Best Luxury Hotels in USA

Attracting the wealthy elite, this plush hotel offers a central location, wonderful views and a dreamy spa.  Elements of The Peninsula group’s Asian heritage are teased into the interior design, but the public areas mostly fall into a 1920s theme. 339 rooms are neutrally decorated, in teak wood and creams and each comes with its own tablet device. There are three places to eat including Chinese cuisine at the refined Shanghai Terrace. The Peninsula is family-friendly too with the convenience of a kids’ club, adjoining rooms and lots of activities for younger travellers (you needn’t pack a games console for a visit here, Playstations are supplied).

Located in River North and overlooking the Chicago River, is Ludwig Mies van der Rohe’s Bauhaus style 1970s architectural triumph. Steel, expanses of glass and fine art create a trendy yet opulent airy feel. The Chuan Spa is a haven of tranquillity, with a peaceful pool area, saunas and steam room. Chef Ricardo Jarquin serves American-Italian dishes at Travelle Kitchen + Bar, while club level guests enjoy access to an exclusive 12th-floor lounge. Families are welcome and can even bring up to two dogs and a cat, making it one of the most pet-friendly places in the city.

The famed British brand occupies floors 15 to 30 on Water Tower Place, close to the lake. 434 rooms have massive picture windows and a warm colour scheme. Steaks, seafood and pasta are the specialities at The Ritz restaurant, Torali, but there’s also a cafe, lobby bar and cocktails on the roof (when the weather allows). It’s a great choice for those with children: Ritz Kids Club provides a ‘red wagon’ on arrival from which each child can choose a toy, a candy cart does the rounds, the restaurant has menus for younger diners and rooms come with mini-sized robes and slippers. And there’s a lovely spa for the grown-ups.

Built in the 1920s, the Viceroy’s terracotta and brick exterior has remained. But an entirely new 18 storey glass building has been erected behind, filled with mid-century furnishings, all imagined and created by Goettsch Partners and TAL Studio. It’s an arty design hotel, slightly high-brow – the grand lobby even sports a poetry wall. A rooftop pool offers summer swims, plus there’s a fitness centre, ample meeting facilities for business travellers and a rooftop lounge, Devereaux. A seasonally changing menu from chef Lee Wolen can be found at the in-house restaurant Somerset, with the option of sharing family meals, as well as fine cuisine.

Named after Chicago’s own Gwen Lux, a pioneering female sculptor of the 20th century, this Mariott property is found in the McGraw-Hill building. Glamorous art deco interiors reflect the building’s origins with 311 rooms in taupe and gold palettes. Upstairs at the Gwen is the hotel’s vibrant rooftop bar, but the alfresco facilities aren’t limited to libation. In summer, guests can experience unique urban glamping on the hotel’s 16th-floor terrace. Sleep in a queen-sized Black Pearl bed in a lavishly furnished huge bohemian Lotus Belle tent. Meanwhile back indoors, the hotel’s restaurant, Kostali, serves delicious North African/European cuisine.

Found in the happening Gold Coast district, Thompson has a cutting edge, effortless style. The design is industrial chic and retro, with homely couches, armchairs and shelves of books. Feature pieces like filament lighting, copper chandeliers, an iron stairwell and quirky artwork ensure it’s interestingly off-piste in comparison to some of the more traditional luxe hotel brands in the city. Velvets, geometrics and urban prints are found in the airy, comfy rooms. Nico Osteria under the direction of award-winning chef Paul Kahan is a destination restaurant. And guests can enjoy a drink under the impressive glass atrium at Salone Nico, with its gold underlit bar and warehouse-style brick walls.

Another from the Four Seasons portfolio, Sensei Lanai is just for adults. Found in a secluded enclave reached via a semi-private flight from Honolulu, the resort offers a quite unique experience. The wellbeing retreat has developed programmes and journeys, using a blend of science, evidence-based practices and innovative technology, led by expert practitioners. Engage in yoga, meditation, hiking and lectures, surrounded by beautiful artwork, a breathtaking sculpture garden and calming water features that help evoke an atmosphere of self-discovery. Guests staying here dine at Sensei by Nobu in a glass pavilion building, or outside, beside a koi pond.

The recently rebranded Ritz Carlton Atlanta celebrates Southern culture in its food, decor and events. Take part in a bourbon tasting, peruse the range of vintage photography adorning the walls, listen to live music at the Lumen Bar and tuck into some fine, aged steak at AG. You can also grab breakfast and a micro-roasted coffee at Jittery Joe’s and upgrade to Club Level for superior lounge access. The venue has 444 rooms, all of which have been newly renovated to include feather beds with Italian Frette® linens, terry or lightweight robes, technology butler services, an honour minibar and a 55-inch flat-panel HDTV.

If you’re looking for the trendiest, most remarkable spot in town, check into the W. Highlights here include an urban-style spa located on the 16th floor, the signature restaurant Local Motives, an underlit 22-ft  rooftop pool with a bar and views of the cityscape (dreamy for swimming by day and magical for partying by night), as well as dramatic art installations throughout the property. Atlanta itself has been the inspiration for the bedroom interiors, incorporating Makassar wood, glossy acrylics and hues of mulberry, indigo and teal. The WOW suites offer an extra level of sass, but all rooms come with the brand’s own W Beds, plush pillows and ultra-luxe duvets.

Occupying a prime position just moments from Seawall Boulevard and the Gulf of Mexico, Hotel Lucine transforms a classic 1960s roadside motel into a fresh and stylish coastal retreat. The design preserves the property’s original character while infusing it with mid-century details, locally sourced art and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. At the heart of the hotel lies a sociable U-shaped courtyard with a heated outdoor pool, surrounded by a spacious sundeck dotted with loungers and shaded seating.

The 61 guest rooms are bright and thoughtfully designed, featuring soft pastel palettes, minimalist furniture and clever use of space. Each room includes plush bedding, air-conditioning, curated minibars, work areas, and either a private balcony or direct access to the pool courtyard. Bathrooms feature walk-in showers, premium toiletries and terrazzo finishes.

Facing out onto the Atlantic, The Reach has Key West’s only natural sand private beach – and the ocean is right beside the hotel’s poolside, which features a floating gazebo. Seafood, steaks and chops are specialities at the restaurant, Four Marlins, however, guests also have access to the dining options at its sister property, Casa Marina. Sunday brunch at The Reach is famous, taken indoors or on the patio (both have incredible sweeping views). 150 modern bedrooms feature shell headboards, bathrooms with abstract art, and private balconies. This resort is a short walk to the heart of the action, yet far enough away to feel peaceful.

A coastal theme blends with a Tiki style and contemporary island living at this resort on the edge of the Everglades. The family-friendly poolside has its own waterfall and a mobile food truck serving ‘snacks and sips’, or there’s an adult-only swimming area and guests can make use of the private white sandy beach with a host of watersports. Fishing excursions are popular – take part in the hook-and-cook programme to bring your catch back to the kitchen, where the chefs will prepare it for you. Pets are especially welcome too, the hotel even has its own Director of Pet Relations!