After navigating the parking situation that is downtown Tampa during cruise travel ($47 daily parking anyone?) and Tampa Bay Comic-Con I made my way to the pop-up. The sleek and modern design of Ash Tampa actually feels like it could be a modern diner during the earlier hours of the day. I think the fact that Proper House Group is hosting the pop-up inside is a smart business move, especially as someone who previously rented in the area and found it hard to find true quality coffee in one of Tampa’s most upcoming luxury neighborhoods.

From the moment I entered, I was greeted by a host who offered to either take my order to-go or give me a menu before I sat down in the restaurant. The baristas at the bar were friendly and personable and gave background on the coffee without being prompted. The vibe is chill for a neighborhood that often feels unrelaxed.

Of course, I immediately reached for their version of an espresso tonic, which is what I do everywhere and it did not disappoint. They use a limeade mix that surprisingly is not too tart and captured the espresso pour really well, while also feeling like a house-made creation. The plating and glassware here also make a difference.

Offering food is also a smart move by the team and there are a number of sando options on the menu. This isn’t the Japanese-style that I first thought of, but more a cross between hearty diner eats and an upgraded idea of what a breakfast sandwich looks like. The crispy tots are honestly the move though no matter whether you find yourself hungry or not. These are some of the best tater tots I have ever had, I would even say they rival the tots over at Mighty Fine Burger on the other side of downtown which are a long-time fave.

It wouldn’t be a great coffee piece if I didn’t order a pour over (and honestly, I woke up early this morning and needed more caffeine). The Pink Bourbon from Quindio, Colombia is probably the best pour over I have enjoyed in Tampa. It has complex flavors and depth. I’m glad I ordered more.

About me: Hello my name is Carlos Hernandez and I am a writer and journalist with over 15 years of experience. I write the food and travel blog Carlos Eats (https://www.carloseats.com) and also contribute to several newspapers and magazines on numerous topics.

• Reyes Mezcaleria’s Magical Dining menu is $40 per person and includes a choice of appetizer, entrée, and dessert.
• Reyes Mezcaleria is located at 821 N Orange Ave in the North Quarter District of Downtown Orlando.
• The menu’s standout entrée is the Lamb Birria, made with slow-cooked lamb shank, consommé, and Oaxacan corn tortillas.
• Reservations are recommended and can be made on OpenTable, since walk-ins may be limited to bar or patio seating.

ORLANDO, FL – Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining is now underway, running through September, with over 188 restaurants offering prix-fixe menus at different price tiers. I stopped by Reyes Mezcaleria, featuring a menu from Good Salt Hospitality and award-winning Chef Wendy Lopez, to try their $40 prix-fixe menu this weekend.

Quick note before you go: I didn’t have a reservation, so I sat at the bar and was well taken care of by the bar staff. The only other option during my visit patio seating, so if you want a table inside, book ahead.

According to the restaurant, the team’s mission is to honor the cuisine, spirits, and culture of Mexico through thoughtfully prepared dishes made with the finest ingredients possible. The Magical Dining menu at Reyes has several main course options, including their popular Lamb Birria, Trout Veracruz, and Enchiladas Verdes, plus a choice of appetizers and desserts.

For a starter, I had the ceviche and upgraded it to mixto for $5, which adds shrimp and octopus. They’re generous with the portion, and it’s definitely a great shareable appetizer. The sauce hits with a punch of acid and savoriness that lingers.

The Lamb Birria features slow-cooked lamb shank served with consommé, cilantro, red onion, and Oaxacan corn tortillas. This isn’t the birria most people are used to, since a lot of places in Florida don’t offer authentic birria and tend to skip the lamb altogether, going with a fattier beef mixture instead. This version has a savory flavor, almost like a deliciously seasoned stew, and the lamb falls right off the bone, which makes it perfect for building your own tacos. I personally enjoyed it and recommend it.

For dessert, I had the Guera Cake, layers of flan and tres leches intermixed with each other. It was delicious and not too sweet, but honestly, I’d recommend the churros instead which are some of the best I’ve had in Florida.

One upgrade I’d love to see: a tequila or mezcal flight paired with the three courses, especially given their list of over 150 agave spirits.

