The Best Affordable Boutique Hotels in United States in 2026

Sugar Hill is no chic, design-driven urban boutique but for us the White Mountains deserve a ‘when in Rome’ philosophy. When you’re looking out the window at feet of snow, a roaring fire, stellar meal and wool blanket is going much further than a couple of throw pillows, no matter how well the print goes with the wallpaper. And that’s why we like the Sugar Hill Inn. It’s not a well-curated throw pillow or a pricey antique brought in from New York. It’s a gorgeous historic farmhouse with straightforward decor… > Read Our Full Review

This boutique hotel in Downtown Richmond, Virginia is excellent for anyone who wants to really be in the thick of things. Richmond has many lovely neighborhoods, but anyone with business downtown will appreciate being this close. The Berkeley’s historical vibes and easy hospitality mean you don’t have to compromise much for the prime location either. The crisp, red brick architecture is a lovely addition to the cityscape, all classic style with just a taste of streamlined modernity. We should note that they’re currently keeping the hotel open while undergoing renovations…. > Read Our Full Review

Pulling all the inspiration possible from its Golden Triangle locale, this boutique hotel in Denver, CO really is one for you art-lovers. Every inch is covered in professional mural work, giving you the perfect place to stay while you explore Denver’s creative heart. The hotel owners arranged a roster of incredible wall-painters in collaboration with local artists Alex Pangburn and Ashley Joon. The building was once one of the first boarding houses in the city, now fully evolved into one of a truly one-of-a-kind boutique hotel experience.   What are… > Read Our Full Review

A community like Lake Placid NY, with a small town and long history, remembers its own. The Grand Adirondack Hotel occupies a near century-old hotel building that has long been part of the community. The stately brick stands tall in the center of town, overlooking Mirror Lake, at the pulse of Lake Placid’s comings and goings for generations. Now part of Marriott’s Tribute Portfolio, the current iteration of the hotel benefits greatly from the guaranteed luxuries the brand provides, though it has lost a bit of the local charm. Still,… > Read Our Full Review

Once again, we follow Lark Hotels through New England, now to the outskirts of Stowe, Vermont. This, the Tälta Lodge, is part of the hotel chain’s Bluebird group, a Scandinavian-inspired set of roadside hotels currently taking over the Northeast. The stylish yet youthful atmosphere is a welcome addition to sleepy mom-and-pop B&Bs and kitschy hunting lodges. A warm, cozy minimalism peppered with wood fireplaces and plenty of natural light leave the charm up to nature, which is more than up to the task. It’s ski country, and the roads are… > Read Our Full Review

Originally the Fenway Motor Hotel, the cadre of refitted Airstream trailers and spotless leather couches are presumably new, but the atmosphere of this 1959 era Boston boutique hotel has been nicely preserved. It helps to know that the rock and roll theme is entirely authentic, this being a popular spot throughout the years for musicians playing at the House of Blues. The lobby is decked out like a movie-set recording studio and there’s a giant record collection for guests to play with. Let’s be honest: Fenway is not the place… > Read Our Full Review

Location, location, decoration! This Downtown Salem boutique hotel is one of our top picks for both the easy distance from everything interesting and the comfortable mid-century vibes. Another New England gem from Lark Hotels, the Hotel Salem upholds both the brand’s cheerful quirkiness and the city’s moody undertones. It’s a celebration of bright pattern against slick basics, geometric primaries meets exposed brick meets soft lighting and every type of grey we could imagine. It’s a versatile space. We’d judge it perfectly capable of entertaining a child, appeasing a teenage Wicca… > Read Our Full Review

It’s hard to find something in the hotel industry that hasn’t been done before, but the novelty of this Northeast Portland school-turned-boutique hotel won’t wear off quickly. Managed by a family-owned Pacific Northwest-based “chain,” the Kennedy School is in the top tier of unique buildings transformed into hotels, pubs, and restaurants. They share the McMenamins name with a slew of transformed schools, chapels, bowling alleys, you name it. The company’s beginnings are relatively unorthodox in the boutique hotel world, starting with pubs and breweries then opening their first hotel in… > Read Our Full Review

