Hotels.com has used its data to highlight the top 1% of hotels on its platform, naming them the Perfect Somewheres 2024.
The group of 700-plus hotels (about 200 in the U.S.) was chosen using Hotels.com's proprietary guest-experience data, which factors in traveler reviews, interactions with staff, ratings of property facilities and condition. Select winning hotels are VIP Access hotels, meaning they offer additional perks to members.
Hotels.com is positioning the Perfect Somewheres list as "the go-to authority" for travelers "searching for the best possible hotel experience."
Among the Perfect Somewheres hotels are the Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui in Thailand (a "White Lotus" filming location); Hotel Chapter Roma in Rome; Ohla Barcelona in Barcelona; and the Prospect Hollywood in Los Angeles.
Hotels.com said the program was introduced to help solve a problem many travelers reported. Based on online research conducted among U.S. adults, 55% reported having too many hotel options, 27% said they spent more than 10 hours researching hotels, and 28% gave up their search because it was too time-consuming.
"Most programs use only reviews or focus solely on luxury -- our new awards program spotlights hotels that craft extraordinary experiences and elevate the travel journey for our guests, regardless of the number of stars," Expedia Group senior vice president of global communications Lauri Metrose said.
Hotels.com is running a consumer contest in conjunction with the Perfect Somewheres launch. Through May 29, U.S. and U.K. travelers can follow Hotels.com on Instagram, comment on the post promoting the sweepstakes, share their own Perfect Somewhere and tag a friend. The winner will receive a year's worth of hotel stays.