When only the best will do, the U.S. offers many hotels sure to meet and exceed the highest of standards. We’ve scoured the reviews for the most well-rated in a variety of settings from beachfront to mountain towns and fabulous cities to determine the most luxurious American retreats. All of these options make for the ultimate place to return to after a day of exploring, and sometimes hotels like these can be the destination in and of themselves. No matter what you’re looking for, from the dreamy tropics of Hawaii to the Rockies, a city getaway, and beyond, there’s sure to be a hotel for you on this list.
Kiva Dunes Resort – Gulf Shores, Alabama
The Kiva Dunes Resort sits along West Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in Alabama, stretching from Dolphin Drive to Gulf Shores Parkway, with soft white sands framed by calm blue waters ideal for a refreshing dip. One of the best resorts on the Gulf Coast, the property offers over a half-mile private stretch so that guests can enjoy relaxing in seclusion, although its top draw is the golf course, considered one of the state’s top courses. Accommodation is in private homes and condos; guests also have access to an on-site restaurant, four pools, and shared BBQ grills in addition to the beach.
The Hotel Alyeska – Girdwood, Alaska
Rated the best of Alaska’s top hotels, the Hotel Alyeska offers a spectacular setting surrounded by the towering peaks of the Chugach Mountains along the south-central coast just 40 miles from Anchorage. The chateau-style hotel sits below a popular ski mountain, and as it’s in a fairly remote location, it’s a top spot for viewing the Northern Lights. The staff will arrange for a wake-up call so that you don’t miss them if they appear in the middle of the night. The property includes a saltwater pool and offers a wide variety of excursions too.
L’Auberge de Sedona - Sedona, Arizona
Enjoy an oasis of tranquility at one of Sedona’s best spa resorts. L’Auberge de Sedona is surrounded by breathtaking beauty, with its best accommodation in cozy cottages on the banks of Oak Creek that include wood-burning fireplaces and outdoor cedar showers. The spa sits in a lush forest providing unique stress-melting treatments and more traditional services, like deep tissue massages using organic products.
Mountain Harbor Resort & Spa - Mt. Ada, Arkansas
Consistently voted Arkansas’ best resort, Mountain Harbor Resort & Spa includes cottages and condo lodging with full kitchens and a marina where you can rent a boat or even a houseboat. The property has three swimming pools, a lake view restaurant and opportunities for hiking and biking on the Lake Ouachita Vista Trail. The spa provides a wide variety of beauty and wellness treatments too.
Fairmont Grand Del Mar - San Diego, California
San Diego’s most luxurious resort, Fairmont Grand Del Mar is a luxurious Mediterranean-inspired property just over five miles from Torrey Pines State Beach in Los Penasquitos Canyon. A combination castle/golf resort just a few of the highlights include a world-class luxury spa, four pools, an 18-hole golf course, horseback riding and fine dining.
Grand Hyatt Vail - Vail, Colorado
Located at the base of Vail Mountain, this Grand Hyatt lies in the heart of Vail Valley, providing convenient access to boarding and skiing on Vail Mountain, along with miles and miles of hiking and biking trails to enjoy during the warmer months of the year. After a day of play, relax at the creekside infinity pool or enjoy soaking in one of the hot tubs.
Mayflower Inn & Spa – Washington, Connecticut
One of New England’s premier destination resorts, the Mayflower Inn & Spa sits across 58 acres of beautiful grounds that include an English-style garden and meditation labyrinth. Guests can also take advantage of the lavish, spa, indoor and outdoor heated pools, tennis courts, a putting green and fitness center. The elegant restaurant on-site offers delicious dining on seasonal menus too.
Boardwalk Plaza Hotel - Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
The Boardwalk Plaza Hotel provides the ultimate spot for enjoying Rehoboth Beach, complete with oceanfront views. Guests enjoy amenities like ornate four-poster beds, whirlpool tubs, and balconies with ocean views. There’s an indoor heated soaking pool, afternoon tea service and an on-site coffee shop too.
The Breakers - Palm Beach, Florida
The Breakers is one of Florida’s most luxurious properties, feeling more like a palace than a hotel. It boasts beautiful oceanfront grounds with a half-mile of private beach, five swimming pools, 10 tennis courts, two 18-hole golf courses, an indoor/outdoor spa, nine restaurants and nearly a dozen boutique shops. There are more than 500 rooms, including the 1,700-square-foot Imperial Designer Suite which features stunning water views from its floor-to-ceiling windows.
