1951 Best Hotels in USA

A vestige of Venice's founding days, the newly renovated, circa-1911 Venice Beach House and its nine rooms drip with beachy cottage chic and California history; think piles of fluffy Parachute linens, dark leather Chesterfield sofas, and nubby rugs. It was one of the seaside enclave's first mansions, and many Craftsman-era details remain—dark woods, a glass-enclosed breakfast nook, a lattice-framed portico, and a fleet of stairs. Each of the nine rooms is individually decorated and fully appointed. Historic charm radiates from this bungalow and the location, steps from the beach and boardwalk, is what Southern California is all about.

Spacious, contemporary rooms, a peaceful location just steps from San Buenaventura State Beach, and easy access to downtown arts and culture make the Marriott a popular choice. The hotel completed a head-to-toe remodel of public spaces and rooms in 2018. Rooms reflect a subdued upscale nautical theme, the expansive lobby welcomes guests with warm colors and comfy lounge areas, and a lush garden courtyard offers quiet nooks for relaxation.

Built in 1853 in the Italianate style, the 8,500-square-foot Verandas underwent a full renovation in 2019 after damage from Hurricane Florence, bringing the beautiful mansion to its original glory with elegant and magnificent—but functional—furnishings. While the decor is formal (brightened by attractive color schemes and high ceilings), the atmosphere is relaxed. Guests can socialize on the four verandas, stroll in the garden, enjoy nights of luxury in one of the eight beautiful rooms, or climb the winding staircase for a wonderful view from the roof-top cupola—the highest point in the neighborhood. So far, new ownership in 2022 hasn't changed a good thing. 

A rock-and-roll reimagining of a classic mid-century hotel, the stylish Verb is filled to the brim with carefully curated music memorabilia. Rooms, which are furnished with mid-century modern decor, have either pool or ballpark views, which will please any Red Sox fan, and there are 10 custom retro-style trailers you can book. James Beard Award–winning chefs Tim and Nancy Cushman's Japanese pub, Hojoko, is a fun food and cocktail scene. Of note: a daily $36 fee will be added to your bill, which includes breakfast and other perks.

The cottages and multiunit one-story buildings of this historic hot-springs resort—luminaries from Ulysses S. Grant to Nancy Pelosi have unwound here—surround a broad lawn shaded by mature manzanitas and oaks. Three of the eight cottages, some with full kitchens, date back to the spa's debut in 1852, though many guests favor the five Creek Side Building rooms bordering Little Grizzly Creek for their woodsy views and proximity to the Olympic-size pool. With hardwood floors, floral-print comforters, and off-white walls, these accommodations tilt more casual country inn than chic boutique hotel. Likewise, although massages and body treatments are offered, and the naturally carbonated hot springs are rejuvenating, this is more of a rural retreat than a full-on pampering-type spa.

With nicely landscaped grounds and a quiet waterside location well off U.S. 1, the Victorian feels as if it’s a world away from all the hustle and bustle of town. Most rooms, as well as the wraparound porch, have magnificent views over island-studded Penobscot Bay. Romantic touches include some brass beds, white wicker furniture, and oriental rugs. Six guest rooms have fireplaces; four more fireplaces are in common rooms, including the glass-enclosed breakfast room. A multicourse breakfast includes a hot entrée and muesli with fruit, all prepared by the Swiss-American host. Afternoon cookies are served in the parlor or on the porch; hors d'oeuvres appear a little later.

Adirondack chairs line a sloping expanse of lawn leading to the formal gardens of what was once a Civil War army officer's home. Set on the town's harbor and across a footbridge from the Maritime Museum, this inn is a relaxing haven. All rooms include queen-size beds; two have fireplaces, and three overlook the water. The suite has a private water-view deck and a fireplace as well as a TV. There's a nightly happy hour that includes wine, beer, and light hors d'oeuvres. No children under 13 are allowed on weekends.

The grand foyer of this gorgeously appointed Italianate mansion in Tacoma's historic Stadium District has lovely Palladian windows, and public areas are painted in soft hues of lime, fuchsia, and coral. A wood staircase framed by white colonnaded archways leads to the guest suites, all of which have bay or mountain views; three have fireplaces. Subdued paintings, glass art, and international textiles adorn the walls. Garden spaces invite relaxation with Adirondack chairs and hammocks; romance brews around the Salon Piazza's fountain and gardens.

Individually owned condominium suites, all with gas fireplaces and kitchens and many with private balconies, are the main accommodations of this complex convenient to Palisades Mountain's ski slopes. Appealing to families because each condo sleeps at least four people, the lodgings are uniformly decorated with granite counters, wood cabinets, and comfortable furnishings. Smaller standard rooms lack the amenities of suites.

