Best Luxury Hotels in USA

The USA, with 50 states, has something for every luxury traveller. From the metropolis of New York to the national parks of Yellowstone or Yosemite, the States can provide an urban adventure or indeed one in nature. Go surfing off the coast of California or enjoy the skate scene in Los Angeles. Head north to the Rocky Mountains and trek between stunning summits or swim beneath spectacular waterfalls.

Travel east to New York and enjoy the street food scene or retreat to the Napa Valley and enjoy world-class wine tasting. Discover the elegance of historic mansions in the south or fly over the pacific to Hawaii and stay in exclusive resorts. Whether it’s white water rafting in Colorado or sunbathing in a sandy bay in Florida, USA has something for the luxury traveller who seeks both relaxation and thrill. The accommodation options are just as varied from large hotels in the cities to smaller retreats in beautiful coastal towns. Read on to find out about our favourite places to stay.

District of Columbia, Washington

Rosewood Washington, D.C.

Hotel
(5 stars)
At a glance
Rooms 55 Rooms, 12 Suites & Exclusive Townhouses
Amenities CUT By Wolfgang Puck for Fine Dining, CUT Bar & Lounge for Sophisticated Drinks, CUT Above Rooftop Bar with Stunning City Views, Spa, Fitness Centre, Rooftop Pool
More Situated on the Historic C&O Canal in Georgetown

While many of DC’s luxe hotels are grand, large establishments, the Rosewood bucks the trend as an intimate boutique hotel with a high-end approach. Set beside the canal, it gives access to a leafier side of the city, although the eponymous monument can still be seen from the rooftop. And it’s here, at the top of the building, that the Rosewod’s pool (and a pool bar) is found. Guests can also dine with a view of the canal in the Grill Room and drink in the club-style Rye Bar. Rooms at the Rosewood are bang on-trend, yet supremely elegant, with espresso machines, Pratesi linens, touch-panel tech and monsoon showers.

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Rosewood Washington, D.C.

District of Columbia, Washington

Willard InterContinental Washington

Hotel
(4 stars)
At a glance
Rooms 335 Rooms & 69 Suites offer a Blend of Historic Charm & Modern Luxury
Amenities Dining Includes a French-Inspired Brasserie, Cafe with Pastries & Beverages, Spa with Treatment Rooms & Steam Room, 24-Hour Fitness Centre, Pet-Friendly Accommodations
More Located on Pennsylvania Avenue, steps from the White House

This building has seen plenty of illustrious figures pass through its doors since opening in the 19th century. Nicknamed the Residence of Presidents (it’s close to the city’s premier address), the hotel is a celebrity haunt, with five-star service. The Round Robin Bar (described as the Oval Office of bars by Conde Nast Traveller) dates back to 1847 and specialises in handmade cocktails, while by day, it’s a sophisticated spot for afternoon tea. Cafe du Parc is a Forbes Travel Guide recommended French brasserie, while Le Cafe is its coffee shop sibling, with delicious pastries, entrees and a petite menu.

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Willard InterContinental Washington

District of Columbia, Washington

Sofitel Washington DC Lafayette Square

Hotel
(5 stars)
At a glance
Rooms 237 Rooms including 17 Suites with one Presidential Suite
Amenities Opaline Bar & Brasserie offers French-inspired Cuisine & Curated Craft Cocktails; Modern Fitness centre & in-room Spa Services Available
More Located near Lafayette Square Park, Steps Away from the White House & Smithsonian Museums

Around the corner from The Hay-Adams is the very grown-up Sofitel. It utilises a moodier decor palette than many of its local competitors, with darker hues, black and white vintage French posters and velvet upholstery. The hotel has a restaurant – Opaline Bar & Brasserie with an outdoor seating area and a fitness centre. 237 guest rooms take on a fairly minimalist style, with theatrical colours (lots of black and red), modern artworks and conveniences like blackout curtains and king-sized beds.

