Ultimate Guide to
North America’s Best Hotels
Table of Contents
The United States (East Coast):
Urban Icons and Coastal Retreats
The East Coast of the United States is a powerhouse of history, culture, and finance, with a hotel scene that includes some of the most legendary and luxurious properties in the world. The quest for the best hotels in New York City is a journey into iconic luxury, with timeless establishments like The Plaza, The St. Regis, and The Carlyle setting the standard for opulent city stays. These hotels are more than just landmarks; they are institutions woven into the fabric of Manhattan, offering superlative service, world-class dining, and a palpable sense of history. In recent years, new icons like the Aman New York have introduced a new level of serene, urban-resort luxury to the bustling cityscape.
Beyond the Big Apple, other major cities on the Eastern Seaboard offer their own distinct brand of five-star hospitality. In Boston, historic boutique hotels like XV Beacon sit alongside waterfront landmarks such as the Boston Harbor Hotel. Washington D.C.’s most prestigious addresses, including The Hay-Adams and The Jefferson, offer discreet luxury with unparalleled views of the White House and the capital’s monuments. Further south, the sun-drenched glamour of Florida beckons. Miami’s South Beach is home to art-deco gems and stylish oceanfront resorts like the Faena and The Setai, while Palm Beach’s The Breakers is a sprawling, historic oceanfront resort that has been a bastion of American luxury for over a century.
For those seeking respite from the urban hustle, the East Coast offers idyllic countryside and coastal escapes. Vermont’s Twin Farms is an all-inclusive country estate renowned for its personalized service and rustic elegance. In Virginia, The Inn at Little Washington is a world-famous culinary destination with lavish guest rooms. From the historic inns of New England to the grand resorts of Florida, the hotel landscape of the Eastern USA is remarkably diverse. It offers a sophisticated mix of iconic city hotels, glamorous beach resorts, and charming country retreats, ensuring a luxurious experience for every type of traveler.
| Name | Location | Type | Stars |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Plaza | New York, NY | Iconic Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Twin Farms | Barnard, VT | All-Inclusive Resort | ★★★★★ |
| The Breakers Palm Beach | Palm Beach, FL | Historic Beach Resort | ★★★★★ |
| The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel | New York, NY | Art Deco Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| The Hay-Adams | Washington, D.C. | Historic Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Faena Hotel Miami Beach | Miami Beach, FL | Luxury Art Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| The St. Regis New York | New York, NY | Iconic Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| The Inn at Little Washington | Washington, VA | Restaurant & Inn | ★★★★★ |
| Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club | Surfside, FL | Luxury Beachfront Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Aman New York | New York, NY | Urban Sanctuary | ★★★★★ |
| XV Beacon | Boston, MA | Boutique Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| The Setai, Miami Beach | Miami Beach, FL | Luxury Suites Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| The Jefferson | Washington, D.C. | Luxury Boutique Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| The Greenbrier | White Sulphur Springs, WV | Historic Resort | ★★★★ |
| The Peninsula Chicago | Chicago, IL | Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Blackberry Farm | Walland, TN | Foothills Luxury Resort | ★★★★★ |
| Baccarat Hotel and Residences | New York, NY | Crystal Palace Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island | Amelia Island, FL | Beach Resort | ★★★★★ |
| Ocean House | Watch Hill, RI | Victorian Seaside Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| The Langham, Chicago | Chicago, IL | Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| The Lowell | New York, NY | Luxury Boutique Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island | Kiawah Island, SC | Golf & Oceanfront Resort | ★★★★★ |
| The Ritz-Carlton, Boston | Boston, MA | Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Acqualina Resort & Residences | Sunny Isles Beach, FL | Seaside Resort | ★★★★★ |
| Park Hyatt New York | New York, NY | Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
The United States (West & Mountains):
Hollywood Glamour and Natural Grandeur
The American West is a land of sweeping landscapes and iconic destinations, with a hotel scene that ranges from legendary Hollywood hideaways to sublime wilderness lodges. A search for the best hotels in California often leads to Los Angeles, where properties like The Beverly Hills Hotel and Hotel Bel-Air have been synonymous with celebrity glamour for generations. These hotels offer secluded bungalows, lush gardens, and a timeless sense of Old Hollywood elegance. On the dramatic coastline of Big Sur, Post Ranch Inn offers a unique experience, with architecturally stunning rooms perched on cliffs overlooking the Pacific, providing a perfect blend of luxury and nature.
