The best hotels in America

This elegant hotel in midtown Manhattan is at the height of extravagance, even by New York standards. Originally founded by John Jacob Astor, this distinguished 238-room hotel has treated guests like Salvador Dalí (with his wife and pet ocelot) to the finest amenities since 1904, and it continues to do so today. Personalized experiences from restaurant reservations to theater shows are arranged by on-site assistants and the St. Regis’ signature 24-hour butler service ensures every request, no matter how big or small, is fulfilled to every guest’s satisfaction. There’s plenty to experience, even without stepping foot onto the city streets, like the majestic wood-paneled library, traditional afternoon tea in the stunning Astor Court dining room and the iconic mural in the King Cole Bar—best examined with a signature “Red Snapper” Bloody Mary in hand. 

Glamorous guests abound at this posh hotel on Santa Monica Boulevard where there’s Hollywood charm to be found in entry-level superior rooms, deluxe suites and villas alike—some of which even include private patios, prime for enjoying the carefully kept tropical gardens. It’s clear from the marble bathrooms and fine linens that no expense is spared for the guests here. Regular visitors find monogrammed pillowcases on their cloud-like beds, quick outings to Rodeo Drive can be made in the house Rolls-Royce and even canine guests are treated to star treatment (even spa services). Regardless of status, everyone feels like a celebrity when sipping afternoon tea in The Living Room, or posted up under a private cabana at the 60-foot rooftop pool, complete with views of the Los Angeles skyline. 

For all its glitzy details, this all-suite resort on the Vegas strip manages to remain surprisingly affordable. The majestic cathedral ceiling in the lobby dons a European vibe without the gimmicky theme of its sister, the Venetian. Even standard rooms here are massive in comparison to most area hotels and, with 3,064 options, you’re sure to find the right balance of views and amenities. Sunbathing can hardly get boring with 10 pools to wander between while The Shoppes provide a dizzying array of retail and restaurants to explore between concerts, comedy performances, theater shows and time at the LAVO Casino Club. For less flashy entertainment, book a day at the world-class Canyon Ranch SpaClub to hit up spin studios, a 40-foot rock-climbing wall, plus steam rooms, saunas and beyond in the epic Aquavana thermal suite. 

You'll find the Ritz-Carlton Reynolds Lake Oconee Resort on a manmade lake about halfway between Atlanta and Augusta, Georgia. The main resort overlooks 30 miles of shoreline and has everything you could ever need, including a small beach, floating hammocks, and a dock with stand-up paddle boards and kayaks. In terms of the rooms, they all vary. You can get a 463-square-foot standard room or a 5,404-square-foot Lake House, there's something for everyone. They scream comfort, and are decked out with Egyptian-cotton linens and goose-down pillows. And fun fact, Carrie Underwood actually held her wedding here.

A traditional lei greeting kicks off your stay at this high-end Maui retreat, which boasts the largest guest rooms on the entire island. Guest rooms and suites vary in size and amenities but, no matter your choice, you’ll enjoy cozy accommodations and an incredible view of the Pacific, garden or West Maui Mountains in the distance. Stick around the stunning hotel grounds to enjoy fitness classes, golfing, spa treatments and the pristine sands of Wailea Beach or take a dip in one of three private pools—families will love the slides at the waterfall pool while couples can take advantage of the secluded Serenity Pool that provides a panoramic peek at Lanai island. Guest experience managers will set you up with activities like snorkeling and scuba clinics, biking and hiking excursions, whale-watching tours and even helicopter rides to get the most out of your stay. 

This ritzy hotel perched on the edge of Brickell Key is conveniently located near downtown Miami hotspots, like South Beach and the Wynwood Arts District, yet manages to feel secluded and serene. Take in killer ocean views from each of the 326 rooms and tuck into top-notch fare at La Mar by Gaston Acurio, the hotel’s award-winning Peruvian restaurant overlooking Biscayne Bay. Spend the day soaking up some rays on the palm tree studded, private beach or relaxing at the Oasis Pool and Beach Club, then sip a glass of champagne at Azul’s unique aluminum bar—perfect for keeping your bubbly chilled—before heading across the water for a night on the town. 

The laid-back Lowcountry town of Bluffton doesn’t seem like a likely place to find one of the country’s finest resorts, but Montage Hotels transformed the coastal area between Savannah and Hilton Head Island into a top-notch destination. With 200 suites, guesthouses and cottages situated along the May River, Palmetto Bluff lets guests revel in the serene surroundings with five-star amenities at their fingertips. Many of the spacious accommodations benefit from homey touches like gas fireplaces and screened-in porches and, because they’re situated on a 20,000-acre development, the experience goes way beyond your room. Take advantage of a gorgeous nature preserve, walking and hiking trails, fitness facilities, watersports equipment and a Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course. Conservationists and guides lead explorations of the area’s natural beauty and, once you’ve worked up an appetite paddleboarding or practicing with the shooting club, you can grab a bite at the high-end restaurants onsite. Check whether there’s an oyster roast scheduled during your stay for a true taste of Carolina Lowcountry. 

