Condé Nast's 2026 Awards: The Real Cost of Luxury

Canaves Epitome in Santorini scored 99.07 out of 100 in the recent Condé Nast Traveller Reader's Choice Awards. It is a staggering number that halts the scroll. The hotel occupies a prime spot in Oia, that iconic white and blue village where the sunset views are a main draw. Yet the rating masks a harsh financial reality. The Honeymoon Suite with its plunge pool starts at £964.61 a night for May 2027. The top tier Epitome Pool Villa doubles that burden to £1,916.52 per night. This is not a vacation. It is a fiscal undertaking.

The 2026 awards cycle reveals a sharp divide in modern travel. One camp features ultra premium Mediterranean spots that are closing their doors to the masses. The other camp shows city rankings that are bucking the trend. Chicago has just secured its tenth straight year as the top US big city. Across the Atlantic, Edinburgh has unseated Glasgow as the UK's friendliest city. These are not simple lists. They are maps of where capital flows and where affection lingers. Let's dissect what the numbers actually say about trip value in 2026.

The Price of Perfection in Greece

Santorini has always commanded a premium, but the 2026 winners show how far that bar has risen. Canaves Epitome holds a Michelin Guide listing, a rare feat for a hotel. Its Elements Restaurant serves European dishes built on local Greek produce. The property houses 53 suites and villas, all facing the sea and the sunset. It is the only spot on the island guaranteeing that specific light in every room. The indoor outdoor living concept is tangible. Guests get a private plunge pool, beach access, and VIP butler service if they wish to feel like royalty.

The amenities are engineered to keep you within the hotel walls. A sunset lounge bar and restaurant feels redundant given the location but is effective. You can even request in room treatments, including candle wax massages and pedicures. This caters to the traveler too exhausted to walk to the spa. The nearest beach is Katharos, a secluded cove a short walk away. A free shuttle also connects guests to Oia Town. It is a seamless experience, but the price tag makes the average Brit wince. The cheapest room is the Honeymoon Suite, a strange label for a budget minded traveler. The Epitome Pool Villa costs twice as much. It is a luxury nearly out of reach for most, yet the 99.07 score suggests the few who pay are thrilled.

Chicago's Decade of Dominance

While Greek hotels get pricier, US city rankings have remained oddly stable. Chicago has won the Condé Nast Traveller best big city award for ten years running. It is the first and only city to hit this milestone. They claimed the title in 2017 and have not relinquished it since. This is no fluke. It is a sustained effort to maintain status as a world class destination. The city is famed for its striking architecture, top tier museums, brilliant chefs, and a massive brewing scene. It takes several repeat visits to exhaust the list of must do activities.

Kristen Reynolds, President and CEO of Choose Chicago, says the recognition belongs to the whole city. She highlights the hospitality professionals, chefs, artists, musicians, and entrepreneurs who craft these experiences. The city is constantly evolving, creating new reasons for visitors to return. Mayor Brandon Johnson added his own comment, noting the recognition reflects resident creativity and neighborhood strength. The local institutions and businesses welcoming visitors from around the world testify to the city's pride. It is a rare case of a city holding the top spot for a decade without a single loss.

The Rest of the US Map

New York did not even crack the top three. This is a shock for many who assume the Big Apple is the default US city break. It landed in fourth place, behind San Francisco in second and Boston in third. This suggests travelers are seeking different experiences than New York offers. They want a balance of culture, food, and accessibility that Chicago, San Francisco, and Boston provide. It is a preference shift that has been building for years. Data from the poll of over 800,000 people shows the best city is not always the most famous one.

Chicago's ten year hold is a testament to consistency. It does not rely on a single attraction or trend. It has a deep well of cultural offerings keeping the ranking high. The architecture is world class, and the food scene is incredibly diverse. The brewing scene is a particular strength, with a wide variety of local craft beers available. It is a city that rewards the curious traveler. The other top three cities, San Francisco and Boston, have strong claims to fame. But Chicago's decade of dominance is a unique achievement in the travel world.

Edinburgh's Friendly Comeback

In the UK, the friendliest city title has changed hands. Edinburgh has taken the top spot from Glasgow, which had won two years in a row. The Condé Nast Traveller Reader's Choice Awards saw the public rank their favorite British cities by friendliness. Edinburgh scored a near perfect 93.47, jumping up two places since 2025. The Scottish capital is known for its good humored and open minded individuals. They have a deep appreciation for the city's history and striking architecture. It is a city split into two, with the cobblestone alleys of the medieval Old Town and the elegant Georgian avenues of the New Town.

Glasgow has fallen to fourth place with a score of 88.34. It remains a highly rated city, and the saying goes that people make Glasgow. The locals are known for being generous and kind hearted, always ready to offer a helping hand. The city is also known for its lively social scene, with countless historic pubs and legendary music venues. Art lovers are spoiled for choice with the thousands of masterpieces housed in its galleries. But this year, the crown went to Edinburgh. The city's reputation for hosting the world's largest arts festival, the Fringe, likely played a part in its high score. It is a city that is welcoming and creative, and the data reflects that.

What the Rankings Really Mean

These awards are not just lists of the best places to go. They are indicators of where the travel industry is heading. The high cost of the top Greek hotels suggests luxury is becoming more exclusive. The sustained success of Chicago shows that consistent quality and a deep cultural offering are more valuable than a one time buzz. The shift in the UK friendliness rankings shows that local culture and community are key factors in a city's appeal. It is not just about the sights or the food. It is about the people and the atmosphere.

For the traveler, this means doing your research. The best hotel may not be the one with the most stars, but the one that offers the best value for the experience you are looking for. The best city may not be the one with the most famous landmarks, but the one that makes you feel welcome. The 2026 awards give us a clear picture of where the industry is heading. It is a world that is becoming more specialized, more expensive, and more focused on the authentic experience. Whether you can afford the £964 a night suite in Santorini or not, the data is clear. The best experiences are hard to come by, and they come at a premium.