When planning a vacation or a business trip, choosing the right hotel can elevate your experience. The U.S. is home to a variety of hotels, from luxury resorts to boutique stays, each offering unique experiences. Here's a roundup of the top 20 hotels in the U.S., highlighting their benefits and unique offerings.
1. The Plaza Hotel (New York City, NY)
Why Stay: A true icon of luxury, The Plaza is synonymous with timeless elegance.
Highlights: Famous for its historic charm and high-end service, The Plaza offers lavish accommodations, including suites with views of Central Park. Its location on Fifth Avenue makes it perfect for shopping and dining.
2. Four Seasons Resort Hualalai (Kailua-Kona, Hawaii)
Why Stay: A tropical paradise offering top-tier amenities and exceptional service.
Highlights: Nestled on the Big Island's Kona-Kohala coast, this resort blends luxury with nature. It features oceanfront bungalows, a golf course, and natural lava-rock pools.
3. The Ritz-Carlton (Half Moon Bay, CA)
Why Stay: This coastal resort combines rustic charm with modern luxury.
Highlights: Located along Northern California’s rugged coastline, guests enjoy stunning Pacific Ocean views, two championship golf courses, and a full-service spa.
4. The Beverly Hills Hotel (Los Angeles, CA)
Why Stay: Known as "The Pink Palace," this iconic hotel has been a favorite of Hollywood's elite for over a century.
Highlights: With its signature pink décor, lush gardens, and poolside cabanas, the Beverly Hills Hotel offers a glamorous and private retreat close to Rodeo Drive.
5. Waldorf Astoria (Chicago, IL)
Why Stay: Luxurious rooms and exceptional service in the heart of Chicago.
Highlights: This art-deco-inspired hotel offers spacious rooms with fireplaces, a world-class spa, and dining experiences by Michelin-starred chefs, making it a chic retreat in the Windy City.
6. Aman Resort (Amangani, Jackson Hole, WY)
Why Stay: A luxurious retreat for nature lovers with panoramic mountain views.
Highlights: Set in the wilderness of Wyoming, this resort is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts with year-round activities, including skiing, hiking, and wildlife tours.
7. The Breakers (Palm Beach, FL)
Why Stay: An oceanfront resort offering historic grandeur and modern luxuries.
Highlights: With stunning Atlantic Ocean views, this iconic resort offers multiple pools, a private beach, golf courses, and a range of dining options, making it ideal for families and couples.
8. The Little Nell (Aspen, CO)
Why Stay: A ski-in/ski-out luxury hotel perfect for winter sports enthusiasts.
Highlights: This five-star resort offers direct access to Aspen Mountain, fine dining, and top-notch après-ski activities, making it a favorite among ski aficionados.
9. The Langham (Chicago, IL)
Why Stay: A sleek urban retreat combining contemporary design with superior service.
Highlights: Located along the Chicago River, The Langham offers spacious rooms, a state-of-the-art wellness center, and its Michelin-star restaurant, Travelle Kitchen + Bar.
10. Montage Palmetto Bluff (Bluffton, SC)
Why Stay: A Southern sanctuary offering a blend of history and luxury.
Highlights: Spread across 20,000 acres of scenic low country, this resort offers luxurious cottages, a Jack Nicklaus golf course, and serene nature trails perfect for those seeking relaxation.
11. The Peninsula (Beverly Hills, CA)
Why Stay: An intimate luxury hotel with a celebrity clientele.
Highlights: Guests enjoy personal service, a rooftop pool with panoramic views, and the opportunity to dine at the award-winning Belvedere restaurant.
12. The St. Regis (New York City, NY)
Why Stay: A legendary hotel with an unbeatable Manhattan location.
Highlights: Known for its sophisticated atmosphere, the St. Regis offers luxurious rooms, impeccable service, and its famous King Cole Bar.
13. Mandarin Oriental (Miami, FL)
Why Stay: A waterfront oasis in the heart of downtown Miami.
Highlights: This five-star hotel features a private beach, world-class dining, and a renowned spa, making it a perfect mix of city and beach life.
14. The Greenbrier (White Sulphur Springs, WV)
Why Stay: A historic resort with a wide array of activities and dining options.
Highlights: Dating back to 1778, The Greenbrier offers everything from luxurious rooms to a grand casino, making it a perfect destination for families and couples alike.
15. The Broadmoor (Colorado Springs, CO)
Why Stay: A classic American luxury resort at the foot of the Rocky Mountains.
Highlights: Spanning 5,000 acres, this hotel offers activities like zip-lining, fishing, and golf. It also boasts an award-winning spa and exceptional dining experiences.
16. The Hay-Adams (Washington, D.C.)
Why Stay: Luxury meets history in the heart of the nation’s capital.
Highlights: With views of the White House, this hotel offers opulent rooms with historical charm, top-tier service, and proximity to the city's key landmarks.
17. Hotel Bel-Air (Los Angeles, CA)
Why Stay: A secluded oasis offering privacy and luxury in the hills of Los Angeles.
Highlights: Known for its beautiful gardens, swan lake, and celebrity clientele, Hotel Bel-Air provides a peaceful retreat with state-of-the-art amenities and exceptional dining.
18. Fairmont Grand Del Mar (San Diego, CA)
Why Stay: A Mediterranean-style luxury resort with award-winning amenities.
Highlights: Featuring a Tom Fazio-designed golf course, a five-star spa, and equestrian facilities, this resort offers luxury amidst the natural beauty of Southern California.
19. Post Ranch Inn (Big Sur, CA)
Why Stay: A stunning, eco-friendly retreat perched on cliffs above the Pacific Ocean.
Highlights: The hotel’s intimate rooms blend seamlessly with nature, offering breathtaking ocean views, sustainable architecture, and an unforgettable wellness experience.
20. Inn at Little Washington (Washington, VA)
Why Stay: A countryside retreat offering world-class dining and luxurious rooms.
Highlights: Known for its renowned three-Michelin-star restaurant, this inn is ideal for a romantic getaway, offering charming accommodations and exceptional cuisine in the picturesque Virginia countryside.