Category - Hotels
I'm a Full-Time Travel Writer. These Are the Best Hotels in America to Book in 2025
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When you book one of the best vacations in the U.S., you're not going to phone in your accommodations. The best hotels are destinations unto themselves, from a ranch that straddles the New Mexico-Colorado border and helps re-wild the West to a desirable desert golf resort that spares no expense. One thing is true for them all: A superb hotel experience is unforgettable.
While we have a laundry list of superlative roundups (best hotels in Mexico, best hotels in Manhattan, and best hotels in Las Vegas), we inventoried our favorite stateside haunts to bring you the 10 best hotels in America for the 2025 Men's Journal Travel Awards.
Because your pursuits are no doubt varied, check out the best ski resorts in the U.S. and the best golf courses in the U.S. Ready to jet? Gather the top travel accessories, tech and gadgets, and grooming essentials in the perfect best luggage for your destination. And be sure to check out our favorite tour operators, airlines, and travel insurance before you fly—then relish your hard-earned PTO.
Best Hotel Overall: Blackberry Farm
Walland, Tennessee
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Why I Chose It
Blackberry Farm opened nearly 40 years ago as a bed and breakfast, set against the picturesque backdrop of Tennessee's Great Smoky Mountains. Over time, it's become renowned as a sanctuary of Southern hospitality and rustic elegance, now spanning 4,200 wild and manicured acres. Case in point: In 2025, the Relais & Châteaux resort unveiled its "Year of Alchemy," a curated series of events designed to elevate the guest experience in unique, gastronomic-forward ways. Highlights include the "Wine Geek" immersion in January, offering unparalleled access to the resort's extensive wine cellar, and the "Spring Tour de Smokies" in April, where cyclists traverse blooming mountain trails under expert guidance. For those seeking culinary delights, "Il Raduno" in May presents a unique truffle-hunting adventure led by the resort's seasoned dog trainer. Accommodations at Blackberry Farm range from intimate Historic Rooms in the Main House to expansive private cottages and multi-bedroom houses, each thoughtfully designed with high-end furnishings that combine old-world style and modern sensibilities—some with wood-burning fireplaces and private porches.
Best All-Inclusive Hotel: The Lodge at Woodloch
Poconos, Pennsylvania
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Why I Chose It
When done right, all-inclusives hit a sweet spot whether you have kids or not. The Lodge at Woodloch is one of those rare properties that caters to both cohorts. The nature-forward resort in the heart of the Pocono Mountains offers an all-inclusive experience that marries opulence with recreation across 500 acres of pristine woodland. There are more than 50 daily classes on offer, ranging from fitness and wellness sessions to creative arts and culinary demonstrations to outdoor adventures such as kayaking, hiking, and biking.
Sore muscles can be tended to in the 40,000-square-foot spa, featuring over two-dozen treatment rooms, Hydromassage WaterWalls, and a contrast therapy Snow Room. Meals at the TREE Restaurant and Bar are included in the price of stay, offering gourmet meals that highlight locally sourced ingredients, including produce from the resort's own farm-to-table garden. Accommodations are equally indulgent, with private verandas in each of the 58 guest rooms, as well as rustic-modern decor and marble showers.
Best Golf Resort: The Phoenician, a Luxury Collection Resort
Scottsdale, Arizona
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Why I Chose It
You don't need to be an ace golfer to appreciate The Phoenician—but it certainly helps. The crown jewel of the resort—set on 250 acres of desert at the base of Camelback Mountain—is Phoenician Golf Course. The meticulously designed par-71 course winds through the natural landscape, providing mountain vistas and challenging-but-fun play. Beyond tee times in resplendent environs, guests can unwind at the resort’s three-level Phoenician Spa, take a dip in the multi-tiered pool complex, or dine at the resort’s signature steakhouse, which commands views of the valley beyond. Don't miss the guided stargazing tours.
With 577 guest rooms and 68 suites, guests can pick from a wide range of accommodations, from comfortable guest rooms with private balconies to luxurious suites and private casitas—some with multiple rooms for families, and all with modern furnishings and floor-to-ceiling windows.