FAQ: Reyes Mezcaleria Magical Dining

How much is the Magical Dining menu at Reyes Mezcaleria?
The Magical Dining prix-fixe menu at Reyes Mezcaleria is $40 per person and includes a choice of appetizer, entrée, and dessert.

What entrées are on the Reyes Mezcaleria Magical Dining menu?
Entrée options include Lamb Birria, Trout Veracruz, and Enchiladas Verdes.

Do I need a reservation at Reyes Mezcaleria?
Reservations are recommended, especially for indoor table seating. Without one, options are typically limited to the bar or patio.

Where is Reyes Mezcaleria located?
Reyes Mezcaleria is located at 821 N Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32801, in the North Quarter District of Downtown Orlando.

Who is the chef at Reyes Mezcaleria?
Chef Wendy Lopez, a Michoacán native, is the Executive Chef at Reyes Mezcaleria.

How long does Orlando’s Magical Dining 2026 run?
Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining 2026 runs through September, featuring a record 188 participating restaurants.

Reyes Mezcaleria
821 N Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32801
(407) 868-9007
reyesmex.com
Make a Reservation on OpenTable

Hours:
Tuesday – Thursday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Friday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Monday: Closed

About me: Hello my name is Carlos Hernandez and I am a writer and journalist with over 15 years of experience. I write the food and travel blog Carlos Eats (https://www.carloseats.com) and also contribute to several newspapers and magazines on numerous topics.

North Italia is offering guests $40 lunch and brunch menus and a $50 dinner menu through Sept. 30 with plenty of options including Miami-only touches, including jalea-style calamari fritti and bomboloni inspired by pastelitos de guayaba. Since an average meal in Miami can run diners over $60 per person, this is a deal no matter which option you choose.

Guests can enjoy 14 lunch entrées, from spicy rigatoni vodka and squid ink tonnarelli to lump crab and shrimp cavatelli as well as 13 dinner entrées, including lobster mezzaluna, braised short rib marsala with black truffle risotto and grilled branzino. I wouldn’t skip their squid ink pasta (the shrimp in the pasta dish is incredible) or even the upgrade on the Prime New York steak is well-worth it. The pizzas are a good lunch option and the dough is freshly made in-house.

The cheese board leans heavily on the meat side, but I recommend their prosciutto. There is also a dedicated $40 brunch menu with short rib Tuscan hash, breakfast carbonara and pollo fritto.

Although cocktails are not included on the prix-fixe menus, I do recommend grabbing a drink and my personal favorite was their take on an espresso martini that has an Italian twist and really hit the spot. I recommend North Italia for Miami Spice or even just because you want to try something different if you haven’t been.

Finally, Miami Spice is a great opportunity to try the dessert menu at North Italia as well. I’m not normally a dessert guy, but their tiramisu was incredible and I recommend trying it! Enjoy.

The details

• Dates: Aug. 1 to Sep. 30, 2026
• Menus available: Lunch, brunch, and dinner (brunch is a separate $40 menu)
• Reservations: Recommended and available online

About me: Hello my name is Carlos Hernandez and I am a writer and journalist with over 15 years of experience. I write the food and travel blog Carlos Eats (https://www.carloseats.com) and also contribute to several newspapers and magazines on numerous topics.

Kanda Coffee

If you love specialty roasted craft coffee, Kanda Coffee is certainly for enthusiasts and also great for people watching although seating is limited to just twelve seats. You cannot go wrong with any of their coffee drinks which are freshly roasted, but also don’t skip their flan which is top tier. They sell coffee bags to take home as well which make for great souvenirs. The owner is also quite a fan of jazz and has programming at times. Kanda is located in Kanda Jinbocho, Tokyo, close to Kudanshita and Suidobashi station. 東京都千代田区神田神保町2-38-10 多幸ビル １Ｆ

