Top 10 Fairmont and Raffles Hotels in the World

Fairmont and Raffles Hotels are two of the luxury brands of Accor, the French hotel group whose main luxury brand was Sofitel, prior to acquiring Fairmont and Raffles in 2016. Most Fairmont and Raffles hotels are Virtuoso members, so TravelSort clients enjoy benefits at all of our picks for the top 10 Fairmont and Raffles hotels and resorts:

1. Raffles Maldives Meradhoo

Recently completely renovated and reflagged as a Raffles resort in 2019, the Raffles Maldives Meradhoo has 16 overwater villas, and just 38 villas and residences in total, making it one of the most intimate Raffles resorts. It's in the southern Maldives in Gaafu Alifu Atoll (the same atoll as the Park Hyatt Maldives), a 55 minute flight from Mahe and a 15 minute speedboat ride.

Virtuoso Benefits

Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
Complimentary Breakfast daily for two guests per bedroom
$100 USD equivalent Spa Services credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
Complimentary in-villa WiFi
Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability

2. Le Royal Monceau Raffles Paris

Paris is one of the top luxury hotel cities in the world, so even though I'd rank several other Paris luxury hotels such as The Peninsula Paris, Le Bristol and the Four Seasons George V Paris above Le Royal Monceau Raffles Paris, the Raffles is still an excellent hotel, especially if you want a more eclectic design sensibility. Or if you have a sweet tooth: the hotel has the distinct advantage of having Pierre Herme desserts in all its restaurants (except Matsuhisa Paris) as well as available via room service.

Virtuoso Benefits

Upgrade at time of booking, subject to availability
Buffet breakfast daily for two guests per bedroom, served in La Cuisine Restaurant
$100 USD equivalent Food & Beverage credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
Early check-in, subject to availability
Guaranteed late check-out until 4 PM
Complimentary Wi-Fi

Best Raffles Hotels-Royal Monceau Raffles Paris

3. Fairmont Pacific Rim, Vancouver

We loved our stay at the Fairmont Pacific Rim, Vancouver, particularly the Fairmont Pacific Rim Gold Floor Lounge. On a nice day, borrow a bike to cycle the scenic Stanley Park Seawall, and sate your sushi cravings at nearby Miku Restaurant.

Virtuoso Benefits

Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
Daily full breakfast for two guests per bedroom
A choice between $100 USD equivalent Spa Services OR Food & Beverage credit to be utilized during stay (no cash value if not redeemed in full, not applicable to spa products)
Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
Complimentary Wi-Fi

Top 10 Fairmont Hotels Worldwide: Fairmont Pacific Rim Vancouver

4. Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor

Siem Reap isn't short of great places to stay, with Amansara and the Park Hyatt Siem Reap. But the Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor still exudes an incredible sense of place and style, and even if you don't stay here, its Khmer restaurant is excellent and worth a visit.

Virtuoso Benefits

Upgrade to next category at time of booking, subject to availability
Welcome beverage, chilled towel, and traditional Kroma on arrival
Daily Buffet breakfast for two guests per bedroom
A complimentary 60-minute massage for up to two people, once during stay
Invitation to enjoy a 30 minute Hotel Heritage Tour – on request to suit travelers schedule
Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
Complimentary Wi-Fi

5. Raffles Istanbul

Istanbul isn't getting a lot of love from clients right now, and the Raffles Istanbul location isn't ideal, but it's one of the better Raffles hotels, especially in terms of service. A nice additional Virtuoso perk is access to the Raffles Club, with complimentary house car service in the immediate vicinity.

Virtuoso Benefits

Guaranteed upgrade at time of booking
Complimentary buffet breakfast daily for two guests per bedroom
$100 USD equivalent Resort/Hotel credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full, to be used at F&B outlets and Spa. excludes spa retail items)
Access to Raffles Club
Complimentary limousine service in the vicinity; within 3 kms of the hotel between 07:00 – 22:00
Complimentary Wi-Fi
Early Check-in/Late Check-out, subject to availability

6. The Savoy, London

At The Savoy, I recommend reserving a Luxury King River View or higher category; Junior Suite River Balcony Rooms are especially popular, as they have a private balcony and are on the 8th floor.

Virtuoso Benefits

Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
Complimentary full English breakfast daily for two guests per bedroom, in Kaspar's, Thames Foyer or Room Service
85 GBP Food & Beverage credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
Complimentary Wi-Fi
20% off Beauty & Fitness Treatments
Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability

7. Fairmont Orchid, Big Island of Hawaii

While more of our clients tend to stay at the Fairmont Kea Lani, which is popular with families due to its pool with waterslide, we had a better experience at the Fairmont Orchid, which was somewhat less chaotic, although I still recommend Four Seasons Hualalai over the Fairmont Orchid if the budget allows. As always at Fairmonts, I recommend splurging on Gold Floor rooms and suites for lounge access.

Virtuoso Benefits

Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability (upgrade not applicable to Ocean Front or Gold Floor Categories, and excluding all suites)
Buffet breakfast daily for two guests per bedroom, in Orchid Court Restaurant
$100 USD Food & Beverage credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
Complimentary Wi-Fi

Top 10 Fairmont Hotels in the World: Fairmont Orchid

8. Raffles Seychelles

While our top recommendation in the Seychelles is currently the Four Seasons Seychelles at Desroches Island, if that's out of the budget, the Raffles Seychelles can be a good choice, just adjust expectations accordingly as it won't match the hard or soft product of Desroches Island.

Virtuoso Benefits

Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
Complimentary buffet breakfast daily for two guests per bedroom
A complimentary lunch or dinner for up to two people, once during stay, excluding alcohol, taxes and gratuities
Early check-in/Late check-out (subject to availability)
Complimentary Wi-Fi

9. Raffles Dubai

If you just need a quick overnight near Dubai Airport, Raffles Dubai is an excellent choice; service is usually much better than most airport hotels.

Virtuoso Benefits

Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
Daily Buffet breakfast for two guests per bedroom
$100 USD Equivalent Hotel credit, to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full, applicable at Crossroads Cocktail Bar, Azur All Day Dining, Pool Bar, Raffles Salon, In-Room Dining, Raffles Spa treatments (excluding retail and Salon services)
Complimentary Wi-Fi
Early check-in subject to availability
Guaranteed late check-out at 4:00pm

10. Raffles Singapore

The original Raffles reopened in 2019 after a two year renovation and is worth a visit for fans of the iconic brand. It's not ranked higher on our list, however, due to how many non-staying tourists visit the hotel, and the sometimes less than hospitable service.

Virtuoso Benefits

Upgrade to next category, subject to availability upon arrival (applicable up to Personality Suite)
Complimentary Semi-buffet Breakfast in Tiffin Room for two guests per bedroom
Complimentary Singapore Sling on arrival
$100 USD equivalent Hotel experiential credit per room per stay, to be redeemed at all Raffles-operated Food & Beverage outlets, Raffles Spa and the Raffles Boutique
Early check-in / Late check-out, subject to availability
Complimentary Wi-Fi