1405 Best Hotels in USA

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We've compiled the best of the best in USA - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.

THE BEST HOTEL IN USA

ARRIVE Austin

4.5
Overall Editor Rating
$$ | 1813 E. 6th St., Austin, TX, 78702, USA
Fodor's Choice
Courtesy of ARRIVE by Palisociety

FODOR’S EXPERT REVIEW

East Austin’s landmark, ARRIVE, is a masonry structure shaped as a giant piece of abstract art. The 2019 build has an industrial bohemian aesthetic and features 83 guest rooms, a Spanish restaurant, and a patio bar. The boutique hipster hotel fits in nicely on this trendy nightlife stretch of East Sixth Street. Guests can access some of the most sought-after bars and restaurants in town by foot, bike, or car. (Safe street parking can be scarce, however). The on-site Lefty's Brick Bar is a casual neighborhood bar and courtyard restaurant, and there's also a spacious rooftop patio. The staff is friendly and eager to help a younger-skewing clientele who don't mind the sparse amenities.

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Pros

  • Close to the ‘truly Austin’ party scene
  • Located away from cookie-cutter downtown, yet within easy reach
  • The building’s an interesting design that art enthusiasts will appreciate

Cons

  • There are no fitness or wellness amenities
  • All rooms do not have coffee machines
  • The location can be extremely noisy as it's packed with bars
1813 E. 6th St., Austin, TX, 78702, USA
737-242–8080
Hotel Details
83 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

  • $$

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THE BEST HOTEL IN USA

Bellagio Las Vegas

4
Overall Editor Rating
$$$ | 3600 Las Vegas Blvd. S, Las Vegas, NV, 89109, USA
Fodor's Choice
MGM Resorts International

FODOR’S EXPERT REVIEW

The Bellagio has become a symbol of Las Vegas both locally and around the world. The “dancing” Fountains of Bellagio in front of the hotel are synonymous with Vegas grandeur, and they now serve as the backdrop for the awards ceremonies of major sporting events including Formula One. The circa-1998 hotel replicates a mansion on Lake Como, and attractions such as the (free) Conservatory & Botanical Gardens are exquisite. A total of 3,933 rooms are spread across two towers. These accommodations remain among the swankiest on the entire Las Vegas Strip.

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Pros

  • Beautiful flowers, both live and glass
  • Fountains provide the best free show in Las Vegas
  • Pool area feels exactly like Italy

Cons

  • Corridors can be crowded, especially during conventions
  • Not much diversity among shopping options
  • Underwhelming fitness center, spa
3600 Las Vegas Blvd. S, Las Vegas, NV, 89109, USA
702-693–7111
Hotel Details
3933 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

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THE BEST HOTEL IN USA

Caesars Palace

4
Overall Editor Rating
$$ | 3570 Las Vegas Blvd. S, Las Vegas, NV, 89109, USA
Fodor's Choice
Caesars Entertainment

FODOR’S EXPERT REVIEW

This ornate and lavish hotspot opened in 1966, making it one of the oldest remaining resorts on the Las Vegas Strip. Since then, the property has undergone several modernizations, and a star turn in movies such as “The Hangover.” Today, each guest’s Caesars Palace experience depends on which of the six towers in which they’re staying; newer accommodations such as the Agustus Tower and the Nobu Hotel are the fanciest, while the circa-1966 Julius Tower has kitsch appeal. Despite its size (3,980 rooms in all), Caesars still has an air of sophistication and service. Consider these high roller vibes.

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Pros

  • Exciting history, Hollywood cache
  • Centrally located for access to all Strip resorts
  • Star powered restaurants, barsStar powered restaurants, bars

Cons

  • Some rooms showing age
  • Views hit or miss, depending on tower
  • Fitness center stuck in the 1990s
3570 Las Vegas Blvd. S, Las Vegas, NV, 89109, USA
866-227–5938
Hotel Details
3992 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

  • $$

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Recommended Fodor's Video

THE BEST HOTEL IN USA

The Greenwich Hotel

5
Overall Editor Rating
$$$$ | 377 Greenwich St., New York, NY, 10013, USA
Fodor's Choice
The Greenwich Hotel

FODOR’S EXPERT REVIEW

Surrounded by the trendy lofts and cobblestone streets of TriBeCa, this Robert De Niro-backed boutique hotel contains 86 rooms and suites – including two duplexes and a sprawling penthouse – each one with its own unique character and decor. An excellent Japan-inspired spa, serene underground pool, private dining areas for guests, faultless service, and delightful in-room amenities make The Greenwich Hotel one of NYC’s most quietly luxurious stays.