Fuglen Asakusa Tokyo

I fell in love with Fuglen on my first trip back to Japan after the lifting of pandemic restrictions. It’s a neighborhood cafe that draws people from all backgrounds and offers excellent cocktails in addition to a wide-variety of coffee drinks. It really captures the community you expect from a top-tier coffee shop. Since the location is so close to Sensō-ji, it draws plenty of international customers so if you’re looking for a more low-key locals vibe this may not be the spot for you. They make an excellent tonic and have a number of espresso-based drinks. Prices are fair. 東京都台東区浅草 2-6-15

% Arabica Tokyo Azabudai Hills B1

If a slick, futuristic cafe is more your style and you’re visiting TeamLab in Azabudai Hills between Roppongi and Toranomon, add a stop at % Arabica to your itinerary before or after your visit. The inside is beautiful and the coffee is great. You’ll pay a premium, but it’s worth it in my opinion. 東京都港区虎ノ門5-9-1 麻布台ヒルズ ガーデンプラザB B1F

Tiphareth Coffee Roastery

If you are staying in Shinjuku, Tiphareth is a small local roaster that opens early in the morning and is great before heading out for the day. The owner is friendly and makes great pour over drinks. This location is a bit off the beaten path from the JR station. It is a 6 minute walk from JR Yotsuya Station. There is a good amount of seating and space if you are planning to stay awhile. 東京都新宿区四谷2-11-18 磯合ビル 1F

All Seasons Coffee Shinjuku

This coffee shop has great seasonal drinks and is located closer to Shinjuku Station. All Seasons prides itself on being  open to everyone, and you can enjoy not only coffee but also pudding and cakes. They have a robust online shop for their goods as well. It’s a 3 minutes walk from Shinjuku-Sanchome Station. 東京都新宿区新宿2-7-7 寿ビル 1F

About me: Hello my name is Carlos Hernandez and I am a writer and journalist with over 15 years of experience. I write the food and travel blog Carlos Eats (https://www.carloseats.com) and also contribute to several newspapers and magazines on numerous topics.

So, let’s talk about where Florida landed on this list:

Orlando is stacked

Orlando diners already know this, but seeing Orlando come on top of the list is yet another indication that Orlando is much more than meets the eye. The city pulled in names such as Capa at Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World, Ravello right there with it, Knife & Spoon at The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes, Bull & Bear Steakhouse at Waldorf Astoria Orlando, Ceiba at Evermore Orlando Resort, Nami at Lake Nona Wave Hotel, Old Hickory Steakhouse at Gaylord Palms, and Sear + Sea at JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek. That’s a full week of dinner reservations right there, and you haven’t even left theme park part of town.

Tampa Bay recognized as well

Lilac at The Tampa EDITION made the cut for the list. St. Pete diners get a shoutout too with Elliott Aster at The Vinoy Resort & Golf Club. Two very different vibes, both offering high-end experiences.

South Florida keeps it upscale as expected

Down in Fort Lauderdale and Miami, the list gets fancy fast. Evelyn’s at Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Fort Lauderdale and Akira Back at The Ray Hotel Delray Beach both made the cut, along with Takato at Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach. And if you want a side of history with your dinner, Gianni’s at the Former Versace Mansion in Miami Beach is literally set inside The Villa Casa Casuarina. You’re eating dinner in Gianni Versace’s actual house.

Why this matters for your next trip

Here’s the thing about hotel restaurants that I think people miss. You don’t need a reservation at the hotel itself to eat there. OpenTable’s research found that 92 percent of people have eaten at a hotel restaurant without ever staying the night. So even if you’re not booking a room at the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills or the Four Seasons Orlando, you can absolutely still walk in and eat like you are.

My take

Florida’s hotel dining scene has improved its repertoire along with the rest of the state’s dining scene. Whether you’re visiting Orlando and its theme parks, a Tampa beach getaway weekend, or a South Florida splurge, there’s a hotel restaurant on the list that’s worth building the whole trip around.

You can check out the full 2026 Top 100 Hotel Restaurants in America list, plus city guides and flight and hotel pricing, at opentable.com.

About me: Hello my name is Carlos Hernandez and I am a writer and journalist with over 15 years of experience. I write the food and travel blog Carlos Eats (https://www.carloseats.com) and also contribute to several newspapers and magazines on numerous topics.

