Where you stay can often make or break an entire trip, but U.S. News has taken out the guesswork of vacation planning with their list of the ten best hotels in the country.
Experts ranked their top picks through a combination of “analysis of industry awards, hotel star ratings, and user ratings.”
10
Acqualina Resort & Residences (#1)
With six Critics Awards and thousands of glowing reviews, Miami Beach’s Aqualina Resort beat out over 30,000 hotels to cinch the top spot of the nation’s best resort.
The Mediterranean-styled five-star resort boasts three oceanfront pools, a large spa, meeting rooms, and four dining options, including New York’s elite Il Mulino.
Take a scenic breather on the resort’s signature poolside lounge or get some well-deserved me-time at their VOI Hair Salon.
With your pick of their oceanside rooms which provide expansive views of all that Miami has to offer, your stay is sure to be unforgettable.
10
Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club (#2)
Another standout on the Miami Beach resort scene proudly boasts a list of star-studded visitors.
Frank Sinatra, Elizabeth Taylor, and Winston Churchill were just a few of the Surf Club’s past guests.
The three 12-stories towers include a total of 77 luxury guest rooms and 119 private residences, with a ballroom, the Lido Restaurant, a champagne bar, and sparkling views of the Atlantic Ocean.
The Surf Club is home to a world-class spa that’s sure to relieve even the worst case of jet lag with its message therapy, skincare, and fitness offerings.
10
Montage Laguna Beach (#5)
South California’s top resort is situated right on its namesake, Laguna Beach.
With direct access to the waters, the seaside hotel allows guests to unwind right by the coast.
Vacationers can enjoy classic California fare from one of their three on-site restaurants, The Loft, Mosaic Bar and Grille, and Lobby Lounge.
Laguna’s ambiance has been described by patrons as “romantic,” best suited for couples, although the resort also hosts an impressive array of baby and children’s programs.
10
Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection (#6)
Situated in the heart of Hawai’i’s mountainous Big Island and the Kohala Coast, Mauna Lani is the state’s pride and joy when it comes to getaways.
Exclusive to the resort are itineraries that most hotels are hard strapped to beat, including award-winning golf courses right by the water.
Catch humpback whales, dolphins, and pilot fish on their return from Alaska between January and April, or tune in for some live music by the sea at twilight.
Foodies can even start their days off with freshly brewed Kona coffee or Japanese-inspired fare at one of their seven on-site restaurants and markets.
10
Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt (#7)
Disney fans are in for truly magical experience at the Four Seasons Resort Orlando.
Guests of all ages can have a day of fun and relaxation at the Explorer Island water park.
Or, for the tired parent looking for some alone time, naps can be taken at the Oasis adult-only pool.
Families can even toast to a perfect vacation with fireworks overhead at a rooftop dinner at the resort’s Michelin-starred steakhouse Capa.
10
Faena Hotel Miami Beach (#10)
A third Miami Beach destination grabbed the last spot on the top ten list, with its gold-and-red accented designs.
The 1950s-themed resort is perfect for creatives or those looking for a hit of nostalgia.
Catch a production in the Faena Theater, where the resort boasts its own highly-acclaimed cabaret performances.
Those with a diverse taste palate would also be pleased with their four on-site eateries, which include South American, Asian fusion, Mexican, and Japanese omakase fare.
10
The Langham, Chicago (#3)
Although visitors definitely can’t lounge next to Lake Michigan, the closest body of water near The Langham, the hotel is still impressive in its own right.
The five-star hotel’s Travelle Lounge overlooks the Chicago River, featuring a skyline view as guests converse over cocktails.
The Pavilion is perfect for tea-enjoyers, open afternoons on weekends for those who’d like to unwind with a book and some savory bites.
The Langham’s Chuan Spa helps guests relax with a full-body experience guided by the five elements and includes facilities such as a 67-foot indoor pool, Hydro-Vitality hot tub, Oriental steam room, and Eucalyptus and Himalayan salt stone saunas.
10
The Peninsula Chicago (#4)
Located in the heart of downtown Chicago, The Peninsula is “Far Eastern graciousness where it meets Midwestern hospitality.”
The Asian-inspired hotel has touted a Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star rating each year since it opened in 1997.
Fitness enthusiasts would feel right at home with their state-of-the-art gym, which includes floor-to-wall ceilings and an indoor half-Olympic size swimming pool.
The pool, located on the 19th floor, also overlooks Lake Michigan.
10
The Jefferson, Washington, DC (#8)
Originally a block of luxury apartments, architect Jules Henri de Sibour only took two years to transform the units into the impressive hotel.
Located in the nation’s capital, it only makes sense that The Jefferson has its own in-house historian.
Susan Sullivan Lagon, PhD, convenes with guests daily to share details about the building’s history, its architect, and locale.
The pet-friendly hotel also includes a state-of-the-art kitchen, restaurant, bar, a book room, and fitness center.
10
XV Beacon Hotel (#9)
Rumors on the streets are that Boston’s Beacon Hotel used to house Geoge Washington, America’s first President.
While there ironically is no Presidential Suite, guests can pick from seven different room types at Beacon, from the Classic with Queen beds and a walk-in shower to the two bedroom Gilbert Stuart Suites.
All Beacon rooms include amenities such as White Italian marble bathrooms, fresh flowers, and even complimentary bath salts along with CBD bath bombs.
The hotel’s in-house restaurant, Mooo, includes a menu with all-natural grass-fed ribeye and Wagyu A5 sirloin.