What is 10 Stays about?1

We screen every single hotel in a destination and narrow it down to just ten. Each one is selected for its quality, character, and the experience it offers guests. The result is a short, trustworthy list that meets our high standards, so you spend less time searching and more time looking forward to your stay.

How do you choose the hotels featured on 10 Stays?2

We look at hard data first: guest reviews, location, amenities, pricing. Then we go further. We evaluate what the numbers can't tell you, things like atmosphere, design intent, and whether a property actually feels worth recommending. Every selection is periodically reassessed to make sure our lists stay current and accurate.

How often do you publish new hotels and destinations?3

We follow an internal roadmap. Each destination is planned well in advance and goes through a full research cycle before publishing. When a new destination is close to launch, we preview it on our Destinations overview page. You can also subscribe to our newsletter to be notified of new destinations and updates.

Is 10 Stays only for luxury hotels?4

Not necessarily. Many of our picks happen to be in the luxury range, but price alone is never the deciding factor. A boutique hotel with thoughtful design and exceptional service can earn a spot just as easily as a five star resort. What matters is whether a property genuinely stands out from everything else in its destination.

Can I book a hotel directly through 10 Stays?5

No. We link you to each hotel's official booking page so you can reserve directly with the property. This typically means better rates, accurate availability, and a straightforward booking experience. Our role is the curation; the booking happens between you and the hotel.

Why only 10 hotels per destination?6

Because a shorter list forces a higher bar. When you can only feature 10, every pick has to earn its place. It also means you can browse an entire destination in minutes instead of hours, knowing that each option has already been thoroughly vetted.

Which destinations do you cover?7

We’re currently focused on European cities. Our plan is to expand into Asia and North America as we grow. You can see what’s live and what’s coming next on our Destinations overview page, or sign up for our newsletter to hear about new launches.

How do you ensure the hotels remain top quality over time?8

We revisit every featured hotel on a regular basis, checking recent guest feedback, any changes to rooms or services, and overall consistency. If a property no longer meets our standards, we replace it. Being listed is not permanent; it has to be maintained.

Can hotels pay to be listed on 10 Stays?9

Not as an editorial pick. Those are chosen entirely through our evaluation process, and no hotel can pay or ask its way onto the list. One place per destination can go to a Smart Pick: a lesser-known hotel offering exceptional value, which we invite after it passes the same evaluation, and which then pays a partnership fee to be featured. Smart Picks are always labelled “Smart Pick · Partner”. Our criteria are published openly here, and every decision is made independently.

What sets 10 Stays apart from other “top” hotel lists and platforms?10

Most platforms either flood you with options or rank hotels based on who pays the most. We do neither. We cap every destination at ten hotels, selected through our own research. Payment never decides which properties make the cut, and when a destination includes a paid Smart Pick, we say so plainly. The result is a clean, focused guide where every recommendation has been earned.

How can our hotel be considered for 10 Stays?11

Hotels cannot apply or request to be listed. We identify and evaluate candidates through our own research process. If your property meets our criteria, we will reach out directly, either as an editorial pick or as a destination's Smart Pick.