Sometimes the most challenging part of planning a trip is picking a hotel.
If you often find that to be the case, the good news is that new research from U.S. News & World Report can make your travel planning easier.
In fact, U.S. News & World Report just released its annual ranking of the best hotels in the U.S. The ranking is based on a combination of industry awards, hotel star ratings, and user reviews. “We believe this unbiased approach makes our rankings more useful than simply providing our editors’ personal opinions,” U.S. News & World Report explains.
“The travel industry has faced many disruptions over the past 2 years, highlighting the need to support and recognize hotels that continue to maintain excellent standards,” Zach Watson, senior travel editor at U.S. News said. “The 2022 Best Hotels rankings offer a dependable guide for travelers to use when organizing their next trip, whether that’s in a few weeks or later in the year.”
Let’s get right to it. Here are the top 10 hotels in the U.S. according to U.S. News & World Report’s research.
1. The Peninsula Chicago
Chicago, Illinois
“Occupying prime real estate on Chicago’s coveted Magnificent Mile, The Peninsula Chicago combines Hong Kong’s cosmopolitan flair with the Windy City’s midwestern charm,” U.S. News & World Report explains.
The Peninsula Chicago also earned high marks for its Peninsula Spa, which has been featured in health and leisure magazines. The hotel also earned praise because it serves afternoon tea in the lobby bar, which visitors say “is a nice and welcome touch,” U.S. News & World Report states.
2. Montage Kapalua Bay
Lahaina, Hawaii
Montage Kapalua Bay, which sits on 24 acres in Maui, offers panoramic views of the beach and ocean. Visitors interested in aquatics can spend their time swimming, sport fishing, and snorkeling, while others can golf or play tennis on the resort’s tennis courts and two golf courses.
After a full day of activities, guests can visit the resort’s spa or lounge at the poolside Hana Hou Bar & Sunset Patio and watch traditional Hawaiian luau shows.
3. Acqualina Resort & Residences On The Beach
Sunny Isles Beach, Florida
Acqualina Resort & Residences on the Beach features four pools, a spa, and beach amenities, but a highlight for many guests is eating at the new in-house Japanese fusion restaurant. Guests report that they also enjoy the hotel’s flat-screen TVs and private balconies.
However, as U.S. News & World Report states, Acqualina Resort & Residences on the Beach only has 98 guest rooms and suites, so if you’re planning a stay, you’ll need to book rooms well in advance.
4. Rancho Valencia Resort And Spa
Rancho Santa Fe, California
Part of Rancho Valencia Resort and Spa’s appeal is that it is roughly 30 minutes north of San Diego, so it’s a little out of the way. “Accommodations here exude a Mediterranean ambiance with hacienda-style architecture, hardwood furnishings, and colorful design accents, as well as deep-soaking tubs and private balconies or patios,” according to U.S. News & World Report.
Visitors note that they particularly enjoyed Rancho Valencia’s spa, as well as eating at The Pony Room, the resort’s full-service restaurant.
5. Hotel Bel-Air
Los Angeles, California
Hotel Bel-Air, situated on 12 acres in Bel Air Estates, is a luxury hotel that “adopts the aura of 20th-century glam,” according to U.S. News & World Report. Considering its location, it isn’t surprising that visitors said they particularly enjoyed the resort’s quiet atmosphere and what they called “superb customer service.”
Furthermore, a trip to the Hotel Bel-Air Spa and outdoor pool “ensure that travelers return home refreshed and rested,” U.S. News & World Report notes.
Booking.com6. The Peninsula Beverly Hills
Beverly Hills, California
One of the frustrating things about staying at a hotel or resort is being locked into mandatory check-in and check-out times. That isn’t the case, however, at The Peninsula Beverly Hills, where you can check in or out when it’s convenient.
“This hotel on South Santa Monica Boulevard is also known for its beautiful rooms and suites, its rejuvenating Peninsula Spa, and the on-site see-and-be-seen restaurant, The Belvedere,” according to U.S. News & World Report’s research.
7. Hotel Emma
San Antonio, Texas
“Hotel Emma stands out among travelers for its cool culture. This is largely brought on by the hotel’s history as a former brewery,” U.S. News & World Report’s research explains. “In 1916, Pearl’s Brewhouse became the largest brewery in Texas, and although its heyday has come and gone, many of the Pearl’s original architectural features are still intact. Visitors are equally impressed with the quality of the accommodations.”
Hotel Emma has several on-site restaurants, and while it doesn’t have a spa, there is a rooftop pool, a fitness center, and even a library.
8. The Langham, Chicago
Chicago, Illinois
Also in Chicago, The Langham, Chicago, located along the Chicago River, is less than a mile from the shopping on Chicago’s Magnificent Mile. What’s also interesting is that the hotel, which features 316 guest rooms and suites, occupies the first 13 floors of the 52-story skyscraper, The Langham.
“In addition to the Chuan Spa, the hotel also touts a health club and 67-foot-long indoor pool,” U.S. News & World Report notes. “Though many of downtown Chicago’s top restaurants are within walking distance, previous visitors suggest giving the on-site restaurant, Travelle, a try.”
9. Encore At Wynn Las Vegas
Las Vegas, Nevada
“Recent travelers gave the Encore’s casino high marks for style, especially in the lobby and common areas,” according to U.S. News & World Report’s research. What’s more, the rooms, which start at 745 square feet and feature separate showers and tubs, earn “high praise for their floor-to-ceiling windows, spacious setups, and overall cleanliness and maintenance.”
Various pools can be accessed at Encore and Wynn, Encore’s sister hotel and neighbor.
10. Wynn Las Vegas
Las Vegas, Nevada
“This sprawling resort — with its huge emphasis on natural light, greenery, and other earthy elements — is perhaps the first central Las Vegas hotel to master the feeling of seclusion rather than themed chaos,” U.S. News & World Report’s ranking explains. As you might expect, the rooms feature 55-inch flat-screen TVs, deep soaking tubs, and floor-to-ceiling windows so visitors can see Las Vegas as well as the nearby mountains.
Wynn Las Vegas has a golf course and various pools can be accessed at the Encore and Wynn complex.
While you’re thinking about where you’ll stay on your next trip, be sure to read the rest of our Hotels and Resorts coverage, including