Millions of Reviews Can’t Be Wrong. These 10 Cities Ranked the Best for Traveler Hospitality Around the World
A Harris Poll on behalf of Marriott Bonvoy reports that 91% of Americans plan to travel in 2026, with nearly half of U.S. travelers saying that places with friendly locals are a big attractor
when deciding where to go. So, where are they?
As part of the 14th edition of the 2026 Traveler Review Awards, Booking.com unveils the 10 best cities around the world for traveler hospitality.
How Was This List Made?
Determined by the share of accommodation partners receiving a Traveler Review Award in 2026,
this year’s Best Cities for Traveler Hospitality on Earth highlights destinations from historic hilltop
towns in Italy to coastal cities in Taiwan, laid-back beach communities in Australia, and a long-loved American small-town getaway.
Powered by more than 370 million Booking.com verified traveler reviews worldwide, the awards recognize partners who consistently deliver exceptional hospitality.
1. Fredericksburg, Texas
Also repeatedly named Best Small Town in Texas by Southern Living, this spot has a unique blend of Texas heart and German soul. This Texas Hill Country community was founded in 1846 by German settlers and still has more than 700 historic structures preserved today. Visit historic Main Street with 150 shops and art galleries, enjoy 100 different restaurants, or sample wine at more than 75 wineries.
A Fredericksburg Vacation
The recently opened Albert Hotel offers a new level of luxury and sophistication in a Hill Country retreat, with 105 guest rooms, all-day dining, and a full-service spa. Or book a different kind of getaway. The Luxury Shipping Container The Desert Escape is a sleek, comfortable one-bedroom villa, just a short drive from Rancho Ponte Vineyard and Old Tunnel State Park.
Fredericksburg is just over an hour’s drive northwest of San Antonio International Airport or an hour and a half west of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.
2. Montepulciano, Italy
In the Tuscan countryside, you’ll find this hilltop gem where medieval architecture, world-class wine, and sweeping vineyard views create an atmosphere of timeless charm. Spend days wandering Renaissance palaces, narrow stone alleys, marveling at breathtaking vistas, and enjoying Tuscan cuisine.
A Montepulciano Vacation
Once the retreat of a noble family from Montepulciano, Villa Cicolina is now a hotel adorned with
original paintings, frescoed ceilings, and antique furniture reminiscent of the town’s rich history.
Borgo San Vincenzo, Tuscany’s award-winning luxury boutique hotel located in the prestigious Vino Nobile vineyards of Montepulciano, invites guests to immerse themselves in the region’s vibrant culture, breathtaking landscapes, historic wine scene, and thoughtfully curated local experiences for an elevated vacation.
How to get there: Montepulciano is a few hours north of Rome Fiumicino International Airport.
Accessible on public transport by train and bus, or more conveniently with a rental car.
3. Magong, Taiwan
This harbor city along the western coast of Penghu Island offers historic backdrops, vibrant markets, and coastal scenery. Known for centuries-old temples and traditional architecture, guests stroll narrow streets lined with red-brick buildings, admire the ornate Tianhou Temple, and explore Zhongyang Old Street, a traditional shopping and craft district that comes alive at night.
Planning a Trip to Magong
Overlooking Magong’s waters and Qingwan Cactus Park, family-friendly Beachcastle & Sea View Villa is a beachfront escape. This welcoming property offers 17 rooms, a sun terrace, lush gardens, a swimming pool, an indoor playroom, and an outdoor playground.
How to get there: There are frequent 40–50 min flights from mainland Taiwan, or the option of
ferries running from Chiayi Budai or Kaohsiung to Magong Harbor.
4. San Martín de los Andes, Argentina
Along the shores of Lake Lácar and framed by the Andes, San Martín de los Andes is a Patagonia gem. The town’s streets are lined with wooden chalets, lakeside cafés, and artisan shops. Explore Lanín National Park’s vast ancient forests, sparkling rivers, and volcanic landscapes, or ski Cerro Chapelco in the winter.
Planning a Trip
El Refugio Ski & Summer Lodge is a cozy mountainside retreat with rustic flair and modern comforts. Relax in chalet-style rooms, unwind by the firepit or in the library, and enjoy the indoor pool and spa after a day of outdoor adventure. The lodge offers ski-in/ski-out access, hearty breakfasts, and other convenience amenities.
How to get there: San Martín de los Andes is a 30-minute drive from Aviador Carlos Campos
Airport
5. Harrogate, United Kingdom
Harrogate is an elegant English spa town with historic charm, quaint boulevards lined with modern and contemporary cafés, indie shops, and scenic garden paths. Harrogate is also famed for its Turkish Baths, offering a quintessential spa experience in a quieter corner of northern England.
