1102 Best Hotels in USA

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We've compiled the best of the best in USA - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.

The Swag

$$$$ | 2300 Swag Rd., Waynesville, NC, 28786, USA Fodor's Choice

Sitting high atop the Cataloochee Divide on 250 wooded acres bordering the national park, the Swag is a luxurious escape that's truly away-from-it-all. You can hike from the grounds to nearby Hemphill Bald, one of the most stunning vistas in the Smokies, or relax in the spa or at the pool, which has views across the mountains. The gourmet meals here are social events, with an option of family-style or individual seating. 

Pros

  • Sauna, hot tub, and racquetball court
  • Fabulous mountaintop location
  • Delicious meals included

Cons

  • Two-night minimum stay
  • Very expensive rates
  • Books up fast
2300 Swag Rd., Waynesville, NC, 28786, USA
828-926–0430
Hotel Details
Closed late Nov.–mid-Apr.
14 rooms
All-Inclusive

Quick Facts

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Tikchik Narrows Lodge

$$$$ | AK, USA Fodor's Choice

This remote, waterfront lodge in Wood-Tikchik State Park caters to anyone seeking great fishing accompanied by comfortable housing and delicious gourmet-style meals. All-inclusive packages start at $12,000 and include guided fishing trips to some of the best fishing spots in the world. The lodge is owned by Bud Hodson, a guide in the region for decades, who also rents kayaks and rafts, and provides an air-taxi service into the park's more remote and remarkable places. Vacation packages are also available for families.

Pros

  • Rates include delicious meals, all activities, flights from Anchorage
  • Knowledgeable owner who doubles as a guide
  • Provides some of the state's best sportfishing tours

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Mostly fishing focused
  • One-week minimum on all stays
AK, USA
907-243–8450
Hotel Details
Closed Oct.–May
7 cabins
All-Inclusive

Quick Facts

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Tonglen Lake Lodge

$$$$ | Parks Hwy., Denali National Park, AK, 99755, USA Fodor's Choice

Tucked away from the bustling highway in a community of about 150 residents, Tonglen Lake Lodge provides a unique, community-oriented environment for those who desire a deeper and more intimate Alaskan experience. The owner has foregone any advertising visible from the Parks Highway (detailed directions are provided), and the road to the property is a bumpy one, but fear not, this place is well worth the potholes. The individual cabins are tucked into the spruce and tundra, and each has a king-size bed, futon, and full bathroom. Great effort has been made to make them as private as possible. Virtually everything was designed and made locally, from the tables to the glassware to the artwork. In addition to the 11 cabins, one of which is wheelchair-accessible, there are five "guest rooms" in the main house that are available year-round with both shared and private baths.

Pros

  • Rates include all meals
  • Immersive programs including naturalist presentations and yoga
  • Summer showcases featuring everything from theater to live music

Cons

  • You need a car to get here
  • One of the more expensive lodging options
  • Down a narrow, bumpy dirt road
Parks Hwy., Denali National Park, AK, 99755, USA
907-683–2570
Hotel Details
Closed mid-Sept.--mid-May
15 units
All-Inclusive

Quick Facts

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Recommended Fodor's Video

Topside Inn

$$$$ | 60 McKown St., Boothbay Harbor, ME, 04538, USA Fodor's Choice

Dating from 1865 and once the home of a wealthy sea captain, this grand, hilltop inn has an immense lawn dotted with Adirondack chairs, a wraparound porch, and a fireside lounge with a stylish bar. Guest rooms in both the main inn and the two motel-like guesthouses feature modern, coastal decor; some have been recently refreshed and boast vaulted ceilings, fireplaces, and soaking tubs. The sumptuous breakfast, prepared by the chef-owner and served in the dining room or out on the lawn, comes with views of fishermen and sailboats passing by.