For anyone new to this: Miami Spice started back in 2002 with just 56 restaurants as a way to keep the city’s dining rooms busy during the slow summer stretch. Last year it hit a record 387 participants. This year brings an updated pricing structure – brunch and lunch menus are $40, and dinner runs $50 to $65 – plus a new premium tier that I’ll get into below.

What’s New for the 25th Season

The headline addition this year is Miami Spice Reserve, a premium tier for restaurants with higher everyday price points that want to offer something more elevated than the standard prix-fixe. Reserve menus start at $95 and lean into tasting-menu territory. If you’ve been holding off on some of Miami’s pricier fine-dining rooms, this is basically your invitation, at a discount you will not normally receive.

Select restaurants are also doing optional wine pairings this year with Louis Pommery California sparkling wine and Château La Gordonne rosé, which is a nice touch if you’re treating Miami Spice as more of a date-night thing than a quick lunch deal.

And because it’s the 25th anniversary, there are three limited-edition collabs worth knowing about: The Tank Brewing Co. has a Miami Spice Lager, Florida’s own Tabañero cooked up a Signature Xtra Heat hot sauce, and Voodoo Doughnut’s Wynwood location is running a Miami-inspired doughnut called Holla at Chamoy – mango chamoy filling, chamoy-habanero coating – daily from Aug. 1 through Sept. 30. That one alone might be worth the Wynwood trip.

The Restaurants That Built This Program

Part of what makes this season feel like an actual anniversary rather than just a marketing bump is how many longtime participants are still in the mix. Novecento Brickell is back for its 24th season, A Fish Called Avalon for its 21st, and Mareva1939 at the National Hotel is hitting 20 years. Essensia at The Palms Hotel & Spa and 94th Aero Squadron Restaurant are both at 17, and there’s a solid run of restaurants in the 14-16 year range – Old Lisbon Sunset Drive, BALEENkitchen, Jaguar, Talavera Cocina Mexicana, Truluck’s, Bulla Gastrobar Coral Gables. That’s a lot of institutional knowledge about how to do a prix-fixe menu right.

On the Michelin side, Miami Spice is once again the easiest way to get into some of the city’s more recognized dining rooms without the usual sticker shock: L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon, Stubborn Seed, Ariete, Cote Korean Steakhouse, Le Jardinier Miami, Azabu, Double Luck and Tâm Tâm are all participating.

New faces this year include Tâm Tâm (Michelin-recognized Vietnamese), Maple & Ash, Grand Public Kitchen & Bar in Coconut Grove, Da Angelino (the first Italian concept from Graspa Group and Ariete Hospitality Group), and The Mexican, the Dallas import bringing Northern Mexican cuisine to Brickell Key.

Beyond the Standard Menu

If you want to make an occasion out of it rather than just grabbing a discounted dinner, a handful of restaurants are offering add-on experiences: Chef Adrianne’s Vineyard Restaurant and Bar has a 10-guest interactive chef’s table, Bargean Miami is doing a Mediterranean Sushi Chef’s Voyage, DOYA has a chef-hosted family-style dinner, SORA by Hotel Collection is running a Bluefin Tuna Cutting Ceremony, and Uchi Miami and Uchiko Miami Beach both have intimate omakase seatings. These are the kind of details that turn a Tuesday dinner into something you actually plan a trip around.

Dine and Donate

Miami Spice’s charitable partner for the 25th season is Camillus House, which provides meals, shelter and other essential services to people experiencing homelessness across South Florida. Participating restaurants will have QR codes on their menus so diners can donate directly, or you can give online at camillus.org/ways-to-help. It’s a nice built-in way to make the deal-hunting feel a little less transactional.

Uber Eats is also on board as a program partner this year, offering in-app deals at select restaurants throughout the two months – handy if you’d rather not leave the couch for all of your Miami Spice meals.

The Sustainability Angle

The 2026 program is also putting more weight behind sustainability than in years past. New partnerships with Compost for Life, Glass for Life and Food Rescue US aim to divert food scraps and glass from landfills and route surplus food to shelters and pantries. A number of participating restaurants carry certifications from the Surfrider Foundation’s Ocean Friendly Restaurants program, the Green Restaurant Association, Snail of Approval and Rethink Food, so if that matters to where you spend your dining dollars this summer, it’s worth checking the list.

