1951 Best Hotels in USA

You'll feel like an honored houseguest in this casually elegant, full-service boutique hotel, with sweeping waterfront views, intuitive rather than intrusive service, and an indoor-outdoor fine-dining restaurant, Café Pamlico. Lounge by the pool, walk out to the dock, or relax on an array of decks and porches, all designed to maximize the sunset experience over the sound. Schedule an in-room spa treatment, borrow a movie to watch in the 14-seat theater, or kick up your heels by stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, fishing, or bicycling through the Buxton Woods Preserve that's just across the street. There's a full-service bar and regularly scheduled live music.

Thoughtful and comforting details abound in this 1931 French-style manse such as the mini-refrigerator and basket stocked with complimentary soda, water, granola bars, and snacks, as well as gas fireplaces in several guest rooms. Out back, a large landscaped lawn charms with a central fountain, gazebo, and deck with firepit and seating. Trails lead from here to neighboring Retreat Farm, a bird sanctuary, and West River views.

Owned and restored by former Salt Lake Tribune publisher Philip McCarthey, this spectacular turn-of-the-20th-century Renaissance Revival mansion makes a striking impression with its red-rock exterior and princely setting on the lower slopes of tony Capitol Hill. The interior has stained-glass windows, pocket doors, and an eye-catching turquoise fireplace. All of the cushy rooms in this 11,000-square-foot inn are unique, and each is named for a Utah landmark, and rates include an outstanding breakfast.

At this understated and serene but stylish inn, perched on a bluff overlooking Vineyard Sound, common areas include an art-laden living room with a boulder fireplace and water views, oversize windows, and modern white couches; a bistrolike breakfast room; and a porch with more stunning water views. Contemporary furnishings such as natural oak tables, unbleached cottons, ample shelf space, and ceiling fans adorn each room; four have private decks with views of the Sound. Baked goods are a real treat here, so don't miss breakfast or the free afternoon snacks.

The InterContinental provides a more luxurious and stylish option for travelers in what's generally an area populated by more family-friendly lodging. All guest rooms feature bay-front views, with floor-to-ceiling windows that offer a panoramic view of available attractions both on the water and on dry land. Guests can also enjoy the pool, fitness and spa services, and indoor and outdoor dining at its signature fine-dining restaurant Vistal and "hidden" Italian restaurant, Garibaldi.

Combining Caribbean luxury with Keys charm, this glamorous 24-acre resort is a destination unto itself with five pools, rooms along a sandy waterfront, toes-in-the-sand dining, and amenities like kids activities, resort bikes, and morning yoga. The one- and two-bed rooms and a handful of suites with kitchenettes have white and dark-blue color schemes and bathrooms outfitted with walk-in rainfall showers. The bottom-floor rooms feature large patios that lead directly out to the sand, while the upper floors boast spacious balconies with breathtaking views. A full-service spa, fitness center, and marina with charter fishing boats round out the ample offerings.

Perched on a bluff above the boat landing, this landmark summer hotel recalls an era when guests arrived with steamer trunks for extended island stays. To capture the feeling of complete leisure, sit a spell in a rocker on the long porch and take in the gorgeous view. Local works of art are displayed throughout the three-story hotel, which was begun in 1816 and expanded in 1910. Guest rooms have been upgraded over the years and are pleasingly appointed with simple furnishings. Suites 1 and 2 have private, harbor-view porches. Waterfront accommodations afford views of the sunset over stark Manana Island; the adjacent Pierce Cottage, with an additional four rooms and two suites, has views of the village and lighthouse. Breakfast and dinner are served in the water-view dining room, which is also open to the public.

This hotel on the edge of SoHo never sacrifices comfort for style, so it's no wonder there's a high percentage of return customers—creative types, businesspeople, fashionistas, and anyone else with deep pockets. The lobby has fabulous double-height windows from which to appreciate unobstructed views—plus fresh-baked cookies, coffee, wine, and fresh fruit. Guest rooms are swanky and simple, with dark-wood floors, floor-to-ceiling murals, and more huge windows facing south and west. A plant in every room (ostensibly a carbon-offsetting touch) and triple-house-filtered bottled water all contribute to an environmentally friendly ethos. Jimmy, the rooftop bar next to the outdoor pool, is always a winner. Bring your fashion A-game: the James attracts a well-dressed crowd.

