1951 Best Hotels in USA

The Hilton Seattle is a popular site for meetings, conventions, and the summer cruise set, where the newly renovated rooms are tasteful but nondescript—you'll be paying for a brand name here, reliable though it may be. Some rooms have views of the city skyline with a sliver of Elliott Bay in the distance. The best views can be found at Redtrees bar and restaurant, a recently redesigned and attractive contemporary space that serves a delicious tomato-glazed Pacific salmon, as well as other classics throughout the day. An underground passage connects the Hilton with the Rainier Square shopping concourse, the 5th Avenue Theater, and the Convention Center.

In the heart of historic St. Augustine, this Spanish colonial–inspired hotel overlooking Matanzas Bay has 19 separate buildings in a village setting, and most rooms have water or city-attraction views. Given its location in the thick of the Oldest City, the hotel caters to the tourist throngs with amenities such as in-room refrigerators and a coin-op laundry.

European-inspired architecture gives this hotel an elegant feel. It's located in Frontenac, a wealthy suburb off I-40, just a 10- to 15-minute drive west of Downtown. The hotel is within walking distance of a variety of restaurants and the upscale Plaza Frontenac shopping center, which houses a movie theater, boutiques, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, and restaurants.

In the heart of downtown Vancouver, Washington, this sleek and contemporary Hilton is within walking distance of the Columbia River waterfront and downtown Vancouver's growing number of restaurants and bars, just across the river from Portland International Airport, and a 20-minute drive north of Portland's city center. It's a handsome, eco-conscious hotel with large rooms outfitted with flat-screen TVs, sturdy work desks, and smart bathrooms with granite accents. Rates are quite reasonable given the quality of the hotel and amenities, which also include a business center, fitness room, and indoor pool and hot tub.

On the Diamond Head end of Waikiki and two blocks from Kuhio Beach, this 37-story high-rise is great for travelers who want to be near the action but not right in it. You enter through a lobby of rich wood detailing, contemporary fabrics, and magnificent floral displays. The lobby bar offers tropical cocktails, an Island-style pupu menu, happy hour specials, and live music; the M.A.C. 24/7 Waikiki restaurant serves modern comfort food (try the M.A.C. ginger ale made fresh at the bar). The 10th-floor outdoor pool has plenty of seating and some cabanas. If marriage is on your mind, a wedding gazebo anchors the hotel gardens, and there's penthouse reception space, too. Though rooms are dated, they're available in several sizes and configurations. Book one on an upper floor for an ocean or mountain view from your lanai.

In downtown, the contemporary business hotel situated next door to the county convention center has a pool with cabanas many resorts would envy. All rooms have 55-inch flat-screen TVs, and executive rooms have a separate seating area. Free Wi-Fi is provided to all guests, and an upscale fitness center is on site. Two restaurants offer American and global menus sourced from local purveyors, while a poolside bar sates sunbathers. Several other shopping, dining, and bar choices are at The Square, across the street, and the Kravis Center, a performing arts center, is a couple of blocks away.

Quaint and charming, this bed-and-breakfast is located in an 1895 mansion, where much of the original woodwork, brick, and stained glass has been left intact. It was originally owned by one of the wealthiest residents of Provo, and the nine guest rooms are decorated with different themes using period furniture. All rooms have a two-person jetted bathtub.

The Crystal Cove Historic District is home to a collection of unique and historic cottages decorated and furnished to reflect the beach culture that flourished here from 1935–55. Perched on the sand and above the high tide line on a bluff above the beach, these 24 rustic beauties offer an unbeatable location and with fourteen individual cottages and ten dorm-style cottages, they can cater to families or groups with varying capacities. Reserve six months to one year in advance, as these are coveted. Cottages do become available due to cancellations, so check back regularly. You can also look for last-minute availability at the Crystal Cove check-in office between 10:45 and 11 am daily.

The quirky denizens of old Terlingua ghost town have renovated these long-abandoned miners' homes into one-of-a-kind retreats. Artistic flair complementing traditional Southwestern features such as kiva fireplaces, Saltillo tile, and ceiling vigas (wooden beams) define accommodations named El Patron, Cinnabar, Candelilla, and the Rockhouse—the latter sleeping up to eight—as well as six rooms in the elegant Perry Mansion. The faraway vibe of the property works for those seeking romance, adventure, or simply an escape from civilization.

Not only is this Holiday Inn close to Chicago's main attractions, it's also within steps of CTA trains that go directly to either O'Hare or Midway airports. Decor-wise the rooms are a bit bland, but they’re comfortable and equipped with pillow-top mattresses, workspaces, and free Wi-Fi. That’s good news for the hordes of business travelers who are drawn here by the hotel’s proximity to the financial district; in summer months they and everyone else have an added incentive to visit—the rooftop pool.

Just under 3 mi from the airport, the Holiday Inn is a convenient and reliable (if unspectacular) choice for travelers. Upkeep is good, and the hotel offers many of the same features as downtown chains—concierge, pool, steakhouse dining—for less.

The hotel is reliable and adjacent to campus—travelers seeking convenient lodging for OSU events need look no further. For business travelers, clean and respectable might not be enough to compete with the hotels they frequent.

