Best Design Hotels in USA

The Liberty’s previous life – as the Charles Street jail – is evidenced throughout the building, in the trendiest urban-chic style. Dating back to 1851, the building was renovated to form a 298 bedroom hotel in 2007. Everything revolves around the atrium of the lobby, the central hub of the old slammer, in which live music, fashions shows and art displays are frequent occurrences. Guests can choose to stay in a ‘jail room’ or in the new wing, and enjoy drinks and food at the aptly named Alibi and Clink.

Found in the hipster district of Williamsburg, this hotel has the largest pool of any in New York. 208 rooms have been designed by Studio Munge in a futuristic style with geometrics, soft greys, light woods, picture windows, huge balconies and glowing space-aged lighting. After dark, take a seat on one of the city’s hottest rooftop bars – Westlight – with its gorgeous panoramic views, great cocktails and delicious small plates. Or feast on Michelin starred cuisine from Andrew Carmellini in the main dining room. And when you crave a decadent sweet treat, Wylie Susfresene’s Hi Du’s Donut creations are lip-smackingly good. There’s a cutting edge gym overlooking the pool area, a shopping concourse just beneath the hotel and a delightful green area just in front of the entrance too.

Facing the East River and downtown Manhattan, this spacious hotel commands some iconic views. Another ex-factory, the eight-story building dates back to 1901, with warehouse-style exposed brick, cast-iron columns and wooden beams. Bedrooms and public spaces serve as galleries for the exciting work of New York artists, with an in-house curator personally selecting all the pieces. The 70 rooms have high ceilings, oversized windows and there are four loft suites. You’ll find local artisan products in the bathroom and minibar – and check the top of your wardrobe for a bespoke denim robe. Dine at Reynard and you’ll find this theme is continued, with menus containing ethically sourced local ingredients and meat from the on-site butchery. Then make your way to the sixth floor for drinks overlooking the bright lights of the Big Apple.

Stay right beside the beach, at the Kimpton Shorebreak Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort. This was originally the Escape Hotel, opened in 1949, the first in the area to both have a swimming pool and stay open year-round. The interior design is coastal, modern and airy, with nods to its mid-century heritage and colour cues from the local ocean landscape. 96 bedrooms have Bluetooth speakers, yoga mats and pet-friendly amenities. Plus there’s a 24-hour gym, an outdoor pool, loaner bikes (to feel the Floridian wind in your hair) and La Fuga restaurant/bar with a terrace.

Fully renovated in 2017 to achieve a fresh and bright modern look, the beachside W accommodates well over 500 bedrooms, as well as a separate tower for residential guests. Wet East, the pool deck, is the place to be on Saturdays when the incumbent DJ plays the tuns, as the in-crowd sip cocktails on cabanas. But if you prefer a more chilled-out atmosphere, Wet West, the second pool area, provides it. However, few stay here for a quiet life and the Living Room offers the chance to party into the wee small hours. Food can be ordered at Steak 954, El Vez, the sushi bar or the property’s Grab and Go bar.

The Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa can be found on a private beach with seven acres of seafront property containing tropical gardens and sensational views. This tranquil retreat offers a selection of modern and luxurious accommodation options including guestrooms, suites and exclusive Eau Club Level rooms with private balconies overlooking the pool or the ocean. There are multiple exceptional dining venues, offering flavours from across the globe, featuring the world-renowned Nobu Manalapan Japanese restaurant. Seafront dining is made possible at the newly opened Breeze Ocean Kitchen. There are private poolside and beachfront cabanas available, and your littles ones can enjoy the Kids & Teens Club on offer. The hotel is home to 42,000ftsq of Eau Spa and its rejuvenating treatments and wellness facilities. There are also excellent fitness facilities including tennis courts and a range of water sports activities.

Stretching across two-and-a-half city blocks in downtown Palm Springs, Thompson Palm Springs brings modern elegance, artful expression, and culinary vibrance to the iconic Palm Canyon Drive. With 168 bungalow-style guestrooms, including 18 suites and private balconies, the hotel blends desert tranquillity with mid-century architecture and bold, curated interiors. A separate adults-only enclave, Upper Stories, is set to debut later this year, offering 42 premium rooms, private pool access, and exclusive lounge space.

