15 legendary luxury hotels

By Christina Valhouli

As much as we love new, hip boutique hotels, there's something to be said for the grandes dames of the world: Raffles Singapore, The Plaza in New York, or the Ritz Paris. Not only are they the last word in premium hospitatlity and luxury, these hotels are also renowned for the famous guests that patronised them. Even if you haven't booked a stay, they need to be seen; at the very least, make sure to order a drink at one of their storied bars. And what exactly makes a hotel legendary? It’s a mix of the hotel’s history, architecture, wondrous interiors and famous guests—and a whiff of scandal doesn’t hurt, either. Here’s our look at 15 of the world’s most legendary hotels.