The Best Hotels in the United States: A Comprehensive Guide

The United States is a vast and diverse country with a rich array of destinations, from bustling urban centers to serene coastal retreats, majestic mountains, and sprawling desert landscapes. With such variety comes an equally diverse selection of hotels, each offering unique experiences and unparalleled luxury. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the best hotels in the United States, highlighting properties that stand out for their luxurious accommodations, exceptional service, and unique locations.

1. The Most Luxurious Hotels in the United States

For travelers seeking the pinnacle of luxury, the United States offers some of the world’s most opulent hotels. These properties are renowned for their lavish accommodations, impeccable service, and world-class amenities.

The Plaza Hotel, New York City, New York

Location: Fifth Avenue at Central Park South, New York City
Overview: The Plaza Hotel is an iconic symbol of luxury and elegance in the heart of Manhattan. Since opening in 1907, this historic hotel has hosted countless celebrities, dignitaries, and discerning travelers. The Plaza offers 282 spacious guestrooms, including 102 suites, each meticulously designed with luxurious furnishings and modern amenities. The hotel’s Palm Court is a legendary spot for afternoon tea, while the Champagne Bar and The Rose Club provide sophisticated settings for cocktails and entertainment.

The Beverly Hills Hotel, Los Angeles, California

Location: Beverly Hills, Los Angeles
Overview: Known as the “Pink Palace,” The Beverly Hills Hotel has been a beacon of glamour since 1912. Nestled among 12 acres of lush tropical gardens, this iconic hotel offers 210 guest rooms and suites, as well as 23 private bungalows. The hotel’s signature pink exterior and vintage Hollywood charm have made it a favorite among celebrities and royalty. The Polo Lounge is the hotel’s legendary restaurant, known for its power lunches and star-studded dinners, while the pool is an oasis of relaxation.

The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans, Louisiana

Location: French Quarter, New Orleans
Overview: The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans, is housed in a historic Beaux-Arts building on Canal Street, offering a luxurious retreat in the heart of the French Quarter. The hotel features 527 elegantly appointed guest rooms and suites, all designed with a blend of modern luxury and Southern charm. The Ritz-Carlton Spa is a destination in itself, offering a range of treatments inspired by the city’s unique culture and traditions. The hotel’s M Bistro restaurant serves Creole-inspired cuisine, while the Davenport Lounge offers live jazz performances.

The Peninsula Chicago, Illinois

Location: Magnificent Mile, Chicago
Overview: Located on Chicago’s Magnificent Mile, The Peninsula Chicago is a beacon of luxury in the Windy City. The hotel offers 339 guest rooms and suites, each designed with a contemporary aesthetic and equipped with the latest technology. The Peninsula Spa is one of the city’s most luxurious, offering a range of treatments in a serene setting. Guests can dine at the award-winning Shanghai Terrace, known for its Cantonese cuisine and rooftop views, or enjoy afternoon tea at The Lobby.

Amangiri, Canyon Point, Utah

Location: Canyon Point, Utah
Overview: For those seeking a luxurious escape in a breathtaking natural setting, Amangiri is the ultimate destination. Nestled in the dramatic landscape of Southern Utah, this ultra-luxury resort offers 34 suites designed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding desert. The minimalist architecture and natural materials create a serene and tranquil atmosphere. Amangiri offers a range of outdoor adventures, including guided hikes, hot air balloon rides, and horseback riding, as well as a world-class spa with treatments inspired by Native American traditions.

The Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, Hawaii

Location: Wailea, Maui, Hawaii
Overview: The Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea is a luxurious beachfront resort offering stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. The resort features 383 spacious guest rooms and suites, each with a private lanai. Guests can relax by the adults-only Serenity Pool, indulge in a treatment at the award-winning spa, or dine at one of the resort’s three restaurants, including the renowned Spago. The resort offers a range of activities, from snorkeling and scuba diving to golf and tennis.

2. Best Hotels for Families in the United States

When traveling with family, it’s important to find a hotel that offers comfortable accommodations, kid-friendly amenities, and a range of activities for all ages. The following hotels are among the best in the United States for family vacations.

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Orlando, Florida

Location: Walt Disney World Resort, Orlando
Overview: Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is the flagship resort of Walt Disney World, offering a blend of Victorian elegance and modern luxury. The resort features spacious rooms and suites, many with views of the Magic Kingdom. Families can enjoy a range of activities, including character dining, themed pools, and the world-class Senses Spa. The resort’s proximity to the Magic Kingdom and its monorail access make it a convenient and magical choice for families.

Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando, Florida

Location: Universal Orlando Resort, Orlando
Overview: Loews Portofino Bay Hotel brings the charm of the Italian Riviera to Orlando. The hotel’s Mediterranean-inspired architecture, complete with cobblestone streets and gondolas, creates a unique and immersive experience. The hotel offers a range of family-friendly accommodations, including spacious suites and kid-themed rooms. Guests enjoy exclusive benefits at Universal Orlando, including early park admission and express ride access. The hotel also features three themed pools, a spa, and several dining options.

Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, Ko Olina, Hawaii

Location: Ko Olina, Oahu, Hawaii
Overview: Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, is a family-friendly paradise on the island of Oahu. The resort’s design celebrates Hawaiian culture and traditions, offering a unique blend of Disney magic and local charm. Aulani features spacious rooms and villas, many with ocean views, and a range of activities for kids and adults alike. Families can enjoy the resort’s water park, character meet-and-greets, and the award-winning Laniwai Spa. The resort also offers cultural programs, including hula lessons and storytelling sessions.

The Broadmoor, Colorado Springs, Colorado

Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado
Overview: The Broadmoor is a historic luxury resort nestled at the foot of the Rocky Mountains. The resort offers a wide range of family-friendly accommodations, including cottages, suites, and rooms with mountain views. The Broadmoor’s extensive amenities include a championship golf course, tennis courts, a spa, and a private lake with paddle boating and fishing. Families can enjoy the resort’s outdoor pool, horseback riding, and hiking trails, as well as a variety of dining options.

Hotel Del Coronado, San Diego, California

Location: Coronado Island, San Diego
Overview: Hotel Del Coronado, affectionately known as “The Del,” is a historic beachfront resort on Coronado Island. The hotel’s Victorian architecture and beachfront location make it a favorite destination for families. The Del offers a range of accommodations, including beachfront cottages and villas. Families can enjoy the resort’s beach activities, including surfing lessons, beach bonfires, and sandcastle building. The hotel also features a kids’ club, several dining options, and a full-service spa.

The Greenbrier, White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia

Location: White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia
Overview: The Greenbrier is a historic luxury resort set on 11,000 acres in the Allegheny Mountains. The resort offers a range of family-friendly accommodations, including cottages, suites, and rooms in the historic main hotel. The Greenbrier’s extensive amenities include a championship golf course, a spa, and a casino. Families can enjoy activities such as horseback riding, falconry, and a variety of outdoor sports. The resort also offers a kids’ club, a bowling alley, and a movie theater.

3. Best Hotels for Couples and Romantic Getaways

For couples seeking a romantic escape, the United States offers a variety of hotels that provide intimate settings, luxurious accommodations, and unique experiences designed for romance.

Post Ranch Inn, Big Sur, California

Location: Big Sur, California
Overview: Perched on the cliffs of Big Sur, Post Ranch Inn offers a romantic and secluded retreat with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. The resort features 39 luxurious guest rooms, suites, and private houses, each designed with natural materials and floor-to-ceiling windows that bring the beauty of the outdoors inside. The resort’s infinity pools, spa, and award-winning restaurant, Sierra Mar, provide the perfect setting for a romantic getaway. Guests can enjoy stargazing, guided nature walks, and private dining experiences.

The Little Nell, Aspen, Colorado

Location: Aspen, Colorado
Overview: The Little Nell is Aspen’s only five-star, five-diamond hotel, offering a luxurious and intimate setting for a romantic getaway. The hotel features 92 spacious guest rooms and suites, many with fireplaces and mountain views. Couples can enjoy world-class skiing in the winter and hiking or mountain biking in the summer. The hotel’s award-winning restaurant, Element 47, offers a fine dining experience with an extensive wine list. The Little Nell’s concierge team can arrange private excursions, such as hot air balloon rides and picnics in the mountains.

Twin Farms, Barnard, Vermont

Location: Barnard, Vermont
Overview: Twin Farms is an all-inclusive luxury resort set on 300 acres of rolling hills and forests in Vermont. The resort features 20 uniquely designed cottages and suites, each with its own charm and character. Twin Farms offers a range of activities for couples, including hiking, biking, fly fishing, and skiing. The resort’s culinary program is a highlight, with gourmet meals prepared using locally sourced ingredients. Couples can also relax in the resort’s Japanese-style Furo bathhouse or enjoy a private wine tasting in the on-site wine cellar.

