From first impressions to lasting memories, these are the hotels our team hasn't stopped thinking about long after checkout.
Some hotels fade the moment you check out. Others stay lodged in your memory, tied to a feeling, a view, or a single detail you still bring up when someone asks for a recommendation. We asked our World Playground team to name the hotels they still think about long after their stay, and these are the ones that stuck.
Palacio Nazarenas, A Belmond Hotel: Cusco, Peru
For Brooks Laich, World Playground’s Founder & CEO, Palacio Nazarenas remains a standout years after his 2018 stay. Arriving in Cusco as the gateway to a broader journey through Peru, the hotel became an introduction to the country itself. “Never before had I stayed at a hotel that so closely tied the culture of the country into the property,” he says. From the historic architecture to the sense of place woven throughout, it set a new standard for what thoughtful luxury can feel like. It’s still one of his favorite hotels in the world, and one he’s eager to return to.
Image credit: Palacio Nazarenas
Nayara Gardens: Arenal, Costa Rica
World Playground’s Social Media Manager, Jenna Long, stayed at Nayara Gardens in August 2025 for her birthday, and what lingered is the feeling of total calm. “It feels luxurious in a quiet, intentional way that has nothing to do with glitz or glamour,” she says. Set deep in the rainforest with constant views of Arenal Volcano, the property feels secluded yet deeply connected to its surroundings. Wildlife, lush gardens, and design that never competes with nature made it feel almost unreal. When asked if it’s worth it, her answer is immediate. “Nayara is more than a hotel. It’s a full Costa Rica experience you’d happily pay for again and again.”
Image credit: Nayara Gardens
Mövenpick Resort Aswan: Aswan, Egypt
For Kevin Santos, World Playground’s Hotel Business Development Director, the memory comes down to a single moment. During a 2018 stay, lunch overlooking the Nile revealed two sides of Aswan at once. “From inside the hotel, you could see ancient Egypt on one side and a thriving, developing city on the other,” he says. That contrast is what’s stayed with him. “If you like antiquities, nothing beats Egypt.” Mövenpick Resort Aswan offered a rare vantage point where history and modern life coexist in the same frame.
Image credit: Mövenpick Resort Aswan
Santa Monica Proper Hotel: Santa Monica, California
Jeff Shafar, COO of World Playground, spent a full weekend at the Santa Monica Proper Hotel last September while visiting friends, and it’s the design that left the impression. “The look and feel of the property is stunning and incredibly photogenic, and it’s apparent that every inch and angle was obsessed over by talented designers,” he says. For travelers who prioritize strong design, top-tier dining, and a rooftop scene over a classic beachfront resort vibe, this is the kind of hotel that stays top of mind long after checkout.
Image credit: Santa Monica Proper Hotel
The Palazzo: Las Vegas, Nevada
Lauren Liebert, Director of Cruises and Business Development at World Playground, stayed at The Palazzo in May 2025, and it’s the practicality paired with luxury that stuck. The all-suite layout, complete with full living rooms, made the stay feel expansive and comfortable, but it was one detail that sealed it. “It’s the best hotel to stay at if you’re seeing a concert or event at The Sphere,” she says, thanks to the enclosed, air-conditioned walkway connecting the two. It’s a small convenience that completely changes the experience, and one she still recommends without hesitation.
Image credit: The Palazzo
Taken together, these hotels share one thing in common. They understand that what guests remember isn’t always square footage or thread count, but the moments and details that stay with you long after checkout.