Pros

  • Knockout harbor views
  • Exceptional breakfasts
  • Walking distance to downtown

Cons

  • Two-person maximum per room
  • Books up quickly in summer
  • Steep, short walk back up the hill from town
60 McKown St., Boothbay Harbor, ME, 04538, USA
207-633–5404
Hotel Details
Closed late Oct.–early May
22 rooms
Free Breakfast

Quick Facts

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TOWER23

$$$$ | 723 Felspar St., San Diego, CA, 92109, USA Fodor's Choice

Neo-modern with a beachy vibe, this boutique hotel is a favorite of the young and young-at-heart. The sleek rooms are white with teak furnishings; the suites feature Jacuzzi tubs and step-in rain showers. Catch the sunset over cocktails at the downstairs bar or on a private balcony of an oceanfront room. The hotel is steps from the sand and party-friendly Pacific Beach's bars and eateries, though with amenities like free Wi-Fi and 24-hour room service from JRDN, the popular on-site restaurant, it can be hard to motivate yourself to leave. The outdoor decks can get lively, but the crashing waves often drown out the noise.

Pros

  • Perfect place to watch the sunset
  • Central location at the beachfront
  • Hip decor

Cons

  • No pool
  • Busy area, can be loud
  • On-site restaurant and bar often crowded
723 Felspar St., San Diego, CA, 92109, USA
858-270–2323
Hotel Details
44 rooms
No Meals

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Tranquility Bay

$$$$ | 2600 Overseas Hwy., FL, 33050, USA Fodor's Choice

Ralph Lauren could have designed the rooms at this stylish, luxurious resort on a nice beach. The 87 two- and three-bedroom town houses have gingerbread trim, white-picket fences, and open-floor-plan interiors decorated in trendy cottage style. The picture-perfect theme continues with the palm-fringed pool and the sandy beach edged with a ribbon of blue bay (and echoed in the blue-and-white stripes of the poolside umbrellas). Guests look like models on a photo shoot: attractive young families enjoying themselves on the sunny decks, or at the casual outdoor bar and elegant restaurant. Small, single-level guest rooms are ideal for couples looking to save money.

Pros

  • Secluded setting
  • Tiki bar on the beach
  • Main pool is nice and big

Cons

  • A bit sterile
  • No privacy on balconies
  • Cramped building layout
2600 Overseas Hwy., FL, 33050, USA
305-289–0888
Hotel Details
102 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

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Travaasa

$$$$ | 13500 Farm to Market Road 2769, Austin, TX, 78726, USA Fodor's Choice

On a hilltop ridge amidst the Balcones Canyonlands nature preserve, just 30 minutes from Austin, Travaasa delivers a refreshing spin on a luxury resort, inspired by its Hill Country setting. Daily itineraries of “adventures” engage guests with their surroundings, from Zen garden meditations and ropes courses to horseback riding and campfire stargazing. Do everything—or simply disconnect at the infinity pool and recently renovated organic spa, which debuted additional lounge areas and private steam rooms in 2014. As of this writing, a Watsu pool for specialized aquatic therapies is under construction. The Preserve Kitchen & Bar offers seasonal, farm-to-table cuisine in a romantic setting. Rooms are arranged in varying sizes, some with charming treeline views. The adults-only property is ideal for romantic getaways and executive retreats alike. À la carte and all-inclusive packages available.

Pros

  • Natural, organic products used throughout the property
  • Infectiously energetic staff
  • Most daily activities included in rate

Cons

  • Dinner service can be slow
13500 Farm to Market Road 2769, Austin, TX, 78726, USA
512-258--7243
Hotel Details
74 rooms
All-Inclusive

Quick Facts

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Turtle Bay Resort

$$$$ | 57-091 Kamehameha Hwy., Kahuku, HI, 96731, USA Fodor's Choice

Sprawling over nearly 1,300 acres of natural landscape on the edge of Kuilima Point in Kahuku, this resort has spacious guest rooms (averaging nearly 500 square feet) with lanai that showcase stunning peninsula views. In winter, when the big waves roll ashore, you get a front-row seat for the powerful surf. The 42 sumptuous oceanfront beach bungalows have private lanai and access to an exclusive pool area. Casual-chic Alaia, the resort's signature restaurant, showcases locally sourced ingredients in island-theme dishes. The resort also includes a collection of swimming pools and eateries, the 11,000-square-foot Nalu Spa, a Jamie O'Brien surf school, horse stables, 12 miles of nature trails, and the only 36-hole golf facility on Oahu.