The historic Schuster Mansion B&B, in the western part of Milwaukee might be a bit out of the way, but it’s perfect if you want to feel cozy and taken care of. The neighborhood is full of stately homes with verdant lawns and grand entrances (many of them also B&Bs), but Schuster Mansion definitely feels like the king. The 1891 bright red brick and terracotta residence definitely stands out, with turret-like elements, plenty of archways, and impeccably managed grounds. Of course, it’s the indoors you’ll really want to get a… > Read Our Full Review

This cute 1906 building in Shaw, St. Louis is the perfect place to experience good ol’ fashioned Midwestern hospitality. Built by a brick manufacturer as a wedding gift for his daughter, it’s a piece of St. Louis history. It’s decidedly genuine – this is no hotel chain, but real Missourians sharing a historic home with delighted guests. The decor is very “we got a little overexcited at the best antique stores and flea markets in a 50-mile radius”, which is easy to relate to and fun to explore. Throughout the… > Read Our Full Review

The newest offering from French Quarter hospitality veterans Valentino Hotels, The Brakeman guards the entrance to our favorite party district from one of the most unique hotel buildings in New Orleans. Basin St. Station, built for Norfolk Southern Railway in 1904, is the last standing railroad station in the Big Easy. It’s a gorgeous callback to historical times and full of romance. So much so that many tour buses stop outside the front door for a look. Inside feels a little more modern, with a streetcar-turned-giftshop and a café bar… > Read Our Full Review

The Oregon Trail, both the journey and the computer game, may be history, but this Colorado Springs boutique gem is keeping the pioneer spirit alive. With all the modern charm of a 21st-century hotel, the chic atmosphere takes more than just the building from the area’s Gold Rush legacy. Hardwood flooring, exposed brick, brass fittings, all the little details make a place feel authentic, like it has a history. And of course, this one does. Established in 1902 as a spot for mining bigwigs to store gold, it also served… > Read Our Full Review

The Madison location of IHG’s boutique hotel line is good for anyone who wants to be central but with less of a University of Wisconsin adjacent experience. It’s a straightforwardly charming brick building on the east side of the city’s historic district, with easy access to the main attractions. Like most Indigos, there’s a stylish contemporary vibe, with plenty of glass, bold colors and unique furnishings. It fits nicely into the laid-back youth of the city, cheekily toeing the line between fun and discerning. There are events, there are common… > Read Our Full Review

This central Montauk motel is – there’s no other word for it – cool. It’s like a friend invites you to stay the weekend in their family’s Hamptons’ summer home – if that home was originally a motel and somebody in the family is a designer for Home Studios in Manhattan. Reality isn’t too far off. Sure, they just hired Home Studios, but Daunt’s Albatross is a family-owned establishment that’s been part of the Daunt line since the ’70s. A 2020 glow-up brought the motel decisively into the boutique scene,… > Read Our Full Review

This Milwaukee, Wisconsin, boutique hotel in the old Pabst Blue Ribbon Brewery is a millennial dream come true. It’s a blue-ribbon establishment guaranteed to invoke at least a little nostalgia for college nights you may or may not remember very clearly. And, to be honest, for a brand associated with working class cheap, we were surprised at how swank it is. It’s absolutely post-industrial chic. Almost everything has exposed brick, the windows are arched and gorgeous, and ceilings soar over both wooden beams and shiny ducts. It’s definitely been seriously… > Read Our Full Review

Midtown Anchorage is a bit of a mixed bag, with the Aloft Hotel Anchorage as one of its better bits. The locale is definitely on the corporate wasteland side, with the views of a North Eastern chalet, but, like, bigger. A lot bigger. It’s an odd combo, the urban and the decidedly untamed, and this very typical Aloft boutique hotel is a lovely place to feel a bit grounded. If you like a fully-enmeshed local vibe, this won’t be it, but it’s comfortable and steady and is a great point… > Read Our Full Review

Hotel Magnolia is an excellent value, luxury hotel near Omaha’s Old Market District. It’s old-school gorgeous on the outside, and contemporary ease on the inside. The building is a former mixed-use space from 1923, modeled after Florence’s Bargello. We probably don’t have to sell it further than this, but we’re going to anyway. There’s a full ground-floor area simply made for common areas, with columns that don’t look tacky. There’s a giant, airy foyer there that has that perfect Renaissance balance of grandeur and modesty. They could’ve gone harder on… > Read Our Full Review