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Pros

  • Distinctive and unique decor in each room
  • One of the city’s best spas
  • Impeccable service and amenities

Cons

  • Some rooms are overlooked
  • Spa books up weeks in advance
  • Gym can get crowded at peak times
377 Greenwich St., New York, NY, 10013, USA
212-941–8900
Hotel Details
88 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

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THE BEST HOTEL IN USA

Lotte New York Palace

4.5
Overall Editor Rating
$$$ | 455 Madison Ave., New York, NY, 10022, USA
Fodor's Choice
Lotte New York Palace

FODOR’S EXPERT REVIEW

This historic Midtown hotel unfolds across a 19th-century mansion (The Palace) and a soaring glass tower (The Towers). Between the extravagant lobby, ornate drinking and dining venues, postcard-worthy views of St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and upmarket address on Madison Avenue, the hotel delivers old-school New York glamour with just enough contemporary edge. 

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Pros

  • Spacious rooms
  • Steeped in New York history
  • Opulent, art-laden interiors

Cons

  • Lines can get long at reception during peak times
  • Some rooms in The Palace could use an update
  • Separate elevators to access The Palace and The Towers can get confusing
455 Madison Ave., New York, NY, 10022, USA
212-888–7000
Hotel Details
909 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

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THE BEST HOTEL IN USA

Waldorf-Astoria

5
Overall Editor Rating
$$ | 301 Park Ave., New York, NY, 10022, USA
Fodor's Choice
Waldorf Astoria New York

FODOR’S EXPERT REVIEW

Following a mammoth $2 billion restoration project, the beloved Waldorf Astoria is reemerging as one of the city’s most glitzy locations. Commanding an entire Midtown block between Park and Lexington Avenues, the hotel contains 375 brand new guest rooms and suites, a glamorous bar, two destination restaurants, a 20,000 sq. ft. Wellness Center and spa, and even a grand ballroom that’s hosted everyone from U.S. presidents to European royalty.

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Pros

  • Restoration is beautiful from top to bottom
  • Buzzy, elegant drinking and dining
  • Phenomenal service

Cons

  • Some bathrooms have a wetroom with no separate shower
  • Certain rooms are on the smaller side
301 Park Ave., New York, NY, 10022, USA
212-355–3000
Hotel Details
1,027 rooms, 208 suites
No Meals

Quick Facts

  • $$

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THE BEST HOTEL IN USA

Austin Proper Hotel

5
Overall Editor Rating
$$$$ | 600 W. 2nd St., Austin, TX, 78701, USA
Fodor's Choice

FODOR’S EXPERT REVIEW

In The Proper's first foray outside California, Interior designer Kelly Wearstler spent years traveling Texas collecting vintage pieces for the Austin outpost. The result is a breath of West Coast cool with a hint of spice breezing through downtown’s Second Street corridor. The rooftop deck, lobby lounge, and patio restaurant have become fixtures to local somebodies.

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Pros

  • There’s a sexy rooftop pool with an adjacent Mexican restaurant
  • The hotel has a large fitness and wellness center
  • A Cali-chic venue that injects glitz into ATX

Cons

  • The ground floor feels showy and rather pretentious
  • It’s pricy, but that prices out boisterous bachelorette parties
  • Rooms and suites are small by Texas standards
600 W. 2nd St., Austin, TX, 78701, USA
512-628–1500
Hotel Details
238 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

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THE BEST HOTEL IN USA

Hotel Theodore

5
Overall Editor Rating
$$$ | 1531 7th Ave., Seattle, 98101, USA
Fodor's Choice

FODOR’S EXPERT REVIEW

Originally called The Roosevelt, this historic Seattle hotel has continuously been in operation since 1929. It maintains that roaring twenties flair despite numerous renovations, most recently in 2016, when it underwent a complete rebranding. Now called Hotel Theodore, visitors enjoy old-school charm along with an updated, contemporary arthouse atmosphere in a central location. Each of the 150 guest rooms features unique artwork, as does the Roosevelt Penthouse suite, previously the owner’s private residence. There are also pet-friendly options.

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Pros

  • Cozy multi-level lobby with numerous meeting areas
  • Delightfully designed, pet-friendly rooms
  • Complimentary bike rentals

Cons

  • No spa or pool facilities
  • Small fitness center
  • Room views aren’t the most interesting
1531 7th Ave., Seattle, 98101, USA
206-621–1200
Hotel Details
153 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

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THE BEST HOTEL IN USA

Bardessono

$$$$ | 6526 Yount St., Yountville, CA, 94599, USA
Fodor's Choice
Bardessono, Yountville
Sammy Todd Dyess

FODOR’S EXPERT REVIEW

Tranquility and luxury with a low carbon footprint are among the goals of this ultragreen wood, steel, and glass resortlike property in downtown Yountville, but there's nothing spartan about the lodgings, arranged around four landscaped courtyards. Spacious rooms with private patios or balconies have high-thread-count organic bedding, gas fireplaces, and bathrooms large enough to accommodate the in-room spa treatments Bardessono is known for. About half the rooms come equipped with combination showers/steam rooms, outdoor showers, or both. High-tech touches include virtual-surround speaker systems. At the hotel's restaurant, Lucy, the chef uses mostly local ingredients, some grown in the hotel's garden, to craft the menu.