On a 5-acre coffee farm above Kealakekua Bay, proprietors Mike Martinage and Greg Nunn operate a grand yet very reasonably priced B&B in a plantation-style home featuring a 2,000-square-foot wraparound veranda with excellent views of the bay and the entire Honaunau Coast. The outdoor lava-rock shower is a treat, and the authentic Hawaiian cedar steam house, swing, and outdoor hot tub also offer panoramic views. Full breakfasts include ingredients harvested from the property, including homegrown 100% Kona coffee. Greg was once head of housekeeping at a five-star resort on Maui, and it shows. A detached cottage in back of the main house provides additional accommodations for families.

Built in 1859 as Boerne's stagecoach stop, this inn is now a recognized state and national historic landmark alongside picturesque Cibolo Creek. The main lodge of the nine-acre property features 22-inch-thick hand-cut limestone walls and airy porches, giving an authentic Hill Country feel. Beyond the main house is a collection of fully restored cottages—there's even a 19th-century chapel that serves as a lovely bridal suite. Each of the 34 rooms, suites, and cottages is uniquely decorated with vintage pieces as well as modern luxuries. Those interested in the supernatural should inquire about the resident ghosts reputed to haunt some areas.

Welcoming common spaces and immaculate, well-appointed guest rooms—with tasteful maritime decor touches and luxe bedding and towels—await you at this hidden gem in a historic captain's home. Pampering service and a large lap pool and outdoor spaces lend the quaint inn a resortlike vibe.

No detail was spared when they made a boutique hotel out of this 1860s warehouse, which later served as a Coca-Cola bottling plant and then a livery stable. A far cry from the typical Savannah establishments, traditional culture meets curated design at the Kimpton Brice and the "New South" comes alive with bellmen in seersucker, locally made furnishings, and accoutrements reminiscent of a modern Southern mansion. Special touches include a yoga mat in each of the smartly decorated rooms, a lively wine and hors d'oeuvres social hour, and fine art from the alumni of the local arts college. Count on making friends as you relax in the Secret Garden courtyard or dine in the chic Italian on-site restaurant called Pacci. It isn't just pet-friendly, there's even a pet social hour, and rates are surprisingly reasonable for the property's prime location.

The Palomar marks the apex of Philadelphia's recent surge of hip hotels; three brightly colored busts of Ben Franklin greet you in this Kimpton property's chic lobby alongside a comfy fireside living room. Touches of purple enliven the bright guest rooms, which have stylish modern furnishings, and cool amenities abound including autosensor temperature controls and locally made products in the minibar. The hotel offers yoga mats in every room (virtual classes on-demand) and instructs guests how to run a 3-mile \"Rocky run\" to the Philadelphia Museum of Art steps. Kids get a free toy at check-in and \"cookie currency,\" which enables them to purchase cookies and milk from room service. Complimentary wine is served at 5 pm in the lobby. There is also a bar in Square 1682, the hotel's on-site restaurant that's known for its new American cuisine and happy-hour scene.

Soft shades of brown and gray and furniture milled from California oak lend this full-service hotel's spacious rooms and suites a haute-rustic feel. Convenient to the Downtown Commons (DOCO) shopping and entertainment complex, Golden 1 Center arena, the Capitol, and Old Sacramento attractions, the hotel pleases business and leisure travelers with up-to-date electronics, deluxe bath products, and in-room yoga mats and spa treatments. On-site facilities include the third-floor pool and Revival bar, a steak house, and the independently run 25,000-square-foot Punch Bowl Social, with a bar and restaurant, bowling, billiards, darts, and other diversions.

Slow down as you approach this gem of a former 1950s apartment building turned boutique hotel or you may drive by it. Once inside, you’ll have a hard time deciding whether to lounge in the soothing nature-inspired aesthetic of the rooms, relax in the courtyard, or grab a drink in the plush restaurant, The Betty. Thoughtful touches like a big, blond-wood dining table with board games nearby and easy access to bikes for rent play well with the mid-century modern vibe. Look for local artwork throughout, and especially along the St. Julep rooftop bar—the jewel of the hotel in both color scheme and place to be.

This manicured 2,900-acre resort on the James River owned by Xanterra is easily the nicest resort in Williamsburg and the largest golf resort in Virginia: it hosts the LPGA's Kingsmill Championship each May. You can play year-round on three championship courses. The guest rooms have fireplaces and Colonial-style furniture. There are three restaurants on the property: Bray Bistro, James Landing Grill, and Elements 1010. All guest rooms have been renovated, and a Lazy River pool with sandy beach is perfect for kids.

