2016-01-15



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Escape to a golfer’s paradise at The Lodge At Sea Island Golf Club in Georgia.

Where you stay can make all the difference between an average trip and one you’ll never forget.

From sea to shining sea, America is home to some of the world’s most incredible hotels, and each state has one that stands out above the rest.

We’ve put together a collection of the best hotel from each state and Washington, DC.

Most selections are based on the results of our World’s Best Hotels list, aggregated from hotel rankings made by elite travel publications and websites: Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Hotels, Conde Nast Traveler’s Top 100 Hotels and Resorts, TripAdvisor’s Top 25 Hotels in the World, Fodor’s 100 Hotel Awards, and Jetsetter’s Best of the Best Awards.

The remaining picks are based off of winners of Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards. We also included hotels that we thought had an incredible history.

From a hotel on the site of a military headquarters set up by Andrew Jackson to one that has hosted 44 US presidents, here are the top hotels in each state.

Lauren Browning and Asta Thrastardottir contributed to an earlier version of this post.

ALABAMA: The Battle House Renaissance Mobile Hotel & Spa, Mobile



Established on the site of a military headquarters set up by Andrew Jackson during the War of 1812, the hotel is aptly named the Battle House. It has been a longtime favorite of celebrities, sports legends, presidents and royalty.

The hotel has plenty of amenities, including a full salon, eight treatment rooms, and The Trellis Room, Mobile’s only four-diamond restaurant.

Rooms start at around $199 a night.

ALASKA: The Hotel Alyeska, Girdwood



Hotel Alyeska sits in a landscape of soaring mountain peaks, glaciers, and stunning ocean views.

The chateau-style hotel provides guests with easy access to ski terrain and mountain walks, and amenities include a 60-passenger aerial scenic tram, a saltwater pool and whirlpool, and mountaintop dining at the Seven Glaciers Restaurant.

Rooms start at around $249 a night.

ARIZONA: Mii amo, Sedona

Mii amo is a luxurious spa retreat set against an incredible mountain backdrop. All-inclusive packages include luxury spa treatments, fitness classes, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, and sports like tennis and mountain biking.

Thanks to its ideal setting, the resort also has expert guides who can help guests traverse Sedona’s Red Rocks.

Packages start at $2,520 for three nights.

ARKANSAS: Capital Hotel, Little Rock

The historic Capital Hotel is often called “the front porch of Little Rock” and was originally famous for having one of the largest elevators in the area at the time. The elevator was rumored to have been created solely to convey Former US President Ulysses S. Grant and his horse to his room at the hotel.

Today, the hotel maintains its traditional Southern charm, with rooms that are adorned with fresh flowers and offer spectacular views of downtown Little Rock through floor-to-ceiling windows.

Rooms start at around $195 a night.

CALIFORNIA: Solage Calistoga, Calistoga

Located in California’s Napa Valley, Solage Calistoga is a luxurious retreat. At its geothermal water bathhouse, you can enjoy a mudslide spa treatment, a state-of-the-art gym, yoga studio, and a Michelin-starred restaurant called Solbar.

The surrounding mountainous area is built for hiking, biking, and jogging, but there are also incredible wineries and vineyards for oenophiles and foodies.

Rooms start at around $370 a night.

COLORADO: Gateway Canyons Resort, Gateway

Nestled among the red rocks of Colorado, Gateway Canyons is ideal for those seeking an adventurous getaway. Recreational activities offered at the hotel range from snowshoeing and mountain biking to kayaking and horseback riding.

Dine under the stars before heading to your luxury accommodations at the resort’s casitas (suites) or one of its two separate lodges.

Rooms start at around $779 a night.

CONNECTICUT: Winvian Farm, Litchfield County

Winvian Farm is a 113-acre luxury resort located in the Litchfield Hills of Connecticut. Composed of a manor that dates back to 1775 and 18 individually designed resort cottages in the woodlands and meadows, Winvian offers travelers a serene stay in nature.

Guests can spend the night in a treehouse, greenhouse, or musical conservatory. Bikes wait by each cottage, ready for roaming around the grounds and organic gardens. There is also a luxury spa, a 40-foot swimming pool, and a farm-to-table restaurant to enjoy.