Pros

  • Rooftop lap pool with mountain views
  • In-room spa treatments
  • Three luxury villas for extra privacy

Cons

  • Expensive year-round
  • Limited view from some rooms
  • A bit of street traffic on hotel's west side
6526 Yount St., Yountville, CA, 94599, USA
707-204–6000
Hotel Details
65 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

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THE BEST HOTEL IN USA

The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel

$$$$ | 35 E. 76th St., New York, NY, 10021, USA
Fodor's Choice
The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel, Upper East Side
The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel

FODOR’S EXPERT REVIEW

On the well-heeled corner of Madison Avenue and 76th Street, the Carlyle fuses elegance with Manhattan swank, and calls for the aplomb of entering a Chanel boutique: walk in chin high, ready to impress (and be impressed). Everything about this Upper East Side landmark suggests cultivated refinement: some rooms remain decorated with fine antique furniture, while many of the accommodations underwent an update in 2021. Its famed black and white marble lobby remains, and dining and entertainment options captivate guests, especially when cabaret luminaries hold court at the Café Carlyle. Bemelmans Bar is one of the great old-school local cocktail spots; and Dowling's at Carlyle, opened in fall 2021, can give the brunch crowd something to chew on with a decadent menu. For pampering, the Valmont Spa and/or Yves Durif Salon can buff, polish, and glow you up for a fancy night out. If you want the fragrance of timeless uptown elegance to go; look for Brooklyn-based perfumer, D.S. & Durga's The Carlyle, a scent created for the hotel's guests. 

Pros

  • Option of classic or contemporary decor in room
  • Convenient to chic boutiques
  • Several great dining and bar options

Cons

35 E. 76th St., New York, NY, 10021, USA
212-744–1600
Hotel Details
192 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

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THE BEST HOTEL IN USA

Bann at Oak Knoll Napa

$$$ | 2188 Oak Knoll Ave., Napa, CA, 94558, USA
Fodor's Choice

FODOR’S EXPERT REVIEW

Every room has a vineyard view at this self-described resort-style bed-and-breakfast whose glittering fusion of Thai luxury and Wine Country chic distinguishes it from its Napa Valley peers. Best known for Osha Thai on San Francisco's Embarcadero and that restaurant's local outpost, chef Lalita Souksamlane expands guests' horizons with sumptuously decorated rooms and suites (466–738 square feet), each based on a different region of her native land. Expect plush bedding, spacious showers, stand-alone tubs, and all the western technical mod cons. The hot tub and outdoor saltwater pool share the same vineyard views as the rooms, and there's a sauna. Phenomenal three-course breakfasts begin with seasonal local fruit, followed by croissants and various breads and a pan-Pacific main event that might include Thai eggs, shrimp congee, chicken pho, waffles, and pancakes. 

Pros

  • Considerate staff
  • Phenomenal three-course breakfasts
  • Individually decorated rooms on Thai themes

Cons

  • Social butterflies may find pace too relaxed
  • Late checkout costly
  • Extra fee for children
2188 Oak Knoll Ave., Napa, CA, 94558, USA
707-266–8229
Hotel Details
5 rooms
Free Breakfast

Quick Facts

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THE BEST HOTEL IN USA

Four Seasons Hotel Silicon Valley at East Palo Alto

$$ | 2050 University Ave., Palo Alto, CA, 94303, USA
Fodor's Choice

FODOR’S EXPERT REVIEW

There is luxury at every turn in this stalwart accommodation for the Silicon Valley power players from the prestigious global brand. Technically, the hotel is in East Palo Alto, the historically-challenged neighbor of Palo Alto, but the hotel is situated right on busy U.S. 101, so it’s incredibly convenient to both San Francisco and the main office areas. The typical Four Seasons bells and whistles are here with particularly comfortable beds; terrific work desks with ergonomic chairs (this is the heart of Silicon Valley after all); an on-site spa; excellent service; and a thoughtful, upscale modern design that feels posh and Californian together. For a sense of how the movers and shakers network in this pivotal region, just spend happy hour or peak morning coffee rush here.

