2013 GT Tested Awards

For the 10th consecutive year, Global Traveler is pleased to present the best of the class of 2013 — the winners of the GT Tested Reader Survey awards. The well-versed readers of GT have once again named the top of the class when it comes to airlines, hotels, destinations, travel goods and services around the world.

Every high school yearbook features the ubiquitous superlatives, placing peers front and center as the Best Eyes or Class Clown. Our class of 2013 is no different — take a look back at the hippest of the year in travel.

Best Airline in the World: Singapore Airlines © Singapore Airlines

Most Popular — a coveted honor, this year awarded to those who’ve captured the title each of the past 10 years, every year since our survey’s inception. This round-up is the 10-year reunion of the über-cool and includes Best Airline in the World, Singapore Airlines. The airline also grabbed the title of Best Airline in Southeast Asia for the second consecutive year. Asiana Airlines receives a 10th nod as Best Airline for Onboard Service and Best Airline for Flight Attendants, a group guaranteed to never take a bad yearbook photo. Once again, United MileagePlus is the Best Frequent-Flyer Program, and South African Airways takes the MVP trophy for Best Airline in Africa. Equivalent to the prom king and queen, Chicago O’Hare International Airport and Sheraton Hotels & Resorts reign supreme as Best Airport in North America and Best Hotel Chain in Latin America.

Voted friendliest of the graduating class is oneworld, Best Airline Alliance four years running. The alliance brings together some of the world’s best airlines — British Airways, American Airlines, LAN, Cathay Pacific and more — into an exclusive clique. The year’s Most Innovative is the Boeing 777, voted Best Aircraft Type.

Developing the next big thing in the world of premium-class cabins is no small hurdle to jump. That’s why Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways were named Most Likely to Change the World, for their moves to become the Best Airline for International First Class and Best Airline for Business Class, respectively. Delta Air Lines wins Most Dependable as the Best Airline for Domestic First Class, stealing the title of former repeat favorite American Airlines.

When it comes to looking good and standing out in the hallways, it’s all about Best Dressed Korean Air, a first-time winner for Best Flight Attendant Uniforms. Stylish in another way, the class of 2013 boasts two Most Artistic standouts, Qatar Airways (Best Business-Class Seat Design) and Emirates (Best First-Class Seat Design). Most Creative for tantalizing our taste buds are Alitalia, Best Airline Cuisine, and Singapore Changi Airport, Best Airport Dining. Known as Most Likely to Play It Safe, EL AL Israel Airlines won Best Airline for Security for the fourth consecutive year.

Turkish Airlines successfully launched service to Istanbul from Houston in 2013. That perfect pairing won them the title of Cutest Couple, as well as a nod from our readers as Best Airline for New Service Launch.

Two 2013 winners were spotlighted for their tireless efforts. The 2013 Hardest Workers are Hawaiian Airlines HawaiianMiles Pualani Platinum Membership (Best Frequent-Flyer Elite-Level Program) and Marriott Rewards Platinum Elite (Best Frequent-Stay Elite-Level Program).

Several members of the class of 2013 were dubbed Most Likely to Succeed. This is an elite group on the verge of greatness — an upcoming 10th consecutive win within the next few years. Air Canada has been named Best Airline in North America for the ninth year in a row, while Incheon International Airport is the Best Airport in the World for the eighth time. Also nabbing its ninth consecutive win is InterContinental Hotels Group’s IHG Rewards Club (formerly Priority Club Rewards), Best Hotel Rewards Program in the World. Jumeirah International, winning eight years in a row as Best Hotel Chain in the Middle East, tied with The Address Hotels + Resorts.

In a world full of talent, it’s hard to stand out among your peers, but the following airlines have done just that, earning recognition as the very best in their region. Our 2013 Most Unique members of the class are Avianca (Best Airline in Central/South America) and Aeromexico (Best Airline in Mexico, fourth consecutive year). Three winners are Most Likely to Brighten Your Day: Best Airline to Australia and New Zealand, Air New Zealand; Best Airline in the South Pacific, Fiji Airways (formerly Air Pacific); and Best Airline in Europe for the third time, TAP Portugal. Emirates, named Best Airline in the Middle East, and China Airlines, picked as the Best Airline in North Asia, were awarded Most Talented recognition. Standouts for their overall performance, voted Best Body of Work, are Best Airline in China winner Hainan Airlines, Best Airline in Central/South Asia & India four-time winner Jet Airways, and Best Airline to Japan winner Japan Airlines. And last, but obviously not least, we have the Most Unforgettable members of this year’s class: Brussels Airlines (Best Trans-Atlantic Airline) and Korean Air (Best Trans-Pacific Airline).