Rooms start at $499 per night.

DELAWARE: Hotel du Pont, Wilmington

Hotel du Pont first welcomed guests to its stunning accommodations in 1913 and became one of America’s best hotels during the Gilded Age.

Its hand-carved wooden features, mosaic floors, and imported European chandeliers were created by some of the finest French and Italian craftsmen over 100 years ago. Inside, the hotel features 217 guest rooms and the Green Room — a AAA four-diamond and Forbes four-star restaurant.

Rooms start at around $169 a night.

FLORIDA: Sunset Key Cottages, A Luxury Resort Collection, Key West

Located on the secluded 27-acre island of Sunset Key, the Sunset Key Cottages is composed of one- to four-bedroom cottages and private homes that offer panoramic views of the ocean and surrounding gardens.

Cottages are adorned with Victorian-style tin roofs and pastel-colored wood finishes to provide a cheerful and welcoming environment for guests. Plus, the large, private Sunset Key beach provides the ideal space for relaxation.

Rooms start at around $1,035 a night.

GEORGIA: The Lodge At Sea Island Golf Club, Saint Simons Island

Referred to as a “golfer’s paradise”, The Lodge at Sea Island Golf Club resembles an English country manor. It is comprised of 40 different secluded guest rooms set within beautiful oak trees.

Rooms are built with rich wood furnishings, exposed beam ceilings, spectacular views, and amenities that include a 24-hour butler service. There’s also a lodge that sits surrounded by the hotel’s two 18-hole golf courses.

Rooms start at around $525 a night.

HAWAII: Wailea Beach Villas, Maui

Hawaii is home to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, and Wailea on the island of Maui is no exception. Wailea Beach Villas sit right on the shoreline, offering unbeatable views of bright blue waters and stunning sunsets, as well as easy access to multiple kinds of water sports.

The 98 furnished villas sit on 11 acres of private property, and the hotel itself was named the number one resort in Hawaii by Conde Nast Traveler.

Rooms start at around $1,285 a night.

IDAHO: Sun Valley Lodge, Sun Valley

Sun Valley Lodge has been in operation since 1936, hosting high-profile guests like Clint Eastwood, Marilyn Monroe, and Ernest Hemingway.

As the country’s first destination ski lodge, it has been reinvented to include 108 new and larger guestrooms, a 20,000-square-foot spa, a world-class fitness center and yoga studio, a glass-enclosed outdoor pool, and a variety of restaurants. Stay in one of its five celebrity suites, which pay homage to the likes of Marilyn Monroe, Sonja Henie, Ernest Hemingway, and Gary Cooper.

Rooms start at around $369 a night.

ILLINOIS: The Langham, Chicago

Housed in an elegant skyscraper designed by renowned architect Mies van der Rohe, the Langham Chicago sits along the Chicago River in a location that’s near many of the city’s landmarks: Millennium and Grant Parks, the Magnificent Mile, and Navy Pier. The property offers a pool, a spa, a fitness center, a private club, and butler service.

The Langham ranked number 10 on our list of the world’s best hotels.

Rooms start at around $288 a night.

INDIANA: West Baden Springs Hotel, West Baden Springs

When West Baden Springs Hotel was built in 1902, it became known as the “Eighth Wonder of the World” thanks to a stunning atrium that spans 200 feet. Circling the dome are 243 luxury guest rooms and suites.

The hotel also has a complimentary shuttle to transport guests to the nearby casino and golf course.

Rooms start at around $186 a night.

IOWA: The Hotel Blackhawk, Davenport

Hotel Blackhawk originally opened in 1915, and local media hailed it as “a Model of Luxury and Beauty.”

It quickly became a favorite for various presidents, entertainers, and iconic athletes, and recently underwent a $46 million renovation to include modern amenities and rich decor. Guests can take advantage of its heated indoor swimming pool, bowling alley, fitness center, spa, and various eateries.

Rooms start at around $129 a night.

KANSAS: The Ambassador Hotel, Wichita

The Ambassador Hotel sits in the heart of Wichita and includes 117 rooms and suites decorated in rich fabrics and French-inspired colors.