The Details

Dates: Aug. 1 – Sept. 30, 2026 Price: $40 brunch/lunch; $50-$65 dinner; Miami Spice Reserve starting at $95 Restaurants: 300+, spanning nearly every neighborhood in Greater Miami and Miami Beach Where to book: MiamiSpice.com

My advice, same as always with these programs: the well-known names book up fast once locals start making reservations, so don’t sit on this one too long, especially if you’ve got your eye on the Michelin spots or the Reserve tier.

About me: Hello my name is Carlos Hernandez and I am a writer and journalist with over 15 years of experience. I write the food and travel blog Carlos Eats (https://www.carloseats.com) and also contribute to several newspapers and magazines on numerous topics.

That’s 38 new restaurants joining the lineup this year, along with 16 spots recognized in the MICHELIN Guide Florida. Menus are already live at OrlandoMagicalDining.com, and the site lets you filter by location, price and dietary needs, which is genuinely useful once you see how long this list gets. My advice: don’t wait to book. Tables at the well-known names go fast once locals catch wind of the deal.

What’s New This Year

A few firsts are worth calling out. ÔMO by Jônt in Winter Park is the first Michelin-starred restaurant to ever join Magical Dining, offering its $60 menu. The brand-new Universal Helios Grand Hotel is represented with two options, Bar Helios and Flora Taverna. There’s also a jazz club pairing live music with a $40 dinner, a rooftop spot with nightly fireworks views, and – my favorite detail from this year’s rollout – a private pickleball club restaurant opening its doors to the public exclusively for Magical Dining. That’s very Orlando.

Some of the other new additions I’m keeping an eye on: Estefan Kitchen in Kissimmee, H&H Brazilian Steakhouse, Delmonico’s Italian Steakhouse in Lake Buena Vista, and a pair of Tamara Modern Indian Cuisine locations on I-Drive and in Lake Mary. Full new-restaurant list is at the bottom of this post.

The 16 MICHELIN Guide Restaurants Participating

If you’re using Magical Dining as an excuse to work through your Michelin Guide Florida list (no judgment, I do this too), here’s your cheat sheet: 1921 Mount Dora, AVA MediterrAegean, BACÁN, Four Flamingos at the Grand Floridian, Kabooki Sushi, Kaya, Maxine’s on Shine, Nami, ÔMO by Jônt, Osteria Ester, Otto’s High Dive, Primo by Melissa Kelly, Ravello, Sushi Saint, The Pinery and The Ravenous Pig.

That’s a lot of talent at $40-$60 a plate, and it’s the kind of value that makes Magical Dining worth planning a trip around even if you’re not local.

Dine for a Cause

Every meal booked through the program does double duty. Visit Orlando donates $1 for every $40 menu sold and $2 for every $60 menu, with this year’s primary beneficiary being OCA (Opportunity, Community, Ability), which supports individuals with autism and developmental differences and their families. Since the charity component started in 2009, Magical Dining has raised close to $3.3 million for local nonprofits, and last year’s run alone brought in just over $398,000.

Visit Orlando is also cutting $3,000 checks to a nonprofit in each of Orange County’s six commission districts this year, including Children’s Safety Village, The Daily Bread, Nathaniel’s Hope, NextStep Orlando, The Nurture Place and Victim Service Center of Central Florida.

Pair It With Magical Nights

If you’re coming in from out of town, Magical Nights is the companion hotel program running the same Aug. 14-Sept. 30 window. It pairs the dining deals with special offers at properties like Evermore Orlando Resort, Grande Lakes Orlando, Hilton Orlando, Lake Nona Wave and Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek, with more hotels expected to be added as the season gets closer.

