The 16 Best Boutique Hotels in America
Updated: Jan. 09, 2023
These small hotels combine exemplary service with world-class amenities in a very big way.
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Benefits of a boutique hotel
Coronavirus has changed the way we live life, including the way we travel and plan our vacations—for instance, you won’t be seeing these 10 things in hotels for quite some time. Avoiding crowds has never been more important. Boutique hotels have just ten to 100 rooms and are a great alternative to their larger countertops. This doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice service or amenities, though. These boutique hotels have it all including breathtaking views, fabulous decor, incredible service, and more. In fact, you might love your stay in these amazing boutique hotels so much you decide never to go back to a large property again. (Note: Some amenities listed may not be available at the moment because of measures to stem the spread of coronavirus.)
Stephanie Inn, Cannon Beach, Oregon
There’s something extra special about the atmosphere at the beautiful Stephanie Inn at Cannon Beach, Oregon. Many staff members have worked there for decades and from the moment you walk through the door, you’re treated like family.
Stephanie Inn is located on Cannon Beach and its 41 rooms have stunning views of the ocean and Haystack Rock or the mountains. It’s a great place to stay the night, but two days are ideal—one day to walk along the sand and explore the beach and another to enjoy the shops of downtown Cannon Beach. Be sure to make reservations for dinner in The Dining Room, it’s by far the best meal you’ll have on the Oregon Coast.
The rooms at Stephanie Inn are spacious and sumptuously appointed with gas fireplaces, luxurious linens, Aveda bath products, and free soft drinks and snacks. Many have large private decks overlooking the ocean. Guests are also treated to a complimentary beer and wine hour in the evening, a nightcap before bed, and an amazing chef’s breakfast in the morning. If that isn’t enough, there are also on-site massages available and complimentary rides to town in the hotel Tesla. If you want to be spoiled, you can’t do better than the Stephanie Inn.
The Lancaster Hotel, Houston
Located in the heart of Houston’s vibrant theater district, the 93 rooms on the Lancaster hotel are immersed in art and elegance. This historic hotel dates back to the 1920s and guests are pampered with exemplary personalized service and tiny touches like a complimentary glass of champagne or sparkling water upon arrival, complimentary in-room soft drinks and snacks, Bulgari bath products, and a free gourmet breakfast. Complimentary car service has been temporarily suspended but the hotel plans to continue this amenity as soon as COVID-19 guidelines deem it feasible. Each room has double-paned windows for a tranquil night’s sleep and feature Carrera marble, Waterworks bath fixtures, Frette linens, and Nespresso in-room coffee makers. Making the hotel even more special are the more than 200 gorgeous original contemporary artworks adorn the walls, each with ties to Texas. It’s the perfect place for a weekend getaway—find the best weekend getaway in your state.
Salish Lodge and Spa, Snoqualmie, Washington
The Salish Lodge and Spa is located less than an hour’s drive from Seattle, outside the charming town of Snoqualmie. Perched above the breathtaking Snoqualmie Falls, the lodge manages the feat of feeling both luxurious and rustic at the same time.
The chef in the hotel’s on-site restaurant, The Dining Room, grows much of its produce on-site, including honey from their own hives, and everything else on the delicious menu is sourced as locally as possible. Its wine list is extensive with a focus on Washington state wine. If you’re looking for something more relaxed, The Attic serves casual fare and craft cocktails upstairs.
The 84 guest rooms at Salish Lodge are sumptuously appointed with luxury bath products, gas fireplaces, and thick linens that make you want to spend the entire day in bed. To truly pamper yourself, upgrade to the spa level on the top floor with river views and access to Club 268, which includes access to soaking tubs and a gorgeous living room where club guests relax in front of a wood-burning fireplace, enjoy complimentary wine, beer, and appetizers in the evening and a generous continental breakfast in the morning.
If you think Salish Lodge looks familiar, you’re right. The exteriors were used as a stand-in for The Great Northern Hotel where Kyle MacLachlan (aka Agent Dale Cooper) stayed in the cult television show, Twin Peaks. Here are more U.S. hotels where your favorite movies and T.V. shows were filmed.
The Giacomo, Niagara Falls, New York
Located in New York within walking distance to the awe-inspiring Niagara Falls and attractions such as the Aquarium of Niagara and the Niagara Scenic Trolley, The Giacomo is housed in an incredible art deco building erected in 1929 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Each one of the 44 rooms features high ceilings and is accented with carefully selected pieces of exquisite European style decor and art.