The Mountain West offers a different kind of luxury, one that is defined by rustic elegance and access to pristine wilderness. In Wyoming, Amangani in Jackson Hole provides minimalist luxury with panoramic views of the Teton Mountains, while in Colorado, The Little Nell in Aspen offers ski-in/ski-out access and a vibrant social scene. Utah’s Amangiri is an architectural marvel, a serene and minimalist resort set amidst the dramatic canyons of the desert. These hotels are destinations in themselves, offering world-class outdoor activities like skiing, hiking, and horseback riding, paired with exceptional comfort and service.
From the desert oases of Arizona and the glittering mega-resorts of Las Vegas to the tropical paradises of Hawaii, the Western USA offers an incredible diversity of 5-star hotel experiences. In Las Vegas, resorts like Wynn and Bellagio redefine opulence with their grand scale, celebrity chef restaurants, and spectacular entertainment. In Hawaii, beachfront resorts like the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea offer the ultimate tropical getaway with pristine beaches and world-class spas. The best hotels in the West are defined by their sense of place, whether that’s the glamour of Beverly Hills, the vastness of the desert, or the majesty of the Rocky Mountains, ensuring an unforgettable stay.
| Name | Location | Type | Stars |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Beverly Hills Hotel | Beverly Hills, CA | Iconic Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Post Ranch Inn | Big Sur, CA | Luxury Cliffside Lodge | ★★★★★ |
| Amangani | Jackson, WY | Luxury Mountain Resort | ★★★★★ |
| The Little Nell | Aspen, CO | Luxury Ski-in/Ski-out | ★★★★★ |
| Hotel Bel-Air | Los Angeles, CA | Luxury Hideaway | ★★★★★ |
| Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea | Maui, HI | Luxury Beach Resort | ★★★★★ |
| Amangiri | Canyon Point, UT | Luxury Desert Resort | ★★★★★ |
| Auberge du Soleil | Napa Valley, CA | Luxury Inn & Restaurant | ★★★★★ |
| Wynn Las Vegas | Las Vegas, NV | Luxury Resort & Casino | ★★★★★ |
| Montage Laguna Beach | Laguna Beach, CA | Oceanfront Resort | ★★★★★ |
| The Peninsula Beverly Hills | Beverly Hills, CA | Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Sanctuary Camelback Mountain | Paradise Valley, AZ | Luxury Spa Resort | ★★★★★ |
| The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay | Half Moon Bay, CA | Seaside Golf Resort | ★★★★★ |
| Montage Deer Valley | Park City, UT | Luxury Mountain Resort | ★★★★★ |
| Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection | Big Island, HI | Luxury Beach Resort | ★★★★★ |
| Bellagio | Las Vegas, NV | Iconic Resort & Casino | ★★★★★ |
| The Ranch at Rock Creek | Philipsburg, MT | Luxury Ranch | ★★★★★ |
| Rosewood Miramar Beach | Montecito, CA | Luxury Beach Resort | ★★★★★ |
| Commodore Perry Estate, Auberge Resorts | Austin, TX | Luxury Estate Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch | Avon, CO | Luxury Mountain Lodge | ★★★★★ |
| Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills | Beverly Hills, CA | Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Four Seasons Jackson Hole | Teton Village, WY | Luxury Mountain Resort | ★★★★★ |
| The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas | Las Vegas, NV | Luxury Resort & Casino | ★★★★★ |
| Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa | Rancho Santa Fe, CA | Luxury Spa Resort | ★★★★★ |
| Stanly Ranch, Auberge Resorts Collection | Napa, CA | Vineyard Resort | ★★★★★ |
Canada:
Majestic Wilderness and Urban Elegance
Canada’s hospitality landscape is as vast and varied as the country itself, stretching from sophisticated urban centers to some of the most spectacular wilderness on earth. The best hotels in Canada masterfully blend luxury with a deep appreciation for their natural surroundings. The Canadian Rockies are home to some of the most iconic hotels in the country, the historic “railway hotels.” The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise and Fairmont Banff Springs are grand, castle-like structures set against jaw-dropping backdrops of turquoise lakes and snow-capped peaks. These hotels offer a sense of historic grandeur and provide a luxurious base for exploring Canada’s premier national parks.
