I'm a Full-Time Travel Writer. These Are the Best Hotels in America to Book in 2026

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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, whether that means glamping just outside Yosemite, waking in a cliff-hugging suite above the Pacific in Big Sur, or teeing up at a  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 2026  Men's Journal Travel Awards .

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 Hotels in the U.S. at a Glance

• Best Hotel Overall: Twin Farms

• Best All-Inclusive Hotel: Mii Amo

• Best Golf Resort: Sea Island

• Best Adventure Hotel: Yellowstone Peaks Hotel

• Best Eco-Conscious Hotel: Inn by the Sea

• Best Urban Hotel: Aman New York

• Best Splurge Hotel: Sensei Lanai

• Best Design Hotel: The Chloe

• Best Historic Hotel: The Waldorf Astoria New York

• Best Ski-In, Ski-Out Hotel: The Little Nell

• Best Affordable Hotel: Under Canvas

• Best Beach Hotel: Gurney’s Montauk

• Best Luxury Hotel: Post Ranch Inn

Best Hotel Overall: Twin Farms

Barnard, VT

Why I Chose It

Twin Farms has quietly held the title of America’s most coveted hideaway since it first opened in 1993 on a 1795 farmhouse estate in pastoral Barnard, VT. The estate was formerly owned by none other than Nobel Prize-winning novelist Sinclair Lewis and journalist Dorothy Thompson. Now, the sprawling resort and spa is spread across its 300 acres of meadows, birch forest, and a private fishing pond. A Relais & Châteaux property, Twin Farms’ philosophy is all about making guests feel at home, like they're staying at their own private estate, rather than at a hotel.

Besides the Main House rooms, eight unique Japanese-inspired tree houses were recently revealed, providing guests with a totally private experience. Amenities include porches with forest views, freestanding fireplaces, outdoor baths, and more. Twin Farms is also an all-inclusive stay: meals, fine wines, spirits, and all activities are included. So, once guests touch down on the property, they need only worry about which restaurant they plan on dining at. Twiggs offers an elevated-yet-rustic seasonal experience or coursed out fine dining in the Main House dining room. Guests can even opt to take their meals into nature, with the staff setting up a picnic of their choosing at a number of al fresco locations.

Each guest party is provided with a golf cart for the duration of their stay to move freely and participate in various recreational activities, from archery in the summer to snowshoeing in the winter. New this season, a partnership with Volvo USA puts two luxurious XC90 hybrids at guests' disposal for countryside explorations, complete with a chef-created picnic. For adults only and with a maximum of roughly 50 to 60 guests at any time, Twin Farms is one of the most exclusive retreats in the country.

Best All-Inclusive Hotel: Mii Amo

Sedona, AZ

Why I Chose It

There are spas, and then there’s Mii Amo . A favorite escape among celebrities, it's surrounded by the ruggedly beautiful walls of Boynton Canyon and an eight-mile drive from Sedona. The site itself is sacred in Yavapai-Apache tradition, and was believed to hold one of Sedona’s most powerful energy vortexes. First opened in 2001, it closed for a two-year, $40 million renovation and expansion in 2021, extending the property by 40 percent. Guests can now expect an even more impressive all-inclusive stay, including seven additional private casitas, which brings the total to 23 accommodations—each with a gas fireplace, private patio, heated bathroom floors, and views of the iconic red canyon walls.

Guests are able to opt for a three-, four-, seven-, or 10-night “journey,” which gains them all-inclusive access to daily spa treatments, three meals, fitness classes, guided hikes, meditations, and all gratuities. You can also swap a daily spa treatment for an art class or guided trail experience. The spa, naturally one of the biggest draws of staying at Mii amo, has 26 treatment rooms, including a new consultation wing for private sessions with the mindfulness team, a sound lounge, and a dedicated relaxation room. The Crystal Grotto is another key space on-property, allowing guests to connect with the energy of the canyon through meditation. Or, they can opt to connect through exploration via foot or bike, with access to over 400 miles of scenic trails. In terms of culinary offerings, the signature Hummingbird restaurant enjoys indoor-outdoor seating and serves an eclectic menu of wellness-inspired and seasonal fare, with some of the produce coming directly from the on-site Farmer’s Garden.

