
This hotel has been named best in the US — and one of the top 10 on the planet
The plaudits for Chicago keep coming.
It was recently named the No.1 place in the US and seventh in the world for culture by Time Out. And now the Windy City can boast of being home to the best hotel in America — The Peninsula Chicago — with the property also making the global top 10.
That's according to website laliste.com, which has just released its annual ranking of the best 1,000 hotels on the planet.
The list is drawn up by a "sophisticated algorithm" that analyzes thousands of reviews, professional evaluations, and guest feedback. Properties that make the final selection are then assigned a score out of 100.
Laliste.com, which also produces an annual restaurant ranking, says: 'This selection represents hospitality excellence across three continents."
The Peninsula Chicago tops the US list with a score of 99.5.
Five US hotels all share the runners-up spot with scores of 98.5. They are the Fairmont Grand Del Mar in San Diego; L'Ermitage Beverly Hills; The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel in New York City; The Peninsula Beverly Hills; and The Setai, Miami Beach.
A further five US hotels all receive 98 points to form a top 11 — Four Seasons Resort Hualalai on Kailua-Kona; Hotel Bel-Air; the Montage Healdsburg in California; The Langham, Chicago; and Wynn Las Vegas.
La Liste describes The Peninsula Chicago, located on the "prestigious" intersection of Michigan and Chicago avenues, as an "architectural statement piece that delivers Asian service philosophy within distinctly American spaces".
It adds: "Its rooms — among the most technologically advanced in the world — offer intuitive automation that enhances rather than intrudes upon the guest experience."
Also making the top 10 globally are La Réserve Paris, described as "a masterclass in discreet opulence"; The Connaught Hotel, London, "where heritage meets contemporary artistry"; The Savoy, London, "an enduring icon of British cultural identity"; Cheval Blanc Paris, a "masterpiece"; and Il San Pietro di Positano, Italy, a "miraculous feat of architecture".
The other four are J.K. Place Capri, Marina Grande, Italy, "a masterly reimagining of the sophisticated Italian beach house"; Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok, a "living legend of Asian hospitality"; The Peninsula Shanghai, "an architectural tour de force"; and Rosewood Mayakoba, in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, "a symphony of limestone, water and indigenous wood".
Philippe Faure, president and founder of La Liste, says: "Our algorithm doesn't lie. These establishments truly represent the pinnacle of global hospitality.
'Each transcends the simple concept of accommodation to offer a transformative experience to its guests."
The top 11 hotels in the US for 2025
The Peninsula Chicago (99.5 out of 100)
Fairmont Grand Del Mar, San Diego (98.5)
L'Ermitage Beverly Hills (98.5)
The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel, New York City (98.5)
The Peninsula Beverly Hills (98.5)
The Setai, Miami Beach (98.5)
Four Seasons Resort Hualalai on Kailua-Kona (98)
Hotel Bel-Air (98)
The Montage Healdsburg, California (98)
The Langham, Chicago (98)
Wynn Las Vegas (98)
The top 10 hotels in the world for 2025
The Peninsula Chicago
La Réserve Paris
The Connaught Hotel, London, UK
The Savoy, London, UK
Cheval Blanc Paris
Il San Pietro di Positano, Positano, Italy
J.K. Place Capri, Marina Grande, Italy
Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok, Thailand
The Peninsula Shanghai, China
Rosewood Mayakoba, Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Reuters
39 minutes ago
- Reuters
South Korea to raise concerns to US over potential curbs on chipmakers' China operations
SEOUL, June 22 (Reuters) - South Korea's top trade negotiator said on Sunday he would raise concerns about potential U.S. restrictions on chipmakers in China when he meets U.S. officials in Washington this week for the third round of technical discussions in tariff talks. "I will pass on the concerns among those in the industry and take utmost care," South Korean Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo told reporters before leaving for Washington, when asked to comment about concerns the U.S. may adopt policies to make it difficult for foreign chipmakers to operate in China. Yeo also said Seoul may not stick to the July deadline, suggesting talks may continue beyond July 8 amid political and economic uncertainties in the U.S. South Korea, currently subject to a blanket 10% tariff with a 25% country-specific duty on pause for 90 days, agreed with the U.S. in their opening round of trade talks in late April to craft a trade deal reducing tariffs by July 8. Yeo was appointed to the role this month by President Lee Jae Myung, who won a snap election on June 3 and said during his campaign that there was no need to rush into a trade agreement with the United States. On Sunday, Yeo added he would reach out to officials at the White House and the U.S. Congress to discuss various trade issues, including Washington's request for South Korea to loosen rules on imports of U.S. beef.