Pros

  • Outstanding attention to detail everywhere
  • Great bar and Quattro Restaurant
  • Quiet, spacious rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows

Cons

  • Can't walk to anything
  • Pool needs a renovation
  • Uninspiring views
2050 University Ave., Palo Alto, CA, 94303, USA
650-566–1200
Hotel Details
200 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

  • $$

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THE BEST HOTEL IN USA

Graduate by Hilton New York

$$$ | 22 N. Loop Rd., New York, NY, 10044, USA
Fodor's Choice

FODOR’S EXPERT REVIEW

Upon arrival to this sustainably built, LEED-certified hotel, guests are greeted by a 12-foot-high sculpture of Fly Boy, a comic character, creating a sense of whimsy. But the Graduate, which is adjacent to the impressive Cornell Tech campus, also nods to the school, with a lobby lined by 5,000 square feet of bookshelves, campus colors, and communal seating to invite congregating. Rooms offer floor-to-ceiling views of Manhattan, Roosevelt-Island-themed art, and cool wallpapered bathrooms. You'll also find hallway portraits of FDR and his \"Four Freedoms Speech\" hanging in every guest room, which is good to read before visiting the nearby Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms Park. Panorama Room, the sexy rooftop bar and lounge is the main win here: it offers wrap-around views, an art deco-inspired bar, and a mirrored DJ booth. The ground-floor restaurant, Anything At All, serves seasonal American food in a bright modern space, or on the patio, for all three meals. 

Pros

  • Rooftop bar with sweeping city views
  • Spacious rooms
  • Valet and self-parking

Cons

  • No room service
  • College vibes not for everyone
  • No in-room coffeemaker
22 N. Loop Rd., New York, NY, 10044, USA
929-447–4700
Hotel Details
224 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

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THE BEST HOTEL IN USA

Libby Camps

$$$ | Millinocket, ME, USA
Fodor's Choice

FODOR’S EXPERT REVIEW

Run by a fifth-generation Libby family member, this backcountry sporting camp on Millinocket Lake draws fishing and hunting enthusiasts as well as folks who want to unplug and relax in nature; well-kept log cabins have handmade quilts, wood stoves, gas lamps, modern baths, and coolers with lake-cut ice. A magnificent stone fireplace centers the airy lodge where dinner is served family-style, breakfast is made to order, and lunch is packed to go. Folks linger after the day's activities, chatting with other guests or gazing at the lake from inside or the porch. Looking toward forest-lined shores and the island that was its original home, Libby Camps sits on a point of land with a sand beach and ledges. Many guests arrive by seaplane in summer—some for fly-n-dine excursions (see Millinocket Activities). In winter, snowmobilers flock to the lodge for lunch, and five cabins are rented at off-season rates. All are close to the lodge, which has an Orvis Pro Shop.

Pros

  • Fishing, hunting, and paddling guides, fly-casting equipment and lessons, and seaplane trips to Baxter State Park and remote ponds with stashed canoes (all with fees)
  • Courtesy kayaks, canoes, and motorboats and pistols for shooting skeet and sporting clays (lessons and ammunition, fee)
  • Dreamy hiking trail from camp edges Millinocket Lake en route to a wooden dam

Cons

  • 4x4 vehicle recommended if driving to fishing and hiking locales beyond camp
  • Wi-Fi only in the lodge (though for most guests that’s a pro)
  • Access is via private gravel logging road (fee)
Millinocket, ME, USA
207-435–8274
Hotel Details
Closed late Nov.–mid-Jan. and mid-Mar.–mid-May
9 cabins
All-Inclusive

Quick Facts

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THE BEST HOTEL IN USA

New England Outdoor Center

$$$ | 30 Twin Pines Rd., Millinocket, ME, USA
Fodor's Choice

FODOR’S EXPERT REVIEW

Just 8 miles from Baxter State Park, Mt. Katahdin rises across Millinocket Lake from this 4,000-acre great outdoors resort, with a lakefront beach and courtesy canoes and kayaks. Older renovated log cabins and a few newer ones are scattered beneath tall pines on a nub of land that juts into the water, while spacious two- and three-bedroom upscale “green” lodges are set back from a cove, with River Drivers Restaurant between the lodging clusters. Lodgings sleep 4–14 (the most popular up to 8) and most have at least partial lake views and propane grills (otherwise available upon request); all have propane or wood-burning fireplaces, TVs, and kitchens. Mountain views appear on resort trails, and if it's not in use, guests are encouraged to drive up to the stunning, curve-walled event center perched above Millinocket Lake to take in the sweeping ones there. Off-site, NEOC has seasonal lodging options: two rustic pondside “forest cabins” and a few miles from Baxter, Penobscot Outdoor Center campground, with tent sites, canvas tents, and bunkhouses (sleep four or five). A circular fireplace anchors the open-plan lodge, where a towering window wall reveals glimpses of Pockwockamus Pond through the trees.

