – Dien Ban, Vietnam 3. Gokulam Grand Turtle on the Beach – Kovalam, India 4. Romance Istanbul Hotel – Istanbul, Türkiye 5. Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort Aruba – Eagle Beach, Aruba, Caribbean 6. St. Ermin's Hotel, Autograph Collection – London, England 7. Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana – Cap Cana, Dominican Republic, Caribbean 8. French Quarter Inn – Charleston, North Carolina, USA 9. Chandys Windy Woods – Chithirapuram, India 10. Siyam World Maldives – Dhigurah, Maldives See the World's Top 25 Best of the Best Hotels here . Top Hotels in the U.S. 1. French Quarter Inn – Charleston, South Carolina Charleston delivers small-town charm in spades, from the shady courtyards and old Victorian homes to the horse-drawn carriages and six gorgeous beaches. While the classic southern backdrop is a huge draw, the city has plenty of big city attractions from historic sites to art galleries, and a dynamic, ever-evolving food scene. The French Quarter Inn is a fan favorite for its personal touches, including cookies & milk before bed. Local experiences: Historic Charleston Guided Sightseeing Walking Tour: Without a guided tour, travelers are likely to miss all the tales from Charleston's rich 400-year history that make this city one of the top destinations in the United States and this guided tour brings the "Holy City" to life. Charleston Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: Travelers can explore the flavors of true Charleston cuisine with a local guide highlighting the absolute best spots to enjoy these classic Southern dishes. The tour includes local delicacies like classic Carolina-style BBQ, historic She-Crab soup, and famous fried green tomatoes. The rest of the Top 10 Hotels in the U.S.: 2. FivePine Lodge and Spa – Sisters, Oregon 3. Atticus Hotel – McMinnville, Oregon 4. Hotel Drisco Pacific Heights – San Francisco, California 5. Luma Hotel Time Square – New York City, New York 6. The Godfrey Hotel Boston – Boston, Massachusetts 7. Hotel Emma – San Antonio, Texas 8. The Evelyn Hotel – New York City, New York 9. Oxford Hotel Bend – Bend, Oregon 10. The Wallace – New York City, New York See the Top 25 Best of the Best Hotels in the U.S. here. Introducing One-of-a-Kind Hotels Tripadvisor introduced a new award subcategory this year which highlights the most unique, One-of-a-Kind hotels across the globe. 1. Taj Lake Palace – Udaipur, India Udaipur is known as the Venice of the East, boasting several sparkling lakes against a backdrop of the Aravail hills. Famous palaces include the magical Lake Palace and the massive City Palace on Pichola's east bank, featuring epic courtyards and stunning paintings. Travelers describe the hotel as a "once in a lifetime experience," making it a favorite among Tripadvisor users looking for a unique stay. Local experiences: Kumbhalgarh & Ranakpur Day Trip from Udaipur: Travelers can explore the impressive Fort and Ranakpur Temple on a private tour with hotel pickup. They'll learn more about the dynasties that ruled Rajasthan at the enormous fort and the Jain religion at the intricate temple. Traditional miniature painting class at Pacific Art: Visitors will learn the art of traditional Rajasthani miniature painting with this private lesson, led by an art teacher. They'll discover the techniques necessary to create fine pieces of artwork, generally painted using tiny brushes made from a single hair. The rest of the Top 10 One-of-a-Kind Hotels: 2. Ashford Castle – Cong, Ireland 3. Bambu Indah Resort – Ubud, Indonesia 4. Fingal Hotel – Edinburgh, United Kingdom 5. Giraffe Manor – Nairobi, Kenya 6. Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort – Chiang Saen, Thailand 7. Nayara Bocas Del Toro - All Inclusive – Tierra Oscura, Panama 8. Valley Views Glamping – Kurow, New Zealand 9. Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita – Matera, Italy 10. Kagga Kamma Nature Reserve – Breede River DC, South Africa See Tripadvisor's Top 15 One-of-a-Kind Hotels here. Best of the Rest In addition to this year's new awards categories, Tripadvisor's Travelers' Choice Awards: Best of the Best Hotels also highlights the best All-Inclusive, Family-Friendly, B&Bs & Inns, Small & Boutique, Luxury and Pet-Friendly hotels around the world. Tripadvisor is proud to continue the Pet-Friendly hotel subcategory in partnership with CESAR® Canine Cuisine, part of the Mars, Incorporated family of brands. The partnership is helping to make the world a more dog-friendly place, one hotel at a time. The top pet-friendly hotel in the world is Hotel Moments Budapest in Budapest, located in the heart of the city where the best parks and attractions are just a few steps away. The hotel location