Presentation plays a huge role in social ranking. Among the in-crowd are the Best All-Around Personality, Best Smile and Most Fashionable honorees — Etihad Airways (Best Airport Lounges), Turkish Airlines (Best Airport Staff/Gate Agents) and Dubai Duty Free (Best Duty-Free Shops), respectively.

Best Individual Hotel in the World: The Address Downtown Dubai © The Address Downtown Dubai

Remember this hotel: The Address Downtown Dubai, considered Most Likely to Be Famous. The property was given the lofty title of Best Individual Hotel in the World for the third consecutive year. Not to be overshadowed was this year’s Most Accomplished winner, The Ritz-Carlton, winning four awards. The brand was selected Best International Hotel Chain, Best Domestic Hotel Chain, Best Hotel Club Floor and Best European Hotel Chain.

Other hotels making headlines are all looking good and starting trends. For Best Overall Style, look no further than Andaz, taking the Best Lifestyle Hotel title for four consecutive years. Named Best Looking, a difficult feat as airport hotels continue to up the ante, was Hyatt Regency Incheon, Best Airport Hotel for the second year in a row. It’s no surprise this year’s Best Golf Resort was also named Most Athletic. Located in Newport Coast, Calif., The Resort at Pelican Hill is the best spot around for 18 holes.

Probably chosen as Most Likely to Be Remembered for its unbelievable hospitality, The Peninsula Beverly Hills was selected Best Hotel in the United States. Most Stunning, Class of 2013 is Taj Hotels, Resorts and Palaces, the Best Hotel Chain in Asia. Fiesta Americana Hotels is proud to hold two important titles in 2013: Most Spirited and Best Hotel Chain in Mexico. Seoul’s chic Lotte Hotel, Class Favorite, is also Korea’s, earning the reputation as Best Hotel in Korea for two years.

With so much to see and do in Ireland, it’s no wonder the breathtaking destination earned Best Personality and Best Tourism Destination. The 2013 Best Car is obvious — Volvo’s Best Overseas Delivery Program. Always found in the computer lab, Boingo Wireless, Best WiFi Service, was a shoe-in for Most Likely to Be a Web Entrepreneur. And with unlimited minutes, it’s no surprise four-time Best Wireless Service in the World winner Verizon Wireless is the Most Talkative honoree. Sennheiser, Best Noise-Canceling Headset, is quite the opposite as Quietest Member of the Class. Looking for tips for staying on top of all your work? Check in with the Most Organized member of the Class of 2013, Briggs & Riley Travelware, the four-time Best Luggage Brand. Right alongside our most organized winner are our Most Reliable: United MileagePlus Club Card from Chase (Best Credit Card and Best Credit Card Rewards Program), Marriott Rewards Visa Signature Card from Chase (Best Frequent-Stay Affinity Credit Card) and Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Card from Bank of America (Best Frequent-Flyer Affinity Credit Card).

As with every school year, we say goodbye to those off to become the stuff of legends, and we welcome a new class. This year, GT added several new award categories. The winners of the newbie prizes are the freshman class, all clamoring to prove themselves the next bunch of Most Likely to Succeeds. Members of this year’s class include United MileagePlus (Best Frequent-Flyer Bonus Program); LifeMiles from Avianca (Best Frequent-Flyer Award Redemption); and Delta Air Lines SkyMiles (Best Frequent-Flyer Customer Service, Americas), a sure frontrunner for Best Personality. In the airline category and making a run for Most Unforgettable is LOT Polish Airlines, Best Airline in Eastern Europe.

Best Airline in Eastern Europe: LOT Polish Airlines © LOT

It’s likely these first-year hotel winners will follow in the footsteps of this year’s winners and claim titles like Most Likely to Be Famous and Most Accomplished. These winners include Best Frequent-Stay Bonus Program, IHG Rewards Club; Best Frequent-Stay Award Redemption, Choice Privileges; and Best Frequent-Stay Customer Service, Americas, Hilton HHonors. Volvo has stiff competition in the coming years as freshman National Car Rental, Best Rental Car Company, eyes the Best Car honor. And will Seoul steal the Class Favorite title? The first-ever Best M.I.C.E. City winner is generating buzz.