Pros

  • Soak up the water views from the playground or a lakeside bench
  • Resort trails for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, mountain and fat-tire biking, and hiking link with nearby trails
  • NEOC's on-site outfitting arm offers a slew of rentals and guided trips and is home to Knife Edge Brewing pub/pizzeria

Cons

  • No or limited water views from newer cabins near the cove
  • No central lodge with common space for relaxing
  • Only six smaller cabins (sleep four–six)
30 Twin Pines Rd., Millinocket, ME, USA
800-766–7238
Hotel Details
21 cabins

Quick Facts

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THE BEST HOTEL IN USA

Nick's Cove

$$$ | 23240 Hwy. 1, Marshall, CA, 94940, USA
Fodor's Choice

FODOR’S EXPERT REVIEW

On the shore of Tomales Bay, these cottages (some are quite grand, others are typical hotel room–sized) are warm and homey, with wooden stoves and a decor that nicely balances an old maritime aesthetic with a contemporary edge. The prime cottages overlook the water, while the other half of accommodations are on the nonwater side of Highway 1. The farm-to-table restaurant is a draw even for visitors who aren't staying at the hotel, plus there's live music every Tuesday.

Pros

  • Tons of nearby activities including kayaking on-site
  • Rural luxury
  • Bucolic setting

Cons

  • Restaurant is great but might be too casual for some guests
  • Can't walk to anything
  • Hefty prices
23240 Hwy. 1, Marshall, CA, 94940, USA
415-663–1033
Hotel Details
12 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

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THE BEST HOTEL IN USA

Pendry Newport Beach

$$$$ | 690 Newport Center Dr., Newport Beach, CA, 92660, USA
Fodor's Choice

FODOR’S EXPERT REVIEW

Across a palm tree–lined boulevard from stylish Fashion Island, this 20-story tower caters to business types during the week and leisure travelers on weekends. Most of the 295 guest rooms, including 114 suites, have private balconies with outstanding views of the Newport Harbor, bay, and the ocean beyond; marble bathrooms; and Pendry signature bedding. Relax on a lounge chair, take a dip in the heated pool, or soak in the bubbling hot whirlpool. The tropical setting carries over to SET Steak & Sushi, a coastal steakhouse with a sushi counter. The outdoor terrace among towering trees and hanging lights is romantic and a popular celebratory spot. Off the lobby, the signature Pendry Bar is a popular locals gathering spot thanks to its tempting mixologist-made cocktails, stylish interior, and small plate options. Dogs and cats are welcome for a $150 per pet fee.

Pros

  • Lively lounge scene
  • Large tropical heated pool
  • Pet friendly

Cons

  • Valet parking $65 a night
  • Some rooms have views of mall parking
  • $45 destination fee
690 Newport Center Dr., Newport Beach, CA, 92660, USA
949-688–8001-for reservations only
Hotel Details
295 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

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THE BEST HOTEL IN USA

The St. Regis San Francisco

$$$$ | 125 3rd St., San Francisco, CA, 94103, USA
Fodor's Choice

FODOR’S EXPERT REVIEW

Across from Yerba Buena Gardens and SFMOMA, the luxurious and modern St. Regis is favored by celebrities, business titans and leisure travelers drawn to rooms and suites decorated with leather-paneled headboards; 3D graphic art pieces by Christo Saba; floral touches; and lots of natural light from windows offering city views (suites feature stunning floor-to-ceiling windows). It's no surprise that the design is a main inspiration for the other contemporary/sleek-style St. Regis properties elsewhere around the globe. The spacious bathrooms have deep soaking tubs, plush robes, and steady pressure rainfall showers. The hotel's glamorous restaurant and bar are a favorite gathering spot for the city's power players and C-suite visitors, who seem to appear like clockwork at 6 pm for the nightly champagne sabering celebration.

THE BEST HOTEL IN USA

Sunset Marquis Hotel and Villas

$$$ | 1200 N. Alta Loma Rd., Los Angeles, CA, 90069, USA
Fodor's Choice

FODOR’S EXPERT REVIEW

If you're in town to cut your new hit single, you'll appreciate this near-the-Strip hidden retreat in the heart of WeHo, with Nightbird—two on-site recording studios. Many a rocker has called the Sunset Marquis home. Check out the oversize portraits lining the walls of the hotel's exclusive speakeasy Bar 1200. Suites and ultra-private villas, which are set amid lush gardens, are roomy and plush with comfy beds, rain showers, and flat-screens. Fully soundproofed windows and blackout curtains ensure total serenity. The 53 villas are lavish with extras: kitchens, fireplaces, spacious bathrooms, and on-call butlers available to handle everything from unpacking to booking spa appointments. The concept restaurant Cavatina delights guests with Mediterranean-influenced small plates and entrées delivering garden (and rock star) views. Relax and soak in the California sunshine at the two outdoor heated pools and on-site full spa.