Times
an hour ago
- Times
The five best-value holiday destinations right now — and how to see them
With summer holidays on the horizon, there's good news for most people planning to get away this year. The Post Office's latest Holiday Spending Report, released this week, has found that the British pound is stronger than a year ago against 25 of the 30 bestselling currencies. Those visiting Turkey can feel particularly smug as they'll reap the biggest rewards, getting almost a third more for their money compared with last June. Other countries that offer Brits significantly extra currency for their sterling compared with a year ago include Mexico (12.8 per cent more, which is about an extra £57 for £500), Brazil (12.5 per cent, or an extra £55), Egypt (11.3 per cent, or an extra £51) and Jamaica (9.8 per cent, or an extra £45). Beware travelling to Thailand, Malaysia, Sweden, Switzerland or Japan, however, as all of their currencies have risen in value against the pound, although Thailand and Malaysia still offer good value overall. Instead, consider the report's top five destinations where the UK's pound is strongest. We've picked three holidays in each that will make your money go even further this year. This article contains affiliate links, which can earn us revenue No need to splurge on spendy flights to Orlando. Antalya's mammoth The Land of Legends is Turkey's biggest theme park, with a 40-slide waterpark, nightly parades, a string of white-knuckle rollercoasters and, for little ones, a Nickelodeon Land that opened earlier this year. One of three hotels onsite is the all-inclusive Kingdom hotel, which has an extensive, child-friendly buffet, mini discos, an indoor pool and cartoon-coloured rooms that come with games consoles. Details Seven nights' all-inclusive from £892pp, including flights and luggage ( • Read our full guide to Turkey Turkey's Mediterranean coastline has the same brilliant blue waters, seafront restaurants and long sunny days as nearby Greece, but often for a fraction of the cost. The five-star adults-only Supreme Beach Icmeler hotel is next to the sand and surrounded by pine forests, and less than a mile from Marmaris with its open-air nightclubs, marina and bustling bazaar. The all-inclusive hotel has 68 simple, modern rooms with tiled bathrooms, two pools, a fitness centre and a spa with a Turkish bath and Seven nights' all-inclusive from £386pp, including flights ( With its historical landmarks, gourmet restaurants and cultural attractions, Istanbul has all the charm of other major European cities for friendlier prices. Visit the Blue Mosque with its colourful tiled interior, sail along the Strait of Bosphorus which divides Europe and Asia, or pick up (even more) bargains in the 15th-century bazaar. Stay in Hagia Sofia Mansions Istanbul Curio Collection by Hilton, which is close to the major sights and has extravagantly decorated rooms, a garden restaurant offering shisha, and a spa built around a 1,500-year-old Five nights' room only from £614pp, including flights and checked luggage ( • 23 of the best things to do in Istanbul Next to the bath-warm Caribbean Sea but better value than islands like Barbados or Antigua, Cancun has white-sand beaches, a buzzy nightlife, spectacular coral reefs and nearby Maya ruins to explore. The Oleo Cancun Playa resort simplifies its rates by including everything from 24-hour room service to art workshops and meals in five restaurants. Rooms are all-white and minimalist, and some have sunset sea views. There are restaurants and shops within walking distance and the El Rey Archaeological Zone is less than two miles away. Details Seven nights' all-inclusive from £1,186pp, including flights ( Take advantage of cut-price currency and see even more of Mexico on this nine-night self-guided tour. You'll spend three nights in a Mexico City hotel, including a visit to the Teotihuacan pyramids, before flying to the arty Yucatan capital of Merida for three nights in order to visit cenotes on the inner rim of an asteroid crater and the ancient Maya complex of Chichen Itza. Finally unwind with three nights in an all-inclusive beachfront resort on the Riviera Nine nights' B&B from £2,559pp, including flights, transport, some excursions and some extra meals ( • Read our full guide to Mexico Decent exchange rates mean it's even possible to visit Mexico during one of its most famous festivals. This small-group tour, departing on October 28, includes six nights in Oaxaca during El Dia de los Muertos, otherwise known as Day of the Dead, when the southern Mexican city thrums with street parades and candlelit vigils. You'll view several, as well as joining an orientation walk round the city and taking a tortilla-making workshop in a local family's home. Details Six nights' B&B from £1,599pp, including activities and some extra meals ( Fly to Oaxaca • 10 of the best places to visit in Mexico (and how to see them) Escape the British weather without blowing the budget by jetting to Rio de Janeiro for its endless stretches of sandy beach, rainforest trails, lively nightlife and the towering Christ the Redeemer statue. The Windsor Florida hotel is in a residential district within strolling distance of Flamengo beach but also two minutes' walk from the nearest metro station for easy access