World's Best The Best Hotel in Every State in 2016 By Melanie Lieberman Melanie Lieberman Melanie Lieberman is the senior travel editor at The Points Guy and was an editor at Travel + Leisure. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Published on January 4, 2017 Trending Videos Close this video player Photo: Courtesy The Lodge at Sea Island Note: If you’re looking for our most recent recommendations, check out the 2023 list of our favorite city hotels in the continental U.S. In central Vermont, there’s a 1795 farmhouse and 20 rustic cottages perched on 300 acres of wildflower meadows and pine forests. Twin Farms, a romantic all-inclusive property with wood-burning fireplaces and American folk art, is a natural fit for bucolic Barnard—so it’s no surprise Travel + Leisure readers voted the hotel No. 1 in the Green Mountain State. When we travel—whether it’s to go skiing in Utah or to have a shopping spree in New York City—nothing completes the experience quite like staying in a hotel that understands the local vibe. Every year, T+L asks readers to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise lines, spas, airlines, and more. Readers taking our World’s Best Awards survey ranked hotels in the United States for value, service, location, amenities, and attention to detail. A few states didn’t have hotels represented on this year’s World’s Best list, so we tapped tourism boards and our own insider expertise to determine the top pick in that state. Like Hotel Donaldson in North Dakota—nominated by the state’s tourism division—where wine and cheese hour is as much as a draw as its reputation for being a workingman’s hotel in the '60s and '70s. Whether you’re driving through amber plains or exploring a new city, these award-winning hotels won’t let you down. 01 of 51 Turquoise Place in Alabama Courtesy of Turquoise Place “Exactly what a beach vacation should be—and nothing it shouldn’t,” raved one happy T+L reader about this family-friendly resort in Orange Beach. 02 of 51 Alyeska Resort in Alaska Courtesy of Alyeska Resort Nestled in a valley carved by glaciers, this is one of few resorts in North America that can boast both mountain as well as ocean views. Find it 40 miles south of Anchorage. 03 of 51 Boulders Resort & Spa in Arizona Courtesy of Boulders Resort & Spa Fresh off a multi-million dollar renovation in 2015, this resort is spread across acres of the Sonoran Desert foothills. 04 of 51 Pratt Place Inn and Barn in Arkansas Courtesy of Pratt Place Inn & Barn “If you’re visiting the Ozarks, this is one of the most beautiful places you could stay,” suggested one World’s Best survey respondent. Old World details like French walnut doors and a wraparound porch made this charming Fayetteville boutique a favorite with readers. 05 of 51 Farmhouse Inn in California Jay Graham/Farmhouse Inn Family-run and with only 25 rooms (including a handful of 20th-century cottages), this wine country property wooed readers with a Michelin-starred restaurant and easy to access to many of Sonoma’s top vineyards. 06 of 51 Gateway Canyons Resort in Colorado Courtesy of Gateway Canyons Resort Adrenaline junkies love this upscale resort on the edge of the Dolores River, which offers easy access to red rock hikes and Class V rapids. 07 of 51 Winvian in Connecticut Kindra Clineff/Winvian Farm There’s nothing staid about Winvian, in Litchfield Hills. Fifteen architects collaborated on the hotel’s cottages, which include a two-story tree house complete with a fireplace, Jacuzzi, steam shower, and fully-stocked bar. 08 of 51 Hotel du Pont in Delaware Courtesy of Hotel Du Pont Rich history (the property has seen a lot since it was opened in 1913) and an impressive collection of Wyeth works made Hotel du Pont in Wilmington the top hotel in the state. 