Pros

  • Favorite among rock stars
  • Lavish extras
  • Cavatina restaurant

Cons

  • Rooms can feel dark
  • Small balconies
  • No direct car access to the Sunset Strip
1200 N. Alta Loma Rd., Los Angeles, CA, 90069, USA
310-657–1333
Hotel Details
152 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

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THE BEST HOTEL IN USA

W Hollywood

$$$$ | 6250 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA, 90028, USA
Fodor's Choice

FODOR’S EXPERT REVIEW

A complete makeover in 2025 gave the already stylish W’s ultra-comfortable rooms a polished look with hardwood flooring, marble bathrooms, designer lighting, and curved couches. The curves begin in the lobby under a massive abstract chandelier of mirrored circles. Curved tufted velvet couches fill the retro-styled, sunken conversation pit. The horseshoe-shaped lobby bar overlooks both the luxe seating area and the greenery-filled patio; when the weather is fine, accordion doors open to the outside. On the roof, the pool deck sports two bars and the most luxurious poolside cabanas in Hollywood. Workout in the extra-large gym complete with Pelotons, free weights and other spiffy equipment. Upper floor rooms can face the Pantages Theatre’s historic neon-lit facade, the Capitol Records building, the famed hills and all the way to downtown. The bedside, mini-Marshall amp blue tooth speaker, along with a full bar, lets guests set their own vibe.

Pros

  • Metro stop outside the front door
  • Comes with in-room party necessities, from full bar to cocktail glasses
  • Welcoming, professional service

Cons

  • Long hallways
  • Pricey dining and $69 valet parking
  • Location in noisy part of Hollywood
6250 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA, 90028, USA
323-798--1300
Hotel Details
319 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

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THE BEST HOTEL IN USA

Laguna Cliff's Marriott Resort & Spa

$$$ | 25135 Park Lantern, Dana Point, CA, 92629, USA

FODOR’S EXPERT REVIEW

This newly redone picturesque Victorian-style resort sits on a bluff above Dana Point Harbor, offering endless views. Cool down in the two swimming pools, and relax in the beautiful spa. Families enjoy the kid's splash zone and small putting green. Onsite dining includes Lantern's Edge for fresh California seafood, steaks, and beverages. OverVue Lounge & Deck is also a local hot spot at sunset before dinner downstairs. The $35 resort fee includes use of the resort bikes, surfboard, and boogie boards. This is a pet friendly resort $150 nonrefundable pet fee, and $20 a day. Overnight self parking is $52 nightly and valet is $60 nightly.

THE BEST HOTEL IN USA

Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa

$$$$ | 5921 Valencia Circle, Rancho Santa Fe, CA, 92067, USA

FODOR’S EXPERT REVIEW

Elegant and luxurious hacienda-style casitas—appointed with corner fireplaces, luxurious bathrooms, and shuttered French doors leading to private patios—are nestled among 45 acres in one of Southern California's most affluent neighborhoods. Each of the 900- to 1350-square-foot suites feels like a private home, with wood-beamed ceilings, hardwood floors, steam showers, and hand-painted tile bathrooms. Big spenders can reserve the three-bedroom hacienda for around $7,000 a night. Throughout the gated grounds are tennis courts, walking trails, and the enchanting spa with an adjacent fitness center, two pools, yoga pavilion, and Pilates studio. Daily resort activities range from tequila tastings and lawn croquet to fireside s'mores and yoga for kids. Stop by the Pony Room for cocktails and lunch. Privacy, though, is the amenity cherished by many guests of Valencia, who have included Bill Gates, Barack Obama, Tiger Woods, and Bill Clinton.

Pros

  • One of the few properties in the United States with both five-star spa and resort
  • Impeccable personalized service
  • Use of minibar, fitness classes, Bentleys, and tennis clinic included in rate
  • One of nation's top tennis resorts

Cons

  • $65 daily resort fee
  • Very expensive
  • Far from San Diego attractions
5921 Valencia Circle, Rancho Santa Fe, CA, 92067, USA
858-756–1123
Hotel Details
52 suites
No Meals

Quick Facts

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THE BEST HOTEL IN USA

Rosewood Sand Hill

$$$$ | 2825 Sand Hill Rd., Menlo Park, CA, 94025, USA

FODOR’S EXPERT REVIEW

Synonymous with the relentless pursuit of exquisite luxury and exorbitant prices, few hotels in Northern California can match the gravitas and sheer delight of this gem near the northeastern base of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Everything is truly wonderful, from the dining options to the best-in-class spa. It easily has the Peninsula’s greatest hotel swimming pool (outdoor and saltwater), too. With all the glitzy amenities, the rooms are surprisingly understated with comfortable furnishings that are often influenced by the hotel's natural surroundings. Bathrooms include both rain showers and marble bathtubs. By virtue of being in the heart of Sand Hill Road’s venture capitalist office zone, the general hotel area can feel like a millionaire’s playground. This often is the Bay Area’s most expensive hotel, but if you can afford a splurge, it really is quite the special place.