The Inn at Little Washington, Washington, Virginia

Location: Washington, Virginia
Overview: The Inn at Little Washington is a romantic and luxurious retreat located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The inn features 24 opulent guest rooms and suites, each decorated with antiques, fine fabrics, and fresh flowers. The inn’s three-Michelin-starred restaurant is the main attraction, offering a world-class dining experience with impeccable service. Couples can explore the charming town of Washington, enjoy scenic drives through the countryside, and relax in the inn’s beautifully landscaped gardens.

The Chanler at Cliff Walk, Newport, Rhode Island

Location: Newport, Rhode Island
Overview: The Chanler at Cliff Walk is a historic mansion-turned-boutique hotel, offering a romantic and luxurious escape on Newport’s famed Cliff Walk. The hotel features 20 individually designed guest rooms, each with its own unique theme and decor. Many rooms offer fireplaces, private outdoor hot tubs, and stunning ocean views. The hotel’s fine dining restaurant, Cara, offers a seasonal tasting menu with locally sourced ingredients. Couples can enjoy scenic walks along the Cliff Walk, explore Newport’s historic mansions, and take in the views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Cavallo Point, Sausalito, California

Location: Sausalito, California
Overview: Cavallo Point is a luxury lodge set at the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge, offering a romantic and serene retreat just minutes from San Francisco. The lodge features 142 guest rooms and suites, many with fireplaces and views of the Golden Gate Bridge or San Francisco Bay. Couples can enjoy yoga classes, guided hikes, and cooking classes at the on-site culinary school. The Healing Arts Center & Spa offers a range of treatments, including couples’ massages. The lodge’s restaurant, Murray Circle, offers farm-to-table cuisine with a focus on local and organic ingredients.

4. Best Hotels for Adventure and Outdoor Enthusiasts

For travelers who love the great outdoors, the United States offers a variety of hotels that provide easy access to some of the country’s most stunning natural landscapes and outdoor activities.

The Lodge at Pebble Beach, Pebble Beach, California

Location: Pebble Beach, California
Overview: The Lodge at Pebble Beach is a legendary golf resort set on the stunning coastline of California’s Monterey Peninsula. The resort offers 161 guest rooms and suites, many with views of the Pacific Ocean or the famous Pebble Beach Golf Links. Golf enthusiasts can play on some of the world’s most renowned courses, including Pebble Beach Golf Links and Spyglass Hill. The resort also offers a range of outdoor activities, including horseback riding, hiking, and tennis. Guests can relax at The Spa at Pebble Beach or dine at one of the resort’s several restaurants.

The Resort at Paws Up, Greenough, Montana

Location: Greenough, Montana
Overview: The Resort at Paws Up is a luxury ranch resort set on 37,000 acres of pristine wilderness in Montana. The resort offers a range of accommodations, including private homes and luxury tents, each designed with rustic elegance. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy a variety of activities, including horseback riding, fly fishing, whitewater rafting, and ATV adventures. The resort also offers guided wildlife tours, hiking, and mountain biking. After a day of adventure, guests can relax at the resort’s full-service spa or enjoy a gourmet meal at one of the on-site restaurants.

The Ranch at Rock Creek, Philipsburg, Montana

Location: Philipsburg, Montana
Overview: The Ranch at Rock Creek is an all-inclusive luxury ranch resort located in the heart of Montana’s Big Sky Country. The ranch offers a range of accommodations, including cabins, suites, and glamping tents, all designed with Western charm and modern amenities. Guests can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including horseback riding, fly fishing, hiking, and shooting sports. The ranch also offers a full-service spa, a bowling alley, and a saloon with live music. The ranch’s culinary program features farm-to-table dining with ingredients sourced from local farms and ranches.

The Ahwahnee, Yosemite National Park, California

Location: Yosemite National Park, California
Overview: The Ahwahnee is a historic and iconic hotel located in the heart of Yosemite National Park. The hotel’s grand architecture, featuring stone, timber, and glass, blends seamlessly with the surrounding natural beauty. The Ahwahnee offers 123 guest rooms, including suites and cottages, many with views of Yosemite’s iconic landmarks, such as Half Dome and Glacier Point. Guests can explore the park’s hiking trails, waterfalls, and giant sequoias, or relax by the hotel’s fireplace and enjoy the breathtaking views.