Walking distance to Venice Beach and Abbot Kinney's artsy commercial strip, this playful hotel catering to younger budget travelers announces itself boldly with wall murals by Melissa Scrivner before you even enter the lobby. Guests love the laid-back Cali vibe; enjoy the cozy outdoor space with free Wi-Fi, or curl up in the lobby with a book and listen to the tunes spun on the house record player. Compact, newly refreshed rooms feature comic book–inspired tables, futuristic art, sublime beds, 55" HDTVs, and table tennis trophies on display. The second floor courtyard known as the Quad has a pool, loungers, Jacuzzi bar, firepit, and Ping-Pong area, which all make for a fun spot to chill before dinner.

Bright and spotless with a staff trained to please, this four-story property provides value with a splash of boutique style in its public areas. A double-sided fireplace catches the eye in the lobby, whose bar has views of the large outdoor patio. Morning light streams into the nearby breakfast room, where (for a fee) guests dine on dishes that include omelets, avocado toast, and pancakes. There's no lunch, but you can order a light dinner from the bar. The nondescript hallways give this corporate hotel's game away, but design touches like bathroom barn doors, leather headboards with decorative straps, and nightstands with faux-marble tops lend the guest rooms, done in shades of beige and brown, a modicum of flair. At the southern end of Napa's auto row on a busy four-lane road, the Knoll Hotel lacks Wine Country glamour but delivers a more than satisfactory experience.

This charming inn just outside downtown Joseph on the way to Wallowa Lake is warm and welcoming, with cozy, contemporary rooms that are uniquely decorated and named after places the owners have lived and traveled, gorgeous flower- and herb-filled grounds, and several spacious outdoor decks with heaters for year-round use. Some rooms, like the Mount Tomanivi, have stunning views of the Wallowa Mountains. Of the eight rooms, two sets of two rooms can be combined to make suites; as standalone rooms they share adjacent full and half bathrooms. The other four rooms have private bathrooms and sitting areas; some have bunk beds or a sofabed and sleep up to 4, making them convenient for families or groups. The shared main floor lounge has a rustic lodge feel with comfortable seating, massive fireplace, large dining table, and library with books, puzzles, and games. There's a mini-refrigerator and microwave for guest use, and complimentary coffee, tea, soft drinks, and snacks. Though the owners are avid outdoor adventurers and enthusiastically share tips about getting outside to take in all the stunning natural wonders nearby, their inn also provides a relaxing, cozy place to chill out inside with a good book, a glass of wine, or a nap on the extra-comfortable beds. 

As your best bet on Shelter Island, this former 1950s swim club pulls out all the stops as a waterfront resort with spacious rooms, two pools, private beach, spa, fitness center, and outstanding restaurant—making the marina view an added bonus rather than the main focus. Back in the '50s, the Kona Kai lured everyone from Jerry Lewis to Richard Nixon, and while “The Club” still exists, today you’ll find a relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere and plenty of resort perks like an adult pool, nightly bonfires, and the Vessel Restaurant, specializing in coastal comfort food (try the lobster carbonara or seared scallops). A second lap pool has furnished cabanas and tiki bars. Rooms are well appointed, with art-deco touches and pops of turquoise throughout; most have balconies with views of either the adjacent marina or San Diego Bay. The $46 resort fee is worth every penny, covering endless complimentary services including fitness classes, beach cruisers, charging stations, coffee service, and more.  Request room 278 for the best view, a soaking tub, fireplace, and the most space in the house for just a fraction more.

The draws at this desert hideaway a short drive from Anza Borrego State Park include three guest-only pools, a hot tub, five night-lit tennis courts and two pickleball courts, a yoga studio, a spa, a restaurant, and the lively Fox Den Bar. The 42-acre property pays tribute to its surroundings with a cactus garden, a firepit, and two tall, welded-metal animal sculptures by local artist Ricardo Breceda. Deluxe guest rooms and spacious casitas—from one to four bedrooms—are all decorated in a minimalist desert style that focuses on comfort and have thick comforters, flat-screen TVs, and Wi-Fi.