Anchored by Lola Rose Grand Mezze, a Levantine-inspired rooftop restaurant led by Chef Quentin Garcia, the hotel also plans to introduce Bar Issi and a HALL Napa Valley Tasting Room in 2025. Cultural immersion continues with an on-site gallery of contemporary works curated by Shore Art Advisory, featuring installations by renowned Native American artists such as Jeffrey Gibson and Gerald Clarke. Guests can also enjoy a rooftop pool with San Jacinto views, a boutique fitness studio, and 20,000 sq ft of indoor and outdoor event space—all thoughtfully designed to reflect the spirit of Palm Springs.

The luxurious Asher Adams, Autograph Collection is located in downtown Salt Lake City and is conveniently close to the city’s main convention centres and transport links. The hotel is spread over eight stories and is comprised of 225 guestrooms, including 35 suites, overlooking the city and Wasatch mountains, featuring the Adams Penthouse Suite with a private balcony. Guests are invited to dine on site at the on-site Rouser signature restaurant, serving American classics. The No. 119 signature bar is the ideal place to unwind and enjoy a beverage from the cocktail menu. Guests are also welcome to take advantage of the fully equipped fitness centre with state-of-the-art equipment. There is a sophisticated meeting space for hosting professional events. This hotel is pet friendly.

The one-of-a-kind ette hotel Orlando offers guests the chance to indulge in pure, unfiltered luxury. This boutique hotel is the recipient of a Michelin key and is comprised of 126 lavish guestrooms and suites, complete with an exquisitely simple and customised design featuring the immersive Wellness Suite, with its own Peloton Bike and a spa-like bathroom. There are multiple on-site dining options where guests can enjoy a unique blend of international flavours where modern and classical cuisine combine. Salt & The Cellar by Akira Back serves Mediterranean Asian gastronomy throughout the day while LIPA Rooftop by Akira Back delights diners with Asian haute cuisine accompanied by a selection of cocktails and wines. Guests can opt to indulge in any of the rejuvenating spa treatments on offer or lounge by the pool. VITALITY Fitness Centre is also on hand for guests to enjoy. There is also the option of a customisable event space for anything from an intimate gathering to a professional function.

The stylish Kodō Hotel is a serene sanctuary, located in the heart of the Los Angeles Downtown Arts District and perfectly contrasting its busy city surroundings. The hotel is housed in a more-than-100-year-old firehouse and its interior is inspired by Japanese essence and design. There is a collection of simplistic yet luxurious guest rooms offering every contemporary comfort and a private space to unwind and recharge. The hotel’s largest offering is the Superior King Plus Room, spread over 556sqft and providing guests with California king beds and amenities unique to each room. Guests are welcome to dine in Michelin-recommended Kodō Restaurant where bistro-style Japanese American cuisine is served. There is also a quiet tea garden within this sanctuary, Kodō Café. Guests will receive a complimentary welcome drink upon check in and the hotel’s convenient location allows for easy exploration throughout your stay.

Located opposite the Museum of Modern Art, Baccarat Hotel New York is the global flagship of the legendary French crystal brand. This ultra-luxurious property offers 114 rooms and suites across 12 floors, each blending 18th-century French style with modern elegance. Designed by Barry Sternlicht, the hotel pays tribute to Baccarat’s heritage, incorporating crystal details throughout its décor.

Rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows, four-poster beds, Mascioni linens, and marble bathrooms with exclusive Maison Francis Kurkdjian amenities. Guests can press a bedside “Champagne” button for in-room bottle service delivered in Baccarat flutes.

Facilities include the dramatic Grand Salon with all-day dining, The Bar serving tenth-anniversary cocktails, and the serene Spa de la Mer – the only one in the U.S. – complete with a 50-foot indoor pool.

Located in the heart of Los Angeles’ vibrant arts and entertainment district, Conrad Los Angeles is a 305-key urban retreat blending refined luxury with creative energy. Designed by the legendary Frank Gehry with interiors by Tara Bernerd & Partners, the hotel is part of The Grand LA complex, steps from landmarks like the Walt Disney Concert Hall, MOCA, and The Broad. Rooms and suites offer expansive city views, curated art, pale oak floors, and luxurious Byredo amenities. Dining is led by Chef José Andrés with three distinctive venues: San Laurel, a Spanish-Californian fine dining experience; The Beaudry Room, a stylish cocktail lounge with terrace; and Airlight, a rooftop bar and poolside escape. The hotel also houses the 7,000 sq ft Conrad Spa Los Angeles, offering advanced treatments, wellness technologies, and a state-of-the-art fitness centre. Art, architecture, and gastronomy converge here, offering guests a sophisticated take on modern LA living.