Pros

  • Fabulous open public spaces in a secluded area of Oahu
  • Numerous amenities such as a beautiful spa and four outdoor pools
  • Excellent location for exploring the North Shore

Cons

  • Remote—even Haleiwa is a 20-minute drive
  • Hefty resort fee
  • 24/7 resort living isn't for everyone
57-091 Kamehameha Hwy., Kahuku, HI, 96731, USA
808-293–6000
Hotel Details
452 rooms
No Meals

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The Umstead Hotel and Spa

$$$$ | 100 Woodland Pond Rd., Cary, NC, 27513, USA Fodor's Choice

There's a sumptuous sense of escape at this modern, luxurious hotel where wall-sized portraits and sculpture (including a large-scale Chihuly) balance the gorgeous outdoor surroundings, including a 3-acre lake (with walking trail) and an infinity pool framed by comfy chairs and cabanas. Expansive limestone and granite bathrooms, comfy beds with 330-count sheets, a full-service spa, and balconies with lake views add to the luxury. Herons, a celebrated five-star restaurant that sources produce from its own farm, serves food around the clock.

Pros

  • Luxurious hotel with a full-service spa
  • Lovely natural setting
  • Award-winning restaurant on-site

Cons

  • Outside Raleigh and not in walking distance of any sights
  • I–40 traffic is audible from porches
  • Can be difficult to get a spa appointment
100 Woodland Pond Rd., Cary, NC, 27513, USA
919-447–4000
Hotel Details
150 rooms
No Meals

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VEA Newport Beach Marriott Hotel and Spa

$$$$ | 900 Newport Center Dr., Newport Beach, CA, 92660, USA Fodor's Choice

Centrally located, this newly renovated Marriott resort is across the street from the popular Fashion Island shopping-and-dining complex. Request a guest room with a balcony or sliding door facing the ocean. Not only will you appreciate the golf course views of the Newport Beach Country Club, but the rooms higher up also have spectacular Newport Harbor and Catalina Island vistas. There are plenty of ways to pamper yourself here: indulge in a massage at the full-service spa, drink cocktails at a poolside cabana, or the lounge with a digital aquarium ceiling. Enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner onsite at the hotel's VIEW Restaurant and Lounge.

Pros

  • Spectacular views
  • Gorgeous swimming pool, deck, and lounge
  • Central location across from Fashion Island

Cons

  • Sprawling vacation and business resort
  • Walk by conference rooms to get to Sky Suites
  • Valet parking $65 a day
900 Newport Center Dr., Newport Beach, CA, 92660, USA
949-640–4000
Hotel Details
400 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

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Viceroy Chicago

$$$$ | 1118 N. State St., Chicago, IL, 60610, USA Fodor's Choice

Channeling the old-school glamour of its Gold Coast neighborhood, this completely rehabbed 1920s property is draped in luxury; think generously sized gold-and-black-adorned guest rooms, a dazzling rooftop pool that overlooks the Gold Coast Triangle, and a happening dining room and bar. Nested between bars, shops, and restaurants, it's a magnet for fun-loving travelers.

Pros

  • Gorgeous mid-century modern design
  • Classic-chic neighborhood
  • Buzzed-about restaurant

Cons

  • May be too formal for kids and families
  • Pricey valet
  • No spa
1118 N. State St., Chicago, IL, 60610, USA
312-586–2000
Hotel Details
180 rooms
No Meals

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Viceroy Snowmass

$$$$ | 130 Wood Rd., Snowmass Village, CO, 81615, USA Fodor's Choice

Perched like a palace atop the hill at the base of the slopes and overlooking the Roaring Fork Valley, the Viceroy Snowmass is the undisputed king of the village in terms of luxury, service, and location. This ski-in ski-out property eschews the Colorado lodge feel with a modern, European look featuring sleek furniture and pampering amenities like soaking tubs and galley kitchens. The spa has six treatment rooms, including Vichy showers and couples' massage suites. There's no reason to head back up to Snowmass Village for a bite after skiing: the on-site TORO Kitchen and Lounge serves bold Latin dishes and great cocktails. Nest restaurant–bar serves pub grub, craft lagers, ales, and stouts.