Best Adventure Hotel: Vermejo, a Ted Turner Reserve
New Mexico
Sean Fitzgerald
Why I Chose It
What was once a private retreat has evolved into one of the most remarkable conservation-focused getaways in the country. Vermejo, a Ted Turner Reserve, sprawls across 550,000 acres of pristine wilderness in northern New Mexico. It's where the bison roam and pronghorn antelope play—and your tourism dollars help re-wild the West. The experience here is as immersive as it is luxurious—days are spent fishing in crystal-clear streams, hiking through untouched forests, and exploring the terrain on horseback, all while guided by expert naturalists.
Accommodations range from the private, more modern Turner House and a selection of remote, cozy guest cabins to the historic Casa Grande, a beautifully restored 1900s estate featuring a library, billiards room, and lounges with vintage Western vibes. Indoor-outdoor communal spaces like the wraparound porch and fire-lit lounges are great for kicking your feet up after a day of adventuring, while the property's farm-to-table restaurant showcases New Mexican fare and hyper-local ingredients sourced from the reserve itself.
Best Eco-Conscious Hotel: The Proximity Hotel
Greensboro, North Carolina
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Why I Chose It
“Eco-conscious” hasn’t always been the sexiest term when it comes to hospitality, but properties like Proximity are on a mission to disprove the stereotype. While other hotels were merely ridding their properties of plastic bottles, Proximity became the first hotel in America to achieve LEED Platinum certification from the U.S. Green Building Council in 2007, thanks to innovative features such as rooftop solar panels that heat over half the property's water, and North America's first regenerative drive elevators that recapture energy while operating. Inside, the 147 rooms and suites reflect the hotel's sleek aesthetic, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows to let in an abundance of natural light, locally crafted furnishings, and spa-like bathrooms with soaking tubs. Guests can dine at the on-site Print Works Bistro—recognized as the first LEED Platinum restaurant—and explore the nearby greenway with complimentary bicycles.
Best Urban Hotel: Aman New York
New York City, New York
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Why I Chose It
Even in a city overflowing with five-star accommodations, Aman New York stands apart. The ultra-luxurious hotel, housed in the historic Crown Building on Fifth Avenue, delivers a serene, sanctuary-like experience in America's frenziest city. Rooms and suites feature soaring ceilings, oversized soaking tubs, and Japanese-inspired sliding doors that open onto private terraces with views of the Manhattan skyline. Beyond the gorgeously designed suites (each featuring a working fireplace, a rarity in the city) the property boasts an exclusive members’ club, two signature restaurants, a serene rooftop garden, and an in-demand jazz club that draws a chic crowd.
But perhaps the biggest flex? Overnight guests have full access to the enormous three-story Aman Spa, complete with a 65-foot indoor pool, saunas, cryotherapy treatments, and one of the most indulgent urban wellness experiences money can buy. The lobby is a tranquil, moody oasis removed from the city's hustle and bustle, blending minimalist Asian-inspired design with high-end materials like Italian marble and dark oak wood.
Best Splurge Hotel: Four Seasons Lanai
Lanai, Hawaii
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Why I Chose It
For those seeking island seclusion on the highest scale, Four Seasons Lanai delivers an ultra-luxe experience on one of Hawaii’s most exclusive, low-key islands. The opulent property sits atop a rugged cliffside overlooking Hulopo‘e Bay—a playground for those who appreciate their privacy and seek world-class amenities. Accommodations come with private lanais and stunning ocean views, while the on-site dining scene is as opulent as the setting itself (think Nobu Lanai for high-end Japanese cuisine and farm-to-table poolside fare from Los Angeles-based Malibu Farm).
The lobby and open-air spaces at Four Seasons Lanai embrace the natural beauty of the island, featuring lava stone accents, lush tropical gardens, and water features that create a serene energy. The rooms and suites feel like private residences, with teak and mahogany finishes, deep soaking tubs, and floor-to-ceiling glass doors that open onto breathtaking views of the sparkling ocean. Beyond the rooms, guests can tee off at the Jack Nicklaus-designed championship golf course, take a private yacht excursion, or snorkel in the protected marine reserve just steps from the property. The resort’s Sensei by Nobu wellness retreats, held at its sister property inland, are another unique indulgence for those looking to fully reset and recharge.