A Harrogate Holiday
York Place One is a modern retreat overlooking the town’s 200-acre grass parkland, The Stray. Have a historic stay at DoubleTree by Hilton Harrogate Majestic Hotel & Spa on eight acres of landscaped gardens. Book a four-star stay at White Hart Hotel & Apartments with under 100 rooms and a restaurant that boasts an AA Rosette.
How to get there: Leeds Bradford Airport is less than a 30-minute drive away, and regular train services connect the town with nearby cities in the UK, such as Leeds and York
6. Pirenópolis, Brazil
In the heart of the Brazilian state of Goiás, this town is rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. Find cobblestone streets, colorful façades, artisan shops, baroque churches, and more than 80 waterfalls. Between April and June, the Festa do Divino Espírito Santo fills the streets with music, dance, and traditional flavors.
Planning a Pirenópolis Vacation
Confraria da Prata Flats is a stylish retreat located in the heart of Pirenóplis Old Town. Families will enjoy a stay at Pousada dos Pireneus Resort with extensive pools, waterslides, a playground, and kids’ entertainment.
How to get there: Pirenópolis is about a 3-hour drive from Brasília and roughly 2 hours from
Goiânia, making it an easy escape into the heart of Goiás.
7. Swakopmund, Namibia
Set on Namibia’s western coast, Swakopmund is a coastal town where golden dunes
meet the Atlantic, offering a unique combination of adventure, nature, and culture. Part of the German Empire from 1884 to 1915, this rule had lasting effects on architecture, culture, and cuisine. Visitors can sandboard down towering desert slopes, embark on thrilling kayak trips alongside playful seals at Pelican Point, explore the town’s picturesque streets, or celebrate Oktoberfest.
Booking a Stay in Swakopmund
Fritz Manor Bed and Breakfast is a short walk from The Mole Beach and the town’s vibrant center. This boutique stay blends modern comfort with rich architectural character and spacious, family-friendly rooms.
How to get there: Travelers can fly to Walvis Bay Rooikop, which is located just over 20 miles away.
8. Takayama, Japan
In Japan’s mountainous Hida region, step back in time to the Edo period. Narrow streets are lined with preserved wooden houses, traditional sake breweries, and artisanal shops. See the Miyagawa Riverside Market come to life each morning, and tour the UNESCO-listed village of Shirakawa-go with its centuries-old architecture. From late December to late February, the Taruma Kanekori Illumination brings to life the frozen waterfall of Shin-Hirayu Onsen.
Taking a Trip to Takayama
Arriving by train through the mountains transports you to a magical place far away from Japan’s iconic bustling cities. Ryokan Tanabe, located in the heart of Old Town, provides travelers with an authentic, immersive cultural experience in Tatami-lined rooms and soothing Onsen baths. The One MICHELIN Key, eight-room Wanosato, provides a very special stay nestled in the woods. In late 2026, Hilton will open a Hashimoto Yukio renovated property inspired by the unique shapes and impressions created by the nature and craftsmanship of Takayama.
How to get there: Take the train to Takayama Station, connected via a scenic rail journey from Nagoya. Those arriving by air can reach the town with a two-hour drive from nearby regional airports, including Toyama and Matsumoto.
9. Noosa Heads, Australia
Noosa Heads on Australia’s eastern coast is a sun-soaked escape for adventure or relaxation.
Ride the surf breaks of Main Beach, wade the calm waters at Little Cove, or hike the coastal trails through Noosa National Park. Stroll Hastings Street’s boutique shops, cafés, and restaurants, or take the Noosa Everglades Serenity Cruise through waterways surrounded by eucalypt forests and wetlands.
Booking this Beach Escape
Noosa Boutique Apartments & Elkhorn Villas consists of modern apartments and villas with air conditioning and private patios or balconies. Guests can enjoy a heated outdoor pool and spa, as well as easy access to boutique shopping and cafés.
How to get there: Noosa Heads is around a 30-minute drive from Sunshine Coast Airport or
about two hours from Brisbane Airport, now with direct flights from Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), and Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW).
10. Klaipeda, Lithuania
Framed by Baltic coastlines and pine-scented dunes, Klaipeda is a seaside town that combines maritime heritage with modern coastal living. Its Old Town, full of timber-framed houses, cafés, and cobbled streets, leads to a harbor alive with ferries, sailboats, and ships. Take one across the water to the UNESCO-listed Curonian Spit, which offers dunes, forests, and beaches.
How to Plan a Stay
Adler Aparthotel, in a restored historic building, is a stylish and convenient base for discovering the city. Marriott’s Reja, a Member of Design Hotels, is a fully renovated, historically relevant structure in the heart of Old Town.
How to get there: Klaipėda is easily accessible for travelers flying into Palanga International Airport.
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