25 Best American Hotels of the Year

Choosing a top hotel can make all the difference between a mediocre trip and a great one.

This Year's Top 25 Hotels in the U.S.

Whether you're traveling for work, making memories with friends or creating an unforgettable family vacation, choosing where to stay can make all the difference between a mediocre trip and a great one. That’s why we've outlined the 25 best American hotels for 2021, as determined by U.S. News & World Report.

The list provides various options for every traveler's comfort level, including business trips, staycations in nearby metropolises and tropical visits to some of the world's best beaches. Continue reading for the rankings, list of available amenities and descriptions of what make these hotels and resorts the best of the best.

25. Viceroy L'Ermitage Beverly Hills

Location: Los Angeles, California

Opened in: 1993

Standout amenities: Rooftop pool with 360-degree views, award-winning Avec Nous restaurant and a fitness center with Peloton bikes.

* The Best Hotels ranking comes from U.S. News & World Report.

Why It's One of the Best

The Viceroy L'Ermitage Beverly Hills welcomes all travelers, including dogs, who are in the mood for a bit of luxury. The hotel has Sferra Italian imported linens, marble bathrooms and complimentary Amazon Alexa virtual assistant A.I. technology in all guest rooms.

Grab a drink in the lobby's bar, known locally as the "Writer's Bar" because numerous popular scripts were penned there, including “Good Will Hunting”and “The Godfather.”

24. Montage Kapalua Bay

Location: Maui, Hawaii

Opened in: 2014

Standout amenities: 24 acres of Hawaiin paradise, numerous restaurants and the No. 1 golf course in Hawaii.

Why It's One of the Best

The Montage Kapalua Bay combines the best perks of a fancy hotel with residential-style rooms, which allow guests to feel at home and pampered at the same time. All rooms come with full kitchens and spacious living spaces.

Amid the property’s 24 acres, guests can play golf, hike, paddleboard, swim or lounge by the pool. Montage Kapalua Bay also offers various art and culture programs, so visitors can learn about the history and traditions of Hawaii.

23. Hotel Emma

Location: San Antonio, Texas

Opened in: 2015

Standout amenities: River Pearl location, pop-up food tastings, multiple restaurants, Guayabera robes custom-made by Dos Carolina and a 3,700-book library.

Why It's One of the Best

Hotel Emma sits on the River Pearl on the northern edge of downtown San Antonio. The historic hotel was a 19th-century brewhouse before becoming a luxury hotel, known for its culinary offerings.

In addition to its lovely rooms, Hotel Emma has seven penthouse suites with private balconies. When checking in, expect to be greeted with the hotel's classic drink, La Babia Margarita.

22. Twin Farms

Location: Barnard, Vermont

Opened in: 1993

Standout amenities: In-room fireplaces, complimentary hand-crafted Stave jigsaw puzzle, Tesla charging stations and complimentary same-day laundry service.

Why It's One of the Best

The Twin Farms hotel is a luxury, five-star experience that includes 20 unique cottages and suites spread across 300 acres. The 1795-era farmhouse is an escape from the various neighboring cities and now focuses on architecture, interior design and art.

Twin Farms offers its guests countless activities with so much nature to explore, but some of the more notable ones include the bee tour, fly fishing, Japanese soaking tubs and basically every winter sport you can imagine.

21. Four Seasons Resort Hualalai

Location: Kailua, Island of Hawaii (Big Island)

Opened in: 1996

Standout amenities: White-sand beaches, black-lava landscapes, 1.8 million-gallon swimmable aquarium and 24-hour in-room dining.

Why It's One of the Best

The Big Island’s Four Seasons Resort Hualalai immerses guests in experiences you'll only find in Hawaii. Swim with the 4,000 diverse tropical fish in King's Pond, Hualalai's signature 1.8 million-gallon swimmable aquarium. Watch the sunset from the island's tallest peak, Mauna Kea. Attend a salt-harvesting event with Hualalai's resort chef. Snap the best photos of your life with legendary National Geographic photographer Joe McNally on his small-group photography workshops.

You can really do it all here!

20. Fairmont Grand Del Mar

Location: San Diego, California

Opened in: 2007

Standout amenities: Four heated pools, marble bathrooms, deep soaking tubs, The Grand Golf Club and views of the Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve.

Why It's One of the Best

Mix a bit of nature with luxury at Southern California's Fairmont Grand Del Mar. The hotel attracts many golfers for San Diego's only Tom Fazio-designed course, but the Center for Wellbeing, the five-star spa, is noteworthy as well.

When you're not enjoying the hotel's four heated pools, head out on a nearby hiking trail or check out the two pro-style tennis courts.

19. The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort

Location: Miami Beach, Florida

Opened in: 2012

Standout amenities: White sandy beaches, various fine-dining options, waterfront views, 24-hour in-room dining and childcare services.

Why It's One of the Best

Stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and Bal Harbour are the main draw for those staying at The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort.

Enjoy the sounds of the ocean in a beachfront villa or daybed. Relax by one of the hotel's two infinity pools. Unwind at the Remède Spa and savor a meal at Atlantikós or La Gourmandise.