The Details

Dates: Aug. 14 – Sept. 30, 2026 Price: $40 or $60 prix-fixe, three courses (plus tax and gratuity) Restaurants: 188, including 38 new and 16 MICHELIN Guide Florida-recognized Where to book: OrlandoMagicalDining.com

All 38 New Restaurants for 2026: Alma Argentina (Celebration), Bar Helios at Universal Helios Grand Hotel (I-Drive), Conquistador Bar & Restaurant at Mission Resort + Club (Howey in the Hills), Daniel Gabor’s (Ocoee), Delmonico’s Italian Steakhouse (Lake Buena Vista), Estefan Kitchen (Kissimmee), Flora Taverna at Universal Helios Grand Hotel (I-Drive), Fuji Sushi (Altamonte Springs), H&H Brazilian Steakhouse (Kissimmee), Hamlin House (Downtown Orlando), Hokkaido Sushi and Teppan (Winter Springs), illume at JW Marriott Bonnet Creek, Jala Indian Cuisine (Winter Park), Jazz Tastings (Maitland), Lizzy’s Live (Sand Lake), Mamazzita Gastro Bar (Sand Lake), Manzzo Cuisine (Windermere), Mordisco Steakhouse (I-Drive), Mosonori (Sand Lake and Winter Park), ÔMO by Jônt (Winter Park), Osteria Ester (Thornton Park), Palma Italian Kitchen (Champions Gate), Papparella Trattoria (Sand Lake), Pisco Peruvian Gastrobar (Lake Mary), Primo by Melissa Kelly (I-Drive), Salt & Ember (Mount Dora), Simply Capri (Winter Garden), Stone & Current (Kissimmee), Sushi Saint (Winter Park), Tamara Modern Indian Cuisine (I-Drive and Lake Mary), The Grove Bar & Grill (Winter Park), Trevi’s (Champions Gate), Vesuvio (College Park), Vines by H (Sand Lake), Voodoo Bayou (Sand Lake) and Yao’s (Oviedo).

About me: Hello my name is Carlos Hernandez and I am a writer and journalist with over 15 years of experience. I write the food and travel blog Carlos Eats (https://www.carloseats.com) and also contribute to several newspapers and magazines on numerous topics.

The property will undergo a significant evolution designed to introduce iconic restaurant brands, enhanced guest amenities and thoughtfully curated programming that positions V Capri Palm Springs as one of Southern California’s premier travel destinations.

Owned by Mark Geragos, V Capri Palm Springs will continue operating as a Dolce by Wyndham hotel while benefiting from sbe’s global expertise. Located just minutes from downtown Palm Springs, the 143-room boutique hotel is known for its design-forward accommodations, two distinct pools, mountain views and relaxed social atmosphere that blends modern comfort with effortless desert style.

Building on sbe’s longstanding influence across Southern California, the property extends the company’s vision to one of the region’s most iconic resort locales.

“V Capri Palm Springs already has an authentic personality and a loyal following, which made it such an exciting opportunity for us,” says Sam Nazarian, founder, chairman and CEO of sbe. “We’re building on that foundation with the creativity, energy and attention to detail that define our portfolio, creating something that feels fresh while staying true to what makes this hotel unique.”

“From the beginning, our vision has been to create a property that captures the spirit of Palm Springs while continuing to evolve with today’s traveler,” adds Geragos. “With sbe, we’re building on that foundation through meaningful investment and an elevated guest experience that will set a new standard for the destination.”

As part of a planned multi-million-dollar enhancement, the property will undergo a phased reimagining focused on redefining the guest experience through refreshed accommodations, revitalized public spaces and elevated food and beverage offerings. Beginning later this year, Umami Pool will debut as an adults-only day-to-night venue featuring the brand’s notable food, cocktails and entertainment. In early 2027, the current Gigi’s Restaurant will transition to Katsuya Ko, introducing sbe’s renowned pan-Asian concept to Palm Springs. Additional cosmetic enhancements to guestrooms and public spaces will work to further elevate V Capri Palm Springs’ chic desert aesthetic while creating dynamic gathering areas for overnight guests and locals alike.

The addition of V Capri Palm Springs marks another milestone in the continued expansion of HQ Hotels & Residences. Backed by strategic partner and equity investor Marc Anthony and his company Magnus, the rapidly growing hospitality platform continues to build momentum following the openings of The Monarch Hotel in New Orleans and Hodges Bay Resort & Spa in Antigua. Forthcoming projects include HQ Cas En Bas Resort & Residences in Saint Lucia and HQ Residences Edgewater in Miami, as the company continues its strategic expansion toward 50 hotels worldwide.