The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee - Greensboro, Georgia
The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee is often named as the state’s top resorts, set right alongside the lake while offering 99 holes of golf and a massive spa offering treatments southern style, along with various beauty therapies, pleasing golf and spa enthusiasts both. The property hosts indoor and outdoor pools, a fitness center, and multiple dining options, including a sophisticated steakhouse and casual dining. Bike, boat, and fishing equipment rentals are available too.
Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea - Hawaii
One of the top resorts in Maui for honeymooners, The Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea provides the ultimate slice of Hawaiian paradise. It not only has a secluded adults-only pool but also a pampering spa with a long list of decadent treatments. Enjoy SUP yoga, three saltwater pools, multiple restaurants and lounges, complimentary cabanas, and many free activities, along with accommodation in oceanfront suites.
Sun Valley Resort - Sun Valley, Idaho
Sun Valley is Idaho’s famous year-round playground, and Sun Valley Resort is often named the top resort in the state. It offers a wide range of accommodation from lodge-style rooms to cottages and condos that will put you just steps from the slopes for skiing and countless trails for hiking.
Oak Terrace Resort - Pana, Illinois
Oak Terrace Resort and Spa is a beautiful retreat overlooking a lake. The property includes an indoor pool and hot tub as well as a day spa for enjoying full-body massages, facials, aromatherapy, body wraps, manis and pedis. Enjoy playing a round at the Oak Terrace Golf Course, and dining at Mulligan’s Bar & Grille on-site.
Oakwood Resort - Syracuse, Indiana
Set along the shores of Lake Wawasee, this sprawling resort offers a sandy beach with a pier, a boat slip, kayak and pontoon rentals. Families with kids will appreciate the arcade and playground, while parents can enjoy relaxing at the spa and salon. Book a suite and you’ll have a separate living room, dining area, and kitchen with plenty of room for all. There’s a lake-view restaurant/bar with patio seating too.
Honey Creek Resort - Moravia, Iowa
Honey Creek Resort overlooks Rathbun Lake and offers a wide range of amenities that make it ideal for a family vacation, including an indoor water park with a lazy river. Boat rentals are available for getting out on the water, and there’s an 18-hole golf course along with a casual on-site restaurant. Accommodation includes rooms, suites, and private cottages with fireplaces, decks and up to four bedrooms.
Cedar Crest Lodge - Pleasanton, Kansas
Cedar Crest Lodge is an intimate B&B-style resort with just 12 rooms. It’s been named among the top B&Bs in the country, set across 111 secluded acres with picturesque views. All rooms are jam-packed with amenities, each with its own theme, featuring standout perks like steam showers, private decks, and Jacuzzi tubs.
Lexington Griffin Gate Marriott Resort & Spa - Lexington, Kentucky
Located in Kentucky’s horse country, the Lexington Griffin Gate Marriott Resort & Spa is nestled in the rolling bluegrass hills yet close to the main attractions in Lexington. A luxurious spa resort, guests can enjoy a variety of pampering treatments and tee off on a championship golf course right on-site. The property also includes indoor and outdoor pools, a whirlpool and 24-hour fitness center. Bike rentals are available through the front desk, and there’s a biking trail right next to the resort. Rooms include comfy beds with Tempur-Pedic mattresses, mini-fridges, and flat-screen TVs. Some come with private balconies too.
Nottoway Resort - White Castle, Louisiana
A luxury historic hotel, the Nottoway Resort sits within a mansion on a former plantation that dates back to the mid-19th-century. It’s just a three-minute walk to the Mississippi River while offering elegance, historic charm and sophisticated rooms, some of which resemble the original plantation buildings. The most luxurious mansion rooms have fireplaces, antiques, and period details. There’s also an outdoor pool, a gym, and tennis courts. Dining options include an upscale restaurant serving regional cuisine and a casual cafe.
Anchorage by the Sea - Ogunquit, Maine
Anchorage by the Sea is just a block from the Atlantic and a 10-minute from Ogunquit Beach, one of the most beautiful in southern Maine. You’ll also be close to the popular Ogunquit Playhouse is a must-visit, in operation here for over 80 years. The property features indoor and outdoor pools, including one for the kids, hot tubs, a sauna and a spa. Guests can also take yoga classes and dine at the on-site restaurant, while accommodation options include condos with full kitchens and private decks with ocean views.
Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort, Spa & Marina - Cambridge, Maryland
A top luxury resort in Maryland, Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort, Spa & Marina spans 342 acres along the waterfront and all rooms come with a balcony for enjoying the view and the breezes off the bay. The property includes a wide range of amenities like a golf course, multiple dining options, a pool, fitness center and a spa and salon. There’s even a kids’ club, Camp Hyatt, for the younger ones.
Wequassett Resort & Golf Club - Harwich, Massachusetts
The Wequassett Resort & Golf Club boasts magnificent views of the Atlantic Ocean and Pleasant Bay, made up of whitewashed buildings and clapboard cottages spread across 27 acres of beautiful gardens, salt marshes and woodlands. Guests can sunbathe on the beach, enjoy water sports, swim in multiple pools, and play a round of golf on a championship course. The luxurious suites come with gas fireplaces and marble bathrooms.
Grand Hotel - Mackinac Island, Michigan
Looking for a relaxing getaway in Michigan? Take a trip back in time to Mackinac Island where locals and visitors get around on foot, bicycle, or horse and carriage as no motor vehicles are allowed. It’s home to the historic Grand Hotel, which opened in 1897 and offers all-inclusive stays, with two nine-hole golf courses, a huge swimming pool, fine dining, and a full schedule of children’s activities in the summer.
Grand View Lodge, Spa and Golf Resort - Nisswa, Minnesota
Grand View Lodge, Spa and Golf Resort is postcard-perfect, set near the shores of Gull Lake which sparkles through the towering pines. Here for more than a century, it’s one of Minnesota’s most legendary and most photographed destinations. Its Glacial Waters Spa uses the healing mineral waters of ancient glacial lakes in its treatments, and there are a host of other facilities, including two golf courses and multiple dining options. Accommodation includes everything from lodge rooms, spacious cabins and beachfront condos at lakeside to golf course villas and luxury homes on nearby Roy Lake.
Beau Rivage Resort & Casino - Biloxi, Mississippi
Beau Rivage Resort & Casino is a waterfront resort that offers it all for Biloxi vacationers, with a full-service spa, an outdoor pool that overlooks the Gulf, a 24-hour casino, live entertainment, and an arcade. There are more than a dozen dining and drinking options, including a Pan-Asian eatery, steakhouse and a buzzing bar with dueling pianos. Rooms come with floor-to-ceiling windows and high-end details like Italian marble floors.
The Elms Hotel & Spa - Excelsior Springs, Missouri
Located just outside of Kansas City, The Elms Hotel & Spa makes a great escape for couples seeking a romantic getaway, including honeymooners. A landmark hotel, it originally opened in 1888 and was rebuilt in 1912 from native limestone. Guests are within a 15-minute walk from the Hall of Waters and Siloam Mountain Park in downtown Excelsior Springs and can enjoy facilities like indoor and outdoor pools, a spa, fitness center, an upscale restaurant, casual cafe and lounge/bar.
The Resort at Paws Up - Greenough, Montana
Often rated among the country’s top resorts for nature lovers, The Resort at Paws Up provides uncomparable luxuries in the unspoiled wilderness of Montana. It sits across 37,000 acres with accommodation in everything from high-end safari-style tents for glamping to elegant private homes. A wide range of activities is included in the rates, including horseback riding and world-class fly fishing, with in-room spa treatments provided for relaxing afterward.
Omaha Marriott Downtown at the Capitol District, Nebraska
The Omaha Marriott Downtown at the Capitol District not only provides a convenient location for exploring attractions like The Old Market, but it offers resort-like amenities, like a large outdoor pool and a huge 24-hour fitness center. The property also hosts two restaurants, Society 1854 which features farm-to-table cuisine showcasing local farmers’ products and Burdock + Bitters, a lounge/eatery serving light bites, afternoon coffee and cookies, as well as whiskey flights. Rooms boast hardwood floors and modern designs with soundproofed floor-to-ceiling windows and 52″ flat-screen TVs.
The Venetian Resort - Las Vegas, Nevada
A top resort in Las Vegas, The Venetian Resort Hotel Casino offers the romance of Italy, complete with Venetian gondolas for a ride through the “Grand Canal.” Part of the world’s largest five-diamond hotel and resort complex, it includes everything you could ever want, including one of the most elegant casinos in Las Vegas and the largest standard suites on the entire planet. There are multiple restaurants, with a half-dozen James Beard Award-winning chefs, along with a wide range of international boutiques.