On the Pacific coast, Vancouver offers chic urban hotels like the Fairmont Pacific Rim, with stunning harbor views and a vibrant, modern atmosphere. Just a ferry ride away, Vancouver Island’s Wickaninnish Inn in Tofino offers a unique experience, a world-class Relais & Châteaux property perched on the edge of the wild Pacific, famous for its storm-watching season. In the east, the Fogo Island Inn in Newfoundland has become a global destination, an architectural masterpiece set on a rugged island, celebrated for its community-based ethos and radical, contemporary design. These properties demonstrate Canadian luxury at its best: deeply connected to place and nature.
Canada’s cities also boast a superb collection of luxury and historic hotels. In Quebec, the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac dominates the skyline of Quebec City, arguably one of the most photographed hotels in the world. Montreal’s Ritz-Carlton is a bastion of historic elegance, while Toronto’s luxury scene is defined by sleek, modern towers like the Four Seasons and The St. Regis. From coast to coast, the best 5-star hotels in Canada offer a compelling mix of majestic, historic resorts and stylish, modern urban properties, all delivered with a characteristically warm and welcoming Canadian spirit.
| Name | Location | Type | Stars |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise | Lake Louise, AB | Iconic Mountain Resort | ★★★★ |
| Fogo Island Inn | Joe Batt’s Arm, NL | Unique Design Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Fairmont Banff Springs | Banff, AB | Historic Castle Hotel | ★★★★ |
| The Ritz-Carlton, Montreal | Montreal, QC | Historic Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Wickaninnish Inn | Tofino, BC | Luxury Oceanfront Lodge | ★★★★★ |
| Fairmont Pacific Rim | Vancouver, BC | Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Fairmont Le Château Frontenac | Quebec City, QC | Iconic Castle Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Four Seasons Hotel Toronto | Toronto, ON | Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Rosewood Hotel Georgia | Vancouver, BC | Historic Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Manoir Hovey | North Hatley, QC | Lakeside Manor & Spa | ★★★★★ |
| The St. Regis Toronto | Toronto, ON | Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Post Hotel & Spa | Lake Louise, AB | Mountain Lodge | ★★★★ |
| Auberge Saint-Antoine | Quebec City, QC | Boutique Hotel | ★★★★ |
| Shangri-La Vancouver | Vancouver, BC | Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| 1 Hotel Toronto | Toronto, ON | Sustainable Luxury | ★★★★★ |
| The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto | Toronto, ON | Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Fairmont Empress Hotel | Victoria, BC | Historic Hotel | ★★★★ |
| Hôtel William Gray | Montreal, QC | Boutique Hotel | ★★★★ |
| Sooke Harbour House | Sooke, BC | Inn & Restaurant | ★★★★ |
| Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge | Tofino, BC | Luxury Tented Camp | ★★★★★ |
| Wedgewood Hotel & Spa | Vancouver, BC | Boutique Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Four Seasons Whistler | Whistler, BC | Mountain Resort | ★★★★★ |
| The Hazelton Hotel | Toronto, ON | Boutique Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Fairmont Chateau Whistler | Whistler, BC | Ski-in/Ski-out Resort | ★★★★★ |
| Prince of Wales Hotel | Waterton Park, AB | Historic Hotel | ★★★★ |
Mexico:
Beachfront Bliss and Colonial Charm
Mexico’s hospitality scene is a vibrant tapestry of ultra-luxurious beach resorts, chic colonial-era boutique hotels, and sophisticated urban properties. The country is a world leader in resort luxury, with its coastlines dotted with some of the most spectacular hotels on the planet. The search for the best hotels in Los Cabos, at the tip of the Baja Peninsula, reveals stunning properties like the Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal, accessible only via a private tunnel, and Las Ventanas al Paraíso, A Rosewood Resort, famous for its impeccable service and romantic atmosphere. These resorts offer private plunge pools, world-class spas, and breathtaking views where the desert meets the sea.