09 of 51 Rosewood Washington D.C. in the District of Columbia Robert Reck/Rosewood Washington DC Formerly the Capella, this Georgetown hotel in Washington, D.C. took top honors, thanks to top-notch rooftop bar and grill, which is reserved for guests only. 10 of 51 The Gasparilla Inn & Club in Florida Courtesy of The Gasparilla Inn & Club One reader went so far as to suggest this wasn’t just the best hotel in Florida, but perhaps the top spot in the entire South. After more than a century, Gasparilla Inn expertly balances historic charm (there’s still a dress code and Grecian columns) and modernity, with seaplane excursions and stand-up paddleboarding. 11 of 51 Lodge at Sea Island Golf Club in Georgia Courtesy The Lodge at Sea Island Legendary golf courses are a huge draw for this 40-room lodge—as is the bagpiper who roams the ground every evening. 12 of 51 Montage Kapalua Bay in Hawaii Courtesy of Montage Kapalua Bay One of the newest properties in town, Montage Kapalua Bay quickly edged out the competition, thanks to its world-class spa and incredible restaurant overlooking Namalu Bay where you’re guaranteed to be the only diners. 13 of 51 Coeur d’Alene Resort in Idaho Joel Riner/Coeur d'Alene Resort Our readers’ favorite hotel in Idaho is also one of the country’s best places to celebrate Christmas. Every year, this lakefront resort celebrates the season with a 1.5 million light show: the largest in the United States. 14 of 51 The Langham, Chicago in Illinois Courtesy of The Langham, Chicago Inside a landmark Mies van der Rohe building is the Langham, where guests enjoy views of the Chicago River and the Windy City’s skyline from rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows. 15 of 51 West Baden Springs Hotel in Indiana Courtesy of West Baden Springs Hotel Readers continued to rave about the Jesuit seminary-turned National Historic Landmark and upscale hotel. “This is Indiana’s best resort property,” proclaimed one World’s Best voter, who recommends reserving the Chef’s Table experience. 16 of 51 Hotel Blackhawk, an Autograph Collection Hotel in Iowa Courtesy of Hotel Blackhawk Iowa’s hotels weren’t represented in this year’s World’s Best Awards, but the state’s tourism office recommends Hotel Blackhawk as the top property. Local artwork and an on-site bowling alley add to the Davenport hotel’s whimsy. 17 of 51 Eldridge Hotel in Kansas Courtesy of The Eldridge Hotel “Excellent service” and a true downtown vibe helped this historic, all-suite Lawrence property earn top marks in this year’s survey. 18 of 51 21C Museum Hotel Louisville in Kentucky Courtesy of 21c Museum Hotels Five 19th-century brick buildings are now home to a rotating collection of modern paintings, sculptures, and other artworks—along with 91 guest rooms. It’s part hotel, part cultural institution. 19 of 51 The Old No. 77 Hotel & Chandelry in Louisiana Courtesy of The Old No. 77 Hailed as one of the coolest new city hotels in the country, the Old No. 77 Hotel is an exciting addition to New Orleans’ Warehouse Arts District. Rooms feature hardwood floors, an antique writing desk, and exposed brick. 20 of 51 Inn by the Sea in Maine Courtesy of Inn by the Sea “Best of Maine!” raved one satisfied reader, while another hailed it as “a beautiful property [with] its own private beach…that embodies the Maine experience.” Families should book a suite with a kitchen and fireplace. 21 of 51 Inn at Perry Cabin by Belmond in Maryland Joe Vaughn/Inn at Perry Cabin by Belmond Homey touches, like fresh-baked cookies at turndown, helped make this 1816 manor-turned inn the best hotel in the state of Maryland. 22 of 51 Wequassett Resort and Golf Club in Massachusetts Courtesy of Wequassett Resort Simultaneously lavish and relaxed, guests love this 1740s house and clapboard cottages for its family-centric activities (evening s’mores kits, a rock-climbing wall, treasure hunts), seafood restaurant, and 27 acres of beautiful gardens. 23 of 51 The Townsend Hotel in Michigan Courtesy of Townsend Hotel “A five-star hotel on the outskirts of Detroit that offers the best service, accommodations, restaurant, and surroundings in Michigan.” More concisely, another T+L reader called it “the best place to stay in Michigan, period!” 