World’s Best Awards 2022: Top Hotels and Resorts in the United States

The best city hotels and resorts in the United States, and the best resorts in Hawaii, include stylish newcomers and several longtime favorites.

Courtesy of The Lowell

By Travel+Leisure Editors

Jul 15, 2022

WHILE SEVERAL LONGTIME favorites earned high rankings on this year’s lists of American properties, a number of newcomers impressed readers with both style and substances.

Every year for our World’s Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Hotels (including safari lodges) were rated on their facilities, location, service, food, and overall value. Properties were classified as city or resort based on their locations and amenities.

Below, the full list of the best city hotels and resorts in the Continental United States and the best resorts in Hawaii, according to T+L readers.

T — INDICATES A TRUE TIE
* — ON THE LIST FOR THE PAST 10 YEARS

TOP 15 CONTINENTAL US CITY HOTELS

T+L READERS WERE particularly entranced with hotels in Chicago, New York City, and Charleston, South Carolina. The Loutrel, a 50-room property in Charleston’s historic downtown, won the No. 2 spot because of its “fantastic location and friendly staff” and “beautiful rooms with handwritten welcome notes,” according to voters. Small touches, such as complimentary bicycles and craft cocktails in the Veranda Lounge, contributed to the welcoming feel of this Lowcountry property. Another Charleston hotel, Wentworth Mansion (No. 8), garnered praise for its restaurant’s outdoor patio and the southern hospitality that extended to couples and family groups alike.

In the Windy City, “sophisticated charm and elegance” come together in the No. 3 Pendry Chicago, which opened in May of last year in a 1920s-era landmark building. “The brand’s attention to detail in terms of design, experience, and staffing make it easy to distinguish from want-to-be competitors,” wrote one reader. Another newcomer worth traveling for: the Newbury (No. 15). Guests loved the rooftop Contessa restaurant, part of chef Mario Carbone’s Major Food Group, the lobster chowder at the Street Bar, and — a real treat on a drizzly Boston day — working fireplaces in select corner suites. “This is the best hotel in Boston by far,” wrote one reader, adding that “the vibe is buzzy and cool, but the rooms are beautiful and chic.”

On the West Coast, No. 7 L’Ermitage Beverly Hills — built as the first all-suite hotel in the U.S. — remains a draw for its privacy, but Pendry West Hollywood (No. 10) may be emerging as the new authority on California cool. The latter is attracting glitterati of all stripes with modern LED art in the lobby, customized wellness sessions in its Hydration Room, a screening room, a members-only club, a restaurant by Wolfgang Puck, and more.

New York City hotels are still winning favor with T+L readers. Longtime uptown darling, the Carlyle, a Rosewood Hotel, emerged from a three-year renovation in November 2021, and guests were ecstatic, voting it into the No. 12 spot. Refreshed rooms and suites, the debut of a restaurant, Dowlings at the Carlyle, and a new Valmont spa completed an update that paid homage to the hotel’s glamorous beginnings, including its original designer, Dorothy Draper. “The staff are incredible, and there are great nightlife options,” wrote one reader. “I can’t wait for a return visit to Bemelmans for a martini.”

1. The Lowell
New York City

Located on a charming, tree-lined street on the Upper East Side, this New York institution continues to dazzle guests with “stunning attention to detail, beautiful rooms, and amazing food,” wrote one reader, although most importantly, the staff and service “make you feel like you’re family.” More than one voter proudly shared that they’ve been repeat guests for several years, pointing to the key location, the sophisticated reception area, the “romantic aura,” and cozy hideaways like the Club Room and Jacques Bar. Put simply, “This is a home away from home,” wrote one dedicated voter.

