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The first-ever list of The World's 50 Best Hotels was released during a swanky ceremony in London just last night and, New Yorkers, we've got reasons to be proud and, perhaps, a bit embarrassed as our very own Aman, the most outrageously expensive hotel in town, landed at number 25.
The less costly but just as opulent Equinox hotel by Hudson Yards also made the list, ranking at number 48.
Although, according to an official press release, "any hotel worldwide is eligible for votes and it does not have to fit any criteria or tick any pre-ordained boxes to be considered," we can't help but wonder if the list is really a collection of the most shockingly grandiose accommodations around the world, a bit of "hotel porn" if we may say so. There's just something about shamelessly picturing ourselves enjoying the amenities at these top-notch hotels that's... relaxing?
Take Aman, for example, which opened to much shock and delight last summer inside the Crown Building at 730 Fifth Avenue by 57th Street.
Each one of the over 80 rooms on premise costs more than $4,000 per night—and that's when we're looking at the most economical options available. Amenities on offer will quite literally make your head spin as well: two signature restaurants (Italian dining concept Arva and Japanese destination Nama), a jazz club hosting daily live performances and a spa that is sprawled over three floors and includes an indoor 20-meter pool, ten treatment rooms, fitness facilities and two Spa Houses for a more private experience. Are you surprised Aman made to the top 25 list of best hotels in the world?
Although yet another Aman, this one in Tokyo, made the top five in the inaugural ranking, it is the beautiful Passalacqua in Lake Como that took the top prize home, followed by the Rosewood Hong Kong at number two and the Four Seasons Bangkok at Chao Phraya River in Bangkok at number three.
Excuse us while we go find a way to book at stay at any of these ultra-luxurious destinations.