Guests are spoiled with custom chocolates in each room and fresh cookies during the evening turndown service. A full European breakfast is included with each stay. Some rooms have fireplaces and views of the falls and all guests receive impeccable friendly service. Can’t make it to western New York? Find the most gorgeous waterfall in your state.
L’Auberge Carmel, Carmel-By-The-Sea, California
Carmel-By-The-Sea, California is one of the most beautiful seaside towns in America and there’s no better place to stay on your visit than L’Auberge Carmel. Built in 1929 with European-style architecture, and just a ten-minute walk from the beach, each room in this 20-room boutique features a combination of new and old-world touches, combining antiques from the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries with modern conveniences like heated bathroom floors and separate walk-in showers.
A complimentary breakfast featuring seasonal ingredients is included and the food at L’Auberge is truly special. Their award-winning restaurant Aubergine recently earned the Central Coast’s first Michelin Star for its unparalleled tasting menu.
In addition to its stunning beaches and coastline, Carmel-By-The-Sea is known for its incredible restaurants, tasting rooms, boutiques, and galleries.
Maxwell Mansion, Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
Established in 1856 as the summer home of a prominent surgeon, Maxwell Mansion is located two blocks from the shores of the lake in downtown Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. The grounds are shaded by ancient oak trees and feature gardens, outdoor lounges, and fireplaces. Each one of the 27 spacious rooms features unique antique furnishings combined with modern amenities like luxury linens and memory foam mattresses. Some have private hot tubs and fireplaces.
The Maxwell Mansion has a secret password-required speakeasy just like these other speakeasies hidden inside hotels and is renowned for serving craft cocktails in the Apothecary Bar out of flasks made with herbs grown on-site. It’s an incredible experience for anyone looking for a change from traditional hotels.
121 Hotel, Nashville, Tennessee
The 121 Hotel in Nashville, Tennessee combines the comfort of a private residence with the service and amenities of a luxury hotel. Staying there is an intimate experience—there are only 18 rooms at full capacity and the property can only accommodate 56 overnight guests. Learn the best day of the week to book a hotel room.
Unique amenities include custom automated shades, luxury linens, high-end bath products, and complimentary continental breakfast. Some rooms feature full kitchens. The work of local artists is showcased throughout the building, Since this is Nashville, you can add on incredible musical experiences to your stay such as an intimate private session with a Grammy-nominated or winning songwriter. The property is a five-minute drive from downtown Nashville and there are numerous restaurants within a three-block radius.
The Blennerhassett Hotel, Parkersburg, West Virginia
Located in downtown Parkersburg, West Virginia within walking distance to restaurants, trails, and museums, The Blennerhassett Hotel has been wowing guests with its stunning Queen Anne-style architecture since it was originally erected in 1889.
The Blennerhassett Hotel combines 86 antique-filled rooms with modern amenities like a modern fitness center, business center, and a wonderful onsite restaurant and lounge.
Guests can choose from several unique packages including roundtrip transportation to West Virginia must-see Blennerhassett Island State Park in a sternwheeler, a mansion tour, and ride in a horse-drawn carriage. A night in The Blennerhassett Hotel isn’t just a getaway from day to day life—it’s a trip back in time. Find out the most historical hotel in every state.
The Chanler at Cliff Walk, Newport, Rhode Island
Set in one of the mansions along Newport’s famed Cliff Walk, The Chanler is home to 20 individually appointed guest rooms. Some rooms feature four-poster beds, ocean views, or fireplaces—and all are opulently decorated with lavish furnishing and various period details. Guests can treat themselves to dinner at Cara, the on-site restaurant that serves a three or six-course tasting menu dinner nightly or for more casual fare during the warmer months, try The Café, perched on a covered terrace with views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Guests can tour the other Cliff Walk mansions by foot or hitch around town in the hotel’s Buick house car.
Maison de la Luz, New Orleans
Located about 15 minutes from the French Quarter area of New Orleans, Maison de la Luz offers a sense of quiet and respite that shouldn’t be taken for granted in a vibrant city like New Orleans. Just be sure to consider these things before you make any hotel booking.
Guests are treated to a night in a painstakingly renovated 1908 building with stunning, colorful art deco decor and so many intricate details you might find yourself focusing more on your gorgeous surroundings than your companion (if you came with company). Maison de la Luz offers 67 sumptuously appointed suites and rooms. There’s an honor bar in the hotel living room and every night a presentation of wine, cheese, fruit, and charcuterie. Service is top-notch and anticipatory.