Pros

  • Terrific upscale California cuisine at Madera restaurant
  • Enormous, well-appointed rooms that all have balconies or terraces
  • Beautiful grounds and views

Cons

  • Hard to rationalize the price tag
  • The location is an office park at a highway exit
  • Rooms don't always block out exterior noise
2825 Sand Hill Rd., Menlo Park, CA, 94025, USA
650-561–1500
Hotel Details
121 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

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Ace Hotel New York

$ | 20 W. 29th St., New York, NY, 10001, USA Fodor's Choice
The Ace Hotel, Flatiron District
DOUGLAS LYLE THOMPSON/The Ace Hotel

The Ace is not your ordinary boutique hotel; the lively lobby melds the look of an Ivy League library with the concept of a curiosity cabinet—eclectic artwork, mosaic tile floors, wooden bookcases, antique sofas, a photo booth—and the vibe is laid-back, making it a popular hangout for freelancers and creatives. The rooms run from \"Small,\" \"Large,\" \"Medium Queen,\" \"Medium King,\" and \"Bunk\" (traditional bunk bed, sleeps 2) to \"Loft Suite,\" indicative of the hotel's inclusive high/low ethos. No two rooms are alike, with original artwork and curated furnishings like turntables, Gibson guitars, and exclusive Pendleton wool blankets. The Lobby bar has good food and quality drinks though there are plenty of great restaurants and bars in the neighborhood. A Stumptown coffee bar on-site will keep you caffeinated.

Pros

  • Fun, unique decor
  • Supercool but friendly vibe
  • Lobby bar scene

Cons

  • Small rooms
  • Caters to a young crowd
  • May be too much of a scene for some
20 W. 29th St., New York, NY, 10001, USA
212-679–2222
Hotel Details
285 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

  • $

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The Bowery Hotel

$$$ | 335 Bowery, New York, NY, 10003, USA Fodor's Choice
The Bowery Hotel, East Village
Gregory Goode

Warmed by rich tapestries and fireplaces, the Bowery Hotel is like an English hunting lodge in Manhattan, and the red-coated doormen, clubby bar, and trendy address makes this a hot property. Upstairs, the rooms lack the richness of the lobby but make the most of the space with unfussy furnishings and floor-to-ceiling industrial-style \"factory windows\" offering a variety of Manhattan views. Downstairs, Italian-accented Gemma restaurant, which fronts the hotel, serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner and has pleasant tables outside on the sidewalk when the weather's nice.

Pros

  • Fun downtown location
  • Happening bar and lobby-lounge area
  • International crowd

Cons

  • Service can be inconsistent
  • Rooms lack luxe touches some might expect
  • Lobby can get too sceney for some
335 Bowery, New York, NY, 10003, USA
212-505–9100
Hotel Details
135 rooms
No Meals

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The Brazilian Court Hotel

$$$$ | 301 Australian Ave., Palm Beach, FL, 33480, USA Fodor's Choice
The Brazilian Court Hotel, Palm Beach
Enter photo credit

This posh boutique hotel, stomping ground of Florida's well-heeled, is full of historic touches and creature comforts—from its yellow facade with dramatic white-draped entry to modern draws like the renowned spa and Daniel Boulud restaurant. The lobby, with soaring cypress ceilings, underscores The Brazilian Court's Roaring '20s origins. Although not directly on the beach, car service and access to an oceanfront facility allow guests to enjoy plenty of beachside fun in the sun. All the studio and one- and two-bedroom suites have rich limestone baths and showers, wine refrigerators, and personal butler service; bay windows look out into the impeccably maintained gardens and enchanting flower-filled courtyards. The rooms all recently underwent a redesign that includes lush green velvet headboards and sofas that add a bold nod to the palms just outside, while white linens and pops of lavender brighten the space. Each room features a curated collection of black and white photography by renowned photographer Terry O’Neill, that pays homage to some of the most inspiring icons of pop culture. Amenities include an on-site hair salon and spa, and Café Boulud, a local outpost of the New York original; hotel guests reportedly have a better shot than outsiders at procuring a table. Don't feel like dressing up for dinner? There's in-room dining from the same kitchen.

