News & Trending Travel News

Top 10 Hotels in the U.S., According To Actual Travelers

Here’s where to stay when only the best of the best will do.

receptionist attending hotel guest
Updated Dec. 17, 2024
Fact checked

Do you have travel on your mind this year? Then you’ll want to check out some of the top hotels in the United States.

Top doesn’t mean most expensive or fanciest (though several of them are fabulously luxurious stays). These top hotels are determined by Trip Advisor and the travelers who stay there with their own hard-earned dollars.

Some are city stays in bustling neighborhoods, while others are rural lodges that let you get away from it all. Ready to start planning your next vacation? Here are the top 10 hotels in the U.S.

If you’re over 50, take advantage of massive travel discounts and trip-planning resources

Over 50 and love traveling? Join AARP today — because if you’re not a member, you could be missing out on huge travel perks. When you start your membership today, you can get discounts on hotels and resorts, airfare, cruises, car rentals, and more.

How to become a member today:

  • Go here, select your free gift, and click “Join Today”
  • Create your account (important!) by answering a few simple questions
  • Start enjoying your discounts and perks!

An AARP membership not only unlocks discounts that could save you hundreds on your next trip, but you’ll also have access to deals on vacation packages, guided tours, and exclusive content to help plan your next getaway.

Important: Start your membership by creating an account here and filling in all of the information (do not skip this step!). Doing so will allow you to take up to 25% off your AARP membership, making it just $12 per year with auto-renewal.

Become an AARP member now

Shore Hotel (Santa Monica, California)

Courtesy of the Shore Hotel shore-hotel

If you prioritize traveling with your pet, you probably know that finding a hotel that’s pet-friendly and stylish can be difficult.

The Shore Hotel in Santa Monica goes above and beyond by putting pets, eco-friendly design, and a tech-savvy approach all in the same bucket. Plus, it’s a quick walk to the Santa Monica Pier so you’re in the right location for exploring the Southern California lifestyle.

Luma Hotel Times Square (New York City, New York)

Courtesy of Luma Hotels luma hotel times square

When in New York City, you want to be in the heart of the action — but you also want to get a good night’s sleep. Luma Hotel is in the bright lights of Times Square, yet it offers a respite from the noise and the people.

The rooms are spacious, and when you need just a moment away from everyone, you can order room service that’s brought to your door by a robot. Want a nightcap next to other travelers? There’s a fabulous restaurant in the hotel.

FivePine Lodge & Spa (Sisters, Oregon)

Courtesy of FivePine Lodge & Spa fivepine lodge and spa

Simple, serene, and rustic is the vibe that FivePine Lodge & Spa is going for, and it fully succeeds in achieving that.

The rooms are full of rich wood tones yet still feel crisp and clean thanks to luxurious bedding and a sleeker take on mountain decor. You can stay within the main lodge or in a cabin, depending on how far you want to escape from it all. There’s also a spa when you’re looking for the ultimate relaxation.

Earn a $250 travel bonus with this incredible card

There's a credit card that's making waves with its amazing bonus and benefits. The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card has no annual fee and you can earn 25,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.

You can earn additional points just by using this card for your everyday purchases — unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases. The 25,000 bonus points can be redeemed for a $250 statement credit toward travel or dining purchases.

If you want to travel and dine out more, the Travel Rewards card can help you get where you want to go.

The best part? There's no annual fee.

Click here to apply now.

The Bryant Park Hotel (New York City, New York)

Courtesy of The Bryant Park Hotel bryant park hotel

Behind a historic skyscraper facade and a moody restaurant, The Bryant Park Hotel surprises with its modern, light, and bright rooms that are just above the buzz of Bryant Park.

You can’t beat this location, and it’s hard to find rooms this big in the city. Add in a fitness center and a restaurant that’s worth staying in for, and you have a winning combination for your next trip to the Big Apple.

Hotel Emma (San Antonio, Texas)

Courtesy of Hotel Emma hotel emma

Walk into Hotel Emma, and you’ll feel as if you’ve been transported to a high-style version of the Old West. The interior is moody and masculine, with a perfect combination of old and new.

There’s history around every turn, and you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more luxurious stay. Located right in the Pearl District, you can walk everywhere you’d need to go in San Antonio — but do you even want to leave the hotel when there’s a restaurant, spa, and more?

The Loutrel (Charleston, South Carolina)

Courtesy of The Loutrel the loutrel

Gorgeous big windows and a calming color palette make The Loutrel the ideal respite from a packed Charleston itinerary. 