Guests can easily explore the nearby Historic Delano shopping and entertainment district, enjoy a meal at the hotel’s Siena Tuscan Steakhouse, or take advantage of its 24-hour fitness center.

Rooms start at around $139 a night.

KENTUCKY: The Seelbach Hilton, Louisville

The Seelbach Hilton first opened in 1905 and became known as the center of Kentucky’s bourbon country during the roaring ’20s. It attracted some of the world’s most famous gangsters, including Al Capone, George Remus, and Dutch Schultz.

F. Scott Fitzgerald also often visited the hotel, using it as a backdrop for Tom and Daisy Buchanan’s wedding. Today, you can explore its historical past by visiting the spot where Capone used to play cards.

Rooms start at around $179 a night.

LOUISIANA: The Roosevelt New Orleans, New Orleans

In operation since 1893, the grand Roosevelt New Orleans is adorned in crystal chandeliers, palm trees, and 1920s mosaic-tiled floors.

After Hurricane Katrina, the hotel underwent major restorations to bring back its original grandeur, updating plush rooms and suites, the renowned Guerlain spa, and the famed Sazerac Bar — where some say the world’s first mixed drink was created.

Rooms start at around $209 a night.

MAINE: Camden Harbour Inn, Camden

Sitting on a hill that overlooks Camden, Maine, the Camden Harbour Inn has been in operation since the late 1800s. The hotel’s Dutch owners fashioned it with European elegance, providing guests with suites that include gas fireplaces, saunas, iPads, and balconies with views over the bay.

Plus, it’s a short walking distance from downtown Camden’s boutiques, galleries, and public beach.

Rooms start at around $189 a night.

MARYLAND: Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort, Spa & Marina, Cambridge

The Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay sits on the banks of the Choptank River. The 400-acre resort includes spacious guest rooms with private balconies offering views of the marina, pool, and the River Marsh Golf Club, a championship course designed by Keith Foster.

Activities here include everything from skydiving and river cruises to hiking and tennis.

Rooms start at around $159 a night.

MASSACHUSETTS: XV Beacon, Boston

Located in a landmark Beaux Arts building in Beacon Hill, XV Beacon has some pretty high-tech accommodations. Its 63 guest rooms were built with gas fireplaces, iHome alarm radios, surround-sound stereo, and flat screen TVS.

Luxury is the key here, with 24-hour in-room dining, a 24-hour workout room, and a concierge desk that can help guests with everything from sporting event tickets and in-room massages to private city tours.

Rooms start at around $345 a night.

MICHIGAN: Grand Hotel, Mackinac Island

Grand Hotel has been a popular family summer destination for travelers since opening in 1887. It is a destination known for its rich history, where the likes of Mark Twain would gather to lecture.

Feel like you’re stepping back in time as you enjoy afternoon tea on the cozy parlor, go for a horse carriage ride among its sprawling gardens, or enjoy a hearty meal on the hotel’s front porch during the summer.

Rooms start at around $139 a night.

MINNESOTA: Madden’s on Gull Lake, Brainerd

Recognized as one of the top golfing destinations in the US, Madden’s on Gull Lake has golf courses that carve through the woods of Brainerd to provide golfers with stunning views.

The hotel also claims to offer more recreational amenities than any other resort in the Midwest, from tennis courts and croquet lawns to a water park and three different sand beaches.

Rooms start at around $139 a night.

MISSISSIPPI: The Alluvian Hotel, Greenwood

The Alluvian Hotel is a boutique hotel in the center of the Mississippi Delta. The name of the hotel comes from its deep roots in the region.

It boasts 45 luxurious rooms, five spacious suites, and several private lofts available for rent. Guests are treated to a full Southern-style breakfast buffet each morning, and other amenities include a private movie theater and the legendary Giardina’s restaurant, which has been serving some of the area’s best steaks, seafood, and Italian cuisine since opening in 1936.

Rooms start at around $195 a night.

MISSOURI: Stonewater Cove Resort and Club, Shell Knob

Stonewater Cove is a private lake and wilderness retreat that stretches 500 acres into the Mark Twain National Forest.