Dating back to 1937, Casa del Zorro started as a two-room adobe ranch house, and nearly 90 years later is a 42-acre desert lodge with 68 rooms in 19 casitas, each with it's own Jacuzzi or pool. Despite the changing of hands, this secret desert hideaway is ideal for those looking for spacious and comfortable accommodations. Huge rooms have desert views from balconies and fireplaces for cool winter nights. Bathrooms, done in granite and glass, are bright and modern. Resort facilities include restaurants, bikes, a fitness center, tennis courts, a stargazing theater, a yoga studio, pools, lawn games, a spa, and EV charging stations. The 1-mile jogging path on the edge of the property is a great way to work off dinner from The Fox Bistro. 

Originally opened in the 1940s, the Lafayette was once frequented by stars like Ava Gardner and Bob Hope; it eventually became something of a budget hipster stay, but since its $31 million renovation by local restaurant group CH Projects, the Lafayette has been given a maximalist makeover for the 21st century. The renovation also includes the addition of several distinct dining options, including a 24-hour diner, a bowling alley and bar, and Quixote, a Oaxacan-inspired mezcaleria designed with irreverent (but impressive) Catholic imagery. Be sure to make time for some poolside relaxation before catching a jazz show on the restored 1940s-era clamshell stage at Lou Lou's.

This lakeside lodge offers water or forest views from private patios or balconies, and there's a warm and comfy atmosphere throughout thanks to the many fireplaces and birchwood decor. Rooms have down comforters, marble counter tops, and flat-screen TVs. The Spa of the Pines offers facials, massages, and other body treatments. The restaurant Bin189, with its granite-and-pine decor and private wine-tasting room, serves international and American specialties.

Black Mountain College closed in 1957, but its impact is still felt today through the legacies of alumni and faculty like Willem and Elaine de Kooning, Robert Rauschenberg, Josef and Anni Albers, Buckminster Fuller, Kenneth Noland, and other maverick spirits who helped to shape American art, music, and literature. The campus is now split between Camp Rockmont, a private summer camp, and Lake Eden Retreat, which includes eight cottages and studios, several of which were built by the college. The grounds surround the aptly named Lake Eden, and are still a peaceful place of respite for creatives and lovers of the arts. Each May and October, Lake Eden Retreat hosts LEAF Festival, drawing several thousand revelers for a weekend of workshops, contra dancing, and world and Appalachian music.

This gracious red Victorian farmhouse, built as a summer getaway for the Pillsbury family of baking fame, has a peaceful setting on Lake Winnisquam and is a good general base for the western side of Lake Winnipesaukee. The inn contains nine impeccably decorated guest rooms and an abundance of inviting common spaces, including a 60-foot-long veranda and a gazebo by the water's edge—a pleasant place to lounge and listen for loons.

Don't judge this place on appearance alone: the nondescript tower is actually one of the city's most family-friendly hotels, and its location—just five minutes by foot from the Museum Campus—is one reason why. It also offers easy access to nearby attractions like the Art Institute. The erstwhile Essex Inn underwent a $30 million renovation in 2019 that capitalized on its mid-century bona fides (the Essex opened in 1961); the hotel is now part of Marriott's Le Meridien portfolio.

Smartly and traditionally furnished common areas—including the high-ceiling parlor, the formal dining room, and the wraparound porch—are a major draw to this dignified 1825 Greek Revival house. Guest rooms in both the main building and the carriage house are filled with a mix of old-world romantic charm and modern amenities; each is uniquely decorated, and some have fireplaces for those chilly evenings. A sweet touch: Cookies delivered to guest rooms every afternoon. 

Bookishly handsome, this stately landmark brownstone is inspired by the nearby New York Public Library, using books as a theme. Each of its 10 guest floors is dedicated to one of the 10 categories of the Dewey Decimal System and is stocked with art and books relevant to subtopics such as philosophy, astronomy, or biography. The staff is hospitable, and the whole property is old-leather-armchair comfortable, whether you're unwinding in front of the library fireplace or relaxing in the roof garden or the second floor reading room. Madison & Vine, a bistro and wine bar, is the hotel's restaurant. 

A far cry from Maine’s coastal bed-and-breakfasts and quaint inns, this hotel in the massive, revitalized Lincoln Mill has a distinctly urban feel. The lobby is home to the Batson River bar, and the rooftop has a pool (rare in this area) with views of historic Biddeford. The loftlike rooms have impossibly tall ceilings, gas fireplaces, and sumptuous glass-walled showers. The spacious lobby has a coffee shop and often hosts live music.