Pros

  • Stylish and hip local crowd
  • Charming courtyard
  • Free beach shuttle

Cons

  • Small fitness center
  • Nondescript pool
  • 10-minute ride to ocean and suggested 24-hour advance reservation for shuttle
301 Australian Ave., Palm Beach, FL, 33480, USA
561-655–7740
Hotel Details
80 rooms
No Meals

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Chimes Bed and Breakfast

$$ | 1146 Constantinople St., New Orleans, LA, 70115, USA Fodor's Choice
Chimes Bed and Breakfast, Uptown
VPisarello

Charming, homey guest rooms all open onto the courtyard and have private entrances in this well-appointed B&B. A continental breakfast is served in the airy dining room (for an additional $15); afterward, relax in the landscaped courtyard or enjoy a walk in the atmospheric residential neighborhood.

Pros

  • Just three blocks from the streetcar and Magazine Street
  • Lovely courtyard for cocktails
  • Parking included with room rate

Cons

  • Noise carries easily from room to room
  • 3 miles from the French Quarter, which might be too far for some
  • Books up fast
1146 Constantinople St., New Orleans, LA, 70115, USA
504-453–2183
Hotel Details
5 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

  • $$

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El Encanto, a Belmond Hotel

$$$$ | 800 Alvarado Pl., Santa Barbara, CA, 93103, USA Fodor's Choice
El Encanto, Santa Barbara
Nick Faccuito

Built in 1915 and following more than $100 million of extensive renovations a century later, this Santa Barbara icon lives on to thrill a new generation of guests with its relaxed-luxe bungalow rooms, lush gardens, and personalized service. The landmark-preserved, Mediterranean-style complex has hosted many luminaries over the years, including President Franklin D. Roosevelt and privacy-seeking stars from Hollywood's golden years. Rooms and suites come in two styles of bungalows—Craftsman and Mission—nestled among lush gardens, courtyards, and pathways.

Pros

  • Dining terrace with panoramic city and ocean views
  • Stellar spa
  • Infinity pool with ocean views

Cons

  • Long walk to downtown
  • Pricey
  • Guests staying for more than a few days may find the restaurant menus limited
800 Alvarado Pl., Santa Barbara, CA, 93103, USA
805-845–5800
Hotel Details
92 rooms
No Meals

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Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas

$$$$ | 3960 Las Vegas Blvd. S, Las Vegas, NV, 89109, USA Fodor's Choice
Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas, South Strip
Courtesy of Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas

If peace and quiet are what you're after, this is your spot; with its own ground-level lobby and separate floors, the Four Seasons is cushioned from the general casino ruckus. You have your own health club and spa, your own recreation area, private parking, and an indoor/outdoor restaurant and lounge. If you feel the urge to join the Vegas revelry, all of Mandalay Bay Resort's offerings are available to you as well. We love the marble bathrooms with deep soaking tubs and separate showers, as well as the fabulous views—floor-to-ceiling windows look over the Strip, Allegiant Stadium, or the Las Vegas Valley (you'll pay a bit more for a Strip vista). The pampering policy here even extends to the smallest guests: every child will find a welcome gift on arrival, games and books to borrow, and even their own toiletries. In addition to full access to Mandalay Bay's sprawling pools and beach, guests of the Four Seasons have a private pool at their disposal. The quiet lobby library is a great place to relax, too.

Pros

  • Kid-friendly
  • Ultraposh
  • Access to the elaborate resort facilities at Mandalay Bay

Cons

  • Pricey
  • Far from rest of Vegas action
  • Stuffy at times
3960 Las Vegas Blvd. S, Las Vegas, NV, 89109, USA
800-819–5053
Hotel Details
424 rooms
No Meals

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The Hay-Adams

$$$ | 800 16th St. NW, Washington, DC, 20006, USA Fodor's Choice
The Hay-Adams, Downtown
The Hay-Adams

Given the elegant charm and refined style, with guest rooms decorated in a class above the rest, it's no wonder this impressive Washington landmark continues to earn international accolades for its guest experience. The on-site Lafayette restaurant serves American fare and is the backdrop to many a Washington power lunch or dinner, and the downstairs Off the Record bar lives up to its reputation as "the place to be seen but not heard." The rooftop event venue, Top of the Hay, has spectacular views of the White House, Lafayette Park, and the Washington Monument.

Pros

  • Impeccable service
  • Basically next door to the White House
  • Complimentary bikes, helmets, locks, and cycling maps

Cons

  • Expensive parking
  • No pool
  • Small bathrooms for this price point
800 16th St. NW, Washington, DC, 20006, USA
202-638–6600
Hotel Details
145 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

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