These standout stays have earned their place as some of the Best Hotels of 2025, according to EBONY, because they do more than offer a room; they deliver unforgettable experiences. From the serene luxury of Little Kulala and the dreamlike comfort of L’Auberge de Sedona, to the Southern sophistication of The Dewberry Charleston, these hotels elevated travel in every season. Whether it’s breathtaking views, impeccable service, or a sense of place that stays with you long after checkout, these selections define travel excellence in 2025.
Little Kulala
I loved staying at Little Kulala in the way you love a place that instantly recalibrates your nervous system. Having my own private little house with a plunge pool felt wildly indulgent, especially when I’d wake up to a bedroom view of the Namibian desert that made time feel irrelevant. The rooftop was my favorite perch, giving cinematic, no-notes views of the desert that made every sunrise and sunset feel like a personal gift. The food was consistently excellent, hearty enough to refuel you after long days but elevated enough to remind you you’re still very much on vacation. Between hiking up and down massive dunes, trekking through canyons with guides who truly knew the land, and ending each night watching the sun dip below the horizon, Little Kulala mastered that rare balance of adventure by day and deep, luxurious stillness by night. – Victor Vaughns Jr, Fashion + Beauty Lead
Los Angeles AC Hotel and Moxy
Staying at the Los Angeles AC Hotel or Moxy drops you right into the middle of the action downtown. You’re steps from Crypto.com Arena, a quick walk to the Convention Center, and surrounded by the kind of downtown energy that makes you want to actually leave your room.
But if you want to stay in, this property has something for you too. Inside the hotel, Level 8 is its own mini playground with multiple bars, food options, and late-night energy all under one roof, so even if you don’t want to go far, there’s still plenty happening. It’s the kind of place that works whether you’re in town for work, the game or to see what L.A. feels like after dark. – Jonathan Giles, Editor
L’Auberge de Sedona
Staying at L’Auberge de Sedona felt like I had stepped straight into a Waiting to Exhale fantasy, just with better robes and a stronger sense of peace. Tucked into the red rocks, the property made you feel held by nature in a way that instantly slowed everything down. Being there while it lightly snowed added an extra layer of coziness, the kind that makes you want to linger longer, sip something warm and romanticize your entire life even in 2025. The town of Sedona itself felt genuinely magical, spiritual without trying too hard, beautiful without being loud. Hiking up the mountain felt less like a workout and more like floating upward, as if the landscape was lifting us instead of the other way around. – Victor Vaughns Jr, Fashion + Beauty Lead
W Punta Cana, Adult All Inclusive
W Punta Cana, Adult All Inclusive in the Dominican Republic, doesn’t feel like a typical all-inclusive. It’s adults-only, high-energy when you want it, and surprisingly chill when you don’t. With the Caribbean right in front of you and music, food, and social energy woven into the experience, and first-in-class lodging — done only as W Hotels can — it’s the kind of place where you forget what day it is… in the best way. – Jonathan Giles, Editor
The Dewberry
I’d recommend staying at The Dewberry Charleston, especially after my stay this past October, when the city was operating at peak charm. South Carolina is the epitome of Southern hospitality, and The Dewberry feels like a true Charleston staple where that charm is distilled and refined. The restaurant and rooftop are real standouts, delivering sweeping views that hit just as hard in the daytime glow as they do at night when the city softens and sparkles.
It’s the kind of spot where you linger over a meal, take in the skyline, and suddenly realize you’ve lost track of time. Staying there felt less like checking into a hotel and more like being folded into the rhythm of Charleston itself. – Victor Vaughns Jr, Fashion + Beauty Lead
Grand Hyatt Nashville
Stepping into the lobby of the Grand Hyatt Nashville during the holidays felt like walking into a Christmas movie. They didn’t do subtle—twinkling lights, towering trees, and full-on festive wonder that made you stop and look around for a minute. As Buddy the Elf would say, “It was so pretty it belonged on a Christmas card.” Add in the fact that they have onsite restaurants, a rooftop bar, spa services, and you’re right on Broadway, steps from live music and nightlife, and it’s the kind of hotel that feels special before you even make it to your room. – Jonathan Giles, Editor