Easily the most unique of Fargo’s boutique hotels, this beer hall/entertainment center/hotel is the spot for a more fun-loving traveler. It’s definitely not for the historically-minded, Victorian-charm-loving tourist who wants a full breakfast upon waking, but there’s something to it for sure. It’s the brainchild of next door neighbor Drekker Brewing Company. They’re pretty dedicated to being weird, or cool, or edgy, or whatever mix of those things comes up with names like Brewhalla. Thus, you’re unlikely to be shocked by the decidedly steely post-industrial style or the colorful, graffiti-esque… > Read Our Full Review

This coven of boutique B&Bs populating the heart of Lenox, MA have perfected a harmonious blend of historical appeal and modern hospitality. You’ve got the classic farmhouse, the Whitlock, and the old tavern, the Dewey, both built in the 1700s. They both have centuries of stories that the Lenox collection is happy to tell. Our grandest option, the Constance, isn’t quite so old, but is the perfect selection for an inn, having hosted estate workers at the turn of the 19th century. It’s the face of the three, the check-in… > Read Our Full Review

The northwestern edge of Downtown Flagstaff is a quiet residential area with a small, intimate, boutique B&B tucked among the winding streets. It’s one of the more homey options in Flagstaff, very much a collection of all your rich, enthusiastic yet slightly eccentric aunts’ guest rooms. The house is not notably historic, though it is a lovely piece of property. It was opened by a couple with a history in hospitality, who moved to Flagstaff to continue living their dream. And the house shows the love. Between the friendly service,… > Read Our Full Review

This boutique addition to Ash Hotels’ cadre of design-forward renovations encapsulates the hotelier’s uncanny ability to make history feel alive, and somehow exquisite. Comparisons to Wes Anderson are overused, we know, but the “Catholic boarding school with upscale bar menus” aesthetic feels like that kind of hipster theatrical. This movie-set church school experience is a treasure of meticulous detail to make your vacation auteur film-worthy. A historic Rectory, Convent, and School House make up the property, having gone through extensive renovations. Today, each building offers luxury accommodation. Charming common areas,… > Read Our Full Review

This Memphis, Tennessee hotel jumps straight on the new trend of boutique hotels in renovated train stations. Like some others, the station in question still runs daily, though in a limited capacity. You might think the noise would be an issue, but actual train traffic is very limited, and tramways aren’t known for their noise pollution. Guests don’t seem to have many issues with this element, so sensitive sleepers can breathe easy. And the renovation is a clear success. The building itself, a 1914 Roman Revival number, is a gorgeous… > Read Our Full Review

The IHG Indigo hotel brand once again rears its generally upscale-hip head here in Downtown Omaha. You’ll find it a decidedly comfortable spot with a charming, art deco-flavored aesthetic. The building itself fits well into the nearby Old Market district, leaning on the glamour of the city’s prohibition-era history. It’s one of the few times the city’s been glamorous, so we get it, though the design & decor can also feel a bit like a top-down understanding of what might make an Omaha hotel attractive. Even if the parts might… > Read Our Full Review

There are many great boutique hotels in Marriott’s Autograph Collection, a portfolio of upscale, independent affiliates. This Downtown offering is definitely one of them: a plush, tasteful and well-situated property from which to enjoy St. Louis. Hotel Saint Louis provides more than enough comfort for those for whom boutique hotel means luxury hotel, and it couldn’t be closer to most of the main attractions.   What are the rooms like? Room count: 142 rooms, eight different types including Corner King Rooms and Penthouse. Beds: King or two Queen beds; suites… > Read Our Full Review

A beautiful old red brick, mixed-use building, this Downtown Spokane boutique hotel has been in the business longer than most. Built in 1899, it started out as a short stay boarding house with single-occupancy rooms and shared washrooms. The current iteration is of course, very different; recently renovated again, it’s clearly an upscale hotel. Tucked on a block of 1st street, there’s a friendly intimacy to the space as well. The large windows next to the entrance have a smidge of contemporary flare, while the wrought-iron doorway and elegant awning… > Read Our Full Review

Finding a small-scale, mid-century relic of a boutique hotel in downtown Phoenix is not what we would call easy. In a city better known for the reliable comfort of corporate hoteliery, RISE Uptown is a nice anomaly. A clean, modern renovation of the late ’50s original proudly carries on the retro vibe with some truly spectacular signage and the original towers, set alongside a new pool and a much more contemporary welcome building. It’s certainly hip, decidedly young and perhaps not for everyone. However, older, more sensibly subdued, guests have… > Read Our Full Review