We’d be remiss to neglect the increasingly popular travel affinity credit cards. To recognize the rising stars in the class, we introduced a number of new awards: Best Frequent-Stay Affinity Credit Card Promotions (Starwood Preferred Guest American Express); Best Frequent-Stay Affinity Credit Card Benefits (IHG Rewards Club Select Visa); Best Frequent-Stay Affinity Credit Card Redemptions (Choice Privileges Visa Signature); Best Frequent-Flyer Affinity Credit Card Promotions (Delta SkyMiles Card by American Express); Best Frequent-Flyer Affinity Credit Card Benefits (Citi Platinum Select / AAdvantage Visa Signature Card); and Best Frequent-Flyer Affinity Credit Card Redemptions (United MileagePlus Explorer Card from Chase).

Cue “Pomp and Circumstance” as we salute the 2013 GT Tested Reader Survey award winners. We look to the future with bright hopes and big dreams as we enter our second decade of bringing you the best in travel.

The Voting Process

Open-ended ballots ran in subscriber copies of Global Traveler and online at globaltravelerusa.com/gt-tested-awards-ballot from Jan. 1 to Aug. 31, 2013. Ballots were distributed via direct mail and email during the same period. Ballots returned with less than 50 percent of the fields completed were disqualified. More than 22,000 qualified ballots were returned during the voting period. Employees of FX Express Publications, Inc., and affiliated members of the travel industry were not allowed to participate.

Best Airline in the World: Singapore Airlines © Singapore Airlines

Best Airline in the World

Best Airline for Onboard Service & Best Airline for Flight Attendants: Asiana Airlines © Asiana Airlines

Best Airline for Onboard Service

1. Asiana Airlines
2. Etihad Airways
3. Singapore Airlines
4. Air Canada
5. Swiss International Air Lines
6. Cathay Pacific Airways
7. Qatar Airways
8. South African Airways
9. LAN/TAM (TIE)

Best Airline for Flight Attendants

1. Asiana Airlines
2. Etihad Airways
3. Air Canada
4. Singapore Airlines
5. Swiss International Air Lines
6. Emirates
7. LAN/TAM (tie)
8. Qatar Airways
9. Cathay Pacific Airways
10. South African Airways

Best Airline Flight Attendant Uniforms

1. Korean Air
2. Etihad Airways
3. Qatar Airways
4. Emirates
5. Thai Airways
6. Singapore Airlines
7. Cathay Pacific Airways
8. Air France
9. Asiana Airlines
10. Delta Air Lines

Best Airline Cuisine

1. Alitalia
2. Etihad Airways
3. Asiana Airlines
4. Air France
5. Swiss International Air Lines
6. Lufthansa
7. Qatar Airways
8. Brussels Airlines
9. Singapore Airlines
10. Air New Zealand

Best Airline for Security

1. EL AL Israel Airlines
2. Lufthansa
3. Swiss International Air Lines
4. British Airways
5. Air Canada
6. Austrian Airlines

Best First-Class Seat Design

1. Emirates
2. Etihad Airways
3. Qatar Airways
4. Swiss International Air Lines
5. Singapore Airlines
6. Asiana Airlines
7. British Airways
8. Qantas
9. Cathay Pacific Airways
10. United

Best Business-Class Seat Design

1. Qatar Airways
   
2. Etihad Airways
3. British Airways
4. Singapore Airlines
5. TAM
6. Virgin Atlantic Airways
7. LAN
8. Qantas
9. Asiana Airlines
10. Swiss International Air Lines

Best Airline for New Service Launch

1. Turkish Airlines (IAH)
2. Qatar Airways (ORD)
3. American Airlines (DFW to INC)
4. SAS Scandinavian Airlines (SFO)
5. Korean Air (DFW)
6. OpenSkies (JFK)

Best Frequent-Flyer Program

1. United MileagePlus
2. Delta Air Lines SkyMiles
3. American Airlines AAdvantage
4. Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan
5. British Airways Executive Club
6. Southwest Rapid Rewards
7. Lufthansa Miles & More
8. US Airways Dividend Miles

Best Frequent-Flyer Elite-Level Program

1. Hawaiian Airlines HawaiianMiles Pualani Platinum
2. American Airlines AAdvantage Executive Platinum
3. Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan MVP Gold
4. Delta Air Lines SkyMiles Diamond Medallion
5. United MileagePlus Premier Executive 1K
6. US Airways Dividend Miles Chairman’s Preferred
7. Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred
8. Frontier Airlines EarlyReturns Summit Level
9. JetBlue Airways TrueBlue