to the sights without paying city-centre prices. It has an outdoor pool with loungers, a gym and a lavish buffet Five nights' B&B from £1,099pp, including flights and luggage ( Nab a bucket-list adventure for less with this eight-night small-group tour of Brazil's highlights (plus a brief foray into Argentina). After a first night in Buenos Aires, you'll fly to Iguazu for three nights exploring both the Brazilian and Argentinian side of these humongous falls, before a night in the Unesco-listed Portuguese colonial-era town of Paraty. Afterwards, a van and ferry will whisk you to Ilha Grande for two nights of hiking, snorkelling and fresh seafood before a final night exploring Rio de Janeiro. Details Eight nights' B&B from £1,612pp, including transport and excursions ( Fly to Buenos Aires Even a five-star all-inclusive represents a bargain in Bahia, known for its clear waters, historical sites and the waterfall-filled Chapada Diamantina National Park. The Iberostar Waves Bahia is close to the village of Praia do Forte and lies directly on its white-sand beach, though the hotel also has three pools in its gardens. There's also a golf course, a large spa with Roman and Turkish baths, a two-storey fitness centre with a spinning room, a sea-turtle monitoring station and museum, and six restaurants including a poolside food All-inclusive doubles from £218 ( Fly to Salvador • 21 of the best affordable holiday destinations for 2025 Hectic Cairo can be exhausting to fit into a weekend, so take advantage of the exchange rate and go for longer. Stay outside the centre in the residential Fifth Settlement neighbourhood for some breathing space between sights, with the Pyramids and Grand Egyptian Museum half an hour's drive away. Local restaurants and shops are within walking distance of the Triumph Luxury hotel and there's an outdoor pool with a bar, padel court, kids' playground and spa for relaxing. Details Seven nights' B&B from £915pp, including flights, transfers and luggage ( • Egypt travel advice: is it safe to visit right now? Once the sole preserve of the wealthy, voyages down the Nile became more affordable late last year when Tui's Marella Cruises brand launched its first itineraries on Africa's longest river. On a round trip from Luxor you'll visit Edfu (for excursions to the Temple of Horus and the double temple of Kom Ombo) and Aswan, with all the on-board food, drink and entertainment included. The decent exchange rate means you can splurge on extra shore excursions, including a tour of the rock-cut Abu Simbel temples or a hot-air balloon trip over Luxor's Valley of the Kings. Details Seven nights' all-inclusive from £1,824pp, including flights and transfers ( • 18 of the best Egypt tours You'll get near-guaranteed sunshine and wonderfully low prices if booking a beach break in Sharm el-Sheikh, on the southeastern coast of the Sinai peninsula. Stella di Mare Beach hotel and spa ticks every fly-and-flop box, with a large pool right next to its own beach, a jetty from which to jump straight into the Red Sea, a Padi centre for diving, a spa and three restaurants. Naama Bay's shops, nightclubs and cafés are less than a ten-minute taxi ride away. Details Seven nights' B&B from £571pp, including flights ( Beaches don't get much more exclusive than the one at Catalonia Montego Bay on Jamaica's northwest coast. As well as the 1.5-mile stretch of white sand right beside its pool, the hotel has its own palm-tree-ringed private island, reached by walking across the clear shallow water. A spa, tennis courts, a diving centre and a mini-golf course might also tempt you from your lounger, and there are three à la carte restaurants including Japanese and Italian options, plus a jerk bar and beach Seven nights' all-inclusive from £1,160pp, including flights ( • 12 of the best all-inclusive hotels in Jamaica There'll be plenty of opportunities to spend that holiday money during this small-group island tour of Jamaica's highlights. Travelling by coach between five comfortable hotels, the itinerary includes a trip to a coffee plantation in the Blue Mountains, a visit to the Bob Marley Museum in Kingston, swimming on the sheltered Blue Lagoon beach, a guided tour of the Rose Hall Great House and rum tasting at the Appleton Estate distillery. Splurge on optional excursions such as local cooking classes or rafting on the Rio Nine nights' B&B from £2,349pp, including transport, most excursions and some extra meals ( Fly to Kingston Spend the extra you'll claw back with that favourable exchange rate on a stay at GoldenEye, Jamaica's most famous hotel, and the former home of the James Bond creator Ian Fleming. This tranquil resort has just 18 cottages and villas within 52 acres of tropical gardens around a 150m stretch of white sand and a large lagoon. Spend your days snorkelling, paddleboarding or exploring the area on mountain bikes before dining by candlelight on the beach or in the Gazebo, a fine-dining treehouse restaurant. Details Seven nights' room-only from £2,215pp, including flights ( • 21 of the best luxury villas in Jamaica

Finextra
2 hours ago
- Finextra
Deep Dive: How Shift4 Is Building a Global Commerce Platform: By Sam Boboev