Pros

  • Ski-in ski-out
  • Stellar spa
  • Ski valet

Cons

  • A short walk or gondola ride to the main village
  • Busy street can be noisy
  • Often busy with visitors to the spa and restaurant
130 Wood Rd., Snowmass Village, CO, 81615, USA
970-923–8000
Hotel Details
168 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

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Vinarosa Resort & Spa

$$$$ | 4350 Barnes Rd., Santa Rosa, CA, 95403, USA Fodor's Choice

With a countryside location, a reserved sense of style, and spacious rooms with comfortable beds, the Vinarosa Resort & Spa (which got a makeover and new name mid-2025) further seduces with a slew of amenities and a scenic vineyard landscape. Guests appreciate the multiple on-site dining options and the personalized service and winery, entertainment, and restaurant suggestions staffers eagerly supply. The well-appointed accommodations—some with views, either of vineyards or landscaped gardens, and others nearly within reach of the grapevines—occupy a series of two-story buildings, each with several units per floor. The rooms have a patio or balcony, and many have a fireplace.

Pros

  • 92-acre estate with vineyard jogging and walking path
  • Some rooms and suites edge the vineyard
  • Spa and wellness activities

Cons

  • Occasional noise from adjacent events center
  • Trips to Healdsburg or downtown Santa Rosa require a car
  • Pricey on summer and fall weekends
4350 Barnes Rd., Santa Rosa, CA, 95403, USA
707-575–7350
Hotel Details
78 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

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The Vinoy Resort & Golf Club, Autograph Collection

$$$$ | 501 5th Ave. NE, St. Petersburg, FL, 33701, USA Fodor's Choice

Thoughtful renovations throughout have preserved the glamour of yesteryear at the luxurious Vinoy, which opened in 1925 and is on the National Register of Historic Places. A stay here includes access to an expansive marina, pool attendants who can keep you well fed and hydrated while you sunbathe, and a Ron Garl–designed golf course with a stunning clubhouse. Although the beaches are 15 or 20 minutes away, the Vinoy is within walking distance of Beach Drive and attractions such as the Museum of Fine Arts and the Dalí Museum, as well as shops and restaurants. It's worth spending a little more to enjoy fantastic views from a bayside room.

Pros

  • Charming property
  • Friendly service
  • Close to Downtown museums

Cons

  • Pricey
  • Small rooms
  • Drive to the beach
501 5th Ave. NE, St. Petersburg, FL, 33701, USA
727-894–1000
Hotel Details
361 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

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W Dallas–Victory

$$$$ | 2440 Victory Park Lane, Dallas, TX, 75219, USA Fodor's Choice

The first hotel in Dallas's burgeoning Victory Park makes a dramatic statement, altering the Uptown skyline with a 33-story tower topped with glowing blue light. The crowd here is trend-conscious and pampered, and the decor is comfortable and minimalist—eggplant-colored walls, neutral bed linens, low-profile furniture. Look for some whimsical nods to the chain's first Texas setting, including a curtain of cowboys, horses, and cows in the lobby. The W is just steps from the American Airlines Center—home to the NBA's Dallas Mavericks and the NHL's Dallas Stars—and minutes from Downtown.

Pros

  • Gracious service
  • Proximity to American Airlines Center
  • Hip scene

Cons

  • Awkward room design that allows no privacy between shower and bedroom
  • May be too trendy for conservative or traditional travelers
2440 Victory Park Lane, Dallas, TX, 75219, USA
214-397--4100
Hotel Details
Credit cards accepted
252 rooms

Quick Facts

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W South Beach

$$$$ | 2201 Collins Ave., FL, 33319, USA Fodor's Choice

Fun, fresh, and funky, the W South Beach flaunts some of the nicest rooms in South Beach—even the entry category evokes a wow factor—each with its own kitchen and balcony with ocean views. The textured walls, whimsical accessories, and clean symmetries play out like a spread from Architectural Digest. Overall, the property represents the brand's evolution toward young sophistication, which means less club music in the lobby, more lighting, and more attention to the multimillion-dollar art collection lining the lobby's expansive walls (look for high-end contemporary art from famous names like Andy Warhol, Julian Schnabel, and Kenny Scharf). That said, the pool scene is everything and anything one could want from South Beach and the W brand—tight bodies, cabanas, and a gorgeous crowd sipping mojitos. The beach is just steps behind with a private area for W South Beach guests. Although the hotel does not boast an art deco facade, its interiors are far more eclectic and superior to neighboring hotels.