is extremely walkable, making it an ideal location for furry friends. When most pets are considered family these days, it's natural to want to take them with you wherever you go.A year into our partnership with Tripadvisor, it's exciting to see more and more hotels open their doors to pets and their parents, creating a world where traveling with our furry companions is as fun, accessible and inclusive as possible. Natalia Ball, Global Chief Growth Officer, Mars Pet Nutrition For a full list of this year's winners visit Methodology The 2025 Travelers' Choice Awards: Best of the Best Hotels were determined based on the quality and quantity of traveler reviews and ratings posted on Tripadvisor over the 12-month period between January 1 and December 31, 2024, as well as an additional editorial process. * Source: SimilarWeb, unique users de-duplicated monthly, April 2025 ** Source: Tripadvisor internal log files About Tripadvisor Tripadvisor, the world's largest travel guidance platform*, helps millions of people each month** become better travelers, from planning to booking to taking a trip. Travelers across the globe use Tripadvisor's website and app to discover where to stay, what to do and where to eat based on guidance from those who have been there before. With more than a billion reviews and contributions, travelers turn to Tripadvisor to find deals on accommodations, book experiences, reserve tables at delicious restaurants and discover great places nearby. Tripadvisor LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Tripadvisor, Inc. (Nasdaq: TRIP). The subsidiaries of Tripadvisor, Inc. own and operate a portfolio of travel media brands and businesses, operating under various websites and apps. * Source: SimilarWeb, unique users de-duplicated monthly, March 2025 ** Source: Tripadvisor internal log fileslease SOURCE Tripadvisor View source


New York Post
07-05-2025
- New York Post
10 best hotels in the US in 2025 named — and three beloved NYC properties made the cut
It's time to pack those bags. Tripadvisor recently shared the winners of its 2025 Travelers' Choice Awards for the best hotels in the world, with Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya in Akumal, Mexico, claiming the No. 1 spot. Now, the booking site has revealed the 10 best hotels in the US — and who was America's favorite? The French Quarter Inn in Charleston, South Carolina. Advertisement 3 The French Quarter Inn in Charleston, South Carolina, is a beloved hotel by many. Facebook/French Quarter Inn This southern hotel has over 4,000 reviews with people raving about the place that supposedly gives cookies and milk to its guests before bed. 'The rooms are comfortable and clean, and I love the feel of a small boutique hotel,' boasted one person. Advertisement Another guest loved how the staff made their stay special, 'taking care of every need and even beyond.' Rounding out the top three are two hotels in Oregon — FivePine Lodge and Spa and Atticus Hotel, which were both described as romantic getaways. Travelers also loved how friendly everyone is at these Pacific Northwest lodges. Thankfully, New York City snagged three spots on the list. The Luma Hotel Times Square came in at No. 5, where travelers raved about the 'incredible service at a clean, updated hotel.' 3 A room inside The Luma Hotel Times Square. Facebook/LUMA Hotel Times Square Advertisement The Evelyn Hotel in Nomad was described as being 'perfect for couples or solo travelers.' Others claimed it as a 'beautiful, central gem.' Last but not least, the NYC hotel that managed to claim the 10th spot is The Wallace on the Upper West Side. Guests who have stayed here love the 'exceptional service,' the clean, spacious rooms and the 'super helpful staff.' 3 The Wallace on the Upper West Side is a classy one. Facebook/The Wallace Here are the top 10 best hotels in the US 1. French Quarter Inn – Charleston, South Carolina Advertisement 2. FivePine Lodge and Spa – Sisters, Oregon 3. Atticus Hotel – McMinnville, Oregon 4. Hotel Drisco Pacific Heights – San Francisco, California 5. Luma Hotel Times Square – New York City, New York 6. The Godfrey Hotel Boston – Boston, Massachusetts 7. Hotel Emma – San Antonio, Texas 8. The Evelyn Hotel – New York City, New York 9. Oxford Hotel Bend – Bend, Oregon Advertisement 10. The Wallace – New York City, New York Tripadvisor determines which hotels make the list based on the quality and quantity of traveler reviews and ratings over 12 months, as explained in a press release. 'Tripadvisor's Best of the Best Hotels captures the opinions of millions of travelers worldwide and offers trusted guidance for travelers to plan their best stays,' said Kristen Dalton, Tripadvisor's president.


