World's Best Hotels: From Udaipur to Instanbul

Travel + Leisure magazine has compiled the results of their annual reader's survey of the 50 World's Best Hotels.

For the 17^th year in a row, the magazine has asked readers to answer a questionnaire from editors and covers rooms, location, service, food and value. The readers had from December 1 to March 31 to answer the questionnaire and results were published this month online. The magazine's website states, "Every year we ask T+L readers to tell us which hotels, destinations, and companies represent the very best in travel, and for our 17th annual compendium, the roster of winners is bigger and better than ever."

The magazine noticed the trend of Istanbul being on the rise with the Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul ranking No. 24. The Safari lodge Singita Grumeti Reserves located in the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, took first place for the second year in the row. Situated amongst gorgeous natural scenery and including two lodges and two camps this one is a long-time favorite.

Australia's Southern Ocean Lodge, which is the country's first wilderness luxury retreat came in at number three. The new retreat's website states, "Floating atop a secluded cliff on a rugged stretch of coast, the lodge commands peerless views of the wild Southern Ocean and pristine Kangaroo Island wilderness. Sensitive, intimate and sophisticated, Southern Ocean Lodge is a sanctuary of refined comfort and luxe, Kangaroo Island style."

20 percent of hotels on the list are stateside including Charleston's Wentworth Mansion at 12 and the Osprey at Beaver Creek, CO perfect for a ski holiday. Triple Creek in Montana's Bitterroot Mountains came in at 2^nd place. The stunning resort has 23 lux log cabins that are outfitted with fireplaces and hot tubs and accompanying individual itineraries for guests.

The Oberoi Udaivilas in the enchanting city of Udaipur India is a Rajasthani gem in 4^th place. The 30 acre property overlooking Lake Pichola is set in a palace like setting. Arrivals are done by private boat ferry and guests have a private butler who guides them to their room. 

For the full list see here.