Best Golf Resort: Sea Island

Sea Island, GA

Why I Chose It

If your idea of heaven is a beautiful day spent on the green, look no further than Sea Island . Golf has been the backbone of the historic resort since its founding on the Georgia coast nearly a century ago in 1928. Its three championship 18-hole courses remain among the most compelling reasons to make a pilgrimage to Georgia’s Golden Isles. The iconic Seaside Course, a Tom Fazio redesign of the original 1929 Colt & Alison layout, annually hosts the PGA Tour’s RSM Classic, so guests of the property can sleep well knowing Sea Island has helped raise over $48 million for charity since 2010. The course is also currently undergoing a restoration led by Love Golf Design to celebrate its 25th anniversary. (Note: It will be closed from May to October.) The renovation will include new irrigation, fairway replacement, and revamped greens.

Sea Island also lays claim to a 17,000-square-foot Golf Performance Center, widely considered one of the best instruction facilities in the world, with six hitting bays and a roster of teaching professionals who can give private sessions to up your game. After, visit the resort’s five-star spa, spend time at the five-mile-long private beach, or head back to the room for some R&R. Accommodations at Sea Island span several distinct areas, from The Cloister, its grand Spanish Mediterranean flagship, to The Inn, which offers a more casual option just steps from the beach. Catch other golfers in action at the newly expanded Colt & Alison restaurant, which enjoys views of the 18th hole, before you head back outside to join the fun.

Best Adventure Hotel: Yellowstone Peaks Hotel

Island Park, ID

Why I Chose It

It was March 1, 1872, when President Ulysses S. Grant signed the Yellowstone National Park Protection Act, officially creating the country’s first national park. Every year, more than 4 million nature lovers flock there, drawn to the wilds of eastern Idaho' by its's spectacular and pristine nature—an ever-diminishing rarity. For those visitors, accommodation options have been surprisingly sparse, which made the opening of Yellowstone Peaks Hotel in 2024 all the more welcome. Steps from Henry’s Fork River and a roughly 40-minute drive from the park’s western entrance, Yellowstone Peaks offers 19 Scandinavian-inspired private accommodations. Each cabin’s tall ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, open layouts, and minimalist design focus on complementing nature, not distracting from it.

Each cabin sleeps up to six guests, making it a great adventure hotel for families or bachelor parties . Perhaps the most alluring amenity are the Japanese-inspired, wood-fired hot tubs. Beyond the cabin, guests will find a sauna and cold plunge pools, another distinctly Scandinavian offering, as well as a private fishing pond. A gateway to nature just across the street, guests can also fly-fish at Henry’s Fork, one of the most celebrated dry fly-fishing rivers in the world. Access to snowmobiling, snowshoeing, e-bike rentals, and ATV tours through the high-desert terrain are also available, as well as, of course, the full spectacle of Yellowstone.

Best Eco-Conscious Hotel: Inn by the Sea

Cape Elizabeth, ME

Why I Chose It

The idyllic Maine coastline sets the stage for Inn by the Sea . Just a 15-minute drive south from downtown Portland, the sustainable inn sits on a bluff above a mile-long stretch of Crescent Beach. The inn is no stranger to earning accolades for its eco efforts. It's part of Preferred Hotel and Resorts’ Beyond Green portfolio. Its electricity comes from a Maine solar farm and its spa is LEED Silver-certified. Seven complimentary EV charging stations greet guests in the parking area, and a pollinator garden of indigenous species, planted in collaboration with Crescent Beach State Park, has replaced invasive plants around the property.

Inn by the Sea’s charms aren’t limited to its sustainability efforts either, with 62 stylish accommodations that range from cozy Superior Rooms to spacious two-bedroom Beach Suites with gas fireplaces and ocean views. Guests can enjoy sustainably caught seafood and local produce at the Sea Glass Restaurant, which has plenty of offerings for vegans. Head out for a day on the ocean in an authentic lobster boat to bait traps before having your catch prepared by experts when you get back to shore. Another unique facet of the property is it's extremely dog-friendly. The property offers treats, dog walking and dog-sitting services. It also works to facilitate the fostering and adoption of rescue dogs in collaboration with the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland (ARLGP).

Best Urban Hotel: Aman New York

New York, NY

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 feature 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: Sensei Lanai

Lanai City, HI

Why I Chose It

Many travelers flock to the islands of Hawaii for a chance to wake up by the beach, but a stay at Sensei Lanai presents another kind of magic. The island of Lanai is also one of the most improbable to visit, with barely 3,000 residents and a tiny fraction of the tourism numbers experienced on Oahu or Maui. Once there, though, it feels like a world of your own. Especially upon arrival at Sensei, which sits at one of the island’s most secluded points in the uplands of Kō’ele. Conceived as a collaboration between the Four Seasons, Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison, world-leading physician and scientist Dr. David Agus, and Nobu Matsuhisa—the hotel feels more like a wellness retreat.

