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.

Offering a contemporary take on the classic yacht club lifestyle, this oceanfront property by Four Seasons opened its doors in 2022. The 22-storey building on Fort Lauderdale beach is the work of Miami-based architect Kobi Karp, with interior touches by the London-based Tara Bernerd and Partners and Martin Brudnizki Design Studio. It features 189 guest rooms and suites, a spa, multiple pool terrace, The Honey Fitz cafe and lounge (named after John F. Kennedy’s presidential yacht) and Evelyn’s restaurant (in homage to local luminary Evelyn Fortune Lilly Bartlett), serving eastern Mediterranean discovery menus and Levant-inspired cocktails.

Found at the base of the Canyons ski area, looking onto the Wasatch Mountains, the Waldorf Astoria Park City has 175 bedrooms decorated in a natural palette, with custom furnishings. Formerly the Dakota Mountain Lodge, the three-storey property now features sophisticated public spaces with chandeliers, rooms with gas fireplaces and a large spa. The building centres around a sheltered outdoor patio with fire pits, a heated pool and whirlpools, with a seasonal pool bar. Guests also have access to a fine dining restaurant, a private ski gondola and a golf course.

The lakefront setting of the AC by Marriott make this a good one for those wanting a room with a serene view. Many of the bedrooms are pet-friendly (up to two furry friends are permitted per bedroom) and have balconies to enjoy some alfresco time away from the throng. A daily US-style breakfast is served at AC Kitchen, with AC Lounge catering for evening meals in the form of tapas, and cocktails. The rooftop pool has the best views of all and you can look out onto the downtown skyline during your workout in the fitness centre.

Located in the Faena District, this luxury hotel overlooks the Atlantic Ocean. Its look is that of a theatrical fantasia, covered in gold, red and tiger print and dusted with stunning contemporary art. The service and facility are of high standards. There is a fitness centre, a bar, a pool, a steam room, spa and room service among others. The attendants are hospitable while the food and drinks are outstanding. Master chefs at the Los Fuegos restaurant are there to offer great meals while exceptional cocktails are available at the Saxony Bar. This hotel generally offers value for money and is family-friendly.

Montauk was once populated by creatives, surfers and those who made their living from the water. But it’s becoming increasingly sought after by well-heeled visitors in recent times, with hotels like the Hero Beach Club popping up. The property has a laid back charm though – you won’t find a dedicated restaurant, but you will be provided with complimentary morning bagels and coffee, as well as s’mores roasting on some nights. The design in the 30 bedrooms (most with balconies) is airy and mirrors the natural pastel hues seen in the coastal landscape. Outside, there’s a large heated pool, with plenty of lounging space and movie nights held under the stars.

Situated in the new Water Street Tampa neighbourhood, The Tampa EDITION welcomes guests from across the globe to unwind in luxury. The hotel is comprised of 172 lavish guestrooms and spacious suites, featuring the unrivalled 204msq Penthouse Suite. There are 7 food and beverage venues to choose from including a rooftop bar and terrace. Lilac is the hotel’s Michelin-starred Mediterranean restaurant where local ingredients are key. The Arts Club serves innovative cocktails accompanied by live music and entertainment in a stylish venue. There is a rooftop swimming pool with private cabanas overlooking the city. Guests are welcome to make use of the rejuvenating spa and wellness facilities as well as the fully equipped fitness centre that is open 24 hours a day. There are multiple business and event facilities for private meetings and functions, complete with state-of-the-art equipment.