Listen to waves gently lap the shores of beautiful Lake McDonald at this motel, which is on the National Register of Historic Places and was fully renovated in recent years, so all its rooms have Wi-Fi, new beds, and furnishings that fit with the historic style. Some rooms, including one ADA family room, have kitchenettes, and there are family units that sleep up to six people. A restaurant, bar, and coffee shop are nearby.

Surrounded by 300-year-old beautiful live oaks, this historic Spanish-style inn just steps from the village offers tastefully decorated rooms and suites with a courtyard pool. Fully renovated as of 2023, the inn still retains the charm that warmth that guests and locals have come to appreciate such as the antique solid mahogany bar, imported from England, that serves as the centerpiece of the pub. Rooms feature refreshed furnishings, luxury linens and Nespresso coffee makers. Many have balconies to catch that coastal breeze. Continental breakfast is served each morning. The friendly staff can even assist you with beach gear and coolers during your stay. 

With their exposed timbers and peaked roofs, these four-story condo buildings at the epicenter of Mammoth's dining and nightlife scene pay homage to Alpine style. Units have gas fireplaces, kitchens or kitchenettes, high-speed Wi-Fi, DVD players, slate-tile bathroom floors, and comfortable furnishings. You won't have to drive anywhere: the buildings are connected by a ground-floor pedestrian mall to shops, restaurants, bars, and—best of all—a gondola (from November through mid-April) that whisks you right from the Village to the mountain.

Accommodations in or near The Village of Baytowne Wharf—amid the resort’s many bayside dining, shopping, nightlife, and outdoor-activity offerings—include Observation Point North and South; Market Street Inn; Pilot House; the commanding, hotel-like Grand Sandestin; and the luxury options at LaSata, Bahia, and Elation in the Grand Complex. Among the bayside attractions are the Baytowne Marina, Sandestin's Tennis Center, and the kid-friendly Jolee Island Nature Park.

Right next to the Village Cabriolet lift, the Vintage is the best value if you want to be close to the resort base, and most of its comfortable rooms look out onto the mountains. The hotel has nine room configurations, from standard rooms to lofted studios; some have gas or wood-burning fireplaces. The outdoor heated pool is open year-round. The Five Mountain Tavern is a laid-back spot for a beer and pasta or steaks.

\"Virgin\" may be a curious name for Las Vegas, but Sir Richard Branson's brand offers a tranquil yet sophisticated desert vibe replacing the guitars and rock memorabilia that were part of the former Hard Rock Hotel. Perhaps understandably, the deliberate shift in energy level has made the property seem a little less essential—and seldom crowded outside of concert nights. Several carryovers from the Hard Rock days remain, having been renamed or renovated, including The Theater concert venue (previously The Joint), the famous Nobu restaurant, the 24/7 coffee shop now called The Kitchen at Commons Club, and the Mexican cantina now called Lucia Mexican Grill. Newer restaurants include One Steakhouse by David and Michael Morton. The rooms and suites in the three hotel towers are now operated as part of Hilton's Curio Collection; the all-suites Ruby Tower has its own check-in area. The renovated 5-acre pool area hosts the Elia Beach Club, bordered by an event lawn for concerts and events, and patio seating for some of the restaurants. The Bar at Commons Club and adjacent Shag Room are attractive, plush lounges with a sophisticated vibe. A smaller venue, 24 Oxford, has lately been hosting the burlesque show Lady Like.

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.

A stately and comfortable Queen Anne–style mansion, the Dillingham House is the centerpiece of the property and was built in the 1930s as a summer home for a wealthy Scotsman (the property is listed on the State Historic Register). There are three suites in the residence, two of which can be combined to create larger accommodations for families. The Grand Suite includes a fireplace, dining area, and two sitting areas. Also on the property tucked in near the rain forest, the Volcano Village Cottages offers six stand-alone cottages, some with full kitchens. Separate from the stand-alone cottages, there are five modern bungalows offering various luxury amenities including heated floors and towel racks. Continental breakfast is placed in your refrigerator while you're away in the afternoon so that you can enjoy it at your leisure in the morning.

A trip to this trendy hotel in Midtown feels less like Atlanta and more like New York City, with slick details and more black-suited security guards and velvet ropes than seem necessary. The rooms feature exquisitely comfortable beds, and the staff is generally helpful. There's also an in-house spa and locally sourced Southern dining at the Trace restaurant.

Fort Lauderdale's trendiest hotel has a glamorous poolscape, ubermodern rooms and suites, and dramatic views from every direction. It's home to not just one, but two Stephen Starr restaurants serving high-end steaks and seafood or authentic Mexican fare. It's also the most pet-friendly hotel in town. Guests are welcome to bring two of their four-legged friends weighing up to 40 pounds.

