Hey there, fellow wanderer! If you’re anything like me, the thought of a perfect getaway starts with finding that one hotel that feels like a warm hug after a long day of exploring. America is bursting with incredible spots to recharge, from sun-soaked beaches to bustling city vibes. Whether you’re plotting a romantic escape, a family adventure, or just some solo soul-searching, picking the right place to lay your head is key.
I’ve been chasing the best stays across the U.S. for years, and based on the latest buzz from travelers and experts in 2025, I’ve narrowed it down to my top five favorites. These aren’t just pretty facades—they’re the kind of hotels that leave you with stories to tell (and maybe a few Instagram-worthy sunsets). Drawing from fresh rankings like U.S. News’ annual list and glowing reviews from folks who’ve actually crashed there, here’s my roundup. Let’s dive in!
1. Four Seasons Resort Hualalai – Big Island, Hawaii: Paradise Redefined
Picture this: Black lava rocks framing turquoise waves, and you’re sipping a fresh pineapple cocktail without a care in the world. That’s the magic of the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, which just snagged the crown as the No. 1 best hotel in the USA for 2025. Nestled on the Kona coast of Hawaii’s Big Island, this resort isn’t your average beach flop—it’s a full-on sensory escape.
What makes it stand out? Seven stunning pools (including one with a swim-up bar and waterslides for the kid in all of us), seven restaurants dishing up everything from poke bowls to farm-to-table feasts, and complimentary cultural activities like lei-making or outrigger canoe rides. Rooms? Think spacious lanais with ocean views, outdoor showers, and that signature Four Seasons service where staff remember your coffee order. It’s pricey, sure, but if you’re dreaming of ultimate relaxation, this is where you splurge. Pro tip: Book a treatment at the spa overlooking the sea—pure bliss.
2. Waldorf Astoria Chicago – Chicago, Illinois: Urban Elegance with a Windy City Twist
Chicago’s got that gritty-glam energy, and the Waldorf Astoria Chicago captures it perfectly while holding strong at No. 2 on the 2025 best hotels list. Perched in the Gold Coast neighborhood, this 2016 newcomer feels like a timeless icon, blending Art Deco flair with modern must-haves.
I love how it balances city pulse with serene escapes: Floor-to-ceiling windows in every room frame skyline views that make you feel on top of the world, and the bathrooms? Marble heaven with deep soaking tubs. Downstairs, the French-inspired Brasserie 44 serves up duck confit that could convert a vegetarian, and the spa’s eucalyptus steam room is my go-to after pounding the pavement at Millennium Park. It’s steps from the Magnificent Mile for shopping sprees, but honestly, you might not want to leave. Families rave about the kids’ club, too. If Chicago’s your vibe, this is the spot to book.
3. Post Ranch Inn – Big Sur, California: Cliffside Romance on Steroids
Big Sur’s dramatic cliffs and crashing Pacific waves deserve a hotel that’s equally dramatic, and the Post Ranch Inn delivers—ranking No. 3 for 2025. This adults-only retreat clings to the edge of the world like it’s daring you to unplug, with just 39 rooms scattered across 100 acres of wild beauty.
From the moment you arrive (via a winding Highway 1 drive that’s half the fun), it’s all about immersion. Sierra Mar restaurant hangs over the ocean for sunset dinners with California wines, and the spa’s outdoor hot tubs let you stargaze while soaking. Rooms range from treehouses with glass floors to cliff-edge suites—my pick? Anything with a fireplace for those foggy evenings. It’s eco-luxury at its finest, with organic gardens and yoga sessions amid redwoods. Couples, this is your honeymoon haven; solo travelers, it’s your reset button. Just pack layers—the coastal chill sneaks up on you.
4. The Broadmoor – Colorado Springs, Colorado: Timeless Grandeur in the Rockies
If mountains call your name, the Broadmoor is your answer, clocking in at No. 4 on the 2025 rankings and feeling like a page from a Gilded Age novel. This 1918 gem sprawls across 5,000 acres at the foot of Pikes Peak, offering a mix of old-school charm and fresh adventures that keep it relevant.
The Italian Renaissance architecture alone is swoon-worthy, but inside? Lakeside infinity pools, a top-tier golf course, and falconry lessons that make you feel like royalty. Dining spans 10 spots, from high tea in the afternoon to farm-fresh Italian at Ristorante del Lago. Rooms blend historic elegance with modern tech, many with balconies overlooking Cheyenne Lake. It’s family-friendly with a killer kids’ camp, but adults will adore the world-class spa and fly-fishing on-site. In fall, the aspens turn gold—book then for peak magic. It’s not just a hotel; it’s a legacy stay.
5. Hotel Jerome, Auberge Resorts Collection – Aspen, Colorado: Mountain Chic Meets Wild West
Rounding out the top five is the Hotel Jerome in Aspen, a MICHELIN Key honoree that’s No. 5 for 2025 and the ultimate après-ski spot with summer perks. Dating back to 1889, this Silver Rush-era icon has been polished into a sleek Auberge property without losing its cowboy soul.
Imagine cowboy boots on heated floors and roaring fires in the living room bar— that’s the Jerome vibe. Rooms mix rustic beams with plush Frette linens, and the J-Bar serves legendary J-Bar chili that warms you from the inside out. Beyond slopes (Aspen Mountain is a gondola ride away), you’ve got fly-fishing, hiking, and spa treatments using local botanicals. In summer, it’s all about wildflower meadows and outdoor concerts. It’s buzzing in winter but serene off-season—perfect for foodies hitting the farm-to-table scene. If you’re chasing that Rocky Mountain high, start here.
Why These Hotels? A Quick Scoop on the Selection
These picks aren’t pulled from thin air—they’re based on 2025’s hottest rankings from U.S. News, which crunched data from over 3,900 properties, factoring in guest reviews, star ratings, and those little touches that wow. Cross-reference with MICHELIN’s expert inspections and traveler tales from Tripadvisor, and you get a well-rounded view. What ties them together? Unmatched service, unique locales, and that “I never want to leave” feeling. Budget-wise, expect $500–$1,500 per night, but hey, memories are priceless.
Wrapping Up: Your Next Adventure Awaits
There you have it—my top five best hotels in America for 2025, each one a ticket to your dream escape. Whether you’re trading skyscrapers for surf or city lights for starry skies, these spots promise more than a bed; they deliver stories. Got a favorite from the list, or dreaming of a different corner of the U.S.? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear your takes or swap recs. Safe travels, and here’s to nights you’ll never forget!
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, but my opinions are 100% my own. Always check current rates and availability.