Score: 98.80
lowellhotel.com

2. The Loutrel, Charleston
South Carolina

Score: 98.00
theloutrel.com

3. Pendry Chicago
Chicago

Score: 97.60
pendry.com

4. Riggs Washington D.C.
Washington, D.C.

Score: 97.45
riggsdc.com

5. The Lytle Park Hotel, Autograph Collection T
Cincinnati

Courtesy of The Lytle Park Hotel, Autograph Collection — *The Lytle Park Hotel, Autograph Collection*

Score: 96.42
thelytleparkhotel.com

5. Morrison House Old Town Alexandria, Autograph Collection, T
Alexandria, Virginia

Score: 96.42
morrisonhouse.com

7. L’Ermitage Beverly Hills
Beverly Hills, California

Score: 96.28
lermitagebeverlyhills.com

8. Wentworth Mansion
Charleston, South Carolina

Score: 95.78
wentworthmansion.com

9. The Peninsula Chicago *
Chicago

WBA Hall of Fame honoree.
Score: 95.69
peninsula.com/en/chicago/5-star-luxury-hotel-downtown-chicago

10. Pendry West Hollywood
West Hollywood, California

Score: 95.68
pendry.com/west-hollywood

11. The Rally Hotel
Denver

Score: 95.47
therallyhotel.com

12. The Carlyle, a Rosewood Hotel
New York City

Score: 95.27
rosewoodhotels.com/en/the-carlyle-new-york

13. The Post Oak Hotel at Uptown Houston
Houston

Score: 95.25
thepostoakhotel.com

14. The William Vale
New York City

Score: 95.14
thewilliamvale.com

15. The Newbury
Boston

Score: 95.08
thenewburyboston.com

TOP 15 CONTINENTAL US RESORTS

ON THE WEST COAST, dreamy properties in popular Southern California locales snagged three spots: No. 5 San Ysidro Ranch and No. 9 Rosewood Miramar Beach (both in Santa Barbara County) and No. 15 Sparrows Lodge (part of the boutique-resort renaissance in Palm Springs). One voter said this property is “stylish, well-situated, and has exceptional service. Sparrows Lodge is my favorite destination in Palm Springs.” The promise of wide-open spaces attracted travelers to nature-centric options like No. 10 the Lodge at Blue Sky, Auberge Resorts Collection, in the Park City, Utah resort area, and No. 3 Under Canvas Mount Rushmore, a glamping venue in South Dakota. “There are amazing views right from the camp,” affirmed one voter. “Sit on the patio with a glass of wine for a beautiful sight.”

*Courtesy of Pickering House Inn, Wolfeboro*

Sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and elevated hospitality created a powerful triumvirate in Florida. The Nobu Hotel Miami Beach won this year’s No. 8 spot, impressing readers with food, service, and stylish interior design. One voter raved about the in-room dining (in the evenings, guests can order signature Nobu dishes such as spicy tuna), while another “loved the Japanese-designed rooms.” For a quieter escape farther north, off the coast of Georgia, the Lodge on Little St. Simons Island (No. 4) embodies what one traveler called “a true luxury eco-lodge.” Guests can learn about local wildlife, go kayaking, and disconnect from plugged-in society. “There are no TVs or radios,” wrote one voter. “It’s a rare, unspoiled environment where nature is celebrated.”

As travelers continue to seek out natural settings for their next getaway, it’s no surprise New England destinations have a strong pull, too. Small towns are home to welcoming inns with big personalities that complement hyper-local dining with outdoor activities. At Twin Farms (No. 6), in Vermont, guests can chat with a resident apiarist or swim in Copper Pond, while at Chatham Inn(No. 12), in Massachusetts, travelers can reserve a tailored 10- to 12-course tasting menu and, afterward, walk along Lighthouse Beach.

1. Pickering House Inn
Wolfeboro, New Hampshire

This cozy 10-room guest house in eastern New Hampshire has been a T+L reader favorite for years. One factor contributing to its staying power? Its location in the center of leafy Wolfeboro means the inn is within walking distance of Lake Winnipesaukee and nearby hiking. “Everything here is wonderful,” gushed one voter. In December 2020, co-owners Peter and Patty Cooke braved the COVID lockdown and opened a new restaurant, Pavilion, right next door.