The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe, California

Location: North Lake Tahoe, California
Overview: The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe, is a luxury mountain resort located at the base of Northstar California Resort. The hotel offers 170 guest rooms and suites, each designed with a cozy mountain lodge feel. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy year-round activities, including skiing, snowboarding, hiking, and mountain biking. The resort’s slopeside location provides ski-in/ski-out access, and the hotel offers a full-service ski valet. The Ritz-Carlton Spa offers treatments inspired by the natural beauty of Lake Tahoe, and guests can dine at the resort’s signature restaurant, Manzanita.

Jackson Lake Lodge, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

Location: Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
Overview: Jackson Lake Lodge is a historic lodge located in Grand Teton National Park, offering stunning views of the Teton Range and Jackson Lake. The lodge features 385 guest rooms, including suites and cottages, many with views of the surrounding mountains and lake. Guests can explore the park’s hiking trails, go wildlife spotting, or take a scenic float trip down the Snake River. The lodge’s outdoor pool offers panoramic views of the Tetons, and guests can dine at the Mural Room, which features floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the mountains.

5. Best Hotels for Wellness and Relaxation

For travelers seeking rejuvenation and relaxation, the United States offers a variety of hotels that focus on wellness, offering world-class spas, holistic treatments, and serene environments.

Miraval Arizona Resort & Spa, Tucson, Arizona

Location: Tucson, Arizona
Overview: Miraval Arizona Resort & Spa is a luxury wellness retreat set in the stunning Sonoran Desert. The resort offers 118 casita-style guest rooms, each designed with a calming, minimalist aesthetic. Miraval’s extensive wellness programs include fitness classes, meditation, yoga, and mindfulness workshops. The Life in Balance Spa offers a range of treatments, including massages, facials, and energy work. Guests can also participate in outdoor activities, such as hiking, mountain biking, and equine therapy.

Canyon Ranch, Lenox, Massachusetts

Location: Lenox, Massachusetts
Overview: Canyon Ranch is a world-renowned wellness resort located in the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts. The resort offers 126 guest rooms and suites, each designed with a focus on comfort and relaxation. Canyon Ranch’s comprehensive wellness programs include fitness classes, nutrition counseling, spa treatments, and spiritual wellness workshops. The resort’s state-of-the-art spa features a variety of treatments, including massages, facials, and body therapies. Guests can also enjoy outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, and kayaking.

Golden Door, San Marcos, California

Location: San Marcos, California
Overview: Golden Door is an exclusive wellness retreat set on 600 acres of rolling hills and gardens in Southern California. The resort offers 40 guest rooms, each designed with Japanese-inspired decor and private gardens. Golden Door’s wellness programs include fitness classes, yoga, meditation, and nutrition counseling. The resort’s spa offers a range of treatments, including massages, facials, and body wraps, using organic and natural products. Guests can also enjoy guided hikes, cooking classes, and art workshops.

Cal-a-Vie Health Spa, Vista, California

Location: Vista, California
Overview: Cal-a-Vie Health Spa is a luxury wellness retreat located on 200 acres in Southern California. The resort offers 32 Mediterranean-style villas, each designed with elegance and comfort in mind. Cal-a-Vie’s wellness programs include fitness classes, nutrition counseling, spa treatments, and mindfulness workshops. The resort’s spa features a variety of treatments, including massages, facials, and hydrotherapy. Guests can also enjoy outdoor activities, such as hiking, tennis, and golf, as well as gourmet meals prepared with fresh, local ingredients.

Lake Austin Spa Resort, Austin, Texas

Location: Austin, Texas
Overview: Lake Austin Spa Resort is a luxury wellness retreat set on the shores of Lake Austin in the Texas Hill Country. The resort offers 40 guest rooms, each designed with a blend of contemporary and rustic decor. Lake Austin Spa Resort’s wellness programs include fitness classes, yoga, meditation, and nutrition counseling. The resort’s spa offers a range of treatments, including massages, facials, and body wraps, using organic and locally sourced products. Guests can also enjoy outdoor activities, such as kayaking, paddleboarding, and hiking.

The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas, Nevada

Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
Overview: The Spa at Mandarin Oriental is a luxurious urban retreat located on the Las Vegas Strip. The spa offers a range of treatments inspired by Eastern traditions, including massages, facials, and body therapies. The spa’s facilities include a hammam, a vitality pool, and a relaxation lounge with views of the city. Guests can also enjoy yoga and meditation classes, as well as personalized wellness programs. The Mandarin Oriental’s guest rooms and suites offer a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, with elegant decor and state-of-the-art amenities.