Best Frequent-Flyer Bonus Program

1. United MileagePlus
2. TAM Fidelidade
3. LifeMiles (Avianca)
4. American Airlines AAdvantage
5. Air Canada Aeroplan
6. Delta Air Lines SkyMiles
7. Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan
8. Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards
9. Hawaiian Airlines HawaiianMiles
10. Virgin American Elevate

Best Frequent-Flyer Award Redemption

1. LifeMiles (Avianca)
2. Air Canada Aeroplan
3. American Airlines AAdvantage
4. TAM Fidelidade
5. United MileagePlus
6. Delta Air Lines SkyMiles
7. US Airways Dividend Miles
8. Hawaiian Airlines HawaiianMiles
9. Southwest Airlines Rapid Returns
10. Virgin America Elevate

Best Frequent-Flyer Customer Service, Americas

1. Delta Air Lines SkyMiles
2. LifeMiles (Avianca)
3. TAM Fidelidade
4. American Airlines AAdvantage
5. Air Canada Aeroplan
6. LAN LANPass
7. United MileagePlus
8. Hawaiian Airlines HawaiianMiles
9. US Airways Dividend Miles
10. Virgin America Elevate

Best Airline in North America: Air Canada © Air Canada

Best Airline in North America

1. Air Canada
2. Delta Air Lines
3. United
4. American Airlines
5. Virgin America
6. US Airways
7. JetBlue
8. Frontier Airlines
9. Porter Airlines
10. Southwest Airlines

Best Airline in Central/South America

1. Avianca
2. Aerolineas Argentinas
3. LAN
4. TAM

Best Airline in Mexico

1. Aeromexico
2. Volaris
3. VivaAerobus

Best Airline to Australia and New Zealand

1. Air New Zealand
2. Qantas
3. Air Tahiti Nui
4. Fiji Airways
5. V Australia

Best Airline in the South Pacific

1. Fiji Airways
   
2. Air Tahiti Nui
3. Qantas
4. V Australia
5. Air New Zealand

Best Airline in Europe

1. TAP Portugal
2. Turkish Airlines
3. Swiss International Air Lines
4. Austrian Airlines
5. British Airways
6. Virgin Atlantic Airways
7. Aer Lingus
8. Lufthansa
9. Alitalia
10. Air France

Best Airline in Eastern Europe

1. LOT Polish Airlines
2. Transaero
3. Aeroflot
4. CSA Czech Airlines
5. Wizzair
6. Adria Airways
7. Tarom Romanian Airlines
8. BlueAir

Best Airline in Africa

1. South African Airways
2. Ethiopian Airlines
3. Royal Air Maroc
4. Kenya Airways
5. Air Namibia
6. Arik Air

Best Airline in the Middle East

1. Emirates
2. Etihad Airways
3. Qatar Airways
4. Saudi Arabian Airlines
5. EL AL Israel Airlines
6. Royal Jordanian Airlines
7. Middle East Airlines
8. Gulf Air
9. Royal Air Maroc
10. EgyptAir

Best Airline in North Asia (Excluding China)

1. China Airlines
   
2. All Nippon Airways
3. Asiana Airlines
4. Japan Airlines
5. Korean Air
6. Cathay Pacific Airways
7. Dragon Air
8. EVA Air

Best Airline in Southeast Asia (Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand & Vietnam)

1. Singapore Airlines
2. Thai Airways
3. Philippine Airlines
4. AsiaAir
5. SilkAir
6. Malaysia Airlines
7. Royal Brunei Airlines
8. Garuda Indonesia

Best Airline in China

1. Hainan Airlines
2. China Southern Airlines
3. China Eastern Airlines
4. Air China

Best Airline in Central/South Asia and India

1. Jet Airways
2. Air India
3. Biman Bangladesh Airlines
4. PIA

Best Airline to Japan

1. Japan Airlines
   
2. All Nippon Airways
3. United
4. American Airlines
5. Delta Air Lines

Best Trans-Atlantic Airline: Brussels Airlines © Brussels Airlines

Best Trans-Atlantic Airline

1. Brussels Airlines
2. TAP Portugal
3. British Airways
4. Swiss International Air Lines
5. Lufthansa
6. Austrian Airlines
7. United
8. Iberia Airlines
9. Delta Air Lines
10. Air France

