Looking for the ultimate luxury escape in Boston, Cape Cod, or Rhode Island? Forbes just dropped its annual Star Awards, and the results might surprise you. While some familiar names made the cut, there are a few unexpected gems that deserve your attention. But here's where it gets controversial: is a five-star rating really the ultimate measure of hospitality, or are there other factors at play? Let’s dive in.
Forbes Travel Guide, now in its 68th year, takes a unique approach to evaluating hotels. Undercover inspectors pose as regular guests, experiencing everything from the plush beds to the spa treatments, and even the staff’s attentiveness. And this is the part most people miss: only 30% of the rating is based on the hotel’s physical attributes, like its condition and amenities. The remaining 70%? It’s all about how the staff makes you feel. Think warm welcomes, personalized service, and those little extras that turn a stay into an unforgettable experience.
Amanda Frasier, Forbes Travel Guide’s president of Standards & Ratings, sums it up perfectly: “The 2026 list showcases properties deeply committed to delivering consistent and reliable world-class experiences.” But what does that mean for you? Let’s break it down.
Forbes Ratings Explained:
- Five-Star: These are the crème de la crème—properties offering exceptional experiences, meticulous service, and luxurious amenities. Think of them as the gold standard.
- Four-Star: Exceptional in their own right, these hotels deliver high-quality service and amenities with a keen eye for detail.
- Recommended: These properties meet Forbes’s rigorous standards but haven’t quite reached four- or five-star status. Still, they’re worth checking out.
Boston’s Top Picks:
- Five-Star: Boston Harbor Hotel, Encore Boston Harbor, Four Seasons Hotel Boston, Four Seasons Hotel One Dalton Street, Mandarin Oriental, Boston.
- Four-Star: The Inn at Hastings Park, The Newbury Boston, The Ritz-Carlton, Boston.
- Recommended: Fairmont Copley Plaza, InterContinental Boston, The Langham Boston, The Liberty Hotel, Seaport Hotel & World Trade Center, XV Beacon.
Cape Cod’s Finest:
- Five-Star: Chatham Bars Inn, Chatham Inn, Wequassett Resort and Golf Club.
- Four-Star: Mirbeau Inn & Spa Plymouth.
- Recommended: The Mansion at Ocean Edge.
Rhode Island’s Standouts:
- Five-Star: The Chandler Inn at Cliff Walk, Ocean House, Weekapaug Inn.
- Four-Star: Castle Hill Inn.
Now, here’s the controversial question: Do these ratings truly reflect the best of the best, or are they missing something? For instance, could a smaller, family-run inn with impeccable service outshine a five-star resort in terms of guest satisfaction? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
For more insights, follow Christopher Muther at christopher.muther@globe.com or on Twitter and Instagram @Chris_Muther. Whether you’re planning a getaway or just dreaming of one, these Forbes-approved properties are sure to inspire your next adventure.
