World’s Most Romantic Hotels 2013

Still need some inspiration on the perfect gift to woo your beloved on February 14th? Never fear. Just in time for Valentine’s Day, TripAdvisor has published its Traveler’s Choice list of World’s Most Romantic Hotels 2013. The hotel rankings are based on best online reviews for romantic stays.

Photo of Cocoa Island by COMO (#15 on the list) is courtesy of TripAdvisor

As you might expect, most are over-the-top luxurious hotels people stay at when popping the question, celebrating a memorable anniversary or getting married. And although pricey doesn’t always equate to passion, most of the TripAdvisor’s top 26 are expensive, ranging from $319-$2500 a night.

Photo of La Minerva in Capri, Italy is #2, courtesy of TripAdvisor

Living in California, we were happy to see that four of the top 10 hotels in the U.S. are located in the Golden State (Bardessono in Yountville is #1 — and #7 worldwide — and Post Ranch Inn in Big Sur is #4 in U.S.)

Photo of Post Ranch Inn (#4 on U.S. list) is courtesy of TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor’s World’s Most Romantic Hotels 2013 list is interesting because it’s based on real people reviewing them. But, they wouldn’t be our picks, necessarily. Want some real dreamy hotels to escape to, even if it’s just at your desk? We like Forbes‘ Ten Super-Romantic Small Hotels list much better.

While we’re talking sexy stays, here are Lanee’s 6 Sexiest Hotel picks that she stayed at last year, published in Huffington Post.

One of Lanee’s picks of 2012: Dunton Hot Springs, Southern Colorado

If you really want to add some spice to your Valentine’s Day celebrations, consider swinging it. Swingers vacations that is. Check out Lindsay’s piece on Johnny Jet, Trend Travel Watch: Swingers Travel.

Looking for gay-friendly honeymoons and romantic getaways? We discovered a novel travel company, ChicGayHoneymoons, first of its kind in fact, that specializes in bespoke honeymoon LBGT vacays. Here’s their top 11 most romantic destinations for gay couples picks. Whether you’re gay, straight or a monk, these locales are stellar, from the winelands of South Africa to the tiny Carribean island of Saba.

 Happy Valentine’s Day 2013!