Omni Mount Washington Resort - Bretton Woods, New Hampshire
Arguably the most famous resort in New Hampshire, Omni Mount Washington Resort is nestled in the White Mountains, a popular getaway among Bostonians for decades. It provides a stunning setting year-round, but it may be most impressive in the fall, surrounded by brilliant hues of red, orange and yellow. A wide variety of activities are on offer too, including two golf courses, tennis courts, horseback riding, and opportunities for pampering in a huge spa.
ICONA Avalon - Avalon, New Jersey
Set right along Avalon Beach, the ICONA Avalon offers an affordable upscale stay with direct access to a beach with chairs and umbrellas, a beachfront bar that hosts live music, fire pits and a beautiful seasonal outdoor pool with poolside service. Guests can also dine at a bistro and gastropub. Rooms include balconies, but for a more home-like option, book one of the grand suites with kitchens or kitchenettes plus separate living rooms.
Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort and Spa - Santa Ana Pueblo, New Mexico
Located between Santa Fe and Albuquerque, the Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort & Spa offers gorgeous views with rooms that come with balconies, many overlooking the Sandia Mountains. Ideal for families, a wide range of activities are on offer in the area, from horseback riding to Jeep tours, hot-air balloon rides, kayaking, and fly fishing. It includes multiple restaurants, three outdoor pools, a luxurious spa, horse stables, a golf course, and more.
Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa - Lake Placid, New York
Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa is nestled in the Adirondacks, offering views of Mirror Lake from nearly every vantage point. A top hotel in Upstate New York, it features amenities like balconies, jetted tubs and fireplaces, while the property includes a small beach area and dock for lake swimming, indoor and outdoor pools, and a large hot tub.
Omni Grove Park Inn - Asheville, North Carolina
One of the most celebrated resorts in the United States, Omni Grove Park Inn is renowned for its rich history and southern charm. It also boasts sweeping views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, a Donald Ross-designed golf course, fitness center and outstanding restaurants serving dishes based on locally sourced ingredients. The award-winning spa includes mineral pools with soothing underwater music and waterfalls, a sauna, eucalyptus steam room, lap pool, and contrast pools.
Indian Hills Resort - Garrison, North Dakota
Located on the shores of Lake Sakakawea, Indian Hills Resort offers everything from tent and RV camping to log cabins and condos. Enjoy solitude and a host of recreational opportunities, with a focus on fishing for walleye, catfish, and white bass. Accommodation includes BBQ grill fire pits and picnic tables – book the large log cabinand you’ll get a two-burner hot plate, mini-fridge, and a/c.
Kelleys Island Venture Resort - Kelleys Island, Ohio
Kelleys Island Venture Resort sits along the south shore of Kelleys Island and hosts spacious suites, providing a more intimate stay along with a wealth of activities. The property includes a swimming pool with therapy areas, an outdoor hot tub, game area, playground and BBQ grills. It’s popular among fishing enthusiasts as the island is located in the western basin of Lake Erie, considered to be the world’s walleye fishing capital. Rooms include lake or pool views and private patios.
Echo Canyon Spa Resort - Sulphur, Oklahoma
Named Oklahoma’s best hotel by MSN, Echo Canyon Spa Resort is a five-star spa favorite, located next to the Chickasaw National Recreation Area. Popular among couples seeking an active getaway, the property includes an outdoor pool and upscale dining while accommodation is available in suites, cottages and cabins. Most romantic are the cottages with Jacuzzi tubs and private decks.
Hallmark Resort & Spa - Cannon Beach, Oregon
The Hallmark Resort is frequently named Oregon’s top place to stay, overlooking one of the most photographed monoliths in America, Haystack Rock. Rooms come with balconies for enjoying the ocean views, including seasonal whale watching, along with gas fireplaces and romantic two-person spa tubs. A full-service spa, heated saltwater pools, and complimentary bikes are all included too.
Omni Bedford Springs Resort - Pennsylvania
One of the most romantic resorts in Pennsylvania, Omni Bedford Springs Resort has a long history that dates back more than two centuries – it’s even played host to 10 presidents over the years. Enjoy indoor and outdoor pools, soaking in the mineral springs at the Springs Eternal Spa, hiking trails right on the property and dining at multiple restaurants. Book a suite to get a soaking tub, a separate kitchen and living area, and a balcony.
Castle Hill Inn - Newport, Rhode Island
Located at the west end of legendary Ocean Drive, Castle Hill Inn sits within a 19th-century mansion on 40 acres of oceanfront. Enjoy watching colorful sunsets from Adirondack chairs before indulging in gourmet dining with mouthwatering prix-fixe courses. Accommodation is in mansion guest rooms and beach cottages, many of which have two-person soaking tubs, fireplaces, and/or ocean views.