At the luxury outdoor retreat, visitors can explore the surrounding forests with ATVs, go kayaking or canoeing on its glistening lakes, fish right off its dock, and end the day with a gourmet meal back at the lodge.

Rooms start at around $560 a night.

MONTANA: Triple Creek Ranch, Darby

Hidden away in Montana’s Bitterroot Valley, the Triple Creek Ranch is an opulent all-inclusive vacation resort where guests can stay in one- to-three bedroom cabins or luxury ranch homes.

Explore the surrounding nature via horseback riding, go for a game of tennis, or take a ride through the grounds via the many golf carts provided to guests for their convenience.

Rooms start at around $950 a night.

NEBRASKA: Hotel Deco XV, Omaha

Hotel Deco XV is a AAA Four-Diamond Preferred hotel located in the heart of downtown Omaha. The boutique hotel sits adjacent to the historic Old Market district, where guests can explore an array of dining, shopping, arts, and entertainment options.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the hotel has been completely renovated to include 89 sleek guest rooms and spacious suites.

Rooms start at around $109 a night.

NEVADA: Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas, Las Vegas

The Four Seasons Las Vegas sits on the icon strip, right in the hub of the city’s bustling nightlife and entertainment scene. With suites located on floors 35 to 39, guests are guaranteed to enjoy incredible views of the strip through large floor-to-ceiling windows.

In total, the hotel has 424 guest rooms and 81 luxury suites designed in an Art Deco style. Additionally, thanks to its location next to Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, guests not only have access to the Four Seasons’ pools, but also to Mandalay Beach.

Rooms start at around $199 a night.

NEW HAMPSHIRE: Wentworth by the Sea, a Marriott Hotel & Spa, New Castle

The historic Wentworth by the Sea has stood as a symbol of luxury since it opened in 1874 in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. The waterfront hotel has hosted social, business, and political leaders from around the world and even hosted the signers of the Portsmouth Peace Treaty (which ended the Russo-Japanese War) in 1905.

Renovations have led to the creation of luxurious villas with private balconies, as well as marina sites equipped with access to a private outdoor pool overlooking the resort’s 170-slip Portsmouth marina.

Rooms start at around $179 a night.

NEW JERSEY: Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, Atlantic City

The Borgata is a favorite for travelers in search of the ultimate Atlantic City experience thanks to its renowned casino, nightclub, and restaurants created by celebrity chefs like Bobby Flay, Wolfgang Puck, and Geoffrey Zakarian.

With a bustling nightlife scene and thousands of rooms to choose from, the hotel is ideal for those who love top-notch entertainment.

Rooms start at around $99 a night.

NEW MEXICO: Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi, Santa Fe

Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi is located in the heart of Santa Fe, New Mexico, near some of the area’s best galleries, museums, and attractions like Canyon Road and Bandelier National Park.

Celebrating the tradition of the region’s early Native Americans, the interiors of the boutique hotel are decorated in handcrafted textiles, paintings, and carvings.

Rooms start at around $196 a night.

NEW YORK: The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park, New York

As its name suggests, the Ritz-Carlton sits near 5th Avenue and Central Park South. It’s steps away from some of New York City’s best upscale shopping boutiques, theaters, and restaurants.

Inside, 259 lavish guest rooms and suites come with grand living and dining room areas and stunning views of the park below.

Rooms start at around $615 a night.

NORTH CAROLINA: Old Edwards Inn & Spa, Highlands

Perched above a science plateau in North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains, Old Edwards Inn and Spa is a European-style resort that sits at the heart of the artsy and bustling Highlands downtown area.

Live music, theaters, boutiques, and museums are just steps away from the resort, which was named TripAdvisor’s No. 5 top hotel in the US last year. Relax in one of the individually appointed guest rooms, suites, and cottages or go for a dip in its heated mineral pool.

Rooms start at around $199 a night.

NORTH DAKOTA: The Hotel Donaldson, Fargo

Located in downtown Fargo, Hotel Donaldson, which was originally built in 1893, reopened in 2003 after a three-year renovation to feature 17 rooms adorned in original artwork from regional artists.