24 of 51 Le Méridien Chambers Minneapolis in Minnesota Courtesy Le Meridien Chambers With only 60 rooms, this theater district property feels cozy and intimate. Décor is playful and contemporary, with a graffiti-covered stairwell and 200 modern artworks by artists like Damien Hirst and Gary Hume. 25 of 51 The Alluvian in Mississippi Jay Adkins/Alluvian Hotel “What a gem to be found in a small town in Mississippi,” said one contented World’ Best readers. The restaurant, spa, and southern hospitality earned equal praise. 26 of 51 Big Cedar Lodge in Missouri Edward C. Robison III/Big Cedar Lodge Also ranked as the No. 1 resort in the Midwest, Ridgedale’s Big Cedar Lodge looks out over Table Rock Lake, and offers 4,600 acres of reserve land to families who love fishing, horseback riding, hiking, biking, and golfing. After all that adventure, guests can retreat to an 18,000-square-foot spa. 27 of 51 Triple Creek Ranch in Montana Courtesy of Triple Creek Ranch Rural Montana is home to an upscale dude ranch, where 23 posh cabins featuring hot tubs and wood-burning fireplaces are eclipsed only by the all-inclusive activities (think: helicopter tours and horseback riding). 28 of 51 Element Omaha Midtown Crossing Hotel in Nebraska Courtesy Element Omaha Midtown Crossing Location is everything at this contemporary property, where guests have easy access to restaurants, shopping, a clutch of great wine bars, and museums. 29 of 51 Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas in Nevada Courtesy of Mandarin Oriental Without a casino, the Mandarin Oriental in Las Vegas proves to be a spot of tranquility, or a “haven in the center of the strip,” as described by T+L Reader Devon Conrad. You can’t miss the shimmering gold wall in the 23rd-floor lobby. 30 of 51 Wentworth by the Sea, a Marriott Hotel & Spa in New Hampshire Courtesy of Wentworth by the Sea A grand New England resort dating back to the 1800s, Wentworth by the Sea has an unbeatable coastal location near Portsmouth. Opt for a room with a balcony overlooking the ocean. 31 of 51 Congress Hall in New Jersey Courtesy of Congress Hall America’s oldest seaside hotel has survived two fires, a rebuild, and even a 10-year-closure. In addition to T+L readers, Congress Hall has impressed the likes of John Philip Sousa and five presidents. 32 of 51 Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi in New Mexico Courtesy of Rosewood Inn Anasazi Sandstone walls and latilla-and-viga ceilings (beams crossed with slender sticks) give the rooms in this A-list hotel a decidedly Southwestern vibe. Look out for local celebs at the eponymous restaurant and lounge, or cozy up to the in-room, kiva-shaped gas fireplace. 33 of 51 The Surrey in New York Courtesy of The Surrey New York City is home to a dizzying number of excellent hotels, but The Surrey’s unbeatable location (a block from Central Park) makes guests at this Relais & Châteaux property feel like true Upper East Side residents. 34 of 51 Old Edwards Inn & Spa in North Carolina Courtesy of Old Edwards Inn Before Old Edwards Inn & Spa was a Relais & Châteaux property, it was a boarding house in the state’s Blue Ridge Mountains. Today, guests enjoy a glass of champagne while checking into their recently upgraded rooms. 35 of 51 Hotel Donaldson in North Dakota Jim Gallop/Hotel Donaldson The state’s tourism division recommends travelers visiting Fargo bed down in the 17-room Hotel Donaldson. Popular amenities include truffle turndown service and a rooftop hot tub. 36 of 51 21C Museum Hotel Cincinnati in Ohio Courtesy of 21c Museum Hotels Another art-focused property by the wife-and-team duo behind the 21C Museum Hotel Louisville. Guests called it “an unexpected,” “sleek,” and “whimsical” addition to downtown Cincinnati. 