There are 96 rooms and suites available at the adults-only resort, each with a serene design, but it's what’s outside the rooms that make the property special. The grounds are a veritable botanical garden, with lush native plants and trees. Pathways meander through groves of ferns and orchids, past palm-fringed ponds and sculptures by Victor Botero and Jeff Koons, and lead guests to the koi pond-encircled Nobu restaurant and 10 private hales, where spa treatments take place. Spa treatments are just one part of “The Sensei Way.” Sensei Lanai's wellness program is built on three paths: Move, Nourish, and Rest. Every stay can be structured around them as loosely or as rigorously as guests desire, from a five-night deep dive with a wearable health monitor and a team of exercise physiologists, nutritionists, and mindfulness coaches, to a more relaxed program that can include horseback riding, hiking, golfing, and more. To bring it full circle, guests needing their fill of sand and sun are also able to visit the beach at sister property Four Seasons Resort Lanai.

Best Design Hotel: The Chloe

Why I Chose It

In a city that practically oozes with character and charm, The Chloe manages to match that energy with a distinct visual language of its own. It starts with the building itself, originally designed by American architect Thomas Sully in 1891 for a merchant and his family. It’s the building’s bones—tall ceilings, plaster moldings, a tiled front porch—that provided the canvas for the transformative design vision of New Orleans-native Sara Ruffin Costello. Drawing on a storytelling narrative of the city as a port town, Costello turned the space into what feels less like a well-collected home: a lush red carpet with the illustration of an alligator lines the main staircase; and the lobby bar is embellished with coffered ceilings, original wainscoting, and a mahogany parlor built by a local woodworker.

The 14 distinct rooms, by contrast, are meant to feel lighter and brighter, with features such as four poster beds, soaking tubs, printed robes, and record players. Step outside into the backyard and find yet another design facet of the hotel, one that reads distinctly bohemian. A checkered pool deck is lined with sun loungers, palmetto trees, and shaded private cabanas. The space beckons guests for an afternoon of leisure, bolstered by the al fresco bar serving frozen cocktails. Design lovers will also love an afternoon spent meandering the Uptown neighborhood surrounding The Chloe, renowned for its oak-shaded 19th-century mansions. Just this January, The Chloe opened a Nashville location in Hillsboro Village, which also looks to be a design-lover's dream.

Best Historic Hotel: The Waldorf Astoria New York

New York, NY

Why I Chose It

The hotel that invented room service, the Waldorf salad, red velvet cake, and eggs Benedict is finally back and better than ever after eight years of shuttered doors. The Waldorf Astoria ’s origins date back to 1893, when William Waldorf Astor, reportedly motivated by a feud with his aunt, opened the original Waldorf Hotel on Fifth Avenue and 33rd Street on the site of his father’s mansion. Four years later, his cousin John Jacob Astor IV opened the adjacent Astoria Hotel, and the two were eventually conjoined by a grand corridor. Both were demolished in 1929 to make way for the Empire State Building, and two years later the current tower rose, until its closure in 2017 for a multi-billion dollar restoration led by architects Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) and interior designer Pierre-Yves Rochon—casually one of the largest preservation projects in New York City’s history.

In the summer of 2025, the Waldorf Astoria New York reopened for business. Luckily, at the heart of the project was preservation, not pure modernization. SOM’s approach was guided by the renderings and drawings uncovered in the original architect, Schultze & Weaver’s, archive. Now, a restored Park Avenue lobby is anchored by the famous 1893 World’s Fair clock, back in its original position. Three restaurants have also arrived: The historic Peacock Alley lounge has been transformed into a full-service dining destination, alongside Lex Yard, a modern American brasserie, and Yoshoku, an intimate Japanese restaurant. Guests can also indulge in wellness treatments at the Guerlain Wellness Spa, on an entire floor of its own with an outdoor terrace. Guest rooms are now some of the largest in Manhattan, after going from 1,400 keys to just 375 (there are also 372 residences). Inside, guests can find spacious seating areas, incredible Park Ave views, and walk-in closets, evoking the feel of classically elegant New York apartments.

Best Ski-In, Ski-Out Hotel: The Little Nell

Aspen, CO

Why I Chose It

When it comes to ski culture in the United States, Aspen is undisputed royalty, with a mountain culture glamorous enough to rival that of revered European destinations such as Zermatt or Courchevel. The Little Nell , Aspen’s only ski-in, ski-out hotel, is the mountain’s crown jewel. When it comes to making the ski experience seamless, The Little Nell has it down to a science, providing guests with early access to the gondola, and drying and heating equipment overnight.