Kiawah Island Golf Resort - Kiawah Island, South Carolina
Kiawah Island Golf Resort is an oceanfront property that boasts five championship golf courses, set along 10 miles of pristine beach. It includes multiple pools with water slides, an on-site nature center home to alligators, snakes and birds, and a wide range of other facilities. Enjoy a lavish spa, restaurants, markets, a fitness center and bike rentals, with accommodation in everything from one-bedrooms to full houses.
Under Canvas Mount Rushmore - Keystone, South Dakota
Tucked into South Dakota’s scenic Black Hills, Under Canvas Mount Rushmore offers a unique location on the outskirts of an original gold mining settlement. Accommodation is glamping style, including safari-style tents with upscale features like king-size beds and wood-burning stoves. Enjoy complimentary camp activities, on-site dining, a fire pit for making s’mores, and access to the many activities in the “Hills.”
Dollywood's DreamMore Resort and Spa - Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
Named the top amusement park hotel in the country by USA Today readers, Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa is located in the Smoky Mountain foothills in the heart of Dollywood attractions, including the theme park, waterpark and Dolly Parton’s Stampede show. It has indoor and outdoor pools, a restaurant and lounge, as well as a kids’ camp, game room, salon, spa, and much more.
Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa - San Antonio, Texas
Located on 300 acres of the Rogers-Wiseman family ranch less than 20 miles from downtown San Antonio, Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa boasts the 27-hole Arthur Hills-designed Hill Country Golf Club, swimming pools, a 22-foot water slide and a lazy river. There’s a spa for pampering massages and body treatments along with multiple dining and drinking options.
Amangiri - Big Water, Utah
One of the world’s top resorts and a top spa getaway in Utah, Amangiri sits in a remote location in Utah’s Canyon Country, popular among the rich and famous. It offers a wide variety of activities and opportunities for relaxation, from desert hikes with your own personal guide, horseback riding through red-rock canyons, spa treatments and delicious organic meals. Chic modern suites have private plunge pools and terraces that open to a brilliant night’s sky.
Woodstock Inn and Resort - Woodstock, Vermont
The Woodstock Inn and Resort dates back to the 18th-century, featuring everything from a luxurious 10,000 square foot spa to a memorable fine dining restaurant. The grounds include lush gardens, tennis courts and hiking trails as well as an acclaimed 18-hole golf course, one of Vermont’s oldest.
Kingsmill Resort - Williamsburg, Virginia
The Kingsmill Resort is a golf and spa resort that overlooks the James River. When you enjoy one of the 50 different spa treatments, like the signature Hops Massage using oil infused with hops, you’ll get to enjoy a picturesque river view. The property features three golf courses, a marina, fitness center, indoor and outdoor pools, along with a variety of accommodation options, from rooms to cottages and homes.
Roche Harbor Resort - San Juan Island, Washington
Roche Harbor Resort is a historic property located along the San Juan Island waterfront. It is frequently named among the “Best of Northwest,” popular for weddings and for all types of romantic stays. It includes a variety of accommodation options, with the Hotel de Haro hosting rooms with notable antiques, including the claw-foot bathtub where actor John Wayne even enjoyed a soak. The luxurious McMillin House and Quarryman Hall suites have heated bathroom floors, fireplaces and panoramic water views from a private veranda.
The Greenbrier - White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia
The Greenbrier is a gorgeous spa resort and National Historic Landmark, open since 1778 with accommodation in luxury rooms, suites and guest and estate homes. It includes a fabulous spa with a wide range of treatments plus a hair salon, spray tanning, and even MedSpa services. There are several golf courses, a casino, multiple restaurants, and activities for kids and teens.
The Osthoff Resort - Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin
Overlooking Elkhart Lake, The Osthoff Resort is a sprawling property offering home-like charms. It includes an indoor pool and spa with whirlpools, a sauna and cafe with healthy options, along with year-round activities and multiple restaurants.
Four Seasons Resort and Residences - Jackson Hole, Wyoming
This Four Seasons in Jackson Hole, Wyoming is a sprawling luxury resort complex in Teton Village, with the slopes only steps away from the lobby doors. Guests can enjoy golfing, hiking and whitewater rafting during the warmer months, along with an in-house spa and outdoor whirlpools for relaxation year-round.