Best Design Hotel: Hotel Bardo Savannah
Savannah, Georgia
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Why I Chose It
Savannah is a city defined by design, where travelers can find beautifully preserved homes that frame manicured squares. Its crown jewel is Forsyth Park, a green space draped in Spanish moss, anchored by an iconic fountain. Housed in a beautifully restored 1888 Forsyth Mansion right on the park is Hotel Bardo, which offers a refreshingly bold, design-forward take on Savannah hospitality. The property’s design ethos, called "riot clash," juxtaposes traditional Southern elements with mid-century modern vibes, creating spaces that feel timeless and unique. Local artisans contribute to the hotel's character: Muralist Vanessa Platacis adorned the lobby with stenciled motifs inspired by Savannah's flora, and sculptor William Sweetlove's whimsical bird installations can be seen in the stylish pool and garden areas.
The hotel offers 149 guest rooms and suites with modern furnishings in warm wood tones and muted pastels, some with dedicated dining areas. In terms of dining, on-site restaurant Saint Bibiana serves coastal Italian cuisine in a space that once functioned as a family residence and later as a funeral parlor, adding layers of spooky history to a guests’ dining experience in one of the most notoriously haunted cities in the U.S. Guests can also unwind at the Saltgrass Spa for a classic massage or Alchemist facial featuring Swiss skincare products and LYMA Laser therapy.
Best Historic Hotel: The Plaza Hotel
New York City, New York
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Why I Chose It
Situated in New York City’s iconic intersection of Fifth Avenue and Central Park South, The Plaza Hotel has offered its guests a luxurious stay since its grand opening on October 1, 1907. Designed by architect Henry Janeway Hardenbergh, the French Renaissance-inspired, château-style building is a beacon for metropolitan opulence. Its rooms and restaurants play host to everyone from world leaders to Broadway legends to Hollywood royalty. It also served as the backdrop for legendary productions and stories such as Alfred Hitchcock's thriller "North by Northwest" in 1959 and Kay Thompson’s literary classic Eloise. In fact, guests can even book a stay at the whimsical Eloise Suite, featuring a sparkly pink headboard, zebra print carpeting, and the character’s favorite books and dolls.
Recognized as a National Historic Landmark since 1986, The Plaza blends its rich history with modern amenities (especially after a $450 million renovation in 2008) within its 282 distinctive guestrooms, including 102 luxe suites. Some of its most iconic suites include the three-bedroom Royal Suite decorated with Louis XV-inspired furnishings, a love letter to the Jazz Age called the Fitzgerald Suite, and a Grand Penthouse Suite with a private terrace overlooking Central Park. Besides its accommodations, The Plaza’s Palm Court, with its stained-glass dome and namesake potted fronds, is revered as the city's premier spot for Afternoon Tea—a well-deserved accolade considering its tea service has a tenure of over half a century.
Best Ski-In, Ski-Out Hotel: The Arrabelle at Vail Square
Vail, Colorado
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Why I Chose It
Can’t escape to Europe to ski? Stepping into The Arrabelle at Vail Square is like journeying to an alpine village in Austria, with its grand European-style architecture and ski-in, ski-out convenience. Located just steps from the Eagle Bahn Gondola, this luxurious mountain retreat makes getting on (and off) the slopes effortless. After a day of carving powder, guests can unwind in the rooftop hot tubs overlooking the snow-capped peaks, indulge in après-ski cocktails at the cozy fireside bar, or retreat to their elegantly appointed rooms, many of which feature balconies, fireplaces, and soaking tubs. The lobby—with its soaring ceilings, chandeliers, and stone fireplace—evokes classic ski-lodge opulence, serving as the perfect meeting spot for guests to defrost over mulled wine or hot chocolate.
Rooms and suites are also charming, balancing alpine elements with modern luxury. Delight in the bathroom's heated floors. The resort also offers a private ski valet service, on-property rentals, and a spa. Beyond the slopes, guests can take a quick walk to explore Vail’s charming village, filled with high-end boutiques, gourmet restaurants, and lively après-ski spots.
