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.
California, Los Angeles, Santa Monica
Shutters on the Beach
Stars who’ve stayed here include Eva Longoria, Fearne Cotton, Julia Roberts, Christian Bale, Jennifer Aniston and Brangelina. Known as Hollywood’s Beach House, it was also used for scenes in the movie Something’s Gotta Give. Inside, there are artworks by the likes of Hockney, balconied bedrooms with four-poster beds and airy, barefoot luxury decor by one of the Obamas’ favourite designers. Outside, the pool faces directly onto the ocean, with a waterside cafe and bar. Guests can take private yoga classes, borrow bikes, book surf lessons, dine, sip cocktails in the Living Room and indulge at ONE spa.
Georgia, Atlanta, Buckhead
The St. Regis Atlanta
A city centre resort, this is both five-star and AAA Five Diamond certified. The 40,000 square foot Pool Piazza (incorporating a cafe, bar and a fireplace for winter months) stands at the centre, with an LA meets French Riviera vibe. St Regis has two further bars, including The Garden Room restaurant and a spa. Guests staying here receive the hallmark St. Regis Butler Service, where every need is anticipated for an elevated experience around the clock. And its 182 guest rooms provide the luxury home-from-home feel, with marble bathrooms and iPad controls.
Georgia, Atlanta, Buckhead
The Whitley, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Atlanta Buckhead
This Marriott hotel is in Buckhead, a graceful, yet cosmopolitan property on Peachtree Road. Public areas feature oil paintings and oversized lit fireplaces, with the Trade Root Restaurant and Lounge, a glittering ballroom, the Founders Room a boardroom and a tranquil award-winning spa being among the spaces available for use. 507 guest rooms are designed to create a sense of haven, with calming, timeless furnishings, high ceilings and featherbeds made up with 400-thread-count Egyptian cotton sheets. Book The Whitley Suite to also have a dining room with a butler’s pantry, a grand piano and a billiards table.
The Whitley, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Atlanta Buckhead
SAVE FOR LATERGeorgia, Atlanta, Buckhead
Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead
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.
Georgia, Atlanta
Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta
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.
Hawaii, Oahu
The Royal Hawaiian, A Luxury Collection Resort, Waikiki
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.
The Royal Hawaiian, A Luxury Collection Resort, Waikiki
SAVE FOR LATERHawaii, Oahu
The Kahala Hotel & Resort
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.
Hawaii, Oahu
Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina
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.
Hawaii, Maui, Lahaina
The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua
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.
Hawaii, Maui, Kapalua
Montage Kapalua Bay
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.
Hawaii, Maui, Wailea
Four Seasons Resort Maui At Wailea
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.
Hawaii, Oahu, Honolulu, Waikiki
The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach
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.