Although the exterior of this four-story hotel resembles the brick facades of Deadwood's Main Street, its interior is contemporary, with guest rooms that have Wi-Fi, free high-speed Internet connection, and other modern amenities. Three suites have fireplaces and whirlpool tubs. The location can't be beat.

You can count on this member of the national chain for cleanliness, comfortable beds, and friendly service, and all rooms include a refrigerator, microwave, and flat-screen TV. The indoor pool and hot tub are welcome features during cold eastern Washington winters. Cookies and milk are a nice treat in the evenings, and coffee and hot cocoa are also plentiful 24/7 and free for guests. Families especially like the spacious rooms and little extras, like board games in the lobby.

The pickings for hotels are slim in cowboy country, so the Holiday Inn Express, with clean and well-furnished rooms and full breakfast buffet, is a welcome option. It's located just across the highway from historic downtown Willcox and around the corner from Apple Annie's Country Store.

While the location feels more parking lot than island paradise, this practical and comfortable hotel (one of Kona's newest) isn't far from the ocean and still offers lots of pluses, from nicely appointed rooms to a fitness center. You'll also find a swimming pool, a hot tub, and a lobby with fireplace, as well as a complimentary breakfast (rare for a Kona hotel). All rooms have fridges, microwaves, and 42-inch TVs. Just steps away are plenty of restaurants, cafés, and shops, not to mention the historical landmarks and waterfront attractions of Historic Kailua Village.

Situated on a busy corner, the 10-story location can be noisy, but the affordable rates are the main attraction; if you have a room on an upper floor facing the Delaware River you can enjoy excellent views of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge. Standard in design but clean and well equipped, rooms feature work setups for business travelers and modern decor. A full hot breakfast is included in the stay. Old City is a bit of a walk, but the courtesy shuttle service is a nice plus. The hotel is a good location and value if you're attending an event near the waterfront.

What this hotel lacks in frills it more than makes up for with its central location; on-site, 24-hour fitness center; and complimentary breakfast bar. Rooms are surprisingly spacious, with contemporary furnishings, large work desks, and separate vanity areas. The location is excellent: one block from the Broad Street subway, near the theater and shopping district, and three blocks from the Pennsylvania Convention Center. During busy hours, be prepared to wait in line in a small lobby with lots of kids and groups.

This clean and modern property is within walking distance of Downtown museums, shopping, dining, and nightlife and is only a short drive to Pensacola Beach.

Pleasant country-style guest rooms overlook a courtyard at this garden-style hotel, about 7 miles from the airport.

Already an excellent value for Old Town, this cheerful property throws in such perks as a free breakfast buffet, and when you've had enough of the heated pool off the shaded courtyard, you can tackle the historic park's attractions and the restaurants nearby. Rooms are basic but nicely furnished; each one has a microwave, mini-refrigerator, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Conveniently located just off the I–5 exit, the hotel offers free parking and free shuttle service to the airport, convention center, and the cruise terminal.

A favorite among Channel Islands visitors, this quiet, comfortable, lodge-inspired property sits right at the Ventura Harbor entrance. The guest quarters are spacious retreats with flat-screen TVs and puffy duvets. The south side of the hotel overlooks the marinas. For the best views, ask for an upperfloor harborside room or suite.

This eight-story hotel has a central lobby with an atrium, glass elevators, and a 60-foot waterfall. Rooms are spacious and contemporary, done in soothing neutral tones with small colorful touches. Next to the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center, it often fills up for major concerts and sporting events at the facility. There is an on-site restaurant and lounge.

Decorated in coastal blue hues, the rooms here offer the standard comforts of a Holiday Inn but with sweeping views of the beach on the ocean side and expanded services such as bike rentals and an area shuttle. There's also a full-service restaurant, a poolside cabana bar and grill, an oversized event lawn and firepit area, and family-friendly amenities including a playground. Pets are also welcome to come along. 

Known for its 250-foot lazy river and cascading waterfall, this Gulf-front hotel is one of the most family-friendly on the beach. It has stylish guest rooms done in a cool and vibrant color scheme inspired by the ocean. For families, or adult travelers who are still kids at heart, the hotel offers Kidsuites with a PlayStation, as well as an indoor game room and such amenities as seasonal movies and children's activities. After sunset, the friendly staff mixes up concoctions at a four-story tiki bar.

The two-story hotel is set back 200 feet from the road, on a hill. Rooms, graced with wood furniture and soft earth-tone colors, are attractive and spacious. High-speed Internet access is available. Kids will love the kiddie pool, game room with oversize chessboard, indoor pool, and miniature golf course. Adults might dig the shuffleboard setup and basketball courts.

Art deco style lives on in the decor of the lobby of this 1920s building housing a boutique hotel which also offers luxury rooms and a popular rooftop pool. The convenient location, one block off Broadway, allows easy access to the action while maintaining a sense of calm compared to other parts of Downtown.

On the city's southwest side, this bright, attractive outpost of Hilton's popular extended-stay brand is great for families or those on longer trips, but its reasonable rates and handy features—patio with gas grills and a fire pit, big suites with well-designed kitchens—are appealing for all kinds of travelers. Although slightly outside downtown, it's a good base for exploring western Yakima's attractions and wineries.