Best Luxury Hotels in USA

Designed by Robert AM Stern, this landmark building in a fancy neighbourhood has 127 guest rooms, a sprinkling of which have balconies. Of its 42 storeys, two are occupied by the spa, which includes an indoor pool, an outdoor terrace and a relaxation zone with some separate areas for men and women. There are traditional English elements at the Waldorf, such as the formal afternoon tea and inner sanctum garden area, which wouldn’t seem out of place in the Home Counties. The upmarket cuisine in the cafe and bar takes on a French feel, however. Children are made most welcome and get to choose an item from the toy wagon on arrival.

The art deco-style Four Seasons stands out on the horizon at 186-meters in height – even among a sea of skyscrapers – with its notably pyramid-shaped cap. It also stands out as the only five-star hotel in Midtown, a prize it’s held since the early 1990s. 53 stories house 244 guest rooms, the second-floor Park 75 restaurant, a fifth-flo­­or terrace restaurant with a private garden, Bar Margot (with an enviable collection of vinyl), a heated indoor saltwater pool beside an outdoor sun terrace, a boutique spa, a fitness suite with a Peloton bike and a carefully curated art collection.

Boasting a private section of Waikiki beach, The Royal Hawaiian dates back to the 1920s and was once owned by the Royal Navy — it is instantly recognisable by its pastel pink Spanish-Moorish facade. Amenities include cultural activities, a programme for kids, two swimming paradises (a Malulani Pool and the Helumoa Playground), watersports, an onsite bakery, a seafood restaurant and the award-winning Azure, and Waikiki’s only waterfront luau. Stay in the landmark Historic Wing or the magnificent Mailani Tower in one of the hotel’s 528 colourful and glamorous rooms.

Formed from two man-made peninsulas protected from the elements, The Kahala has been in business for over 60 years. During that time it has welcomed almost every US president, the Hollywood elite (including Angelina Jolie, Christopher Walken, Elizabeth Taylor and Dean Martin), the British Monarch, international rock stars and the Dalai Lama – to name just a few of its iconic patrons. Inside you’ll find Thai-teak parquetry, enormous chandeliers made of Italian fused glass and even Japanese multi-feature toilets in bedrooms. Outside, there are waterfalls, a lagoon with turtles and dolphins, over 100 palm trees and the beach bar that was featured in TV’s Magnum PI.

Following a $500 million overhaul, the Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina opened in 2016. Here you can sip cocktails on the sand at Mina’s Beach Club, tuck into plant-bsed fare at La Hiki, swim up to Dr. Mai Tai’s in the infinity pool, pop along to a weekly barbecue and enjoy romantic dinners at Noe Italian and Mina’s Fish House. The indoor-outdoor Naupaka Spa and Wellness Center enables adults to unwind, while the kids take part in organized activities. Found on the western coast, the resort also has swimmable lagoons and an excellent golf course.

Enjoy facilities on a large scale at this Ritz-Carlton property on maui’s northwest shore. Flanked by an enormous natural preserve and two protected marine sanctuaries, it’s the place for tropical eco-adventures. Or make the most of amenities across its 54 acres, such as a spa with treatments inspired by ancient Hawaiian traditions, two tennis courts, a kids’ club, 466 bedrooms and a triple-level free-form 24 hour outdoor pool, overlooking the ocean. There are many food and drink outlets too; the Banyan Tree is arguably the highlight, plus there’s a burger shack, a poolside diner and a chic lounge with firepits.

With an aquamarine roof shaped like a canoe house, Montage is a smaller, separate resort within the wider Kapalua hotel complex. It stands beside a rugged, rocky portion of coast, offering one, two, three and four-bedroom suites with sitting areas, kitchens and laundry spaces that are ideal for families. Guests can dine in the Cane & Canoe restaurant, drink and eat more casual meals in The Hideaway, get food by the pool, or snacks in Mahana Market – there’s also a stunning event space, Cliff House, which opens as a restaurant during peak times. Complimentary services include guided hikes and tide pool explorations and lessons on the regions cultural heritage.

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.

Just 17 miles from the airport and a few minutes walk from the sea, this resort hotel has something for everyone. Choose a room with an ocean, mountain, or garden view, or a presidential suite with up to three bedrooms. Dine on Hawaiian and California fusion cuisine at Chef Wolfgang Puck’s restaurant Spago, Ferraro’s Italian Bar e Ristorante, at sushi in the Lobby Lounge bar, or get a table at DUO Steak and Seafood restaurant, beside one of the three pools. There’s also a spa, a beauty salon and tennis courts.

Perched beside one of the most famous beaches on earth, The Ritz-Carlton Residences has the highest infinity pool in Waikiki (eight floors up), furnished with private cabanas offering food service. Choose from a bedroom, a suite with sweeping ocean views, or one to four-bedroom apartments with kitchens and expansive living spaces. But with dining venues such as the 16-seater Sushi Sho showcasing the ancient art of edomae, Dean & Deluca and outdoor restaurants like La Vie and Quiora onsite, you’ll probably want to give the cooking a miss. And do visit the spa, with treatments incorporating volcanic stones, rainforest leaves, lehua blossoms and lomilomi massage techniques.

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.

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.