Best Trans-Pacific Airline

1. Korean Air
2. Singapore Airlines
3. All Nippon Airways
4. Asiana Airlines
5. Thai Airways
6. Japan Airlines
7. United
8. China Southern
9. Air China
10. Cathay Pacific Airways

Best Airport in the World

1. Incheon Airport
2. Singapore Changi Airport
3. Amsterdam International Airport Schiphol
4. Düsseldorf International Airport
5. Hong Kong International Airport
6. Munich Airport
7. Frankfurt am Main Airport
8. Helsinki-Vantaa Airport
9. Beijing Capital International Airport
10. Zürich Airport

Best Airport in North America

1. Chicago O’Hare International Airport
2. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
3. San Francisco International Airport
4. George Bush Intercontinental Airport Houston
5. Denver International Airport
6. Newark Liberty International Airport
7. Portland International Airport
8. Miami International Airport
9. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport
10. Pittsburgh International Airport

Best Airport Lounges

1. Etihad Airways
   
2. Lufthansa First Class Lounges
3. American Airlines’ Ambassadors Club
4. United Club
5. British Airways Executive Club
6. Delta Air Lines Sky Lounge
7. South African Airways Cycad Lounge
8. Emirates
9. Asiana Airlines
10. Japan Airlines

Best Airport Staff/Gate Agents

1. Turkish Airlines
   
2. Singapore Airlines
3. Qatar Airways
4. Etihad Airways
5. Korean Air
6. Lufthansa
7. Emirates
8. Cathay Pacific Airways
9. Asiana Airlines
10. Swiss International Air Lines

Best Airport Dining: Singapore Changi Airport © Singapore Changi Airport

Best Airport Dining

1. Singapore Changi Airport
2. Hong Kong International Airport
3. Brussels Airport
4. Vienna Airport
5. Amsterdam International Airport Schipol
6. London Heathrow Airport
7. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
8. Los Angeles International Airport
9. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
10. Frankfurt am Main Airport

Best Duty-Free Shops

1. Dubai Duty Free
2. Incheon Airport
3. Munich Airport
4. Amsterdam International Airport Schiphol
5. Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport
6. Singapore Changi Airport
7. Hong Kong International Airport
8. Tokyo Haneda Airport
9. Leonardo da Vinci Fiumicino Airport, Rome
10. London Heathrow Airport

Best Individual Hotel in the World

1. The Address Downtown Dubai
2. Jumeirah Burj Al Arab
3. The St. Regis Bora Bora
4. Hôtel de Crillon Paris
5. InterContinental Thalasso Resort & Spa, Bora Bora
6. The Waldorf Astoria Chicago
7. Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, Abu Dhabi
8. The Corinthia Hotel London
9. Four Seasons Bora Bora
10. The Peninsula Beverly Hills

Best International Hotel Chain

1. The Ritz-Carlton
2. The Peninsula Hotels
3. Four Seasons
4. InterContinental Hotels and Resorts
5. Park Hyatt
6. Marriott Hotels and Resorts
7. Conrad Hotels & Resorts
8. Jumeirah International
9. Westin Hotels & Resorts
10. Taj Hotels, Resorts & Palaces

Best Domestic Hotel Chain

1. The Ritz-Carlton
2. InterContinental Hotels & Resorts
3. Four Seasons
4. Park Hyatt
5. Marriott Hotels & Resorts
6. Conrad Hotels & Resorts
7. Hilton Hotels Corp.
8. Westin Hotels & Resorts
9. W Hotels
10. Sheraton Hotels & Resorts

Best Lifestyle Hotel

1. Andaz
2. W Hotels
3. Hotel Indigo
4. Affinia Hotels
5. Kimpton Hotels

Best Airport Hotel: Hyatt Regency Incheon © Hyatt Regency Incheon

Best Airport Hotel

1. Hyatt Regency Incheon
2. Regal Airport Hotel, Hong Kong
3. The Westin Detroit Metropolitan Airport
4. Sofitel London Heathrow
5. Sheraton Frankfurt Airport Hotel
6. Kempinski Hotel Munich Airport
7. Fairmont Vancouver Airport
8. Pan Pacific Kuala Lumpur Airport
9. Grand Hyatt DFW
10. Oryx Rotana Doha