Scottish Sun
02-05-2025
- Scottish Sun
Hidden gem B&B tucked away in stunning woods and with ‘country's best breakfast' named top in Scotland
Scroll down to see the top 25 B&Bs in the UK BE OUR GUEST Hidden gem B&B tucked away in stunning woods and with 'country's best breakfast' named top in Scotland Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A GORGEOUS hidden gem B&B has been named the best in Scotland. Travel experts at TripAdvisor have pulled together their annual list of the top places stay across the globe. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 6 The B&B has an award-winning breakfast Credit: TRIPADVISOR 6 It has rooms in the courtyard and lodges Credit: TRIPADVISOR 6 The B&B is not the only one to make the top 25 in the UK Credit: TRIPADVISOR From luxury, five star hotels to pet-friendly places to stay, the online review platform has scoured the site for the prestigious Travellers' Choice Awards: Best of the Best Hotels 2025. And in the B&B and Inns category, the Craigmhor Lodge & Courtyard in Pitlochry comes out on top. The property is tucked away in enchanting woodland grounds. House in a Victorian Lodge with adjoining courtyard, it provides luxury accommodation in the heart of Highland Perthshire. READ MORE IN TRAVEL ON BOARD Unique Scottish hotel named among best one-of-a-kind stays in the world There a dozen spacious courtyard bedrooms and suites as well as three bedrooms in the lodge itself to choose from. The hotel - which also made the UK top 15 list - says rooms are 'stylishly decorated in the muted colours of Highland Perthshire'. Meanwhile, it's not short of accolades having previously won the best Guest House Breakfast in Scotland award. Kristen Dalton, Tripadvisor's President, said: "Tripadvisor's Best of the Best Hotels captures the opinions of millions of travellers worldwide and offers trusted guidance for travellers to plan their best stays. "Known for their outstanding hospitality, premium amenities and prime locations, Tripadvisor's Best of the Best Hotels stand out as top choices in their respective destinations and across the globe.' It's not the only Scots B&B to make the top 25. W Edinburgh Crowned Scotland's Hotel of the Year 2025 Highlander House in Rothesay also made the cut, coming in at number 23 in the UK ranking. The owners spent years renovating and decorating our homes in Africa, Australia, Canada and France before the took on the challenge of preserving the authenticity and charm of the Grade II listed old manor house, which dates back to 1851. The property is now a boutique hotel which promises a memorable stay. HERE are the top 25 B&Bs in the UK: The Toulson Court, Scarborough Hillcrest Whitby, Whitby The Berburry Hotel, Torquay Highcliffe House, Lynton Diamond Lodge Boutique Guest House, Ambleside The Somerville, Torquay The Belfry, Whitby Between The Bays, Llandudno Old Manor House, Cross Ravilious Hotel, Eastbourne Gloucester House, Weymouth Craigmhor Lodge & Courtyard, Pitlochry Portland House, Keswick Stover Lodge, Torquay Glendower Bed and Breakfast, Torquay Aberconwy House, Betws-y-Coed Jerichos Guest House, Windermere The Old School B&B, Westhampnett The View On The Terrace, Weymouth Swallows Rest Bed & Breakfast Wizards Thatch at Alderley Edge The Wescoe Guesthouse, Blackpool Highlander House, Rothesay Tigh Na Cloich House, Pitlochry Torlinnhe Guest House, Fort William Meanwhile, Tigh Na Cloich in Pitlochry came in at number 24 in the UK. Housed in an elegant Victorian property with 10 en-suite rooms, it has inspirational mountain views across the Tummel Valley. And finally, Torlinnhe Guest House, just outside of Fort William, is number 25. The guest house has beautiful views over Loch Linnhe and the Ardgour peninsula and has eight modern en-suite rooms as well as two luxury lodges. Meanwhile, a unique hotel in Scotland was named one the best one-of-a-kind stays in the world beating Giraffe Manor in Nairobi and an ice hotel in Sweden. 6 The Craigmhor Lodge & Courtyard exterior Credit: TRIPADVISOR 6 The Highlander House in Rothesay Credit: TRIPADVISOR


Belfast Telegraph
01-05-2025
- Business
- Belfast Telegraph
Derry hotel ‘incredibly honoured' to be only Northern Ireland stay ranked in TripAdvisor's top 25 hotels