There’s Southern hospitality in every interaction, which is the cherry on top of a luxurious stay that includes free breakfast, happy hour, and the comfiest beds you’ve ever stayed in. Plus, you’re just steps from the Charleston food scene.

Lotte Hotel Seattle (Seattle, Washington)

Courtesy of Lotte Hotels Seattle lotte hotel seattle

From Lotte Hotel Seattle, you can look out your window to incredible views of downtown Seattle and the waterfront. This sophisticated design and top-notch customer service make this a luxury stay you won’t forget. 

When you’re not trying out the on-site restaurant, Charlotte, or hitting the spa, you’re right where you need to be to explore the best of Seattle.

Four Seasons Hotel Chicago (Chicago, Illinois)

Courtesy of Four Seasons Hotel Chicago four seasons hotel chicago

You can’t go wrong with a Four Seasons experience, particularly when it’s in the Windy City. The Four Seasons Hotel Chicago provides a luxurious retreat from the energy of this midwestern hub.

After a busy day exploring Chicago, you can relax in your room while looking out at the incredible views of the city. If you’re there during the summer, don’t forget to bring your bathing suit for a swim in the pool.

Ironworks Hotel Indy (Indianapolis, Indiana)

Courtesy of Ironworks Hotel Indy ironworks hotel indy

Stay at a boutique hotel that combines a historic feel with modern comfort. Ironworks Hotel Indy has intentionally decorated its rooms in an old-world style, but they have luxury amenities for a relaxing stay. 

You’ll have a spacious room, spa-like bathroom, and incredible views. There’s also an on-site restaurant for when you want something easy and delicious just outside your door.

Unlock exclusive entertainment deals and VIP perks (without a credit card)

Ready to take your entertainment and travels to the next level? Experience the finer things in life with the SELECT card.

No, it's not a credit card, it’s an exclusive membership — and your passport to a world of elite benefits and unforgettable moments.

Imagine sipping complimentary cocktails in downtown Manhattan at KYU NYC or saving 20% on the best sushi in Hollywood Hills at Yamashiro.

Like to shop? Members receive VIP discounts like 15% off at Brooks Brothers, and up to 60% off at Tumi.

Enjoy special offers at luxury hotels like the Four Seasons and Omni Select. For example, you get 15% off at Hyatt Hotels worldwide.

But it’s not just about the hundreds (or thousands) you could save. There are so many features that make you feel like a VIP every day. Like SELECT’s white-glove concierge that assists with bookings, recommendations, or anything you need. And priority access to reservations to some of the year’s hottest events (many not open to the public).

Apply for the SELECT card today

San Antonio Marriott Rivercenter on the River Walk (San Antonio, Texas)

Courtesy of San Antonio Marriott Rivercenter san antonio marriott rivercenter

Stay right in the heart of the River Walk at the San Antonio Marriott Rivercenter on the River Walk. 

The modern, comfortable rooms are exactly what you need to get a good night’s sleep after a busy day exploring this iconic Texas city — and the pool is exactly what you need during a Texas summer. You can’t beat the location. You’re just steps from shopping, dining, and more.

Bottom line

SeanPavonePhoto/Adobe resort swimming pool

Every person’s dream vacation is different, and some people prioritize exploring a new destination every year. These top hotels can help you enjoy your trip to the fullest. Just make sure to bring your favorite travel credit card.

Easy-to-Earn Unlimited Rewards

Benefits

Card Details

  • $0 annual fee
  • Simple, flat-rate rewards
  • Flexible redemption options
  • Up to 75% preferred Rewards bonus potential
  • Apply Now
  • Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees and your points don't expire as long as your account remains open.
  • 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases.
  • Use your card to book your trip how and where you want - you're not limited to specific websites with blackout dates or restrictions.
  • Redeem points for a statement credit to pay for travel or dining purchases, such as flights, hotel stays, car and vacation rentals, baggage fees, and also at restaurants including takeout.
  • 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 18.49% - 28.49% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%.
  • If you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you can earn 25%-75% more points on every purchase. That means instead of earning an unlimited 1.5 points for every $1, you could earn 1.87-2.62 points for every $1 you spend on purchases.
  • Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
  • This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
Bank of <span class='whitespace-nowrap'>America<sup>®</sup></span> Travel Rewards credit card
4.1
info
Apply Now

on Bank of America’s secure website

Read Card Review

Intro Offer

Earn 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases

Annual Fee

$0

+

Why we like it