Luxury and affordability can go hand in hand (Picture: G.H. Universal Hotel)
When you hear ‘world’s best hotel’ you likely picture five-star resorts in the Maldives or bougie boutiques in Barcelona.
In other words, something expensive.
But TripAdvisor has just announced the winners of its annual 2026 Travellers’ Choice Awards.
And at number one for ‘best of the best hotels’? A renaissance-style hotel with rooms that start from just £37 per night.
Enter, the G.H. Universal Hotel in Bandung, Indonesia, a five-star destination complete with a crystal dining chamber, rooftop cafe, and a relaxing spa.
You know, features that would usually command the big bucks.
Cocktail on the rooftop, anyone? (Picture: G.H. Universal Hotel)
The global travel platform says this honour is only awarded to hotels that receive a ‘high volume of above-and-beyond reviews and opinions from the Tripadvisor community’ over 12 months.
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Out of around 8 million listings, fewer than 1% achieve this milestone.
So, if you’re planning on a trip to Indonesia and want a break from the backpacker lifestyle, there’s only one hotel for it.
Here’s everything you need to know:
Where is the G.H. Universal Hotel?
The independent hotel is located on the Indonesian island of Java, around two and a half hours from the bustling capital of Jakarta.
But despite being in the heart of Bandung city centre, there’s a tropical island feel to the place.
Palm trees and green space envelop the hotel, while villas with terracotta roofs line the surrounding streets.
G.H. Universal Hotel’s best features
It’s giving opulence (Picture: G.H. Universal Hotel)
The G.H Universal Hotel prides itself on combining ‘European style, luxury and comfort’ with the ‘natural beauty of Bandung.’
While we’ve yet to visit, the Renaissance-esque architecture immediately gives opulent vibes, from the intricate archways to the striking domes and rooftop statues.
Inside, there are multiple spots to drink and dine. If you love a rooftop soiree, head to the fifth floor for 360-degree views of the city.
Here, you’ll find Bellevue 24 Hours French and Italian Bistro, a luxurious restaurant with castle-like decor serving everything from escargot to grilled salmon.
Plus, a selection of wines to wash it down with.
The lobby patisserie sells homemade cakes (Picture: G.H. Universal Hotel)
Previous TripAdvisor visitors have praised this part of the hotel for its live music evenings, welcome drinks on arrival and incredible ‘night views of Bandung.’
Elsewhere, the Crystal Dining Chamber is a speciality restaurant that allows guests to embark on a culinary journey of authentic Cantonese cuisine.
In the hotel lobby, grab fresh, homemade sweet treats from the patisserie.
Or, if you fancy yourself the next Gordon Ramsay, take part in cooking classes run by the hotel.
The hotel has plenty of space to relax (Picture: G.H. Universal Hotel)
Activity-wise, there’s also a half Olympic-sized swimming pool and a fitness suite.
Need to relax and unwind? Head to the on-site Bellux Spa, where you can choose from a full range of wellness services, including massages, facials, body scrubs, and exotic aromatherapy.
But perhaps the most unique part of the estate? Its dedicated luxury pet hotel, the G.H. Universal Pet Inn.
For travellers who can’t bear being apart from their furry friends, the hotel offers pet services, professional care and spacious enclosures while you explore the island.
There are inside dining spaces, too (Picture: G.H. Universal Hotel)
What rooms can you book?
There are various room types available, the majority of which won’t break the bank.
The cheapest is the Superior Room, at just 900,000 Indonesian Rupiah (£37) per night.
The 26-square metre rooms have pool and garden views and feature king and twin beds.
The hotel has gone for a Renaissance European feel (Picture: G.H. Universal Hotel)
Further up on the scale are the suites, which range from Princess to Presidential.
The former costs 4,000,000 Indonesian Rupiah (£166), while the latter is a steeper 11,000,000 Indonesian Rupiah (£457).
Still, with two bedrooms, a jacuzzi, huge bathroom and a standalone tub, it doesn’t seem too extravagant. Especially when you consider Presidential suites at Hilton properties can range from £2,312 to £18,646+ per night.
Other rooms on offer include the Deluxe King, Deluxe Double Queen, Honeymoon Suite, Governor Suite, Queen Suite, and King Suite.
Most accommodation types have views of the city and mountains. Some also overlook the pool and lavish courtyard.
Some rooms start from £37 per night (Picture: G.H. Universal Hotel)
What have TripAdvisor travellers said about the hotel?
The G.H Universal Hotel is listed at number one out of the 300 hotels in Bandung, with an average rating of 4.9.
There are thousands of reviews, too, with plenty complimenting the food and spacious rooms.
One person called the hotel ‘luxurious, cool and beautiful,’ and perfect for taking photos. Another said the staff were ‘helpful and friendly,’ and commented on the cleanliness of the estate.
Food-wise, someone else said that there was ‘plenty of choice,’ and everything was ‘delicious.’
But with the good comes bad, and not everyone who stayed at the hotel was a fan.
Previous visitors flagged everything from events being too noisy and running too late into the evening, to ‘flea market’-style stalls in the lobby not aligning with the five-star rating it projects.
But for a five-star hotel that costs less than £50 per night, you can’t complain too much.
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
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