It is the only hotel in Northern Ireland to be included in the Top 25 list, which is compiled annually based on traveller reviews and ratings over a 12-month period. The luxury boutique hotel, located within Derry's historic Cathedral Quarter, joins other high-profile UK establishments recognised in this year's awards, including St. Ermin's Hotel in London, Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons in Oxfordshire, and The Resident Covent Garden. The accolade names Bishop's Gate as a leading destination for hospitality and reflects consistently high standards in customer service and guest experience. Built in 1899 and sensitively restored, the Derry spot is known for its Edwardian architecture 'with modern luxury and warm, authentic hospitality.' Tripadvisor's 'Best of the Best' designation is awarded to those that consistently earn outstanding reviews, placing recipients among the top-rated hotels globally. 'To once again be recognised among the top hotels in the UK, and as the only Northern Ireland hotel on the list to feature in the Top 25, is an incredible honour,' said JP McCafferty, General Manager of Bishop's Gate Hotel. 'When you look at the locations and names of the hotels featured, it is a great statement of confidence in our city's hotel offering and an endorsement of the commitment and effort by everyone involved. 'This award shines a spotlight on the north west's premium hospitality industry and provides a real boost to both the international image of the region and domestic tourism. 'Derry-Londonderry is a confident, vibrant, forward-looking city that offers the best of all worlds, from city charm to coastal and countryside experiences. 'This award is a reflection of our staff's enthusiasm, dedication and unwavering commitment to excellent customer service. In my opinion, they are simply the best. 'We believe in delivering a genuine welcome to all of our guests and aim to ensure every visit is special, whether it is a wedding, an overnight stay or afternoon tea in The Gown Restaurant. 'It is extremely encouraging to have that recognised and reflected in visitor feedback.' Kristen Dalton, President of Tripadvisor also celebrated the hotel's success, and said she hopes the award will continue to drive their business. 'Congratulations to Bishop's Gate Hotel on its recognition in Tripadvisor's Travelers' Choice Awards for 2025,' she said. News Catch Up - Thursday 1 May 'Ranking among the top percentage of businesses globally means you have made such a memorable impact on your visitors that many of them took time to go online and leave a glowing review about their experience. 'We hope this recognition continues to drive business to you in 2025 and beyond.'


Daily Mirror
30-04-2025
- Daily Mirror
'Best beach in the world' has pink sand and turquoise waters in gorgeous setting
Tripadvisor's 2025 Travellers' Choice Awards for the Best of the Best Beaches has named the best beach in the world as well as the top-rated beaches in the world A stunning European beach has just been crowned the best in the world, according to Tripadvisor's 2025 Travellers' Choice Awards for the Best of the Best Beaches. The awards highlight the top-rated beaches across the globe as reviewed by international travellers. The 2025 list covers six continents and celebrates a variety of coastal gems, from tranquil waters and powdery white sands to rugged cliffs and teeming marine life. Greece's Elafonissi Beach, with its distinctive pink sand, crystal-clear shallow waters, and secluded position on Crete's southwest coast, has been named the number one beach for its awe-inspiring beauty and is noted for being less crowded during May and September. Kristen Dalton, president at TripAdvisor, said: "Whether it's strolling the beautiful pink sand beaches of our world winner, Elafonissi beach, in Greece, experiencing breathtaking vistas in Indonesia, whale watching in Hawaii or diving in magical bioluminescent waters in Thailand - there really is something for everyone. "This year's lists span an incredible six continents and 50 countries with over 100 of the very best beaches showcasing the eclectic mix of coastal spots across the world." The remarkable pink sand is completely natural, formed from tiny seashells and the coloured microorganisms found in the lagoon, giving the sand its unique hue. The beach and its surrounding territory are part of a protected nature reserve, and the island itself is merely a short wade through shallow, warm waters away from the mainland, easily reachable on foot, reports the Express. Elafonissi Beach isn't just a stretch of sand; it's a natural wonderland with sand dunes, rare birds, indigenous plants, and protected loggerhead sea turtles. Its shallow waters are also perfect for snorkelling enthusiasts. Banana Beach in Phuket, Thailand snagged the second spot in TripAdvisor's 2025 rankings, while Eagle Beach in Oranjestad, Aruba took home third place. A TripAdvisor user was smitten with Elafonissi Beach, exclaiming: "W-O-N-D-E-R-F-U-L. There's no other word to describe this beach. It's one of the best beaches ever." Another visitor gushed: "A beautiful beach, a true paradise! Crystal clear water, shallow waters where you can walk for km , well cared for and managed by local associations, absolutely not to be missed!". Susanm from Barrow-in-Furness said: "It is a very beautiful beach with gorgeous pink tinged sand from millions of little pink shells. "The water is turquoise graduating into the deepest oceanic blue a truly stunning sight. As you approach the beach by road it can look like a Caribbean vista."