Best Golf Resort

1. The Resort at Pelican Hill, Newport Coast, Calif.
2. Bandon Dunes Golf Resort, Bandon, Ore.
3. Pebble Beach Resorts, Pebble Beach, Calif.
4. The Royal County Down, Northern Ireland
5. One&Only Palmilla, Los Cabos, Mexico
6. The Old Course, St. Andrews, Scotland
7. Pinehurst Resort, Pinehurst, N.C.
8. Steenberg Hotel, Cape Town, South Africa
9. Kiawah Island Golf Resort, Kiawah Island, S.C.
10. Adare Manor, Ireland/The Ritz-Carlton Rose Hall, Jamaica (TIE)

Best MICE Hotel

1. China World Hotel, Beijing
2. Lotte Hotel, Seoul
3. Grand Hyatt Hong Kong
4. Marina Bay Sands Hotel, Singapore
5. Regal Airport Hotel, Hong Kong
6. Hilton Shanghai Hongqiao
7. Jumeirah Himalayas Hotel Shanghai
8. Kempinski Hotel Beijing Lufthansa Center
9. Hyatt Regency Incheon
10. Grosvenor House, London

Best Hotel Club Floor

1. The Ritz-Carlton Club Level
2. Grand Hyatt Grand Club
3. The Peninsula Hotels
4. JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts
5. Sheraton Hotels & Resorts
6. Hilton Hotels
7. Marriott Hotels & Resorts
8. Westin Hotels & Resorts
9. Renaissance Hotels

Best Hotel Rewards Program in the World

1. IHG Rewards Club
   
2. Hilton HHonors
3. Starwood Preferred Guest
4. Marriott Rewards
5. Hyatt Gold Passport
6. Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts Golden Circle
7. Loews Hotels YouFirst
8. Leading Hotels of the World Leaders Club
9. Fairmont President’s Club
10. Club Carlson

Best Frequent-Stay Elite-Level Program

1. Marriott Rewards Platinum Elite
2. Hilton HHonors Diamond
3. Starwood Preferred Guest Platinum Preferred
4. Hyatt Gold Passport Platinum
5. Fairmont President’s Club Platinum
6. Wyndham Rewards ByRequest
7. IHG Rewards Club Platinum Elite
8. Choice Privileges Platinum
9. Sol Meliá Mas Rewards

Best Frequent-Stay Bonus Program

1. IHG Rewards Club
2. Choice Privileges
3. Marriott Rewards
4. Hilton HHonors
5. Club Carlson
6. Starwood Preferred Guest
7. Hyatt Gold Passport
8. Wyndham Rewards
9. Omni Select
10. Fairmont President’s Club

Best Frequent-Stay Award Redemption

1. Choice Privileges
2. Marriott Rewards
3. IHG Rewards Club
4. Hilton HHonors
5. Club Carlson
6. Starwood Preferred Guest
7. Hyatt Gold Passport
8. Wyndham Rewards
9. Omni Select
10. Fairmont President’s Club

Best Frequent-Stay Customer Service, Americas

1. Hilton HHonors
2. Starwood Preferred Guest
3. Choice Privileges
4. IHG Rewards Club
5. Marriott Rewards
6. Club Carlson
7. Kimpton InTouch
8. The Ritz-Carlton Rewards
9. Hyatt Gold Passport
10. Fairmont President’s Club

Best Hotel in the United States: The Peninsula Beverly Hills © The Peninsula

Best Hotel in the United States

1. The Peninsula Beverly Hills
2. Waldorf Astoria Chicago
3. The Peninsula Chicago
4. Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek, Dallas
5. Mandarin Oriental, New York City
6. The Eliot Hotel, Boston
7. Four Seasons, New York
8. The Inn at Spanish Bay, Pebble Beach, Calif.
9. The Montage Beverly Hills

Best European Hotel Chain

1. The Ritz-Carlton
2. St. Regis Hotels and Resorts
3. InterContinental Hotels and Resorts
4. The Luxury Collection
5. Conrad Hotels & Resorts
6. Kempinski Hotels
7. W Hotels
8. Marriott Hotels & Resorts
9. Hilton Hotels & Resorts
10. Westin Hotels

Best Hotel Chain in Asia

1. Taj Hotels, Resorts & Palaces
2. The Peninsula Hotels
3. Mandarin Oriental
4. Conrad Hotels & Resorts
5. Park Hyatt
6. Oberoi Hotels and Resorts
7. Four Seasons
8. InterContinental Hotels and Resorts
9. Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts
10. Grand Hyatt