This luxury pick delivers with a convenient Gulch location, spacious rooms, sophisticated modern decor, and robust amenities. The elevated outdoor pool is one of the largest in the city and it's a lively summer hangout; there's also an all-season rooftop bar with some inventive cocktails and a cozy lobby bar with snacks and whiskey tastings. The dining options are this hotel's main draw: Italian steak house Carne Mare beckons with dark leather and fresh oysters, while The Dutch delivers hearty American fare and live music in the evenings.

The W Times Square stands out in the craziness of Midtown, thanks to its infamous 57-story exterior—if you want to be in the thick of the action, this is the place to stay. Rooms are small but sophisticated in the W's trademark glossy style, with pink and purple accents, hideaway cabinets, platform featherbeds, and sleek bathrooms. The more expensive rooms on the higher floors have impressive views to the west over the Hudson River. The modern Mexican restaurant Dos Caminos and the Living Room bar remain popular, if pricey, offshoots of the eighth-floor lobby, which is always bustling.

This elegant hotel, formerly a Ritz-Carlton, provides good-size luxury accommodations—along with some of the best views in the city, including rooms with sweeping vistas of the New York harbor that include the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. The neighborhood is quiet, especially at night, but the Battery Park City location invites travelers to feel like resident New Yorkers for a spell. There's American bistro-style fare at 2 West, and a spa offers specialty treatments like Reiki and Ayurvedic massage.

Guests who return to this older property year after year appreciate its proximity to restaurants and shops and its easygoing "come as you are" vibe. It consists of a pair of buildings, one with standard rooms, the other with kitchenette-equipped one-bedroom suites. There are also connecting rooms available for larger groups. Most guest quarters have lanai, but only some rooms have been refreshed (ask when booking), and the views are more city-and-concrete than foliage-and-ocean. The lobby has an IHOP and a sports bar. Stops for the city bus and trolley lines are right outside the front door.

Nestled between Fort DeRussy Beach Park and the Outrigger Reef Resort, the only condo hotel directly on Waikiki Beach is beloved by some for its spaciousness and by others for its quieter, western-end location. Units, which are individually owned and have varying decor and amenities, include studios and one- or two-bedroom suites, each with private lanai and panoramic views. Some units have full kitchens; others have kitchenettes. All suites have washers and dryers in addition to a daily cleaning service (for an additional one-time fee). The property is overseen by two companies: Castle Resorts, which handles most of the rentals, and Outrigger, which manages about 30 units. Guests who book directly with Outrigger have access to the pool and fitness center at the neighboring Outrigger Reef and must check in at the Regency on Beachwalk Waikiki by Outrigger, about two blocks away.

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.

Among the ghosts of the literary salons and speakeasies of Greenwich Village is the Walker, a boutique property with an art deco sensibility, where gas lamps and an inconspicuous facade blend the new hotel with the old character of this tree-lined neighborhood. The exposed-brick, sunken lobby has tufted blue couches and a fireplace for relaxing with one of the New York–theme books on the shelves. Rooms are distinctly Greenwich Village with their tight space, but they do have nice touches like a retro rotary phone and C.O. Bigelow bath products. Some rooms have extras like terraces and separate soaking tubs and stall showers.

Built in the 1950s as a motel and relaunched in 2013 after getting a complete makeover, this spot offers spacious suites and rooms that are both woodsy and stylishly contemporary, with a mix of pine, hardwood, and granite surfaces. Suites have full kitchens and dining areas, while skylights fill all the remodeled interiors with light.

This friendly 1920s lodge offers simple yet appealing rooms (the grandest have balconies facing the lake) plus knotty-pine cabins, some with fireplaces and lake views, and all with kitchens. The on-site restaurant serves standard American fare for breakfast, lunch, and dinner while the main lodge features a large common area with handmade replicas of the structure's original furniture and a massive fireplace.

This cluster of tidy, well-appointed cottages opened in 2022 in a quiet area that's still a stone's throw from beaches and Dock Square. The cottages might look tiny from the outside, but soaring ceilings and whitewashed walls make them feel spacious. The “little cottages” are for two adults only; children 12 and older can stay in the “big cottages.” Some cottages are dog-friendly.

Named a National Historic Landmark in 1999, the Allerton was a residential, 12-story "club hotel" for men when it opened in 1924; the hotel added 14 more floors in 1930, making it the tallest building on Michigan Avenue at the time. The guest rooms have been remodeled with an attractive mix of blue, white, and yellow; new king and queen beds are an added bonus. If you want to stay in the middle of it all, this is a very good choice.