Today, the hotel is also home to the HoDO Restaurant, the only Four Diamond AAA-recognized restaurant in the state. Personal touches like a wine and cheese hour, a truffle turndown service, and complimentary pastry baskets help make a stay here all the more special.

Rooms start at around $184 a night.

OHIO: 21c Museum Hotel Cincinnati, Cincinnati

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the 21c Museum Hotel Cincinnati is filled with art installations throughout its corridors. The 100-year-old Metropole Hotel building was converted into a 156-room boutique hotel, contemporary art museum, and cultural center.

Inside, guests will find 8,000 square feet of exhibition spaces, cultural programs throughout the year, and the Metropole restaurant, which creates dishes based on traditional fireplace cooking techniques.

Rooms start at around $199 a night.

OKLAHOMA: Mayo Hotel, Tulsa

When the Mayo Hotel originally opened in 1925, it instantly became known as the social hub of high society. Notable guests included everyone from John F. Kennedy and Bob Hope to Babe Ruth and Charlie Chaplin.

The hotel closed its doors in 1981 before undergoing a $42 million dollar renovation and reopening in 2009. Located in the heart of downtown Tulsa’s best shopping, dining, concert venues and entertainment districts, the hotel is still the place to see and be seen today.

Rooms start at around $129 a night.

OREGON: The Allison Inn & Spa, Newberg

Stay in one of Oregon’s top-notch wine country lodgings at The Allison Inn & Spa in the Willamette Valley. Here, visitors are treated to views of snow-topped mountains, hillsides, and nearly 200 neighboring wineries.

There are 77 deluxe guest rooms and eight different suites to choose from, all of which include oversized windows to let in plenty of sunlight and views of the vineyards. Finally, the award-winning 15,000-square-foot Allison Spa provides a full-service massage menu for men and women.

Rooms start at around $380 a night.

PENNSYLVANIA: The Rittenhouse Hotel, Philadelphia

The Rittenhouse Hotel sits within a prime location on Rittenhouse Square and is known for its impeccable service.

The AAA Five Diamond Award winner provides guests with plenty of amenities, including lavish extras like a luxury Jaguar driver service and overnight shoeshines. Its generously spaced rooms — between 450 and 600 square feet for guest rooms and 650 to 2,000 square feet for suites — allow guests plenty of space to relax in comfort.

Rooms start at around $280 a night.

RHODE ISLAND: The Ocean House, Watch Hill

Originally opened in 1868 just after the Civil War, Ocean House served as a prime summer destination for America’s aristocrats before closing in 2003.

It was fully restored and reopened in 2010 and stands as the only AAA Five Diamond and Forbes Five-Star hotel in the state. Each of the hotel’s 49 guest rooms and suites sit high above a bluff overlooking the beach.

Rooms start at around $465 a night.

SOUTH CAROLINA: Inn at Palmetto Bluff, Bluffton

The Inn at Palmetto Bluff sits along South Carolina’s May River and is set within a 22,000-acre development with breathtaking nature preserves, walking trails, villages, a marina, and a Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course.

Guest cottages and homes include vaulted ceilings, fireplaces, and verandas with gorgeous views. Plus, there are cooking classes, horseback-riding excursions, and trips on the hotel’s 100-year-old yacht.

Rooms start at around $330 a night.

SOUTH DAKOTA: State Game Lodge, Custer

The State Game Lodge, located within the Custer State Park Resort throughout the Black Hills of South Dakota, is a native stone and wood lodge built in 1920.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it has hosted the likes of Former US Presidents Coolidge and Eisenhower and is known for its up-close nature encounters.

Rooms start at around $99 a night.

TENNESSEE: River Inn of Harbor Town, Memphis

River Inn of Harbor Town overlooks the Mississippi River near downtown Memphis. River Inn offers guests 28 luxury boutique and upscale lodging accommodations that include magnificent views of the river.

Each floor includes a library-style seating area, and guests are treated to a complimentary gourmet breakfast in the restaurant, Paulette’s, as a part of their stay.

Rooms start at around $199 a night.