The accommodations here, spanning 92 rooms and suites, evoke modern mountain luxury with soothing minimalist neutrals, fireplaces, marble bathrooms, and scenic balconies. The newest addition people can’t stop talking about are the Bryte Restorative Sleep Platform smart mattresses that actively sense and adjust pressure throughout the night. When it comes to dining, guests can take advantage of the apres-ski people-watching opportunities at The Living Room, the lobby bar, or a refined dinner at Element 47. Next up for The Little Nell is something unexpected: a forthcoming New York City outpost, which the brand announced will open in Rockefeller Center in 2027.

Best Affordable Hotel: Under Canvas Yosemite

Groveland, CA

Why I Chose It

Under Canvas has spent the better part of a decade redefining what affordable outdoorsy hospitality looks like in America, with 14 locations and counting at the doorsteps of some of the best nature in the country. Its newest location opened last spring on 85 forested acres of land just a 10-minute drive from Yosemite National Park’s Big Oak Flat entrance. The brand’s first location in California, Under Canvas Yosemite offers unparalleled access to one of the most-visited national parks in the country and excellent hospitality for a fraction of the cost of neighboring hotels.

In total, there are 71 tents, including suites that sleep up to four or six. These safari-inspired structures feature king-size beds, heated mattress pads, luxury linens, private decks, and ensuite bathrooms with hot showers and organic bath products. A communal lobby tent furnished with West Elm pieces and a game corner are available for guests to spend time in and grab a bite, or to participate in a nightly campfire with s’mores. Meant to be an experience that disconnects you from the outside world, there's no WiFi available on-property. Tap the Adventure Concierge to book guided climbs to Half Dome or permit hikes and rafting on the Merced. Nightly rates for the 2026 season start at $319, and guests who belong to Hyatt’s rewards program will be able to earn and redeem points here, as Under Canvas is part of the brand’s Small Luxury Hotels of the World network, despite the accessible price point.

Best Beach Hotel: Gurney’s Montauk

Montauk, NY

Why I Chose It

Montauk is often referred to fondly as “The End of the World” for its location at the easternmost tip of Long Island, where travelers near and far visit to experience its coastal charm. This year, Gurney’s celebrates 100 years. Founded in 1926 by Maude Gurney, what began as a modest 20-room inn has become a renowned resort, and Montauk’s only offering open year round. It's come a long way since its more humble beginnings. It now commands 2,000 feet of private oceanfront beach on Old Montauk Highway, as well as 158 rooms, suites and private cottages, each with an ocean view.

To mark the centennial, Gurney’s has unveiled a newly remodeled lobby designed to function as both a social hub and to provide a seamless transition for guests and visitors to its new restaurant, Gigi’s MTK, featuring stylish indoor-outdoor seating and fresh coastal cuisine. While guests have good reason to visit in the off-season—including the vast Seawater Spa designed with the help of the creator of AIRE Ancient Baths—Gurney’s really comes to life in the summer. Each year, its signature Beach Club returns as one of the Hamptons’ most coveted social venues, with the only on-beach ocean dining on the East End. While the sun is high in the sky, beach-goers flock to the lounge chairs and cabanas for R&R; by night, the social scene at the firepit is always buzzy.

Best Luxury Hotel: Post Ranch Inn

Big Sur, CA

Why I Chose It

If you desire “quiet luxury” over flash and pomp, Post Ranch Inn has been walking the walk since 1992. The stunning property, spanning 150 acres of clifftop land in Northern California’s Big Sur, knows when to let nature do the talking. There are 40 accommodations available at the adults-only inn. Local late architect Mickey Muennig spent months living on the property to assess where to perfectly place each ocean-view suite, suspended Tree House, and private cliff house. The structures are purposefully camouflaged into the surrounding nature, from living roofs above the ocean suites to skylights positioned above the beds so guests can sleep under the stars.

Post Ranch Inn has been quietly revamping different areas of the property, from remodeling the bathrooms in the North Ocean Houses a few years and adding stainless steel custom soaking tubs with views of the Pacific, to renovations currently happening in the spa. Recently, it also introduced a falconry program rooted in biology and conservation, a fitting addition to the on-property offerings, which includes morning clifftop yoga and nightly astronomer-guided stargazing. Guests can take advantage of Post Ranch’s fleet of Lexus vehicles to seek out local dining options, or enjoy their meals at Sienna Mar, which also underwent a recent renovation. There, a daily-changing menu of organic local ingredients can be enjoyed alongside unbeatable ocean views. The entire experience at Post Ranch whispers of discreet elegance.

How I 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.

Explore All Winners From the 2026 Men’s Journal Travel Awards

This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Apr 4, 2024, where it first appeared in the Travel section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.