6. Best Historic Hotels in the United States

For travelers who appreciate history and charm, the United States offers a variety of historic hotels that have been lovingly preserved and offer a glimpse into the past.

The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa, Denver, Colorado

Location: Denver, Colorado
Overview: The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa is a historic luxury hotel located in the heart of downtown Denver. The hotel, which opened in 1892, has hosted presidents, royalty, and celebrities over the years. The Brown Palace features 241 guest rooms and suites, each designed with a blend of historic charm and modern amenities. The hotel’s atrium lobby, with its stained glass ceiling and ornate ironwork, is a sight to behold. Guests can enjoy afternoon tea in the lobby, dine at the hotel’s fine dining restaurant, or relax at the full-service spa.

The Jefferson, Washington, D.C.

Location: Washington, D.C.
Overview: The Jefferson is a historic luxury hotel located just blocks from the White House in Washington, D.C. The hotel, which opened in 1923, is named after Thomas Jefferson and features 99 guest rooms and suites, each designed with a blend of classic and contemporary decor. The Jefferson’s public spaces are adorned with original artwork, antiques, and historical documents related to Thomas Jefferson. The hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant, Plume, offers a fine dining experience with a focus on seasonal ingredients. Guests can also enjoy cocktails at Quill, the hotel’s elegant bar, or relax at The Petite Spa.

The Hermitage Hotel, Nashville, Tennessee

Location: Nashville, Tennessee
Overview: The Hermitage Hotel is a historic luxury hotel located in downtown Nashville. The hotel, which opened in 1910, is known for its grand architecture, including a stunning lobby with a stained glass ceiling and marble columns. The Hermitage features 122 guest rooms and suites, each designed with a blend of historic charm and modern amenities. The hotel’s fine dining restaurant, Capitol Grille, offers farm-to-table cuisine with ingredients sourced from the hotel’s own farm. Guests can also enjoy cocktails at The Oak Bar, relax in the hotel’s library, or explore Nashville’s vibrant music scene.

The Fairmont San Francisco, San Francisco, California

Location: Nob Hill, San Francisco
Overview: The Fairmont San Francisco is a historic luxury hotel located on Nob Hill, offering stunning views of the city and San Francisco Bay. The hotel, which opened in 1907, has hosted presidents, royalty, and celebrities over the years. The Fairmont features 606 guest rooms and suites, each designed with a blend of classic and contemporary decor. The hotel’s iconic Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar offers a unique dining experience with a Polynesian-inspired menu and live music. Guests can also enjoy afternoon tea in the Laurel Court, relax at the full-service spa, or take in the views from the hotel’s rooftop garden.

The Peabody Memphis, Memphis, Tennessee

Location: Memphis, Tennessee
Overview: The Peabody Memphis is a historic luxury hotel located in downtown Memphis, known for its grand architecture and famous resident ducks. The hotel, which opened in 1869, features 464 guest rooms and suites, each designed with a blend of historic charm and modern amenities. The Peabody is perhaps best known for its twice-daily Duck March, where a group of resident ducks parade through the lobby to the hotel’s marble fountain. Guests can enjoy fine dining at the hotel’s restaurant, Chez Philippe, relax at the full-service spa, or take in live music at the hotel’s rooftop bar.

The Omni Homestead Resort, Hot Springs, Virginia

Location: Hot Springs, Virginia
Overview: The Omni Homestead Resort is a historic luxury resort located in the Allegheny Mountains of Virginia. The resort, which opened in 1766, is one of the oldest in the United States and has hosted presidents, royalty, and celebrities over the years. The Omni Homestead features 483 guest rooms and suites, each designed with a blend of classic and contemporary decor. The resort offers a wide range of amenities, including a championship golf course, a full-service spa, and a variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, and horseback riding.

Conclusion

The United States is home to an incredible array of hotels, each offering unique experiences and exceptional service. Whether you’re seeking the ultimate in luxury, a family-friendly retreat, a romantic escape, or an adventure in the great outdoors, there’s a hotel in the United States that’s perfect for your needs. From the iconic luxury of The Plaza Hotel in New York City to the serene beauty of Amangiri in Utah, these hotels represent the best that the United States has to offer.

Whether you’re planning a trip to explore a vibrant city, relax on a beautiful beach, or embark on an outdoor adventure, this guide provides a comprehensive overview of the best hotels in the United States. Each property offers something special, making your stay an unforgettable experience.