Pros

  • Pool scene
  • Giant Hello Kitty fountain
  • Three in-house restaurants and bars

Cons

  • Not a classic art deco building
  • Crowded pool area
  • Loud music at pool
2201 Collins Ave., FL, 33319, USA
305-938–3000
Hotel Details
248 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

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W Washington, D.C

$$$$ | 515 15th St. NW, Washington, DC, 20004, USA Fodor's Choice

Just steps from the White House, this hip property has a living room–style lobby that blends Italian Renaissance with stylish swank, while rooms contain ultramodern furnishings. Despite the hotel's Manhattan-hipster vibe, it's impossible to forget that you're in D.C.: floor-to-ceiling windows in the Mediterranean-inspired Pinea restaurant offer spectacular views of the Washington Monument, and the view of the White House from the exclusive P.O.V. rooftop bar lounge is equally fabulous. The rooftop bar hosts one of the better cocktail hours in town, and professionals swarm in for the views both out- and inside the bar.

Pros

  • Trendy ambience
  • Individualized and attentive service
  • Popular rooftop bar

Cons

  • Pricey
  • Might be too modern for some
  • No pool
515 15th St. NW, Washington, DC, 20004, USA
202-661–2400
Hotel Details
349 rooms
No Meals

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Wailea Beach Resort -- Marriott, Maui

$$$$ | 3700 Wailea Alanui Dr., Wailea, HI, 96753, USA Fodor's Choice

This resort, which sits closer to the crashing surf than most in Wailea, delivers not only dramatic views but also luxurious amenities and spacious accommodations. Grown-ups can find peace and quiet at the adults-only Maluhia serenity pool, while kids can frolic at the Nalu Adventure Pool, which features four waterslides, including the longest in Maui at 325 feet. The resort also has the Mo Bettah food truck, a fun take on a local culinary tradition.

Pros

  • Has the only Starbucks in Wailea
  • Short walk to The Shops at Wailea
  • Te Au Moana Luau four nights a week

Cons

  • Rocky shore that is not quite beachfront
  • Foot traffic on coastal beach walk
  • Daily resort fee and daily self-parking fee (valet also available)
3700 Wailea Alanui Dr., Wailea, HI, 96753, USA
808-879–1922
Hotel Details
547 units
No Meals

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Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills

$$$$ | 9850 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, CA, 90210, USA Fodor's Choice

The belle of Beverly Hills, this Pierre-Yves Rochon–designed five-star property impresses with a top-notch spa, state-of-the-art amenities, and a rooftop pool with VIP cabanas. From the moment you enter the opulent lobby, a tribute to the golden age of Hollywood with white stone and bronze, guests are treated with the highest regard. Rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows, access to Netflix and Hulu, and Bluetooth speakers in the bathrooms. Personal concierges, three restaurants and a lobby bar, and a La Prairie--run spa worth splurging on allow for ultimate relaxation.

Pros

  • Impeccable service
  • Free shuttle within 5-mile radius
  • Excellent La Prairie Spa

Cons

  • One of L.A.'s priciest rooms
  • On the busy corner of Wilshire and Santa Monica
  • Valet parking $68/night
9850 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, CA, 90210, USA
310-860–6666
Hotel Details
170 rooms
No Meals

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Waldorf Astoria Chicago

$$$$ | 11 E. Walton St., Chicago, IL, 60611, USA Fodor's Choice

Just steps from the Mag Mile, the Waldorf Astoria Chicago is a haven of exclusivity, located near some of the city's best shops, dining, and nightlife. The elegant cobblestone roundabout outside the hotel leads guests into a lobby where a crystal chandelier patterned after a Coco Chanel brooch hangs high above. The restaurant features classic American cuisine for dinner, lunch, and breakfast—when the lobster toast steals the show. A speakeasy lounge serves classic cocktails alongside drinks with unique twists like dry ice, gold leaf, and a tableside experience. Guest rooms feature fireplaces, wet bars, oversized bathrooms with soaking tubs, and suites with outdoor terraces. There's also a fitness center, pool, and spa.

Pros

  • Intimate courtyard arrival experience
  • Spacious suites with terraces and fireplaces
  • Fabulous spa and dining

Cons

  • Valet parking only
  • Limited views in some guest rooms
  • No outdoor pool
11 E. Walton St., Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
312-646–1300
Hotel Details
214 rooms
No Meals

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Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club

$$$$ | 1 Monarch Beach Resort, Dana Point, CA, 92629, USA Fodor's Choice

Set on a hillside overlooking the Pacific Ocean, step into the Waldorf Astoria's grand lobby to take in an impressive view of the Monarch Pool, 18-hole Monarch Beach Golf Links, and the Pacific Ocean beyond. The extra large Monarch pool deck has luxury cabanas, and two infinity edge saline hot tubs angled for optimal views. Near the full service spa is another swimming pool for laps. The large refreshed guest rooms have spacious patios and balconies or balconies with views of the golf course, lush landscaping, or ocean. Some of the ground floor rooms have a private fire pit. Dining options include celebrity chef Michael Mina's Bourbon Steak, an elegant show-stopping restaurant serving modern, seasonally influenced seafood dishes and expertly prepared dry aged beef. The restaurant's wine selection is among the best along the coast, and the service is impeccable. Aveo Table + Bar highlights all-day Mediterranean cuisine or take a complimentary electric shuttle ride to the casual Monarch Cafe, a favorite for golfers and guests looking for casual fare. Stay on the shuttle for a ride through the golf course and monarch butterfly sanctuary garden to the private Monarch Bay Beach Club. It's a popular spot during the day and at sunset, offering coastal fare, craft cocktails and local beers. There are surf and paddle boards, beach volleyball, and plenty of chairs. The resort fee includes complimentary wellness classes with the sounds of waves crashing nearby, beach games and activities, house bicycles with self-guided tours, and discounted fees at Monarch Beach Gold Links. This is a pet-friendly property, however guests must pay a nonrefundable pet fee starting at $200.

Pros

  • Spectacular views
  • Big bathrooms with deep tubs
  • On-site Waldorf Astoria Spa

Cons

  • One of the largest resorts in the area
  • $70 valet parking
  • $63 resort fee
1 Monarch Beach Resort, Dana Point, CA, 92629, USA
949-234–3900
Hotel Details
400 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

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Waldorf Astoria Park City

$$$$ | 2100 Frostwood Blvd., UT, 84098, USA Fodor's Choice

A sweeping staircase, Baccarat crystal chandelier, and 300-year-old marble fireplace lend grandeur to the first Waldorf Astoria hotel in an alpine location. The only luxury hotel at the base of Park City Mountain Resort, this hotel offers sleek rooms with custom furnishings, fireplaces, balconies, flat-screen TVs, jetted tubs, and views of Park City Mountain Resort and/or the Wasatch Range foothills. Suites have luxurious kitchens with Viking appliances. In winter, slip on prewarmed ski boots, follow the valet a few paces to the neighboring gondola, and ski back in time for dining at the celebrated Powder restaurant. The 16,000-square-foot spa has a long list of wellness-related treatments.

Pros

  • Celebrated restaurant
  • Steps from the gondola
  • Decadent spa

Cons

  • Very little within walking distance
  • Gondola nearby is very slow
  • Only one dining option on site
2100 Frostwood Blvd., UT, 84098, USA
435-647–5500
Hotel Details
160 rooms
No Meals

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Washington School House Hotel

$$$$ | 543 Park Ave., UT, 84060, USA Fodor's Choice

Since 2011, this spectacular boutique hotel has been the hottest "must-stay" destination in Old Town Park City, providing beautifully designed and well-appointed rooms within a National Historic Registry landmark. Retaining the integrity of the building—one of the West's oldest schoolhouses—the interior has been completely overhauled to feature a magnificent common living room. Everything about the hotel exudes luxury, from the Pratesi linens and Molton Brown bath products in the guest rooms to the 10-foot, antique French opera-house mirror in the living room. Each guest room is unique, but many feature 16-foot ceilings and 9-foot schoolhouse windows, ensuring they feel spacious and bright. Floors are made from repurposed oak barn wood, bathrooms are marble with heated floors and walk-in showers, and furnishings are a careful mix of period antiques. At the back of the property, a heated pool and hot tub are cut into the hillside and surrounded by blue aspen and spruce trees. Situated just above Park City's Main Street, the hotel offers immediate access to the best dining, shopping, and entertainment in town and is also just a few hundred yards from the town's ski lift. That means you can practically ski to the front door—hence the presence of a ski valet and guest-only après-ski lounge. A hearty mountain breakfast is included in the rates, as are après-ski nibbles.

Pros

  • Central location
  • Stellar service (they'll even pack and unpack for you)
  • Chefs provide delicious (included) breakfast and après-ski

Cons

  • Not family-friendly
  • Intimate common areas are shared with other guests
  • Rooms fill up quickly, so book far in advance
543 Park Ave., UT, 84060, USA
435-649–3800
Hotel Details
12 rooms
Free Breakfast

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WaterColor Inn

$$$$ | 34 Goldenrod Cir., Santa Rosa Beach, FL, 32459, USA Fodor's Choice

At the crown jewel of the area's latest—and largest—planned resort community, nature meets seaside chic in dune-level bungalows that have private courtyards with outdoor showers and upper rooms that have huge balconies and walk-in showers with windows overlooking the Gulf so you can see the sea while you scrub. Standard rooms come with a king-size bed and a queen sleeper sofa, but consider one of the three rotunda rooms for something larger and more spectacular. Included in the room rate are parking, Wi-Fi, one hour of canoeing, one hour of tennis, and bicycle use.

Pros

  • Gulf views from just about everywhere
  • Bike and canoe use and tennis included in rates
  • Free Wi-Fi and parking

Cons

  • Not as private or intimate as renting your own beach house
  • Some amenities and facilities need updating
  • Pricey with hefty extra charges for beach gear
34 Goldenrod Cir., Santa Rosa Beach, FL, 32459, USA
850-534–5000
Hotel Details
60 rooms
No Meals

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Waterfall Resort

$$$$ | AK, USA Fodor's Choice

Guests at this upscale fishing lodge a 45-minute floatplane ride from Ketchikan can choose from several accommodation styles, eat bountiful meals with all the trimmings, and fish from custom-built 25-foot cabin cruisers under the care of expert fishing guides. Rooms have good views, and area wildlife includes whales, sea lions, bears, and eagles. Fish processing and packaging is included in the package pricing. Nightly rates including all meals start at $1,475 per person.

Pros

  • Plenty of saltwater fishing
  • Good views
  • Opportunity to spot wildlife

Cons

  • Most kitchens in the condos aren't used, since meals are provided by the resort
  • Remote location
  • Uninteresting room decor
AK, USA
907-225–9461
Hotel Details
Closed Sept.–late May
44 rooms
All-Inclusive

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The Watergate Hotel

$$$$ | 2650 Virginia Ave. NW, Washington, DC, 20037, USA Fodor's Choice

Beautifully situated along the Potomac River, the legendary Watergate radiates sophistication and glamour, embracing its infamous past and celebrating its mid-century modern style. Rooms have a 1960s vibe, with rich leather furniture in shades of gray, brown, gold, and bronze. Spacious marble bathrooms indulge with floor-to-ceiling, glass-enclosed showers, and freestanding soaking tubs. Some rooms have private balconies, and all have a view of the city or the Potomac River. Head to the rooftop Top of the Gate bar for end-of-the-day relaxing with 360-degree views. Treat yourself to one of the most luxurious spas in D.C., The Argentta Spa, with an indoor saltwater pool and a wide variety of facial and massage treatments. 

Pros

  • Beautiful mosaic-tiled saltwater pool
  • Fun, cheeky historical touches
  • Gorgeously designed bars and restaurant with excellent menus

Cons

  • Some rooms are small
  • Elevators are a bit complicated to use
  • 1960s style is not for everyone
2650 Virginia Ave. NW, Washington, DC, 20037, USA
202-827–1600
Hotel Details
336 rooms
No Meals

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The Wauwinet

$$$$ | 120 Wauwinet Rd., Nantucket, MA, 02584, USA Fodor's Choice

This resplendently updated 1875 resort straddles a "haulover" poised between ocean and bay (think beaches on both sides); it features cushy country-chic guest rooms (lavish with Pratesi linens) and a fine-dining restaurant, Topper's. Guests can take advantage of activities like sailing, launches to a private beach, and driving tours of the Great Point nature preserve. A slew of complimentary perks, from the use of bicycles, paddleboards, and kayaks to afternoon port and cheese, are nice touches.

Pros

  • The staff-to-guest ratio exceeds one-to-one
  • Dual beaches
  • Peaceful setting

Cons

  • Not for those with small children
  • Distance from town
  • Pricey rates
120 Wauwinet Rd., Nantucket, MA, 02584, USA
508-228–0145
Hotel Details
Closed Nov.–mid-Apr.
32 rooms, 4 cottages

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Wequassett Resort and Golf Club

$$$$ | 2173 Rte. 28, Harwich, MA, 02645, USA Fodor's Choice

On 27 acres of shaded landscape partially surrounded by Pleasant Bay, 20 Cape-style cottages and an attractive hotel make up this traditionally elegant resort by the sea. Among the many amenities offered at this informally upscale resort are an attentive staff, evening entertainment, two beaches and two pools, four tennis courts, and golf at the exclusive Cape Cod National Golf Club. They host an impressive lineup of special events, including the Cape Cod Jazz & Arts Festival in July and August.

Pros

  • Attentive service
  • Activities and programs for all ages
  • Babysitting services and full children's program

Cons

  • Rates are steep
  • Not an in-town location
  • Isolated area
2173 Rte. 28, Harwich, MA, 02645, USA
508-432–5400
Hotel Details
Closed Nov.–Mar.
120 rooms
No Meals

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Westin Kierland Resort & Spa

$$$$ | 6902 E. Greenway Pkwy., AZ, 85254, USA Fodor's Choice

Original artwork by Arizona artists is displayed throughout the public spaces of the Westin Kierland, and the spacious rooms have balconies or patios with views of the mountains or the resort's water park and tubing river. Kierland Commons, within walking distance, is a planned village of upscale specialty boutiques and restaurants. A leisure center specifically accommodates nonbusiness travelers. Kids can enjoy programs organized by age group.

Pros

  • On-site Scotch library
  • Walking distance to Kierland Commons boutiques and restaurants
  • Fantastic children's programs

Cons

  • Rooms lack personality
  • Adults' pool very close to kids' area
  • Steep parking prices
6902 E. Greenway Pkwy., AZ, 85254, USA
480-624–1000
Hotel Details
732 rooms
No Meals

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Whale Cove Inn

$$$$ | 2345 U.S. 101, Depoe Bay, OR, 97341, USA Fodor's Choice

This small and exquisitely decorated high-end inn overlooks the picturesque cove for which it's named and contains just eight spacious suites, each with a balcony that has a large hot tub with a dazzling view of the water. Inside the stylish, contemporary suites, guests enjoy such creature comforts as high-definition TVs with DVD players, gas fireplaces, and large bathrooms with tiled rain showers; the premier suite has three bedrooms and easily the finest views of any room. The restaurant, Beck, is one of the best on the Oregon Coast—a complimentary full breakfast is served there each morning.

Pros

  • Wonderful staff
  • Stunning building with cushy and spacious suites
  • Frequent whale sitings from suite balconies

Cons

  • Not a good fit for kids (only those 16 and over are permitted)
  • Pricey
  • Not within walking distance of town
2345 U.S. 101, Depoe Bay, OR, 97341, USA
541-765–4300
Hotel Details
8 suites
Free Breakfast

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