Choosing the right hotel for your next stateside getaway is no easy feat: A property's quality
can be difficult to measure until you're standing at check-in with
luggage in tow. That's where U.S. News & World Report's annual Best Hotels in the USA rankings come in. In recent years, high-end hotels
have been upping their game and making strides in defining new
standards of luxury. This year's rankings reflect increased competition
and an ever-improving guest experience.
U.S. News' travel editors analyzed a wide assortment of travel
resources — including guidebooks, travel websites, guest reviews and
expert ratings — to compile a comprehensive list of the best places to
rest your head in the United States. Our editors used an unbiased methodology to evaluate nearly 1,700 luxury hotels across the country. From Hawaii's most paradisiacal escapes to the towering high-rise hotels of Chicago, this collection of properties showcases the diversity of lodging options across America.
The 10 top hotels
in the USA for 2014 stand out among a varied landscape of great
American properties. High-end amenities, excellent customer service and
gourmet restaurants contribute to the distinguished reputations of each
of these hotels.
in the USA for 2014 stand out among a varied landscape of great
American properties. High-end amenities, excellent customer service and
gourmet restaurants contribute to the distinguished reputations of each
of these hotels. 10. Waldorf Astoria Chicago
Chicago
The Waldorf Astoria Chicago's convenient location near Michigan Avenue places the hotel within walking distance of the city's top things to do, but guests of the lavish property can also opt for private transportation via the hotel's
in-house Mercedes Benz sedan. It's the exclusive access to exceptional
amenities like these that both guests and experts praise. Travelers also
hold this Waldorf Astoria hotel in high esteem for its stylish
accommodations that feature Bowers & Wilkins speaker systems,
500-thread-count sheets and sweeping views of the Chicago skyline. Plus, this Hilton-affiliated property brings all the perks that accompany its brand: Think exceptional service and state-of-the-art amenities, such as an extensive spa, well-equipped fitness center and gourmet European restaurant, Balsan. The Waldorf Astoria
slipped one spots to No. 10 in this year's ranking, but it still holds
on to its distinction as one of the country's top 10 hotels.
within walking distance of the city's top things to do, but guests of the lavish property can also opt for private transportation via the hotel's
in-house Mercedes Benz sedan. It's the exclusive access to exceptional
amenities like these that both guests and experts praise. Travelers also
hold this Waldorf Astoria hotel in high esteem for its stylish
accommodations that feature Bowers & Wilkins speaker systems,
500-thread-count sheets and sweeping views of the Chicago skyline. Plus, this Hilton-affiliated property brings all the perks that accompany its brand: Think exceptional service and state-of-the-art amenities, such as an extensive spa, well-equipped fitness center and gourmet European restaurant, Balsan. The Waldorf Astoria
slipped one spots to No. 10 in this year's ranking, but it still holds
on to its distinction as one of the country's top 10 hotels.9. Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa
Rancho Santa Fe, Calif.
Seated among gardens and olive groves, the 49 casitas at the
Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa offer private balconies, multiple rooms
and touches like fireplaces, deep soaking tubs and high-tech sound systems. The Mediterranean-inspired Relais & Châteaux property located about 25 miles north of San Diego took a spot among the top 10 U.S. hotels this year following a $30 million renovation.
The updates earned Rancho Valencia recognition among industry leaders:
The hotel received a Forbes Travel Guide Five Star rating and a place on
the 2014 Condé Nast Gold List. But it's not only experts who note the
hotel's standout quality: Guests praise Rancho Valencia for its gracious
service, expansive spa and scenic grounds.
8. Four Seasons Resort Hualalai at Historic Ka'upulehu
Big Island, Hawaii
The Four Seasons Resort Hualalai at Historic Ka'upulehu brings a taste of Hawaii's Golden Age to the reputable Four Seasons brand. With seven pools, a renowned spa, a golf course that overlooks the Pacific Ocean and guest rooms with bamboo
canopy beds, the Four Seasons Hualalai is lauded by visitors who say
that the manicured landscape creates a private paradise and the
welcoming staff makes the resort feel like home.
The hotel garners praise from experts, and this year is no exception:
The Four Seasons Hualalai earned several industry accolades, including
the coveted AAA Five Diamond and Forbes Five Star awards, as well as a spot on the Travel + Leisure 500 World's Best Hotels list.
7. The Grand Del Mar
San Diego
Sweeping terraces, open-air walkways and the acclaimed Addison
restaurant are some of the noteworthy amenities that helped The Grand Del
Mar nab its highest spot yet on our Best Hotels in the USA ranking. The
resort raked in awards this year thanks to its 21,000-square-foot spa,
Tom Fazio-designed golf course and oversized guest rooms and suites.