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Sofitel Washington DC Lafayette Square

District of Columbia, Washington

Salamander Washington DC

Hotel
(5 stars)
At a glance
Rooms 373 Rooms including 51 Suites with City or Waterfront Views
Amenities Dogon by Chef Kwame onwuachi & the Lounge & Lounge Terrace
More Located Between the National Mall & the Southwest Waterfront, within walking distance to Washington DC's Notable attractions

The Southwest Waterfront has seen more than its fair share of regeneration over recent years and it’s here that the Mandarin Oriental is found. As is customary in the brand’s properties, you’ll find plenty of Asian influences, reflecting the hotel chain’s heritage. This extends to the spa menu, the dining offer, artwork and decorative touches. Tea can be taken in the Empress Lounge and the Muse restaurant serves American favourites like cheeseburgers, along with sushi and Hong Kong specialities. After a hard day’s sightseeing, you can chill out in the Zen relaxation room and swim some laps in the 50ft heated indoor pool.

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Salamander Washington DC

District of Columbia, Washington

The Ritz-Carlton, Washington, D.C.

Hotel
(5 stars)

Found in the Foggy Bottom district, Washington’s Ritz-Carlton combines modern furnishings with period features. It has DC’s largest ballroom and an unusual cocktail and food pairing menu, available in the Quadrant Bar & Lounge. Those seeking a fuller meal can dine in the Westend Bistro, where breakfast is also served. Those travelling with children will appreciate the Ritz Kids Program, designed to make your little ones feel extra special (interconnecting rooms are also available). Upgrade to a Club Level suite for extra space, a work/dining space, free access to the Equinox Gym and entry to a Club Lounge.

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The Ritz-Carlton, Washington, D.C.

District of Columbia, Washington

The Hay-Adams

Hotel
(5 stars)
At a glance
Rooms 145 Accommodations including 124 Guest Rooms & 21 Suites
Amenities the Lafayette for Fine Dining & Off the Record Bar
More Located in Downtown Washington DC with views of the White House & Lafayette Square

Those seeking views of the city’s most famous landmarks should stay at the Hay-Adams. Its proximity to the political epicentre has afforded it visitors such as the Obama family, who made an extended stay just before taking residence at the White House. Family owned and dating back to the 1920s, it has a great bar (Off the Record with satirically themed cocktails), the Lafayette restaurant (named after the square onto which the hotel backs), a fitness centre and free bicycle use for guests. Kids and pets are well catered for too, with activities and treats.

District of Columbia, Washington

Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC

Hotel
(5 stars)
At a glance
Rooms 222 Elegant Accommodations including 58 Suites with Views of Georgetown & the Historic Chesapeake & Ohio Canal
Amenities Bourbon Steak by Michelin-Starred Chef Michael Mina & Eno Wine Bar
More Situated at the Gateway to Georgetown, Steps from Iconic institutions & Historic Landmarks in Washington, DC

Stay in Georgetown in the timeless surroundings and elegance of the Four Seasons Hotel. It boasts one of the top spas and fitness centres in the city. It’s rated 4-star by Forbes, with a saltwater lap pool and three-storeys of wellness facilities, where age-defying facials and healing massages are offered. The 222 bedroom property is also home to a destination restaurant, the Michelin starred Bourbon Steak, with an adjacent lounge and additional wine bar. It received a multi-million dollar contemporary facelift in 2016 under the direction of designer Pierre-Yves Rochon and has over 1500 works of art to peruse.

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Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC

District of Columbia, Washington

St. Regis Washington, D.C.

Hotel
(5 stars)
At a glance
Rooms 182 Luxury Rooms & Suites with Bespoke Amenities
Amenities Alhambra Restaurant for Modern Mediterranean Cuisine & St Regis Bar for Craft Cocktails
More Located Steps Away from the White House & walking distance to National Mall attractions

Previously known as The Carlton Hotel, this prestigious residence in the heart of the Downtown was opened by President Coolidge in 1926 and has been welcoming heads of state ever since. It’s just a few blocks from the White House, with an exterior reflecting the Gilded Age glamour, with Palladian windows and a grand entrance. Inside, guests are surrounded by lush fabrics, chandeliers, fires and classic old world DC furnishings. The hotel has its very own cocktail, the Capitol Mary and champagne is opened nightly by the head sommelier by sword, during the sabering ceremony and toast. It also has a lavishly presented restaurant, a house car and is pet-friendly.

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St. Regis Washington, D.C.