18. The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort

Location: Kiawah Island, South Carolina

Opened in: 1976

Standout amenities: Beach access, Forbes Five-Star service rating, indoor and outdoor pools, and more than a dozen restaurants.

Why It's One of the Best

The seaside mansion that is The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort is famous for offering luxury along the Carolina coast, and, yes, that includes championship golf courses. The beach resort is 21 miles from Charleston and is a wedding destination in its own right.

Check out the 21-acre, family-friendly park and recreational facility. If that isn't enough fun, the resort offers a second pool complex.

17. The Peninsula New York

Location: New York, New York

Opened in: 1988

Standout amenities: Forbes Five-Star rating, apartment-style rooms, rooftop bar, city views, spa, full-service hair salon and indoor pool.

Why It's One of the Best

The Peninsula New York has been one of the most iconic Midtown Manhattan hotels since the 1980s. From its grand lobby, you can walk to Central Park, Rockefeller Center and Fifth Avenue.

When staying at The Peninsula, you're surrounded by some of the world's best restaurants, museums and theaters.

16. Wentworth Mansion

Location: Charleston, South Carolina

Opened in: 1997

Standout amenities: Italian crystal chandeliers, hand-carved marble fireplaces, afternoon wine and hors d'oeuvres, evening port, sherry, brandy nightcap and complimentary valet parking.

Why It's One of the Best

Stay in the heart of Charleston in one of 21 rooms designed with glamour and grandeur in mind. Leave the 1886 Wentworth Mansion, and you'll find yourself in Charleston's dining and shopping center on King Street.

Visit the hotel's rooftop cupola for views of the city and harbor. The mansion also offers various experiences for guests as well, including a Secrets of the Sommeliers class.

15. The Peninsula Beverly Hills

Location: Los Angeles, California

Opened in: 1991

Standout amenities: AAA Five-Diamond and Forbes Five-Star-rated, rooftop pool with cabanas, views of Los Angeles, private villas, on-site spa and dining options.

Why It's One of the Best

The Peninsula Beverly Hills is an urban oasis offering 195 guest rooms, including 38 suites and 17 private villas. The hotel is steps from Century City and Rodeo Drive.

It has one every hospitality award, and its restaurants, rooftop pool and onsite spa also happen to be favorites among locals as well.

14. Hotel Bel-Air

Location: Los Angeles, California

Opened in: 1946

Standout amenities: Wolfgang Puck restaurant, nature surrounds the hotel, rotating art exhibits and rooms that open directly onto gardens.

Why It's One of the Best

Hotel Bel-Air is unlike most lodging you'll find in a city, let alone one of the biggest and busiest in the world. The pink sanctuary sits in wooded hills and oozes nature.

The secluded property includes 12 acres of land that’s home to 483 specimen trees and more than 4,000 plants. Paired with low-key glamour, the hotel offers guests a chance to relax in elegance.

13. The Post Oak Hotel at Uptown Houston

Location: Houston, Texas

Opened in: 2018

Standout amenities: AAA Five-Diamond, Texas' only Forbes Five-Star Spa, helicopter pad access, eight dining options and the Assouline Publishing library.

Why It's One of the Best

The 700,000-square-foot Post Oak Hotel brings the best of luxury travel to Texas. With more than eight dining options, an extensive wine cellar and designer shopping on site, guests won't ever need to leave.

Rooms come with 500-count Egyptian cotton bed linens, oversized Egyptian cotton towels,\ and marble bathrooms with soaking tubs.

12. The Little Nell

Location: Aspen, Colorado

Opened in: 1989

Standout amenities: Complimentary mini-bar snacks and non-alcoholic beverages, humidifiers in room, heated outdoor pool and hot tub, grocery and personal shopping services.

Why It's One of the Best

The Little Nell is Aspen's only five-star, five-diamond lodging. It is also the only hotel with ski-in, ski-out access to Aspen Mountain. When not enjoying the winter sports available, guests can enjoy meals at the property’s restaurants, including the Sundeck with extraordinary views of the mountains.

There is also a fitness center and two treatment rooms for post-workout massages.

11. Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort

Location: Orlando, Florida

Opened in: 2014

Standout amenities: Golf and sports club, lakes, woodlands, 5-acre water park, adults-only pool, breakfast with Goofy and multiple award-winning restaurants.

Why It's One of the Best

Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort is for guests who want to mix luxury with theme-park access. The resort was built amidst Florida's nature, so guests are close to the parks but enjoy views of lakes and woodlands instead.

Kids will love Explorer Island, the 5-acre, onsite water park. Adults will love The Spa and the rooftop steakhouse Capa.

10. The Inn & Club at Harbour Town – The Sea Pines Resort

Location: Hilton Head, South Carolina

Opened in: 1962

Standout amenities: 5,000 oceanfront acres, golf, tennis, biking trails, butler service, 24-hour room service, complimentary valet parking and evening bar service.

Why It's One of the Best

The Sea Pines Resort on Hilton Head Island is a winner of the AAA Four-Diamond Award and the Forbes Four-Star Award. It is famous for its golf offerings, but the resort also has acres of beaches for guests to enjoy.