Visitors are reluctant to leave the Mediterranean-inspired estate in the
Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve after experiencing its tranquil
setting, accommodating staff and extensive list of indoor and outdoor
activities.
6. Amangani
Jackson Hole, Wyo.
Amangani earned the No. 1 spot on last year's Best U.S. Hotels
list, but slipped to the sixth spot after receiving fewer awards in
2014. That's not to say Amangani's draws aren't as abundant as ever. The
resort sits on the East Gros Ventre Butte in Jackson Hole,
Wyo., and is home to a heated outdoor pool with panoramic views of the
Teton Mountains. Guests offer shining reviews of the full-service spa,
the spacious suites (equipped with fireplaces and separate living areas)
and the highly attentive staff. Although it can be tough to leave the
resort grounds, Amangani offers year-round recreation opportunities,
such as fly-fishing in the warmer months and cross-country skiing during
winter.
5. Four Seasons Resort Lana'i, The Lodge at Koele
Lanai, Hawaii
On Hawaii's most exclusive island, the Four Seasons Resort Lana'i,
The Lodge at Koele has all the makings of a tropical resort. With
access to a greenhouse, two golf courses (designed by Greg Norman and
Jack Nicklaus), poolside service and a full repertoire of outdoor
recreation, guests find it hard to check out of the estate-like
property. Visitors love the hotel's staff members, whose kindness and
attentiveness is consistent with the brand's reputation. Travel experts
also find this property noteworthy — The Lodge at Koele earns a spot on
the 2014 Travel + Leisure 500 World's Best Hotels and Condé Nast
Traveler Gold lists, among others. Though this resort dropped a few
spots from its No. 2 rank last year, the Four Seasons Lodge at Koele
continues to shine.
4. Four Seasons Hotel Seattle
Seattle
Located within walking distance of many of Seattle's best things to do and see — like Pike Place Market and the Seattle Art Museum — this stylish Four Seasons
hotel wins praise from travelers for convenience, comfort and
high-quality customer service. This urban escape is home to a rooftop infinity pool,
a 6,000-square-foot spa and the swanky ART Restaurant and Lounge.
Meanwhile, the Four Seasons Hotel Seattle — a Forbes Five Star
award-winning hotel — has spacious accommodations equipped with
complimentary wireless Internet access, TVs embedded in bathroom mirrors and floor-to-ceiling windows for views of the city.
3. The Allison Inn & Spa
Newberg, Ore.
The Allison Inn & Spa didn't come close to cracking the top 10
in 2013, but the hotel soared to the No. 3 spot this year due to its
excellent concierge services, guest rooms outfitted in rich earth tones
and 35-acre swath of Oregon's wine country. Guests describe the hotel's
employees as detail-oriented in how they care
for both the property and its visitors. Wine enthusiasts will find
plenty to do with 200 wineries located in the surrounding Willamette
Valley. And with a 15,000-square-foot spa, an indoor pool and the JORY
signature restaurant (complete with live jazz entertainment and an
800-label wine list), all types of travelers can find respite at The
Allison Inn & Spa.
2. The Inn at Palmetto Bluff
Bluffton, S.C.
The Inn at Palmetto Bluff's 50 cottages and suites sit alongside the May River west of Hilton Head Island.
Travelers and experts praise this property's Southern charm and
hospitality, citing a notably gracious staff and a wide range of easily
accessible amenities. Guests of the inn have numerous activities at
their fingertips, including golfing on a Jack Nicklaus signature course,
touring nearby Daufuskie Island, participating in fitness classes and
playing tennis, croquet and bocce. And with spacious accommodations that
boast private porches, fireplaces and wet bars, it's no wonder The Inn
at Palmetto Bluff earns awards like Forbes Travel Guide's Five Star
rating year after year.
1. The Lodge at Sea Island
Sea Island, Ga.
Surpassing all other U.S. News-ranked hotels in the United States,
The Lodge at Sea Island earns the top distinction of 2014's Best Hotel
in the USA. Though The Lodge has been recognized as a Forbes Five Star
and AAA Five Diamond property for several years, the hotel skyrocketed
to the top after gaining further recognition among experts and guests
alike. Guests laud just about everything at the hotel — from the seven
restaurants to the three 18-hole championship golf courses to the
65,000-square-foot spa (located at its sister property The Cloister,
which is also on Sea Island grounds). Guest rooms are also met with
praise for their waterfront views, wood furnishings, spacious patios and
large bathrooms with rainfall showerheads and deep soaking tubs.
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