California, Santa Barbara

Rosewood Miramar Beach

Hotel
(5 stars)
At a glance
Rooms 161 Rooms, Suites, & Residences
Amenities Multiple Dining Options, a Luxury Spa, Fitness Centre, Two Outdoor Pools, Tennis Courts, Kids Club, Complimentary Chauffeur Service
More All Set on a Pristine Beachfront Property In Montecite

Found in the Montecito area of the city, this is a five-star hotel situated right on the beach — a rarity in Santa Barbara. Guests can arrive in the Rosewood’s chauffeur-driven open-top Rolls Royce — it has a personal touch, as indeed does the entire experience of staying here. The hotel looks more like a lavish New England home than a hotel and the service adds to this vibe. Both adults-only groups and families are catered for, with pools for each. There are outdoor hot tubs, a kids club, beach butlers, ball courts, shuffleboard games, two boutiques (including Gwyneth Paltrow’s goop) and a Sense Spa using local ingredients. Dining options include the popular Malibu Farm.

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Rosewood Miramar Beach

California, Santa Barbara

El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel, Santa Barbara

Hotel
(5 stars)
At a glance
Rooms 92 Luxurious Accommodations Including Superior Rooms, Deluxe Kings, Terrace & Premier Rooms, & Specialty Suites
Amenities Full-service Spa, Fitness Centre, Heated Outdoor Zero-edge Pool, the Dining Room & Terrace For California Coastal Cuisine, & the Lounge & Bar For Cocktails
More Situated High In the Santa Barbara Hills, Offering Panoramic Views of the Pacific Ocean & the American Riviera

Run for the hills and you’ll find this Forbes Five-Star luxury hotel up there. It has 92 rooms, including private bungalows. The heated infinity-edged saltwater swimming pool is the ultimate in serenity, with stunning Pacific views (take a look through the hotel’s terrace-based telescope to spot whales and dolphins). An indoor-outdoor restaurant uses fruit, herbs and veg grown in the on-site kitchen garden, cheese made from the resident cow and home-brewed beer and coffee, as well as locally-sourced Santa Barbara delicacies. El Encanto also has a spa, is child and pet friendly and boasts artworks from creators such as Damien Hirst.

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El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel, Santa Barbara

California, Santa Barbara, Goleta

The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara

Hotel
(5 stars)
At a glance
Rooms 358 Guest Rooms & Suites Each with Private Patio or Balcony
Amenities Six Dining Venues including angel Oak with Extensive Wine Collection, a 42,000-square-foot Spa, three Saltwater infinity Pools, Fitness centre, Tennis Courts & Pet-Friendly Accommodations
More Located on 78 acres overlooking the Pacific Ocean with Access to Two Natural Beaches near Santa Barbara's Vineyards

Holiday in 78-acres of Pacific side resort, at the Ritz-Carlton’s Santa Barbara address. The hotel has two beaches, three infinity-edge pools, a 42,000-sq-ft spa and five places to eat and drink; Angel Oak serves aged and prime steak cuts and has the deepest cellar in the city, ‘O’ Bar + Kitchen features Latin style sharing plates and market specials, while The Bistro (the hotel’s third main restaurant) focusses on sustainable seafood, with a terrace overlooking the adjacent ocean. Rooms come with sea or garden views and upgraded versions have their own patios complete with fires, private luxury poolside cabanas and two bedrooms.

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The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara

Louisiana, New Orleans, Downtown New Orleans

Le Meridien New Orleans

Hotel
(4 stars)
At a glance
Rooms 410 Rooms & Suites
Amenities Two on-site Dining options, Rooftop Pool, 24-hour Fitness Centre
More Located Just Steps from the French Quarter & the Arts District in Downtown New orleans

Go downtown to what was once a W property. Le Meridien now caters for a more mature market, with rooms modelled on mid-century Parisian style. Indeed this ‘grown-up’ arty feel extends throughout the building, with rooms dressed in calming, moody tones, accompanied by hints of retro design. Grab a book and order a whisky as you recline in the sophisticated lounge, or swim a few laps in the chic rooftop pool. Breakfast is served in Marche, with coffee brewed in Longitude 90. There are no options on-site for dinner, but with a plethora of restaurants close by, you needn’t stray far to find some excellent local food.

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Le Meridien New Orleans




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