Best Hotel in Korea

1. Lotte Hotel, Seoul
   
2. Park Hyatt Seoul
3. W Hotel Seoul Walkerhill
4. The Shilla, Seoul
5. Grand Hyatt Seoul
6. The Westin Chosun
7. The Ritz-Carlton, Seoul
8. InterContinental Seoul
9. Banyan Tree Club and Spa, Seoul
10. JW Marriott Hotel Seoul

Best Hotel Chain in Latin America: Sheraton Hotels & Resorts © Sheraton Hotels & Resorts

Best Hotel Chain in Latin America

1. Sheraton Hotels & Resorts
2. The Ritz-Carlton
3. Fiesta Americana Hotels & Resorts
4. Caesar Park Hotels
5. Four Seasons
6. InterContinental Hotels and Resorts
7. The Luxury Collection
8. Grand Hyatt
9. Westin Hotels
10. Melia Hotels

Best Hotel Chain in Mexico

1. Fiesta Americana Hotels & Resorts
   
2. Sheraton Hotels
3. InterContinental Hotels & Resorts
4. Westin Hotels
5. W Hotels

 Best Hotel Chain in the Middle East

1. The Address Hotels + Resorts/Jumeirah International (TIE)
   
2. The Ritz-Carlton
3. InterContinental Hotels & Resorts
4. Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts
5. Kempinski Hotels
6. Raffles Hotels
7. W Hotels
8. Marriott International
9. Four Seasons

Best Overseas Delivery Program

1. Volvo
2. Porsche
3. BMW
4. Mercedes-Benz
5. Audi

Best Car Rental Company

1. National Car Rental
2. Hertz
3. Avis
4. Sixt
5. Budget
6. Alamo
7. Enterprise

Best Tourism Destination

1. Ireland
2. South Africa
3. Germany
4. Spain
5. Japan
6. Australia
7. United Kingdom
8. Hong Kong
9. Brazil
10. India

Best M.I.C.E. City: Seoul © Sean Pavone | Dreamstime.com

Best MICE City

1. Seoul
   
2. Abu Dhabi
3. Madrid
4. Sydney
5. Dubai
6. Dublin
7. London
8. Hong Kong
9. San Francisco
10. Paris

Best WiFi Service

1. Boingo Wireless
2. AT&T Wireless
3. Verizon Wireless
4. iPass
5. LodgeNet

Best Wireless Service in the World

1. Verizon Wireless
   
2. AT&T Wireless
3. T-Mobile
4. Sprint
5. Cricket Wireless
6. Boost Mobile
7. MetroPCS

Best Noise-Canceling Headset

1. Sennheiser
2. Sony
3. Bose
4. Studio Beats
5. JVC
6. Audio-Technica

Best Luggage Brand

1. Briggs & Riley Travelware
   
2. Samsonite
3. Hartman
4. Tumi
5. Delsey
6. Travelpro
7. Swiss Army
8. Rimowa
9. Victorinox
10. Louis Vuitton

Best Credit Card

1. United MileagePlus Club Card from Chase
2. American Express Platinum Card
3. Starwood Preferred Guest American Express
4. Plum Card American Express Open
5. American Express Blue Card
6. Chase Ink Card
7. United MileagePlus Explorer Card from Chase
8. American Airlines WorldElite MasterCard
9. Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Card from Bank of America
10. Escape Card from Discover

Best Credit Card Rewards Program

1. United MileagePlus Club Card from Chase
   
2. Membership Rewards Program from American Express
   
3. Marriott Rewards Visa Signature Card from Chase
4. Capital One Venture Rewards
5. Delta SkyMiles by American Express
6. United MileagePlus Visa from Chase
7. Chase Sapphire
8. Miles by Discover
9. Chase Sapphire Preferred
10. Chase Freedom Card

Best Frequent-Stay Affinity Credit Card

1. Marriott Rewards Visa Signature Card from Chase
2. Starwood Preferred Guest American Express
3. Choice Privileges Visa Signature
4. IHG Rewards Club Select Visa
5. Hyatt Gold Passport Credit Card
6. Hilton HHonors American Express

Best Frequent-Stay Affinity Credit Card Promotions

1. Starwood Preferred Guest American Express
2. Marriott Rewards Visa Signature Card from Chase
3. IHG Rewards Club Select Visa
4. Choice Privileges Visa Signature
5. Hyatt Gold Passport Credit Card
6. Hilton HHonors American Express

