Each year, T+L sends surveys to readers through the magazine, tablet editions, newsletters, social media, and travelandleisure.com that ask respondents to rate nominees in each category. Final scores are averages of these responses.

Perhaps the biggest surprise this year was the strong showing of two Maine hotels on the magazine’s prestigious list of the best hotels in the world. They were the only New England hotels to make the cut. The 11-room Norumbega in Camden made the world’s best hotels list and also topped the list of the best inns in the United States, while the Quisisana Resort in Lovell landed on the world’s best list and was also named the top resort in New England.
“We’re overwhelmed with gratitude to our guests and to Travel + Leisure for this incredible recognition,” said Norumbega owners Will Tims and Brett Haynie in a statement.
They opened the inn two years ago after renovating the 1880s historic stone castle. The inn has views of Penobscot Bay. In the survey, readers noted “luxurious interiors filled with thoughtful details,” “kind and courteous staff,” and a “great location with quick access to downtown Camden.”
The Quisisana Resort in Lovell has 40 cottages and seven lodge rooms on Lake Kezar. T+L editors wrote, “This 20th-century lakeside retreat is beloved for its blend of classic summer camp nostalgia and elevated hospitality: think private cottages, nightly performances by a staff of professionally trained musicians, and days spent kayaking, hiking, and simply unwinding by the water.”
The Eliot Hotel, celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, topped the list of best Boston hotels. The family-owned Eliot, located in Back Bay, has 95 suites. The Eliot also landed at number eight on the list of best city hotels in the United States. It’s followed by perennial favorites XV Beacon, the Newbury, and the Four Seasons.
Top 10 hotels in New England according to Travel + Leisure
1. Quisisana Resort: Lovell, Maine
2. Winnetu Oceanside Resort: Martha’s Vineyard
3. The Nantucket Hotel and Resort: Nantucket
4. Inn by the Sea: Cape Elizabeth, Maine
5. Hidden Pond: Kennebunkport, Maine
6. Lockwood Hotel: Waterville, Maine
7. The Vanderbilt, Auberge Resorts Collection: Newport, R.I.
8. Woodstock Inn & Resort: Woodstock, Vt.
9. The Yachtsman Hotel & Marina Club: Kennebunkport, Maine
10. Delamar Southport: Southport, Conn.
2. XV Beacon
6. Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport
9. Boston Harbor Hotel at Rowes Wharf
1. Mount Desert Island, Maine
2. Amelia Island, Fla.
3. Mackinac Island, Mich.
4. Golden Isles, Ga.
5. San Juan Islands, Wash.
6. Marco Island, Fla.
7. Kiawah Island, S.C.
8. Florida Keys, Fla.
9. Hilton Head Island, S.C.
10. Nantucket
11. Sanibel Island, Fla.
12. Outer Banks, N.C.
13. South Padre Island, Texas
14. Martha’s Vineyard
15. Captiva Island, Fla.
Christopher Muther can be reached at christopher.muther@globe.com. Follow him @Chris_Muther and Instagram @chris_muther.