TEXAS: Lake Austin Spa Resort, Austin

This all-inclusive luxury spa resort sits tucked away in the serene Texas Hill Country of Austin.

The resort features luxury accommodations, hiking trails, and outdoor fitness activities to enjoy while taking in breathtaking views.

Rooms start at around $268 a night.

UTAH: Stein Eriksen Lodge Deer Valley, Park City

Named after Norwegian Olympic Gold Medal skier Stein Eriksen, Stein Eriksen Lodge Deer Valley is nestled in the middle of the mountains at Utah’s Deer Valley Resort.

Named the “World’s Best Ski Hotel” in 2014 by the World Ski Awards, the hotel offers 180 rooms and suites designed in natural textures, more than 145 stone fireplaces, cathedral ceilings, a luxurious spa, and proximity to world-class skiing terrain.

Rooms start at around $925 a night.

VERMONT: Twin Farms, Barnard

Twin Farms is located within 300 wooded acres of Barnard, Vermont. The 1795-era farmhouse was originally purchased by Nobel prize-winning author Sinclair Lewis and journalist Dorothy Thompson, and has a guest list that has included various political and literary figures throughout the years.

Today, its 20 accommodations range from secluded cottages to suites with private entrances, lounges, and libraries.

Rates start at around $1,500 a night.

VIRGINIA: Primland Resort, Meadows of Dan

Primland Resort offers the ideal escape for both golf enthusiasts and families, with 12,000 acres of land to explore.

Guests can enjoy a challenging golf game on its course, engage in outdoor activities that range from ATV driving and mountain biking to stargazing, or relax in one of the lodge’s 26 rooms, its private cottages, or one of its mountain homes.

Rooms start at around $531 a night.

WASHINGTON: Four Seasons Hotel Seattle, Seattle

At Four Seasons Hotel Seattle, stunning views of Elliott Bay and Puget Sound can be seen right from its rooms, suites, or its outdoor infinity pool.

As Washington State’s only Forbes Five-Star hotel, the Four Seasons includes 147 spacious guest rooms and 13 luxury suites near the iconic Pike Place Market. The rooms are adorned in local art reproduced from the collection of the Seattle Art Museum.

Rooms start at around $329 a night.

WASHINGTON, DC: The Hay-Adams Hotel

Built in the 1920s, this boutique hotel sits in downtown Washington, DC, and has incredible views of the White House, Lafayette Square, Lafayette Park, and St. John’s Church.

Just minutes away from the National Mall and Washington Monument, the hotel has 145 guest rooms, including 21 suites that range from 550 to 1,800 square feet. It is also recognized as a prime destination for fine dining thanks to its high-quality restaurant, The Lafayette.

Rooms start at around $329 a night.

WEST VIRGINIA: The Greenbrier, White Sulphur Springs

This National Historic Landmark and world-class resort has been welcoming guests since 1778. Its 10,000-acre property includes 710 rooms, 33 suites, and 96 guest and estate homes.

There are 10 different lobbies, 40 meeting rooms, and more than 55 different activities to enjoy. With such lavish amenities, its clear to see why its guest list has included 44 of America’s presidents.

Rooms start at around $59 a night.

WISCONSIN: Canoe Bay, Chetek

Nestled on 300 private acres of hardwood forest and glacial carved lakes, Canoe Bay is a prime destination for a couple’s getaway.

Spend the day enjoying idyllic lakeside views, skiing, canoeing, or devouring a meal made with ingredients from the hotel’s gardens. Cottages include private decks, two-person whirlpool tubs, and some even have a steam shower, private sauna, and heated flooring.

Rooms start at around $350 a night.

WYOMING: The Lodge and Spa at Brush Creek Ranch, Saratoga

The Lodge and Spa at Brush Creek Ranch is a luxury ranch situated on 30,000 acres of the Rocky Mountain wilderness in Wyoming.

Ideal for exploring the great outdoors, the ranch features a 38,000-square-foot lodge and a roster of outdoor activities that includes private fly-fishing excursions, hiking, biking, trail running, or horseback riding.

Rates start at around $1,500 a night.

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