For more information visit www.vpalmsprings.com.

About me: Hello my name is Carlos Hernandez and I am a writer and journalist with over 15 years of experience. I write the food and travel blog Carlos Eats (https://www.carloseats.com) and also contribute to several newspapers and magazines on numerous topics.

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The 2026 Travelers’ Choice Awards: Best of the Best Hotels are part of Tripadvisor’s overarching Travelers’ Choice Awards umbrella. Winners were determined by the quality and quantity of Tripadvisor reviews and ratings from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025.

The winning hotel: G.H. Universal, Bandung

This five-star property in northern Bandung, Indonesia, features Renaissance-style architecture along with modern comfort, set against the region’s natural atmosphere. There are 105 rooms to choose from, a spacious courtyard and pool, spa, fitness center, round-the-clock dining, and Indonesia’s only luxury pet hotel, where traveling pets can get dedicated care during a stay. The location also puts guests near the world’s largest 3D art museum and volcanic countryside excursions that include crater-lake views, hot springs, and mud baths.

“This year’s Best of the Best Hotels winners represent the top choices of millions of travelers who stayed, experienced, and took the time to review these properties,” said Laurel Greatrix, Chief Communications Officer, Tripadvisor Group.

Top Top 10 hotels are:

1. G.H. Universal Hotel – Bandung, Indonesia
2. Hotel Colline de France – Gramado, Brazil
3. Hotel Sporting Family Hospitality – Livigno, Italy
4. Royal Lancaster London – London, United Kingdom
5. FivePine Lodge and Spa – Sisters, Oregon, United States
6. La Siesta Hoi An Resort & Spa – Hoi An City, Vietnam
7. Abigail’s Hotel – Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
8. Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort Aruba – Eagle Beach,
9. Aruba Hotel Moments Budapest – Budapest, Hungary
10. La Sinfonía del Rey Hotel & Spa – Hanoi, Vietnam

The full list can be viewed at tripadvisor.com/TravelersChoice-Hotels-cTop-g191.

The top hotels in the U.S. are:

1. FivePine Lodge and Spa – Sisters, Oregon
2. The Loutrel – Charleston, South Carolina
3. The Verb Hotel – Boston, Massachusetts
4. The Bryant Park Hotel – New York, New York
5. French Quarter Inn – Charleston, South Carolina
6. The Inn at Christmas Place – Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
7. Ironworks Hotel Indy – Indianapolis, Indiana
8. Atticus Hotel – McMinnville, Oregon
9. Hotel ZaZa Houston Memorial City – Houston, Texas
10. Faena Miami Beach – Miami Beach, Florida

About me: Hello my name is Carlos Hernandez and I am a writer and journalist with over 15 years of experience. I write the food and travel blog Carlos Eats (https://www.carloseats.com) and also contribute to several newspapers and magazines on numerous topics.

The same trend has now reached across the country to Florida with shops inspired by Yemen, Turkey, and other countries popping up all over the state and becoming highly prevalent in the Orlando area and across the Tampa Bay area. These shops serve pastries, specialized coffee, and teas and are sleek in design with comfortable couches, inventive lighting, plenty of plugs and Wi-Fi. The espresso machines are expensive and serve thick concentrated pours.

While other coffee chains have become hostile to people looking for a place to converse or a place to use their laptop, these shops are inviting people in and consumers are responding by flooding these shops with businesses, sometimes well into the late night.

My favorite shop I have seen open so far is Jabal Coffee in Orlando off John Young Parkway. The coffee shop is massive and has a great rewards program and a wide-range of options depending on your mood. There is plenty of seating for groups large and small. They even have rentable spaces for meetings or if you need a quiet space. They really thought of it all.

After the pandemic, we don’t need more drive-thrus what we need is more reasons to be able to connect and enjoy a space with those that matter to us and I’m excited that the trend is now shifting in this direction. Starbucks should take note.