By Lisa Perkovic, on March 12, 2018

Best of VIP Access 2017

Our annual awards recognize hotels in our VIP Access program that are ahead of the game, literally leaving other hotels in their wake when it comes to exceptional service, guest benefits and feedback from our gold and silver Expedia+ members.

Hotels are at the heart of what we do at Expedia. We provide our travelers with access to more than 300,000 different properties all over the world – from swanky New York skyscrapers to laid back Aussie beach front hotels, you can find something for any type of trip. But how do you know the hotel is going to live up to your expectations? That’s where Expedia comes in. We’ve done the hard work for you, with our curated collection of 4,200 VIP Access hotels in 121 countries and 1,251 cities around the world. Just to be part of the VIP program, these hotels have to be top notch, but to make it in the top 10 of the Best of VIP Access – these hotels are extra special.

Without further adieu, here are the top 10 Best of VIP Access Hotels for 2017:

  1. Luxury Suites Amsterdam, Netherlands

There are just 25 suites in this beautiful historic hotel in Amsterdam’s Oude Centrum district.  Located right on a canal, the hotel is a minute’s walk from famous landmarks like the Rembrandt Museum and the Stopera, that’s if you can tear yourself away from your lavish suite.

2. Sage Hotel West Perth, Australia

If you’re heading to Western Australia, chances are you’ll be based in Perth. The state’s capital city is a growing hub of trendy small bars, trendy eateries and chic hotels. Sage Hotel certainly fits the bill, with a very modern hotel wrapped around a beautiful, heritage listed building on Hay Street, one of the hippest streets in town.

3. Sea Change Beachfront Apartments, Cairns Australia

Just north of Cairns in Tropical North Queensland, the Sea Change apartments look straight out at Trinity Beach. Not only is this region the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, it’s beaches and coastline are famous in their own right for their beauty. Sit out on your terrace and simply soak up the view. This is one beach holiday you won’t want to leave.

4. Zoku Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam is well known for its cutting edge attitude to art, culture and architecture. All three come together at this adults-only property in the famous Canal Ring. Super chic loft apartments, glass atrium rooftop gardens that look out over the city, and communal working spaces are just the beginning. Concierge staff are called “sidekicks” and will help you settle in to your stay.

5. Xanadu Main Beach Resort, Gold Coast, Australia

The glitz and glamour of Queensland’s Gold Coast is always a little overshadowed by the raw beauty of its beaches. You’ll get to experience the best of both worlds from the heights of Xanadu. Located right in the heart of Main Beach, this resort’s location can’t be beaten. Balconies overlook the famous boardwalk and the beach.

6. Brisbane Riverview Hotel, Brisbane, Australia 

Cool and quirky, the Brisbane Riverview is one of the city’s coolest luxury hotels. Perched on the waterfront in Hamilton, just outside of the CBD, the hotel’s design scheme is fun and fabulous, with café, restaurant and the very swanky Chester’s Bar onsite.

7. Hilton Rio de Janeiro Copacabana, Brazil 

No visit to Rio is complete without a trip to Copacabana. At the Hilton, your sightseeing starts the moment you check in. This five star hotel can’t get much closer to the sand, perched right on the famous beach. Make a beeline for the rooftop pool for one of the best views in town.

8. Best Western Zaan Inn, Zaandam, Netherlands 

Once you’ve been to Amsterdam, head north west to Zaandam. The smaller city is famous for its traditional Dutch windmills and quaint architecture. The Best Western is the perfect base for exploring the city, with an uber modern vibe and a great location.

9. Hotel Portinari, Bruges, Belgium 

A beautiful boutique hotel on the edge of Bruges’ historical district, Hotel Portinari is a study in elegant, modern design. Rooms are sleek, with plenty of glass walls and black fixtures, and pops of color from decals of famous historical figures.

10. Bilderberg Hotel Jan Luyken, Amsterdam, Netherlands 

This pet friendly hotel right opposite Amsterdam’s famous Rembrandt Museum is the perfect base for culture vultures, with the city’s many museums on your doorstep. This traditional mansion mixes traditional design pieces with all the mod cons.

Top 10 US-Based Best of VIP Access Hotels for 2017

If you’re planning to stay closer to home this year, with a vacation in the U.S., we’ve got you covered too. It looks like you might be headed to California! We’ve pulled out the top 10 hotels in America from the list and they’re all in The Golden State.

  1. The Bicycle Hotel & Casino, Bell Gardens

This sprawling hotel just outside of Las Angeles has a swanky design scheme and plenty of different activities to keep you entertained. The casino on site, three bars, two restaurants and a café, spa, and pool are sure to keep you busy, but there’s also the Citadel Outlets a 15-minute drive away.

  1. Tower23 Hotel, San Diego

Make a beeline for this beautiful beachfront hotel next time you’re in San Diego and you won’t be disappointed. Looking straight out at the ocean, and the pier at Pacific Beach, the boutique hotel does beach chic extremely well. Spend time at the beach and the evening by the rooftop bar.

  1. Napa River Inn, Napa Valley

A local institution along the Napa riverfront, this charming Inn sits inside the historic Napa Mill. Dating back to the late 1800s, the Mill offers a glimpse into old world California, but has been brought into the 21st century with additions like the Inn. Guests can still choose suites inside the historic Hatt wing of the property – expect claw footed bath tubs and canopied beds.

  1. Shade Hotel Redondo Beach, Los Angeles

Boat lovers should look no further than this boutique hotel located right in front of the King Harbor Marina. Guests get free access to Cruiser bicycles so head out on the bicycle strand to start exploring the coastline.

  1. Ayres Hotel Orange, Orange County

Just outside of Anaheim, this comfy hotel is a favorite of families heading to Disneyland Park, which is only 2 miles away. You’re also on the doorstep of Orange County, with Huntington Beach just a half hour drive away. So pick this as a base for a few days with the family.

  1. El Dorado Hotel, Sonoma Valley

Dating back to 1843, the Salvador Vallejo building that houses this boutique hotel has definitely retained its glory, and it’s been thoughtfully redesigned and modernized for today’s guests. Standing elegantly in the heart of the city’s historic center, this is the perfect base for a few days in the region – if you can bear to leave the saltwater pool and the excellent El Dorado Kitchen onsite.

  1. Allegretto Vineyard Resort, Paso Robles

When you’re exploring a wine region, what better way to get a sense of the place than staying in a working vineyard? It helps that Allegretto offers guests a luxe experience you won’t want to leave. The estate’s restaurant, spa, poolside cabanas and dramatically styled rooms and public spaces are perfect for those who love decadence and old world glamour.

  1. Hotel Normandie, Los Angeles

The Hotel Normandie has long been a local icon, with a history of housing colorful figures of Los Angeles’ past, and a dramatic Renaissance Revival. These days the hotel has gone through a renovation that’s brought in a little hipster flair that fits right in with the Koreatown location.

  1. North Block Hotel, Yountville, Napa Valley

There are just 20 rooms at this stylish boutique hotel, housing the lucky few who can visit high profile Chef Richard Reddington’s Redd Wood restaurant and then roll into bed. With breakfast included, and free bicycles for exploring, you couldn’t ask for a better base.

  1. Montage Beverly Hills, Los Angeles

Looking to live like a celebrity for a few days? The Montage hotel does all out luxury and does it well. Look out over the Hollywood Hills from the rooftop pool, wine and dine at the award winning restaurants and bliss out at the 20,000 square foot spa.

Check out more of our VIP Access Hotels here

Which VIP Access Hotel are you staying in next?