On the Caribbean coast, the Riviera Maya is another hub of five-star luxury. The Rosewood Mayakoba, set within a tranquil lagoon ecosystem, and the secluded Hotel Esencia, a former ducal estate, are prime examples of the region’s sophisticated, nature-integrated luxury. These properties offer pristine white-sand beaches, lush jungle surroundings, and a focus on wellness and local culture, providing a serene and stylish escape. The best beach hotels in Mexico consistently win global awards for their design, service, and unparalleled settings, making the country a top destination for discerning sun-seekers.
Beyond the beaches, Mexico’s rich history and culture come to life in its inland cities. San Miguel de Allende, a UNESCO World Heritage city, is home to stunningly beautiful boutique hotels like the Rosewood San Miguel de Allende and Hotel Matilda, which blend colonial architecture with contemporary art and design. In the bustling heart of Mexico City, chic hotels such as Las Alcobas in the polished Polanco neighborhood offer a tranquil and luxurious base for exploring one of the world’s most dynamic capitals. From the barefoot luxury of Tulum to the historic charm of Oaxaca, Mexico’s hotels offer an incredible diversity of experiences, all infused with the country’s famously warm hospitality, vibrant cuisine, and rich artistic heritage.
| Name | Location | Type | Stars |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal | Cabo San Lucas | Luxury Cliffside Resort | ★★★★★ |
| Rosewood Mayakoba | Riviera Maya | Luxury Lagoon Resort | ★★★★★ |
| Las Ventanas al Paraíso, A Rosewood Resort | San José del Cabo | Iconic Luxury Resort | ★★★★★ |
| Hotel Esencia | Xpu-Ha, Riviera Maya | Luxury Estate Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| One&Only Palmilla | San José del Cabo | Historic Luxury Resort | ★★★★★ |
| Rosewood San Miguel de Allende | San Miguel de Allende | Colonial Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| La Casa de la Playa by Xcaret | Playa del Carmen | All-Inclusive Luxury | ★★★★★ |
| Esperanza, Auberge Resorts Collection | Cabo San Lucas | Luxury Resort | ★★★★★ |
| Chablé Maroma | Riviera Maya | Luxury Wellness Resort | ★★★★★ |
| Las Alcobas, a Luxury Collection Hotel | Mexico City | Boutique Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Zadún, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve | San José del Cabo | Luxury Resort | ★★★★★ |
| Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Playa del Carmen | All-Inclusive Luxury | ★★★★★ |
| Montage Los Cabos | Cabo San Lucas | Luxury Resort | ★★★★★ |
| Hotel Matilda | San Miguel de Allende | Art & Design Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort | Punta Mita | Luxury Beach Resort | ★★★★★ |
| Chablé Yucatán | Chocholá, Yucatán | Hacienda Spa Resort | ★★★★★ |
| The St. Regis Mexico City | Mexico City | Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Four Seasons Resort Los Cabos | La Ribera | Luxury Beach Resort | ★★★★★ |
| Maroma, A Belmond Hotel | Riviera Maya | Luxury Beach Resort | ★★★★★ |
| Imanta Resorts Punta de Mita | Punta de Mita | Jungle & Ocean Resort | ★★★★★ |
| La Valise Tulum | Tulum | Boutique Beach Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| The Cape, a Thompson Hotel | Cabo San Lucas | Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| NIZUC Resort & Spa | Cancún | Luxury Resort | ★★★★★ |
| Hotel Xcaret Arte | Playa del Carmen | All-Inclusive Luxury | ★★★★★ |
| Four Seasons Hotel Mexico City | Mexico City | Hacienda-style Hotel | ★★★★★ |
The Caribbean:
Barefoot Luxury and Private Island Hideaways
The Caribbean is the definitive tropical paradise, a scattered chain of idyllic islands where the luxury hotel scene is defined by exclusivity, breathtaking natural beauty, and a relaxed, “barefoot luxury” ethos. The best hotels in the Caribbean are often intimate hideaways set on pristine white-sand beaches, offering a perfect escape from the everyday. The island of St. Barts is a playground for the rich and famous, with iconic hotels like Cheval Blanc St-Barth and Eden Rock providing unparalleled glamour, haute cuisine, and chic, designer interiors right on St. Jean beach. These establishments are the pinnacle of Caribbean sophistication.