In the fast-moving world of fintech and payments, few companies have transformed as dramatically in recent years as Shift4 Payments. Born as a small merchant processor in the late 1990s, Shift4 has rapidly evolved into a global 'commerce technology' player powering payments for over 200,000 businesses today. Its story matters now because Shift4 is at an inflection point: after years of hyper growth, strategic acquisitions, and expanding beyond its U.S. base, the company is positioning itself as a serious challenger to payment incumbents worldwide. In 2024 and 2025 alone, Shift4 has embarked on bold moves – from mega-acquisitions in Europe to launching its all-in-one point-of-sale platform internationally – that could reshape the competitive landscape of integrated payments. Moreover, founder and CEO Jared Isaacman is handing over the reins after 26 years, marking a leadership transition just as Shift4 pursues ambitious global targets. For fintech observers, Shift4 offers a compelling case study of software and payments convergence done right, and its next chapter will signal how far an upstart can go in challenging entrenched rivals. This deep dive provides a comprehensive look at Shift4's background, strategy, financial performance, expansion plans, and competitive context at this pivotal moment. Company Background and Evolution Shift4's journey began in 1999, when 16-year-old Jared Isaacman started a tiny payment processing business (then called United Bank Card) out of his parents' basement. Isaacman's early innovation was streamlining the clunky merchant onboarding process of the time – cutting setup from weeks to one day, and offering free card terminals with simple applications. This merchant-friendly approach fueled growth, and by 2012 the company rebranded as Harbortouch to emphasize its point-of-sale (POS) solutions alongside payment services. Through the mid-2010s, Isaacman's firm acquired several other payment and POS providers, expanding its reach in hospitality and retail payments. A major turning point came in 2017: the company (briefly renamed Lighthouse Network) acquired a Las Vegas-based payment gateway called Shift4 Corporation, a veteran player in hotel and restaurant payments, and adopted the Shift4 name for the combined entity. This merger of a merchant acquirer with a payment software gateway foreshadowed Shift4's future strategy of integrating software and payments. In June 2020, Shift4 Payments went public on the NYSE (ticker: FOUR) – one of the few fintech IPOs in the immediate aftermath of COVID's onset. Despite the pandemic's impact on its core restaurant and hospitality clients, Shift4's business rebounded strongly, even exceeding the aggressive targets set during its 2021 investor day. Over 2021–2023, the company aggressively broadened its offerings and vertical reach, both organically and via acquisition. It launched an e-commerce platform by acquiring 3dcart (rebranded Shift4Shop) in late 2020, and pushed into sports venues with the 2021 acquisition of VenueNext, a provider of stadium POS and mobile ordering tech. Shift4 also set its sights on new industry verticals – notably non-profits, gaming, and even space technology. It struck partnerships with major names like St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (to handle donations) and Allegiant Travel (to extend its hospitality payments into airlines). In a headline-grabbing deal, Shift4 became the payments partner for SpaceX's Starlink satellite internet service, a global opportunity that necessitated international payment capabilities. These initiatives signaled Shift4's intent to go beyond its SMB restaurant roots and serve large, complex merchants across a variety of sectors. By 2022, founder Jared Isaacman proudly noted that Shift4 had moved 'upmarket,' powering the entire POS and payments systems of massive resort properties and stadiums – customers that bring larger payment volumes and more stability than small businesses. Today, Shift4 bills itself as an 'integrated commerce' provider, combining payments with software solutions in a one-stop platform. The company claims to serve roughly one-third of all U.S. restaurants through its various POS brands, and has expanded into hospitality, retail, entertainment, and specialty markets. Headquarters remain in Pennsylvania, but Shift4's footprint is increasingly global – a result of its recent expansion strategy (detailed below). Notably, as of early 2025, Jared Isaacman announced plans to step down as CEO (while remaining a major shareholder and Executive Chairman) after being nominated to lead NASA – handing the CEO role to company president Taylor Lauber. This leadership transition caps a remarkable evolution: from a basement startup to a publicly traded, multi-billion dollar fintech with international ambitions. Disclaimer: Fintech Wrap Up aggregates publicly available information for informational purposes only. Portions of the content may be reproduced verbatim from the original source, and full credit is provided with a "Source: [Name]" attribution. All copyrights and trademarks remain the property of their respective owners. Fintech Wrap Up does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the aggregated content; these are the responsibility of the original source providers. Links to the original sources may not always be included. For questions or concerns, please contact us at