37 of 51 Colcord Hotel in Oklahoma Courtesy of Colcord Hotel “I was very impressed by this lovely boutique hotel in downtown Oklahoma City,” said one T+L reader. A convenient, central location and “welcoming, accommodating, professional” staff made guests feel at home. 38 of 51 Tu Tu’tun Lodge in Oregon Courtesy of Tu Tu'Tun Lodge Between the Rogue River and old-growth rainforests, this Gold Beach property is a popular spot for traveling. Communal seating and family-style feasts are hallmarks of this Pacific Northwest property. 39 of 51 The Lodge at Glendorn in Pennsylvania Kindra Clineff/Lodge at Glendorn Romance is key at this luxury getaway meets grown-up summer camp in northwest Pennsylvania. Reserve one of the private cabins, like the log and plank-style Miller’s Cabin from 1927. 40 of 51 Weekapaug Inn in Rhode Island Courtesy of Weekapaug Inn Westerly’s 31-room inn sits at the edge of a pond on a private peninsula. Expect marble bathrooms and understated wicker-and-wood furnishings. Join the on-site naturalist for daily beach walks and bike trips. 41 of 51 The Spectator in South Carolina Courtesy of The Spectator Visiting Charleston, South Carolina, the No. 1 city in the world? Book a room at the 1920s glam Spectator hotel, where guests are assigned personal butlers and rooms boast white Carrara marble and velvet headboards. 42 of 51 Hotel Alex Johnson in South Dakota Courtesy Hotel Alex Johnson South Dakota Tourism recommends this downtown Rapid City property, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. As it becomes the first Midwest property in the Curio collection, the Hotel Alex Johnson is undergoing a massive overhaul. 43 of 51 River Inn of Harbor Town in Tennessee Courtesy River Inn Harbor Town “Charming vibe and uber-friendly staff make [it] feel like I’m coming home instead of walking into a hotel,” observed one pleased T+L reader. Rooms are elegant, and guests look forward to waking up for breakfast at Paulette’s. 44 of 51 Mokara Hotel & Spa in Texas Courtesy of Mokara Hotel Formerly the Watermark Hotel & Spa, this San Antonio Omni hotel is just a short stroll from the Alamo. All the rooms and suites has high ceilings, marble and wood finishes, and bathrooms with Jacuzzi tubs. 45 of 51 Stein Eriksen Lodge in Utah Mark Maziarz/Stein Eriksen Lodge Readers raved about the spoiling service at this ski chalet in Deer Valley. Guests are invited to end days on the slope with nights spent sipping mulled wine by the fire. 46 of 51 Twin Farms in Vermont Courtesy of Twin Farms Parents looking for a weekend away should reserve one of Twin Farms’ 20 rustic cottages. You’ll wake up somewhere between a wildflower meadow and pine forest. Check out the spa, which features Tata Harper products, and work up an appetite skiing, snowshoeing, or hiking before a multi-course meal. 47 of 51 The Lodge and Cottages at Primland in Virginia Courtesy of Primland T+L readers seeking solitude should head swiftly to this Blue Ridge Mountain retreat: there are only three tree houses on the entire 12,000-acre estate. 48 of 51 Hotel Vintage in Washington David Lewis Phelps/Kimpton Hotels In a deliberate nod to the state’s burgeoning wine country, rooms are done in merlot and chardonnay hues, with a complimentary wine hour in the lobby every evening. 49 of 51 The Greenbrier in West Virginia Courtesy The Greenbrier Even after a $65 million renovation, this 1778 property maintains historic elements, including baroque plaster pediments and floral-patterned wallpaper courtesy of Dorothy Draper. 50 of 51 Iron Horse Hotel in Wisconsin Courtesy of Iron Horse Hotel Solo travelers are particularly fond of this Milwaukee boutique (a 100-year-old converted warehouse just south of downtown). Its outdoor bar, The Yard, is a great place to mingle with a glass of the hotel’s own limited edition Barrel 1907 Rye Whiskey. 51 of 51 Amangani in Wyoming Courtesy of Aman Resorts Absolutely every space at Amangani (guest rooms, the outdoor infinity pool) has an unobstructed view of the Teton Range, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort—even 60 miles away to Yellowstone on an exceptionally clear day—thanks to its perch on a 7,000-foot butte. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit