42 Best Hotels in USA

These six treehouses, with the Cheoah River running below, are the best place to stay in Robbinsville proper. They're technically raised tiny homes, but they do put you closer to the treetops, and each includes everything needed for a cozy overnight. 

Although Sandestin’s lakes make its four golf courses challenging, they also provide serene natural settings for its villa communities, where properties come in a variety of sizes and configurations. Many are even right on a course—perfect those who plan to spend a lot of time teeing off. Choose from villas in communities that include Baypine Cottages, The Bungalos, Crystal Cove, Crystal Lake, Laurel Grove, Magnolia Bay, Prestwick Place, Turnberry Villas, and Villa Lago.

Crushed seashells line pathways throughout the dapper planned beach resort town of Seabrook, where nearly half of its collection of some 450 Cape Cod–style homes are available to rent. Accommodations range from cozy and modern cabins that sleep four to sprawling houses where up to 24 can comfortably gather. A bike-rental shop offers beach cruisers for exploring, and there's an indoor pool and hot tub, fitness center, several parks, playground, tennis court, and basketball court. Free summer concerts and festivals throughout the year make Seabrook a fun destination for all ages.

Three private cottages set on a 10-acre working ranch afford total privacy, with a few more amenities than a vacation house or condo. Owners Mark and Amy drop off a welcome basket with breakfast goodies your first day, and there's a washer and dryer in each unit, an outdoor pool, and a hot tub. The ranch is great for animal lovers, as it is replete with sheep, friendly goats, and chickens throughout.

With an enviable spot along the Lihue coastline, 450 acres of landscaped grounds, and a choice of elegant homes and townhomes, Timbers Kauai caters to those who are seeking a self-contained resort experience with an air of exclusivity. Accommodations are available with two, three, or four bedrooms, each with its own bathroom, private lanai, and lovely views of the mountains, pool, or ocean. Full kitchens, washer-dryers, soaking tubs, walk-in showers, and sophisticated decor that hints at the tropics offer comfort and convenience. The resort features walking and biking paths, beach access, lagoons, a Jack Nicklaus–designed oceanfront golf course, two pools, four outdoor tennis courts, a spa, fitness center, and fruit orchards and vegetable gardens. Hualani's Restaurant is on-site, or have a chef whip up a custom meal in your kitchen. Parking and Wi-Fi are free.

If renting a five-star beach house, a pastel island cottage, or a waterfront condo in a complex with a pool and tennis courts is your coastal-Georgia dream stay, check out Tybee Vacation Rentals. This family-owned business has grown because the managers are so friendly and accommodating, and, given that they now represent more than 250 properties, they are the one-stop shop for booking a vacation rental on Tybee Island. Most properties require a two-night minimum; some are pet-friendly.

Along trails, near wilderness alpine lakes, in coastal forests, and on saltwater beaches, these rustic cabins offer retreats for solo hikers or groups. Some cabins are built of logs, and some are A-frames. Most have tables, chairs, woodburning stoves, and bunks, but no electricity, running water, or bedding. Many require a fly-in or boat ride, although some can be reached by car and then on foot. If you're suitably equipped and sufficiently adventurous, these cabins are Alaska's best bargain for getting away from town and enjoying backcountry wilderness with a roof over your head.

The Cordova Ranger District of the Chugach National Forest maintains a series of simple backcountry cabins for rent. These cabins are very basic: four walls, a roof, a floor, wooden bunks, usually a woodstove, a table, benches, counter space for preparing meals, and a pit toilet out back. There's no bedding, cooking utensils, electricity, or running water. Most of the cabins are accessible only by boat or floatplane, although the McKinley Trail cabin is accessible by motor vehicle on the Copper River Highway. Two others can be reached by hiking from the road. Rentals are arranged through the U.S. Forest Service's website up to six months in advance.

The refuge's public-use cabins are in remote areas accessible only by air or boat. If you're willing to overcome these hurdles, you'll find tranquility and true wilderness, and you won't have to worry about your tent springing a leak.

Both rustic and Zen, this magical cottage in the rain forest features cathedral ceilings, spruce walls, cork flooring, and amenities not usually found at Volcano vacation rentals, like bathrobes, a Bose home theater system, and Trek mountain bikes. The outdoor patio feels like a contemporary lodge, with an enormous stone fireplace to warm those cool Volcano nights.

A near-perfect spot for couples seeking a romantic getaway in Volcano Village, this historical 1912 two-bedroom cottage evokes a vintage country feeling in keeping with the summer homes of the era. The claw-foot bathtub, hot tub, and fireplace add to the general coziness. Continental breakfast is included, and the restaurants of Volcano Village are nearby.

Surprisingly luxe yet cozy and quaint, the three charming country cottages and one suite at this historical Hawaiian homestead are surrounded by flowering private gardens and a backyard stream. One cottage (Kohala) and the Ohana Suite include a full kitchen, and the others (Waimea and the Garden Studio) a kitchenette. Each is stocked with provisions, including fresh farm eggs from the property, for a generous and hearty self-serve breakfast. All have beautiful hardwood floors. The Kohala Cottage features a luxury bath with whirlpool soaking tub, and the Garden Studio is equipped with a rain showerhead. The grounds are teeming with birds and plant life that will make you want to move in for good. Inquire for seasonal specials. The physical address is given out only after a confirmed reservation.