Tripadvisor has announced the winners of its annual 2026 Travellers' Choice Awards, and the top spot for 'best of the best hotels' goes to a renaissance-style hotel in Indonesia with rooms starting at just £37 per night.
The G.H. Universal Hotel in Bandung, Indonesia, is a five-star destination featuring a crystal dining chamber, rooftop cafe, and a relaxing spa. Despite offering amenities typically associated with high costs, the hotel provides affordable luxury.
This prestigious honour is awarded to hotels that receive a 'high volume of above-and-beyond reviews and opinions from the Tripadvisor community' over 12 months. Out of approximately 8 million listings, fewer than 1% achieve this milestone.
Where is the G.H. Universal Hotel?
The independent hotel is located on the Indonesian island of Java, about two and a half hours from the capital Jakarta. Despite being in the heart of Bandung city centre, the hotel exudes a tropical island atmosphere with palm trees and green spaces surrounding the property.
G.H. Universal Hotel's Best Features
The hotel combines 'European style, luxury and comfort' with the 'natural beauty of Bandung.' Its Renaissance-inspired architecture features intricate archways, striking domes, and rooftop statues. Inside, guests can enjoy multiple dining and drinking venues.
The Bellevue 24 Hours French and Italian Bistro on the fifth floor offers 360-degree views of the city, serving escargot, grilled salmon, and a selection of wines. Previous visitors have praised the live music evenings, welcome drinks, and 'night views of Bandung.'
The Crystal Dining Chamber specialises in authentic Cantonese cuisine. The hotel lobby patisserie offers fresh, homemade sweet treats, and guests can participate in cooking classes. Facilities include a half Olympic-sized swimming pool, fitness suite, and the Bellux Spa offering massages, facials, body scrubs, and aromatherapy.
A unique feature is the G.H. Universal Pet Inn, a dedicated luxury pet hotel providing professional care and spacious enclosures for furry companions.
What Rooms Can You Book?
Room types range from the Superior Room at 900,000 Indonesian Rupiah (£37) per night, featuring pool and garden views with king or twin beds, to suites like the Princess Suite at 4,000,000 Indonesian Rupiah (£166) and the Presidential Suite at 11,000,000 Indonesian Rupiah (£457). The Presidential Suite includes two bedrooms, a jacuzzi, and a standalone tub.
Other options include Deluxe King, Deluxe Double Queen, Honeymoon Suite, Governor Suite, Queen Suite, and King Suite. Most rooms offer city and mountain views, with some overlooking the pool and courtyard.
What Have Tripadvisor Travellers Said?
The G.H. Universal Hotel is ranked number one out of 300 hotels in Bandung with an average rating of 4.9. Reviews compliment the food, spacious rooms, helpful staff, and cleanliness. Some guests noted noisy events and 'flea market'-style stalls in the lobby, but overall, the affordable five-star experience is highly regarded.
Tripadvisor's Top 10 Hotels in the World
- G.H Universal Hotel — Indonesia
- Hotel Colline de France — Brazil
- Hotel Sporting Family Hospitality — Italy
- Royal Lancaster — London
- FivePine Lodge & Spa — Oregon
- La Siesta Hoi An Resort & Spa — Vietnam
- Abigail's Hotel — Canada
- Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort Aruba — Aruba
- Hotel Moments Budapest — Budapest
- La Sinfonía del Rey Hotel & Spa — Vietnam