For those seeking ultimate privacy and seclusion, the region excels in private island and ultra-exclusive resorts. On Anguilla, the Belmond Cap Juluca stuns with its Greco-Moorish architecture along the perfect crescent of Maundays Bay. In Turks & Caicos, COMO Parrot Cay and the remote Amanyara offer wellness-focused sanctuaries on their own private stretches of sand, attracting celebrities and those seeking total tranquility. Jamaica’s GoldenEye, once the home of Ian Fleming, offers a collection of private villas and cottages with its own laid-back, literary brand of cool, while Jade Mountain in St. Lucia is famous for its three-walled “sanctuaries” with private infinity pools and staggering views of the Piton mountains.
The diversity of the Caribbean means there is a luxury experience for every taste. Barbados is known for its timeless, British-influenced elegance, epitomized by the legendary Sandy Lane hotel. In the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico, larger luxury resorts from brands like St. Regis and Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, offer expansive facilities, championship golf courses, and world-class spas. From the understated glamour of a St. Barts boutique hotel to the all-encompassing luxury of a private island resort, the best 5-star hotels in the Caribbean promise a sun-soaked, sophisticated, and utterly unforgettable escape.
| Name | Location | Type | Stars |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cheval Blanc St-Barth | St. Barthélemy | Iconic Beach Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Cap Juluca, A Belmond Hotel | Anguilla | Luxury Beach Resort | ★★★★★ |
| GoldenEye | Oracabessa, Jamaica | Historic Villa Resort | ★★★★ |
| Amanyara | Turks & Caicos | Secluded Luxury Resort | ★★★★★ |
| Eden Rock – St Barths | St. Barthélemy | Iconic Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Jade Mountain | St. Lucia | Unique Sanctuary Resort | ★★★★★ |
| Sandy Lane | Barbados | Legendary Luxury Resort | ★★★★★ |
| COMO Parrot Cay | Turks & Caicos | Private Island Resort | ★★★★★ |
| Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve | Dorado, Puerto Rico | Luxury Reserve | ★★★★★ |
| Rosewood Little Dix Bay | Virgin Gorda, BVI | Luxury Beach Resort | ★★★★★ |
| Round Hill Hotel and Villas | Montego Bay, Jamaica | Historic Villa Resort | ★★★★★ |
| Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla | Anguilla | Luxury Resort | ★★★★★ |
| Jumby Bay Island – an Oetker Collection Hotel | Antigua | Private Island Resort | ★★★★★ |
| Le Barthélemy Hotel & Spa | St. Barthélemy | Luxury Beach Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman | Grand Cayman | Luxury Resort | ★★★★★ |
| Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort | St. Lucia | Luxury Beach Resort | ★★★★★ |
| Amanera | Dominican Republic | Luxury Clifftop Resort | ★★★★★ |
| The Shore Club Turks & Caicos | Turks & Caicos | Luxury Resort | ★★★★★ |
| Cobblers Cove | Barbados | Relais & Châteaux | ★★★★★ |
| Eden Roc Cap Cana | Punta Cana, Dominican Republic | Luxury Suite Resort | ★★★★★ |
| Park Hyatt St. Kitts Christophe Harbour | St. Kitts | Luxury Resort | ★★★★★ |
| The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort | Paradise Island, Bahamas | Luxury Beach Resort | ★★★★★ |
| The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort | Rio Grande, Puerto Rico | Luxury Nature Resort | ★★★★★ |
| Mandarin Oriental, Canouan | Canouan, St. Vincent & Grenadines | Luxury Villa Resort | ★★★★★ |
| Malliouhana, Auberge Resorts Collection | Anguilla | Boutique Resort | ★★★★★ |
