1951 Best Hotels in USA

Our pick for Rochester's top hotel, the Inn on Broadway is in the East End within blocks of the Eastman and Geva theaters, Strong Museum, and various dining and nightlife options. A private club originally occupied the 1929 building, and refinement lingers in the air. Every room is unique, but all have featherbeds (queen or king), down comforters, and thick towels; some have hardwood floors, gas fireplaces, and two-person Jacuzzi tubs. Deluxe rooms have baths with multiple showerheads. A sitting area with a small library is a B&B–style touch.

Guests gush over the hospitality at this inn, where the painstakingly restored 1905 mansion facing 1st Street contains five rooms, with five additional accommodations, all suites, in a building behind a secluded patio and garden. A welcome and romantic modern touch are the whirlpool tubs, two heart-shaped, with space for two. (With one exception, in the mansion, the tubs are in the main room, not the bathroom.) The rooms all have gas fireplaces as well.

Boasting spacious rooms with water views and Jacuzzi tubs in many of them, this year-round favorite blends a relaxed, island style with a dash of luxury; rooms are decked out in simple but pretty linens and soft patterns. Central to everything near the ferry, it offers free parking (Peaks Island is the only one accessible by ferry which allows visitors to bring a car) and has a very good on-site restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Built in the 1880s, this inn is made up of four Victorian buildings with an expansive deck over the harbor that's a pleasant spot for morning coffee and afternoon cocktails. Rooms on the harbor side have great views, with some having fireplaces and private decks.

The waterfront inn next to the city pier has spacious grounds with a pool, a sand-volleyball court, and a barbecue grill. A large lobby-lounge extends out onto a deck overlooking the lake. Rooms are upgraded every few years and are contemporary in decor; those with lake views have either a patio or balcony. More lake views are found in the elegant, contemporary Max on the Lake restaurant, with a menu of steak, seafood, and pasta.

For decades this Italianate Victorian mansion decked out in ornate poster beds, opulent area rugs, and precious Victorian artifacts has welcomed visitors to the Mission District. Guest quarters range from cozy (yes, that means small) to spacious enough to fit a family (in the garden cottage), and all guests have access to a generous buffet breakfast and a hot tub—great for chilly nights, although this inn is located in the warmest slice of San Francisco.

With some villas sleeping up to four guests, this is a great choice for families, and the fact that it's owned and run by two chefs is good news for foodies too, and everyone appreciates the sea views and proximity to the waterfront and beaches. Guest quarters are in seaside villas or the main house, which dates from 1857; some have sea views, and all are beautifully decorated and have private bathrooms. A covered veranda overlooks Shinnecock Bay, and ocean beaches are just minutes away across the Ponquogue Bridge. Stay midweek for for Food Truck Wednesday, sponsored by the on-site paddleboard company, with outdoor music, bar, and, of course, a food truck; the party happens rain or shine.

A massive pool complex with a 15-foot waterfall, two winding waterslides, and a sandy waterfront are part of the allure of this sprawling resort, but it may be the 72 holes of golf, including the challenging Copperhead course, that are the real draw. Bald eagles and herons are sometimes seen on the grounds, which are beautifully maintained. Guest suites are in 24 two- and three-story lodges tucked among the trees between golf courses. Some of the roomy suites have balconies or patios. Innisbrook has enough restaurants and lounges to make it self-contained, though there are other dining options in the area.

The circular redbrick drive of this towering 1926 architectural landmark leads to an opulent, mirrored, marble-floor lobby that's the gateway to luxurious rooms aglow with gold, cream, and yellow tones. Rooms on the upper floors have views of either the Golden Gate Bridge or the downtown cityscape; bathrooms throughout are lined with multicolor Italian marble. The rooftop lounge, the Top of the Mark, serves a lovely array of classic cocktails in the evening, but the real star is the breathtaking, nearly 360-degree city view that can also be enjoyed during an elaborate Sunday brunch.  The hotel oozes with history. Stroll around and learn about the rich past of San Francisco's Big Four railroad barons, including Mark Hopkins (Central Pacific Railroad).

The modern rose-granite structure overlooking St. Charles Avenue has large, well-lighted guest rooms, with contemporary, New Orleans--inspired furnishings. Breakfast at Pete's Pub features made-to-order omelet and waffle stations, while Trenasse, the hotel's restaurant from chef Jim Richard, serves up expertly executed south Louisiana coastal cuisine. Lafayette Square park is right next door.