Score: 98.95
pickeringhousewolfeboro.com

2. White Elephant Palm Beach
Palm Beach, Florida

Score: 98.13
whiteelephantpalmbeach.com

3. Under Canvas Mount Rushmore
Keystone, South Dakota

Score: 97.47
undercanvas.com

4. Lodge on Little St. Simons Island
St. Simons Island, Georgia

Score: 96.76
littlestsimonsisland.com

5. San Ysidro Ranch
Santa Barbara, California

Lavender Cottage Bed Room, San Ysidro Ranch — *Lavender Cottage Bed Room. Courtesy of San Ysidro Ranch*

Score: 96.57
sanysidroranch.com

6. Twin Farms
Barnard, Vermont

Score: 96.42
twinfarms.com

7. Deer Path Inn
Lake Forest, Illinois

Score: 96.40
thedeerpathinn.com

8. Nobu Hotel Miami Beach
Miami Beach

Score: 96.22
miamibeach.nobuhotels.com

9. Rosewood Miramar Beach
Montecito, California

Score: 96.14
rosewoodhotels.com/en/miramar-beach-montecito

10. The Lodge at Blue Sky, Auberge Resorts Collection
Wanship, Utah

Score: 95.85
aubergeresorts.com/bluesky

11. Little Palm Island Resort & Spa
Little Torch Key, Florida

Score: 95.83
littlepalmisland.com

12. Chatham Inn
Chatham, Massachusetts

Score: 95.68
chathaminn.com

13. Rabbit Hill Inn
Lower Waterford, Vermont

Score: 95.59
rabbithillinn.com

14. Faena Hotel Miami Beach
Miami Beach

Score: 95.58
faena.com

15. Sparrows Lodge
Palm Springs, California

Score: 95.58
sparrowslodge.com

TOP 20 HAWAII RESORTS

OAHU, HAWAII’S MOST POPULOUS (and popular) island, is home to seven properties on this year’s list, including Halepuna Waikiki by Halekulani (No. 2). Still fresh off its opening in 2019, it features a neutral, calming design scheme that provides a serene retreat from the frenetic atmosphere of its Waikiki location. Its sister hotel, the iconic Halekulani (No. 9), debuted its own refurbishment in October.

Over on the Island of Hawaii, the Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection (No. 6), impressed readers with its “gorgeous remodel,” referring to the hotel’s reopening in 2020 after a massive overhaul. “The staff are attentive and gracious,” one voter added. “The views are spectacular, and the resort amenities are plentiful, so you don’t feel the need to leave the property.”

Kauai, meanwhile, had three hotels on the list, including Ko’a Kea Hotel & Resort (No. 7), on the island’s famed Poipu Beach. “This is our favorite place in Kauai, if not all of Hawaii,” enthused one reader. “The location is beautiful, the team is amazing, and the food is incredible. The Lomilomi massage in the spa should not be missed.”

1. Hotel Wailea
Maui

John Russo Living Room, Hotel Wailea, Maui — *John Russo Living Room. Courtesy of Hotel Wailea*

“Hotel Wailea is heaven on Earth,” according to a reader. The 15-acre, adults-only property is unique among the nearby resorts in that it’s not beachfront — but that’s a good thing for guests who prefer the quiet that comes with a location high on a hill, overlooking the sea. Because there are no children, the atmosphere leans toward the “relaxing and romantic,” as one reader described. Others loved the oversize guest rooms, which come with big balconies and are “nicely furnished, with a clean, contemporary feel that’s also cozy.” While the huge pool deck (fringed by cabanas, lush greenery, and the poolside café) is a big draw for hanging out, beach access is available anytime during the day via the hotel’s shuttle, which can whisk guests to Maui’s picture-perfect shores in just two minutes. Several readers also mentioned the outstanding service: “Every member of the staff makes you feel at home.”

Score: 94.86
hotelwailea.com