There is a 605-acre Forest Preserve, nearby Harbour Town, and the option to kayak among dolphins.

9. Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa

Location: Rancho Santa Fe, California

Opened in: 1989

Standout amenities: Spread across 45 acres of gardens, full-service Forbes Five-Star-rated spa, fitness facility, various restaurants, saline spa pool, resort pool, multiple hot tubs and contrast hydrotherapy circuit area.

Why It's One of the Best

The Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa is like a luxury summer camp for adults, with numerous activities available. Yoga, tennis and golf are just the beginning.

Some of the most unique ones include the educational and culinary experiences available in the resort's Secret Garden and greenhouse.

8. The Jefferson

Location: Washington, D.C.

Opened in: 1955

Standout amenities: Michelin-starred restaurant, fitness center with Peloton bikes, spa and an in-house Ph.D. historian.

Why It's One of the Best

Immerse yourself in history and luxury in the nation's capital at The Jefferson. With countless museums and historical sites, it can be hard to know where to start in D.C., but The Jefferson has its own historian to help you create a custom itinerary for your visit.

Post exploring, enjoy a meal from the Michelin-starred kitchen in the hotel's restaurant or your room.

7. Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea

Location: Maui, Hawaii

Opened in: 1990

Standout amenities: Adults-only infinity pool, multiple award-winning restaurants, open-air beachfront architecture, spa, nightly hula performance, games room and complimentary daily activities.

Why It's One of the Best

Wailea is the center of luxury on Maui. The Four Seasons has set itself apart with its oceanfront suites, Chef Wolfgang Puck's Spago restaurants, helicopter rides to an organic fruit farm and whale-watching excursions.

Yes, please!

6. Four Seasons Hotel Washington, D.C.

Location: Washington, D.C.

Opened in: 1979

Standout amenities: A three-story fitness center, Forbes Four-Star spa, two-lane indoor lap pool, 24-hour business center, Tesla charging station, steam rooms, saunas and various restaurants.

Why It's One of the Best

The Four Seasons Hotel Washington, D.C., was this capital city’s first five-star, five-diamond luxury hotel, which means some of the world’s most powerful people have undoubtedly stayed here.

As such, the hotel aims to cater to every kind of guest possible. Just a few examples include childcare services, college concierges, dog walking and sitting, personal shopping services and 24-hour in-room dining.

5. The Langham, Chicago

Location: Chicago, Illinois

Opened in: 2013

Standout amenities: Views of Chicago skyline and Chicago River, mid-century-styled rooms, all marble bathrooms with soaking tubs and rainforest showers, and 24-hour concierge services.

Why It's One of the Best

The Langham offers stunning views of Chicago and access to the city's top restaurants, museums and sites. Like most of the hotels on this list, The Langham has earned countless awards and is known for its commitment to elegance.

Experience the award-winning spa, health club, swimming pool and various noteworthy restaurants.

4. The Beverly Hills Hotel

Location: Los Angeles

Opened in: 1912

Standout amenities: Various restaurants, childcare services, spa, the Polo Lounge, 12 acres of tropical gardens, private cabanas, access to the iconic pool and The Salon by Joseph.

Why It's One of the Best

The Beverly Hills Hotel is most famous for its connection to movie stars, rock stars and celebrities. Even the hotel's entrance, with its red carpet, is a testament to Hollywood glamour.

The Pink Palace and its iconic pool have been a favorite among the world's most famous people since opening (before the city even existed), and the tradition continues.

3. The Peninsula Chicago

Location: Chicago

Opened in: 2001

Standout amenities: Views of the Chicago skyline, marble bathrooms, an indoor heated swimming pool, award-winning restaurants and eco-friendly scented guest-room amenities.

Why It's One of the Best

The Peninsula Chicago prides itself on marrying "Far Eastern graciousness and Midwestern hospitality."

The hotel sits on Michigan Avenue in downtown Chicago and offers guests various award-winning restaurants, a spa, fitness center, swimming pool, terrace, and bright and airy guest rooms.

2. Acqualina Resort & Residences on the Beach

Location: Sunny Isles Beach, Florida

Opened in: 2021

Standout amenities: Spans 4.5 beachfront acres, beachfront dining, spa packages, Japanese fusion cuisine, various restaurants and private terraces for each room.

Why It's One of the Best

According to U.S. News & World Report, this resort stands out because of its exceptional customer service, well-maintained grounds, luxuriously comfortable accommodations and wealth of onsite amenities.

That includes the option of a beachfront dining experience as the sun sets in the distance.

1. Four Seasons Resort Lanai

Location: Lanai, Hawaii

Opened in: 1991

Standout amenities: Secluded, oceanfront retreat, spa, lagoon-style pools, botanical gardens, its own Nobu, various additional restaurants, Kids for All Seasons program, Jack Nicklaus-designed championship golf course, archery and shooting range, and childcare services.

Why It's One of the Best

The Four Seasons Resort Lanai won the coveted top spot as the best hotel in the U.S.

The hotel impresses "both experts and travelers with its numerous amenities, ranging from picturesque pools and a world-class golf course to daily activities like sailing, beachfront yoga and cultural tours," according to U.S. News & World Report.