The Ivy Hotel, Baltimore
You’ll hardly realize you’re in the middle of downtown Baltimore when you nestle in at the 18-room Ivy Hotel, a renovated historic Mount Vernon Mansion. Each of the light-filled rooms has a gas fireplace and bathroom with heated limestone floor. Included in your stay are a made-to-order breakfast (think: lemon soufflé pancakes and eggs Benedict), afternoon tea, and a selection of cocktails and fine wines. Dinner at Magdalena, one of Baltimore’s best restaurants that’s menu changes seasonally, is another must for your list. Learn the travel secrets only hotel managers know.
The Roundtree, Amagansett, New York
This 15 room boutique hotel housed in a centuries-old cottage and barn is everything you dreamed your Hamptons escape would be. The white and tan rooms are aglow with understated luxury including Frette linens, Matouk towels, walk-in showers with rain showerheads, and a minibar stocked with complimentary snacks and beverages. The hotel makes sure your every need is met and loans guests beach cruisers and beach bags and hosts a nightly fire pit with s’mores and weekly yoga during the summer months.
While the Hamptons are happening in the summer, the fall and winter months are an equally lovely time to visit, when you’ll feel like you have the town to yourself. Likewise, these 11 destinations are even better in winter.
The Pearl, Rosemary Beach, Florida
The Pearl in Rosemary Beach, Florida spoils you upon check-in with a glass of sparkling wine to enjoy before you relax on their private beach with complimentary beach chairs and oversized umbrellas for shade. It is the only adults-only property in the South Walton area, overlooking the stunning Gulf of Mexico.
Each one of the 55 guest rooms features an interactive iPad, luxury bath products, and complimentary mini-fridge stocked with water, juice, and soda. Complimentary bike rentals and seasonal complimentary kayak/canoe are included in your stay. Indulge in a poolside spa treatment or simply spend the day on the beach. No matter how you spend your time, a night at The Pearl is an unforgettable experience. This is your guide to the best Florida beaches locals want to keep a secret.
The Piccolo, Paso Robles, California
Located in Central California’s Paso Robles wine country, The Piccolo is ready to spoil guests with 22 luxury King rooms and a two-room suite. The hotel features a wine lounge, a private courtyard full of fragrant flowers, and an amazing rooftop bar—the first in Paso Robles. The hotel is within walking distance to downtown tasting rooms, shops, and incredible restaurants. Spoil yourself with a spa room featuring an open-air soaking tub. Wine lovers will revel in these photos of the most gorgeous wineries in the world.
Amangiri Resort, Canyon Point, Utah
Amangiri Resort in Canyon Point, Utah is in the region known as the Four Corners where Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona converge. Be prepared to say ooh and ah on auto-repeat throughout your stay. Surrounded by towering formations of glorious sandstone amid 600 acres of desert wilderness, the location is so stunning it seems like something out of another world.
The resort itself is a thing of beauty, designed to look like it rose from the natural landscape. Built around a swimming pool whose centerpiece is a jaw-dropping natural rock formation, Amangiri Resort offers 34 luxury suites. There’s also a four-bedroom private home available for larger groups and an amazing glamping option at Camp Sarika canvass pavilions, firepits, plunge pools, and private terraces.
If you can tear yourself away from the resort, they’ll arrange excursions for you to explore Navaho history, float above the desert in a hot air balloon, or tour the incredible rock formations from the water at Lake Powell, and more.
You’ll want for nothing at Amangiri Resort, food, including snacks, is included with chef-prepared seasonal menus inspired by the traditions of the Navaho and American Southwest.
Inn of 5 Graces, Santa Fe, New Mexico
Set in a collection of stone and adobe buildings which date back as far as the 1600s, there’s nothing ordinary about a stay at the Inn of 5 Graces in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Colorful examples of art and antique furniture appoint each one of the 24 luxurious suites.
You’ll want for nothing during your stay—a chef-prepared breakfast is included each morning. Complimentary wine, margaritas, homemade chips, and salsa are served in the afternoons, and rooms are stocked with free snacks.
Unforgettable tile mosaics and exquisite artwork and fabrics adorn the walls. You may never want to leave, but if you do, the historic, cultural, and retail centers of Sante Fe are just blocks away. Now, check out these bucket list hotel experiences around the world.
Originally Published: July 27, 2020
