Best Luxury Hotels in USA

Right in the heart of one of the USA’s most charming cities, quietly sitting centre stage, is the Palmetto Hotel, an understated boutique hotel that perfectly captures Charleston’s character. The 45-room hotel, including a 1,500 sqm penthouse, boasts warm Southern hospitality and thoughtfully designed interiors that are as beautiful as they are practical. Along with its chic guest rooms, guests can enjoy the lobby-bar, which showcases elegant finishings, custom design features and a truly considered cocktail menu with the best-ever Espresso Martini – as Ruchika, one of our trusted contributors, discovered on her recent stay. The hotel is in the historic district of the city with convenient access to many restaurants and bars. Bicycles can be hired from the hotel for those wishing to explore on two wheels, and valet parking is available for guests travelling by car.

There is a particular quiet at the western end of Waikīkī, where the crowds thin and the palms of Fort DeRussy Park stand between the tower and the sea. Ka Laʻi keeps its distance from the strip. Close enough to walk barefoot to the water, far enough that the evening comes in on birdsong rather than traffic.

Inside, the mood is domestic rather than hotel-like. Rooms open onto lanais wide enough to eat on, kitchens invite a morning spent slicing mango instead of queuing for a buffet, and the light shifts through the day from pale gold to the deep blue that settles over Diamond Head at dusk. Lava stone, teak and woven textures carry the islands indoors; Hawaiian artists carry their stories in with them.

Awarded the prestigious Michelin Key, The Dupont Circle Hotel is a luxurious hotel in the heart of Washington, D.C. with a host of world-class facilities. The hotel boasts a selection of comfortable and contemporary guestrooms and suites and features the spacious, 9th-floor Penthouse Suite with a private balcony overlooking the Washington Monument. Guests can dine in any of the multiple on-site restaurants and bars including the Michelin-recommended The Pembroke restaurant and the chic Doyle and Co Coffee Bar. There is a 24-hour fitness centre for exclusive guest use and a range of sophisticated event spaces. This hotel is pet friendly.

The Robey Chicago – a member of Design Hotels, is housed in an Art Deco skyscraper, formerly known as the Northwest Tower. There are 89 sophisticated guestrooms, decorated with a combination of historical elegance and modern flair. On-site dining includes all-day brunch at Café Robey and cocktails accompanied by panoramic views at the rooftop bar, The Up Room. Guests can enjoy in-room massages and exclusive discounts on off-site spa services or opt to lounge by the rooftop pool. Guests can benefit from access to the nearby Bucktown Athletic Club, and complimentary bikes are provided to allow guests to discover the hotel’s lively surroundings and the charm of the city.

Drift Nashville – a member of Design Hotels is a unique city escape in a lively neighbourhood, situated east of the river and boasting unparalleled city skyline views. The hotel comprises a collection of comfortable and contemporary guestrooms and one- to three-bedroom suites including a 1,800sqft penthouse overlooking the city from a private balcony. There are three on-site dining establishments including The Sun Room serving cocktails and small plates, Dawn Café to start the morning off right, and Poolside at Drift for cocktails in cabanas. In addition to the pool, there is a 24-hour fitness centre with state-of-the-art equipment. There are dedicated event spaces including the lobby, pool deck, and Horizon Room with tailored bachelor and bachelorette packages available.

Viceroy Washington DC is a contemporary boutique hotel in Downtown DC. The hotel comprises 178 deluxe guestrooms and suites including the spacious King Suite overlooking the city. There are multiple on-site dining venues offering Mid-Atlantic cuisine at Dovetail Bar & Restaurant, house-baked goods at BPM Coffee & Wine, and poolside specialty cocktails at Hush Rooftop Bar. Guests are invited to take advantage of the wellness facilities on offer including in-room spa treatments and the round-the-clock fitness centre with a Peloton bike. There is an expansive outdoor patio and seasonal rooftop pool for guest use. Guests at Viceroy Washington DC will also receive exclusive discounts on local events and excursions. This hotel is pet friendly.

Stay right beside the sea, at the city’s most iconic hotel. Dating back to the 1920s, it displays the kind of classic American elegance that’s attracted guests including a total of ten presidents, as well as famous names like Frank Sinatra and Elizabeth Taylor. It’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places, but recently received a massive makeover bringing its 85 grand and funky bedrooms into the modern age. The Cavalier has an indoor splash pool, a private beach club, a full-service spa and multiple dining options (several of which are ocean-fronted) such as a taco shack, an ice cream parlour and an Asian-fusion rooftop eatery.

Housed in a range of what were originally farm structures, Carneros rocks a kind of sustainably-minded agricultural chic. The spa carries this theme, with earthy natural ingredients, as does its lounge-style restaurant, The Farm. An infinity pool provides a wonderful spot to soak in the countryside (it’s adults-only, so you can enjoy some peace and quiet – there’s another pool for families). Choose to stay in one of 86 cottages on-site, all with their own gardens, patios and decks with gas heaters and outdoor showers.

The red brick facade of the Four Seasons is the kind of building you probably imagine when thinking of Boston. The building was once the city’s Playboy Club and is found among Victorian brownstone buildings. Once inside it’s unashamedly fancy, with chandeliers, marble, plush bespoke textiles and abundant space and light. Guests can dine in the Aujourd Hui Lounge, the Sottovento Coffe Bar, outdoors at The Sanctuary or poolside. Rooms range from deluxe kings to speciality suites offering separate living and sleeping areas (perfect for extended stays). Accessible rooms across each of the categories are also available to book. The indoor pool has a great view and there’s a gym for those wishing to work out.

The Ritz-Carlton’s classic European elegance is re-imagined for Cleveland in a palette of soft blues and greys. Its TURN Bar + Kitchen pays homage to the city’s industrial heritage within the steel industry and serves refined dishes crafted from local ingredients. And the bar is the place for theatrical molecular cocktails beside the fire. Those staying in Club Level Suites also enjoy access to the Club Lounge on the 14th floor, from which the views are phenomenal and snacks/drinks are complimentary. Plus you’ll benefit from a dedicated concierge.

Hotel Paradox, located in Santa Cruz, California, combines modern comfort with eco-conscious design in a boutique setting. Established in 1967 and recently renovated, the hotel features 170 rooms, including suites with private balconies. Guests enjoy amenities such as a restaurant with organic cuisine, a full-service spa, an outdoor heated pool, a hot tub, and a well-equipped fitness centre. The hotel’s commitment to sustainability and its central location offer easy access to local attractions like the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, making it an ideal choice for both leisure and business travellers.

With 126 rooms and suites, The Casso captures the creative spirit of Raleigh’s Warehouse District with bold design and curated local art. Part of Tribute Portfolio, the property has a boutique sensibility, offering stylish interiors where contemporary lines meet playful touches. Guests are within walking distance of galleries, nightlife and the city’s growing culinary scene.

The hotel’s restaurant and bar, Good Day Good Night, showcases fresh, seasonal dishes and crafted cocktails. A fitness centre supports wellness routines, while the atmosphere of the hotel reflects the cultural dynamism of its neighbourhood. For travellers seeking individuality, The Casso provides a lively, art-led take on the Raleigh city stay.