The arctic-blue glass exterior and Zen-like lobby may mimic an airport concourse, but it's merely a prelude to generally expansive, nicely thought-out guest rooms supplied with all the ultramodern tech conveniences sophisticated travelers expect and striking floor-to-ceiling windows. The hotel lies within shouting distance of the Moscone Center, so its business is geared toward the convention and corporate crowd, which sometimes results in lower weekend rates. Bar 888 specializes in craft cocktails, and Luce Restaurant, one of the grandest dining settings in the city, has earned recognition for its inventive modern cuisine and inspired wine list. 

Contemporary style pairs with luxe comforts in guest rooms attractively decorated with modern New Orleans flair. In this locally owned hotel, the lobby aims to wow, with 23-foot-high ceilings, ornate pilasters, marble floors, and artwork by New Orleans artists. Fine linens enhance the guest rooms, all with iHome docking stations, black-and-white photographs of jazz greats, and ceiling fans; bathrooms, which have either glass-enclosed showers or oversize bathtubs, are sleek and contemporary, stocked with Aveda bath products. The excellent cocktail bar, Loa, the domain of local celeb bar chef Abigail Gullo, is a favorite of locals, with a cool and shadowy vibe.

Inside a 100-year-old former warehouse just south of downtown Milwaukee, the Iron Horse Hotel breathes new life into this historic building with its unique design and welcoming approach. Motorcycle gear-shifts form the lobby chandeliers, and 1920s drafting chairs are lined up at the Branded bar. The hotel's breakfast room, The Library, provides cozy leather sofas, a book collection and long tables with industrial lamps that accompany breakfasts-to-order. Wait staff, although enthusiastic, is still finding its groove. In each loft-style room, Cream City brick walls were preserved and modern amenities, such as murals and tiled walk-in showers with rain showerheads, were added.

Comprising four handsomely restored suites in a former boardinghouse for rail workers and four offbeat vintage caboose all filled with engaging railroad memorabilia, this distinctive inn is especially fun for fans of vintage trains, but the individually decorated accommodations are quite comfy, too. Adjacent Iron Horse Park, which is bisected by a span of the 250-mile Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail, is a wonderful spot for hiking.

On the banks of the Fraser River, this condo-style hotel now owned by Winter Park Resort is ski-in ski-out, but it's removed from the resort's base village. Simple wood and stone details fill studios for couples and the one- and two-bedroom apartments for families. Most apartments have full kitchens and balconies with views of a grove of aspen.

Once the home of James Dean (he lived here for two years in the 1950s), the Iroquois is a historic hotel dating from 1899. Today, guests enjoy stately accommodations and bits of decadence, like heated bath floors, Frette robes, and complimentary shoeshine service. It's a pleasant surprise to discover such a friendly, inviting, well-designed property in Midtown at competitive rates. Inside, don't miss Lantern's Keep, the charming cocktail bar that is easily one of Manhattan's best.

Lilacs, pink roses, and beautiful perennial gardens add a floral flourish this 1857 Greek Revival farmhouse located on a quiet residential road near the bay. Innkeepers Mark and Amy Scamman set the scene for a romantic getaway with guest rooms sporting country antiques, beamed ceilings, four-poster beds, and fluffy duvets. In the attached carriage house, some guest rooms have small balconies overlooking a wooded lawn with gardens, grape arbors, and berry bushes.

New owners, who live on-site, are refreshing the look of this circa 1848 Victorian, but it still has that 'olde inn' appeal, with graceful lines, high ceilings, and stained glass. Despite intricate wall coverings and canopy beds, the spacious rooms are uncluttered and welcoming, merging vintage charm and a lighter modern touch. The two suites in the adjacent carriage house, outfitted with king beds, have a simpler, cottage style.

With clean rooms and an inviting, well-kept prime downtown Bar Harbor location, this small family-owned and -operated motel is affordable done right and a convenient base for exploring the Acadia area; each room has outdoor and indoor sitting areas and one free parking space, and there’s complimentary coffee, a water bottle filling station, and a microwave in the lobby.