Best Affordable Hotel: The Ranch Motel & Leisure Club
San Antonio, Texas
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Why I Chose It
Stylish, quirky, and affordable, The Ranch Motel & Leisure Club brings a fresh take to the classic roadside motel experience. Located in San Antonio, TX, this reimagined motor lodge is filled with retro charm and modern comforts for under $200 a night. Guests can sip cocktails by the vintage-style pool, hang out in the communal leisure spaces, or retreat to rooms that mix old-school Americana with contemporary flair.
The lobby, designed to feel like a nostalgic Texan social club, doubles as a bar and gathering space where guests can check in with a drink in hand. Rooms are styled with retro furnishings, custom wallpaper, and locally sourced artwork, giving them a funky, lived-in feel that definitely sets them apart from typical accommodations in the same price range. The pool area, surrounded by striped loungers and a kitschy tiki bar, is where guests can mingle over frozen margaritas and listen to DJs spin vinyl on weekends. The hotel also hosts on-site events like movie nights, barbecue popups, and vintage markets.
Best Beach Hotel: Hotel del Coronado
San Diego, California
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Why I Chose It
An iconic gem on California’s coastline since 1888, Hotel del Coronado has drawn in visitors for over a century with its unique Victorian architecture, beachfront setting, and rich history. It was actually one of the first seaside resorts in the U.S. to offer luxury accommodations on such a grand scale, and even became the backdrop for Marilyn Monroe’s film Some Like It Hot.
Now, a multi-year, big-budget restoration ensures it can continue to shine, with the first of the property’s newly updated rooms available to book as of February 2025. At Hotel del Coronado, guests have their pick of accommodations, from charming rooms in the original main building to modern beachfront suites and private villas with unbeatable ocean views. Dining here is just as impressive, with fresh, local seafood at Serẽa and a new Nobu restaurant opening in spring 2025. The hotel sits on one of the region’s most picturesque beaches, where the sand literally shimmers thanks to tiny flecks of mica. Fire pits, s’mores kits, and private cabanas make it easy to spend an entire day (and night) soaking up the oceanfront scenery in style.
Best Luxury Hotel: The Fontainebleau Las Vegas
Las Vegas, Nevada
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Why I Chose It
The Fontainebleau Las Vegas is the sister property to the luxurious Miami flagship. To say the project was an undertaking is a massive understatement. It opened its doors in December 2023 after a 20-year construction period that cost $3.7 billion. Currently, it earns the title as the tallest occupied building in the state, with 67 stories of rooms, suites, restaurants, casinos, spas, and more. In total, there are 3,644 rooms and suites on offer, so there's a slim chance it'll ever book out. In fact, when it first opened, it was heralded as a disaster, thanks to a dearth of bookings and a ghost town-like experience.
Luckily, top-tier service and luxurious amenities attracted more and more guests to indulge at the property’s Lapis Spa & Wellness, an award-winning sanctuary spanning 55,000 square feet. It boasts hot tubs, saunas, a steam room, Himalayan salt room, herbal infusion room, cold plunge pools, a snow shower, and more.
Each room and suite features floor-to-ceiling windows that provide panoramic views of the cityscape or the mountains beyond, and the resort's culinary scene is unparalleled, with 36 diverse dining and bar venues, including esteemed establishments like Mother Wolf and Cantina Contramar. For those seeking entertainment, guests can dance the night away at LIV nightclub or experience a performance at the 90,000-square-foot theater. Art lovers can spend time gazing upon installation work by famed artists, as well as permanent works from over 100 artists across 10 countries.
How We Chose the Best Hotels
In selecting the best hotels I considered a multitude of factors, taking into account the location, services, amenities, cost, reputation, and overall atmosphere of any given property. As a travel writer, I've traveled the country, personally stayed at many of the exceptional places featured here, and can attest to the experience first-hand as a guest. In addition, fellow travel writers and industry insiders were consulted to gain added insight and broader recommendations beyond a single traveler's scope—which has its limitations, regardless of how many standout spots an individual has checked into. Ultimately, in curating this list, we researched extensively and pored over multiple reviews to ensure only the top hotels appear here.
Why You Should Trust Me
As a travel journalist with nearly a decade of experience, I’ve stayed at hotels of all kinds, from intimate boutique inns to expansive resorts run by major hotel brands. Along the way, I’ve developed a keen eye for what makes a hotel stand out—and what makes one fall short.