Best Frequent-Stay Affinity Credit Card Benefits

1. IHG Rewards Club Select Visa
2. Starwood Preferred Guest American Express
3. Choice Privileges Visa Signature
4. Hilton HHonors American Express
5. Hyatt Gold Passport Credit Card
6. Marriott Rewards Visa Signature Card from Chase

Best Frequent-Stay Affinity Credit Card Redemptions

1. Choice Privileges Visa Signature
2. IHG Rewards Club Select Visa
3. Marriott Rewards Visa Signature Card from Chase
4. Starwood Preferred Guest American Express
5. Hyatt Gold Passport Credit Card
6. Hilton HHonors American Express

Best Frequent-Flyer Affinity Credit Card

1. Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Card from Bank of America
2. Citi Platinum Select / AAdvantage Visa Signature Card
3. Delta SkyMiles by American Express Card
4. US Airways Dividend Rewards MasterCard
5. British Airways Visa Signature Card
6. United MileagePlus Club Card from Chase
7. United MileagePlus Explorer Card from Chase
8. Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards Credit Card
9. JetBlue American Express Card
10. Lufthansa Miles & More Card

Best Frequent-Flyer Affinity Credit Card Promotions

1. Delta SkyMiles by American Express
2. Citi Platinum Select / AAdvantage Visa Signature Card
3. Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Card from Bank of America
4. United MileagePlus Explorer Card from Chase
5. British Airways Visa Signature Card
6. United MileagePlus Club Card from Chase
7. US Airways Dividend Rewards MasterCard
8. Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards Credit Card
9. Lufthansa Miles & More Card
10. JetBlue American Express Card

Best Frequent-Flyer Affinity Credit Card Benefits

1. Citi Platinum Select / AAdvantage Visa Signature Card
2. United MileagePlus Explorer Card from Chase
3. Delta SkyMiles by American Express
4. Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Card from Bank of America
5. British Airways Visa Signature Card
6. United MileagePlus Club Card from Chase
7. US Airways Dividend Rewards MasterCard
8. Lufthansa Miles & More Card
9. JetBlue American Express Card
10. Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards Credit Card

Best Frequent-Flyer Affinity Credit Card Redemptions

1. United MileagePlus Explorer Card from Chase
2. Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Card from Bank of America
3. Delta SkyMiles by American Express
4. Citi Platinum Select / AAdvantage Visa Signature Card
5. US Airways Dividend Rewards MasterCard
6. Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards Credit Card
7. British Airways Visa Signature Card
8. JetBlue American Express Card
9. Lufthansa Miles & More Card

© Christopher P. Ottaunick

Wines on the Wing 2013

The results of Global Traveler’s annual Wines on the Wing Airline Wine Competition were first released in our August 2013 issue. Thirty-four airlines submitted 162 samples of their in-flight selections. Twenty-five professional wine experts presided as judges over the annual competition. For the second consecutive year, British Airways and Brussels Airlines took top honors as Best International First-Class Wines on the Wing and Best International Business-Class Wines on the Wing, respectively. Brussels also won Best International Business-Class Champagne. Other winners included Hainan Airlines (Best International First-Class Champagne, Best Red Wine, first and business classes); All Nippon Airways (Best International Business-Class White Wine); Jet Airways (Best International First-Class White Wine); and SkyTeam (Best Alliance Wines on the Wing). In the North American category, the winners were Delta Air Lines (Best North American Wines on the Wing and Best North American White Wine); American Airlines (Best North American Sparkling Wine); and Virgin America (Best North American Red Wine).

Cheers! Revel in the moment — you’ve now graduated to a new level of service excellence.

Best International First-Class Wines on the Wing
British Airways

Best International First-Class Sparkling Wine
Hainan Airlines

Best International First-Class White Wine
Jet Airways

Best International First-Class Red Wine
Hainan Airlines

Best International Business-Class Wines on the Wing
Brussels Airlines

Best International Business-Class Sparkling Wine
Brussels Airlines

Best International Business-Class White Wine
All Nippon Airways

Best International Business-Class Red Wine
Hainan Airlines

Best Airline Alliance Wines on the Wing
SkyTeam

Best North American Wines on the Wing
Delta Air Lines

Best North American Sparkling Wine
American Airlines

Best North American White Wine
Delta Air Lines

Best North American Red Wine
Virgin America

The post 2013 GT Tested Awards appeared first on Global Traveler.