Quality accommodations aren’t hard to come by at ski resorts these days, so it’s no wonder that one of the most plush properties was dreamed up by the “Grandfather of freestyle skiing,” Stein Eriksen. The Olympic gold medalist responsible for shaping alpine skiing in the U.S. is the namesake of this Bavarian-style lodge opened in 1981 on the mountain at Deer Valley resort. With 180 homey guestrooms and grand suites to choose from, the hotel offers plenty of ski-in, ski-out options for visitors looking to hit the slopes. But what really sets the property apart are the variety of fantastic amenities that guests can enjoy. A 23,000-square-foot spa offers a sauna, steam room, plunge baths and numerous treatments for those who want a bit of pampering, while the fitness center and heated outdoor pool keep others occupied. Don’t miss out on the lavish spread at Glitretind Restaunt’s famous Sunday brunch buffet and take advantage of shuttle service to Park City’s historic main street for off-resort exploration. 

This centrally located gem has prime real estate along Chicago’s Magnificent Mile. The incredible gilded ceiling in the lobby is a bustling gathering place for guests enjoying an afternoon tea. The 20-foot-high, floor-to-ceiling windows overlook an al fresco dining area attached to the Shanghai Terrace restaurant, serving dim sum and more Asian-inspired fare in a smart-casual setting.  All 339 stately rooms are decked out in simple and chic décor and feature bedside tablets that let guests adjust the temperature, lighting and music in their cozy quarters. Stay active during your stay thanks to the state-of-the-art fitness center and glass-enclosed pool with views of Lake Michigan—after a sweat session you can indulge your sweet tooth at the decadent chocolate bar on Friday and Saturday evenings.

If you haven’t explored wine country beyond northern California, you’ll be amazed at what awaits you in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. This LEED Gold certified operation lets guests enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding area through green design that’s definitely not short on luxury. Pinot Noir and other varieties are ripe for tasting at the onsite winery and the grapes are even integrated into spa treatments, which use grape seeds and extracts for facials and soaks. The modern rooms integrate wood, natural stone and large glass windows to keep guests in touch with the outdoors. Continue to connect with the area’s natural bounty through the cuisine at onsite restaurant JORY, which features locally foraged ingredients on its impressive plates. 

This inn’s historic adobe structures and ornately decorated rooms are as stunning as the surrounding Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Wood-burning kiva fireplaces, embroidered silk textiles and gorgeous mosaics featuring tiles from around the world give the place an exotic feel, though it’s mere steps from downtown Santa Fe. Guests can stroll through the enchanting courtyards or even enjoy the signature made-to-order breakfast al fresco during warmer months, then treat themselves to unique spa treatments that work in aspects of ancient eastern rituals like Ayurveda. Complement a few days of quiet relaxation in the secluded setting with a bit of active exploration—the staff takes pride in planning day trips to discover historic spots around the city, including the San Miguel Mission, the oldest church in the United States. 

This hotel is an urban escape perfect for business travellers who want to stay somewhere cosy. It's just 450 yards from the White House, and 27.3 miles from Dulles International Airport, so you'll have access and proximity to local attractions and sights. Part of a French-owned chain, it opened in 2002 in a circa-1880 former office building. Guests have said you can regularly hear French being spoken by welcoming staffers. As for the rooms, they are large and stylist, full of modern technology and sleek bathrooms. 

Rosewood Hotel’s flagship property in the heart of Dallas was home to a cotton magnate in 1925 before opening as a hotel decades later in 1981. The 16th century Italian Renaissance–style structure welcomes visitors to its 143 rooms and suites with thoughtful touches like hand-written notes and complimentary refreshments. Carefully preserved historical details and greenery throughout the scenic grounds make it easy to forget about the uptown location, which draws celebrities, artists and other socialites year-round. The Mansion Restaurant is renowned for its contemporary American cuisine, which is made with ingredients from local ranchers and purveyors and rivals the fare served at restaurants across the state. Venture out to the lantern-lit terrace to dine fireside and sample the Mansion Bar’s extensive cocktail list, including the signature gin and tonic, mixed with house-made tonic. 

Once a center for conversations surrounding literature, art, science and politics, this historic apartment-hotel remains an important landmark of the D.C. area. John Hay, Abraham Lincoln’s personal secretary, and Henry Adams, historian and Harvard professor, once resided on the grounds where the current Italian Renaissance–style structure was later built in 1928. Now 145 exquisitely detailed rooms overlooking Lafayette Square allow visitors to reside across the street from POTUS during their stay. Dine on upscale American cuisine at The Lafayette then grab a cocktail and rub shoulders with big political players at Off The Record. If you need to work off your indulgences, hit up the fully equipped fitness facility or take to the streets of D.C. on one of the hotel’s complimentary bicycles for a self-guided tour of the area’s popular sites.

Midwestern hospitality reaches new heights at this impressive urban hotel along the Mississippi River. St. Louis’ iconic Gateway Arch has never looked better than from the contemporary guest rooms and suites, outfitted with spacious, marble baths and floor-to-ceiling windows. Kick back on the eighth floor Sky Terrace, where you’ll find an expansive outdoor pool, chic cabanas and sweeping city views. The 12,000-square-foot spa offers relaxing massages, facials and other treatments, while Cielo bar and restaurant provides cooking classes allowing visitors to learn about the art of authentic Italian food. The concierge can help arrange off-site activities from tickets to a Cardinals game to an outing at the Lumière Place Casino.