Like the rest of historic Pass-a-Grille, this converted, 1950s-vintage property is totally friendly and totally Old Florida, with one- and two-bedroom cottages that make it great for a family beach vacation. It's within easy walking distance of the beach, and its nicely landscaped grounds feature huge live oaks and sea grapes, teak deck chairs, and a weathered fishing pier. Grills are available if you want to barbecue. Continental breakfast is served only on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, and there's a four-night minimum stay during holidays.

Here you get to choose between a self-sufficient town home on the bay side or an oceanfront resort with on-site restaurants and oodles of other amenities. Either way, the interiors are bright and casual. The Islander Bayside's two-bedroom town homes have a gourmet kitchens, flat-screen TVs, washer-dryers, and all the comforts of home. A bayfront pool is ideal after a day of fishing, and if your boat is under 24 feet, you can dock it in the marina outside your door. On the ocean side, the villas and the resort rooms feature sophisticated furnishings, plantation shutters, full-size refrigerators, and microwaves.

The spotless pioneer period antiques and the wealth of well-chosen amenities (fireplaces, saunas, whirlpool tubs, double steam showers) at this eight-room 1861-vintage inn—with four additional luxury cottages—evoke the Wild West with an urbane, sophisticated aesthetic. Complimentary full breakfast is served in the elegant restaurant, which also serves lunch and dinner to both guests and nonguests.

The bustling lodge at Jacob Lake Inn is a popular stop for those heading to the North Rim, 45 miles south. This five-acre complex in Kaibab National Forest has basic cabins, motel rooms, and newer hotel rooms that overlook the highways. Avoid the older facilities by asking for one of the new rooms. They aren't as nostalgic and private as the cabins, but a few more dollars gets you a TV and air conditioning.

Maine-inspired artwork and fresh flowers add to the simple elegance of this peaceful, Queen Anne–style inn, where guest rooms have colorful floral bedspreads, hooked rugs, and four-poster or other traditional-style beds. One room also has a working fireplace, another has a kitchenette, and some rooms have baths with two-person whirlpool tubs. The Pine Room has a private deck. The full hot breakfast is served in a light-dappled sunroom or on a deck when the weather is nice.

Accommodations at Jay Peak include standard hotel rooms, suites, condominiums, town houses, and cottage and clubhouse suites. Amenities and activities are nearly endless, especially for kids, starting with the huge indoor water park and continuing with an 18-hole golf course, ice arena, Nordic center, and plenty of festivals.

This Armory Square landmark is Syracuse's oldest hotel. Most rooms and suites have kitchens, and all have flat-screen TVs and leather desk chairs. Decor is traditional, with wall-to-wall carpeting, walnut veneer furnishings, and crisp white bedding. The pillow-top mattresses were custom-designed for the hotel.

In a wooded area in the hills above Grant Grove Village, this modern, timber-sided lodge has rooms and suites with queen- or king-size beds and private baths. There is also a comfortable common room where you can play cards and board games or read a loaner book. Look above the stone fireplace at a giant painting of Muir himself, shown relaxing on a rock by a meadow. A recent renovation brought updated bedding, carpets, and sustainably sourced and reclaimed wood furniture.

This luxury hotel showcases art from the moment guests pull into the building's porte cochere and continues with impressive art installations throughout the building. The Tony Mantuano–helmed Italian restaurant Yolan in the lobby is the rare Nashville hotel dining destination that draws locals to Downtown, and upper-floor views are spectacular, including from the windows of the workout facility. The Denim rooftop bar, spa, and pool deck offer peaceful retreats from the bustle of SoBro, and even the least expensive guest rooms exude refined opulence.

Each room at this B&B, across the road from the entrance to the Vanderbilt Mansion, is tastefully decorated with treasures the owners have collected during their world travels. The Kyoto Room, with light-wood furniture and soft colors, is serene. The English-country suite has rich floral wallpaper, Oriental carpets, and a cozy nook with a daybed. The Roosevelt Room, dressed in subdued country-print fabrics, has two twin beds. The common living room is slightly formal but bright and comfortable.

A sense of privacy prevails in these nicely located rooms in downtown Lafayette, where fine linens and a pool with hot tub are among the many amenities. All 20 rooms have large baths. Free breakfast is offered every weekend and on weekdays depending on hotel capacity.