10 Award-Winning Hotels That Will Make Your Instagram Followers Insanely Jealous
Hi darling,
You know that feeling when you see a hotel photo that makes you immediately want to book a flight? I've spent the last decade hunting down the world's most jaw-droppingly gorgeous hotels, and trust me, the ones winning major design awards right now are next-level stunning.
These aren't your typical luxury hotels—they're architectural experiences that Instagram was invented for. Let me share the properties that are making design magazines lose their minds (and your friends question their own vacation choices).
1. Raffles Doha, Qatar - The Hotel That Looks Like It's From the Future
Why Book: Winner of World's Leading Design Hotel 2024, this isn't just a hotel—it's a building shaped like crossed swords jutting dramatically into the Doha skyline.
The Design Feature That'll Blow Your Mind: The Katara Towers arch skyward with dramatic poise, inspired by the crossed swords of Qatar, symbolizing strength, grace and the arrival of a new dawn in Doha. But here's the kicker—from the arrival water feature that encapsulates the strength and speed of a spiraling falcon, to Arabesque architectural motifs on every floor, every single detail tells a story.
The Instagram Moment: Each suite is designed to bring the five elements into harmony, while advanced technology lets you personalize the temperature, entertainment, lighting and even the scent. Your followers will never recover from your suite tour videos.
Book Through: Available on Booking.com with butler service included
2. Hotel de la Coupole MGallery, Vietnam - The Palace That Dreams Are Made Of
Why Book: Three-time winner of World's Leading Design Hotel (2019, 2022, 2023) and honestly, one look at this place and you'll understand why.
The Pool That Broke the Internet: Le Grand Bassin on the 7th floor must be seen to be believed. With emerald green marble columns, bronze statues and pink chandeliers over the vast swimming pool, this surreal design fits more in a movie than real life.
The Design Story: Designed by renowned Bill Bensley, the grand palace offers French Indochina styling with impressive facade shining in fifty shades of yellow and iconic domes. It's like staying inside a Wes Anderson film, but with better service.
Guest Reality Check: "Probably the best hotel in my life in 34 countries. Swimming pool is crazy good" and "This is a fantastical hotel with beautiful details everywhere you look!"
Book Through: Available on Booking.com - expect to pay premium rates but worth every penny
3. 1908 Lisboa Hotel, Portugal - Europe's Design Darling
Why Book: Europe's Leading Design Hotel 2024 and a repeat winner that keeps setting the bar higher.
The Architecture Moment: This boutique beauty transforms a historic Lisbon building into contemporary perfection while respecting its Portuguese heritage. Think original azulejo tiles meeting cutting-edge design.
Book Through: Available on major booking platforms including Booking.com
4. MOLLIE Aspen, Colorado - Mountain Modern Perfection
Why Book: Winner of HD Awards 2024, this isn't your typical ski lodge.
The Design Edge: Post Company's interior design meets CCY Architects' vision for a property that doesn't just sit in the Rockies—it becomes part of them. Every window frames the mountains like living artwork.
The Wellness Angle: This is where Aspen's wellness culture meets architectural innovation. Think hot stone spas with mountain views and yoga studios that make you want to actually use them.
Book Through: Available through luxury booking platforms
5. Capella Sydney, Australia - Historic Meets Cutting-Edge
Why Book: HD Awards 2024 winner that proves Sydney's design scene is having a major moment.
The Architecture Story: Make Architects and BAR Studio have created something that honors Sydney's heritage while pushing design boundaries. The harbor views don't hurt either.
Book Through: Available on premium booking sites
6. The Manchester, Lexington, Kentucky - Boutique Brilliance
Why Book: HD Awards 2024 winner proving that exceptional design isn't just for major cities.
The Design Philosophy: EOP Architects and Jenny Bukovec Design have created a property that could anchor any design magazine's "hotels to watch" list. This is Southern charm meets contemporary sophistication.
Book Through: Available through boutique hotel booking platforms
7. Waldorf Astoria Dubai International Financial Centre, UAE - The Repeat Winner
Why Book: Two-time World's Leading Design Hotel winner (2020, 2021) - when a hotel wins major awards multiple times, you pay attention.
The Location Advantage: DIFC location means you're in the heart of Dubai's most sophisticated district, with architecture that matches the neighborhood's ambition.
Book Through: Available on Booking.com and luxury hotel platforms
8. Armani Hotel Dubai, UAE - Fashion Meets Architecture
Why Book: Three-time World's Leading Design Hotel winner (2015, 2016, 2017) - Giorgio Armani's vision of hospitality in the Burj Khalifa.
The Design DNA: Every element reflects Armani's aesthetic philosophy. This isn't just designer hotel rooms—it's living inside a fashion house's vision.
Book Through: Available through luxury booking platforms
9. The Vine Hotel, Portugal - Island Design Excellence
Why Book: Multiple World Travel Awards winner on the stunning island of Madeira.
The Design Hook: Contemporary architecture with dramatic Atlantic Ocean views. The rooftop pool situation alone will make your friends reconsider their beach vacation plans.
Book Through: Available on major booking platforms
10. Hilton Pattaya, Thailand - Unexpected Design Leader
Why Book: World's Leading Design Hotel 2014 - a reminder that great design can elevate any destination.
The Thailand Twist: This isn't your typical beach resort. The design integrates Thai culture with international sophistication in ways that feel fresh, not cliché.
Book Through: Available on Booking.com and Hilton's platform
Why These Hotels Matter (Beyond the Instagram Factor)
Look, we all know a gorgeous hotel photo gets the likes. But what makes these properties special is how they're redefining what luxury hospitality can be. They're not just following trends—they're creating them.
For the Design Obsessed: These hotels are featured in Architectural Digest, Wallpaper, and Dezeen for good reason. Staying here is like getting a masterclass in contemporary design.
For the Experience Collector: Each property offers something genuinely unique. You can't get these experiences anywhere else, which in our over-booked, over-shared world, is pretty magical.
For the Serious Traveler: These aren't just pretty faces. The service, locations, and overall experiences match the design ambition.
How to Actually Book These Beauties
Timing Is Everything: Award-winning design hotels book up fast, especially during peak seasons. Start looking 3-6 months ahead.
Platform Strategy: Most are available on Booking.com, but check direct with hotels for perks. Luxury travel agents can sometimes access special rates and amenities.
Budget Reality: These properties command premium rates, but consider them investments in once-in-a-lifetime experiences. The photos alone will pay dividends for years.
Travel Photography Kit: Pack a good camera or ensure your phone is photo-ready. These hotels are designed to be photographed.
The Bottom Line
In a world of cookie-cutter hotels, these award winners prove that exceptional design can transform travel from ordinary to extraordinary. Whether you're planning a special celebration, need serious design inspiration, or just want to experience what the world's top architects and designers are creating, these hotels deliver.
Book one, thank me later, and prepare for your DMs to explode with "where IS that?" messages.
Until next time, darling.
Planning Your Design Hotel Experience
Photography Gear: Professional camera or latest iPhone for architectural details Architecture Books: Research the designers behind these properties Design Magazine Subscriptions: Follow Wallpaper, AD, and Dezeen for insider coverage