It’s Hilton’s Tapestry Collection we have to thank for this edge-of-Wilmington, North Carolina, boutique hotel. To be honest, we’re not convinced that the strip-mall boutique works for anything but a retro-style motel, but we can’t deny Hilton’s clout, and its list of luxury amenities. From the front, it looks like if you’re not better off inside the hotel, you’d be better off in a car heading somewhere else. There’s nothing to herald you in but a few lines of trees around a parking lot. Inside things open up, though, twilight… > Read Our Full Review

Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort, on the western outskirts of Colorado Springs, is a retro dream, boutique motel with a twist. Run by serious bike enthusiasts, the resort comprises a former ‘cottage city’ built in 1919, transformed into a motel in 2016. It’s the perfect location, with Pikes Peak looming in the distance and miles of trails and road to explore. Your hosts are more than ready to recommend a ride, and there are plenty of group rides to join. Most of Colorado Spring’s boutique hotels cater more to the luxury… > Read Our Full Review

ARRIVE Memphis is an outpost of Palisociety in the lovely arts district of South Main, Memphis,Tennessee, The boutique hotel brand is known for hip design, a bit on the maximalist side but with a deft hand for glamour. They’re dedicated for melding the hotel with its environment, favoring renovated buildings, and this is an excellent example. It’s a cozy version of post-industrial, an old brick number without much historical clout, but with a great location and a lovely facade. Everything inside is set up for the ultimate Memphis-inspired comfort. Much… > Read Our Full Review

Another of the Hilton’s, 2024 acquired, Graduate chain’s Midwestern offerings, this Short North boutique offers a nice break from the bustle of Downtown Columbus. The building has a full first floor of brick and tall windows that make for a delightfully sunny restaurant, and a vibe of all-American good cheer. It is, we have to admit, exactly what you’d expect. The experience is well-curated, locally-flavored and undeniably cool, but like the Graduate chain itself, there’s also something a bit contrived about it all. Probably it’s the combination of hotel and… > Read Our Full Review

This spot on the Granary side of Salt Lake City is all about the common areas. Sure, the rooms are cute and stylish, we’ve got no problem with them, but you might imagine that a brand built around adventure isn’t going to make sleep the most exciting part of the hotel. It’s part of the Granary Campus, an area of renovated warehouses dedicated to the new breed of business bro, the startup employee, the Millennial bigwig, the cool dude CEO. In all seriousness, the hotel is really a gorgeous old… > Read Our Full Review

A bit on the larger side for a boutique hotel, we’re putting this Omaha Kimpton in on the strength of its amenities, the beauty of its building, and its good value pricing. It’s in these smaller cities where the Kimpton standard of luxury makes a real mark. Many hotels will be happy to skate by due to the lack of competition, but Kimptons have a name to live up to, and the Omaha branch lives up to it. It has been a purpose-built hotel since 1916 and it still packs… > Read Our Full Review

While we tend to skirt around chains if possible, the MOXY in Downtown Memphis is an excellent boutique option. It’s in the center of a small cadre of hotels, and very much has a hotel’s hotel look about it. Once you’re inside, though, the appeal gets a bit more obvious. The lobby bar is cute and fun, and the interior is a lovely set of neutral colors that give it an easy, modern, style. It’s got a youthful feel, but not in an aggressively bold sense, though you’ll find pinball machines… > Read Our Full Review

Not at all your average off-the-side-of-the-highway motel, this IHG on the outskirts of Downtown Tucson is a unique addition to Tucson’s boutique hotel scene. Surrounded by a Motel 6, a dispensary, and a highway, it’s not the romantic location many travelers are going for. It is, unsurprisingly, the most hip of all the nearby buildings, making it that much more special. The hotel is very obviously a refurbished roadside motel, but instead of leaning into the vintage-ness of it all, the hotel has opted for uber-contemporary style and a fresh… > Read Our Full Review

At once a chic boutique hotel and a testament to the city’s history, this Downtown Fort Worth establishment has been at the forefront since 2001. The building itself dates back to 1915, when Fort Worth stood at the center of a booming ranching industry. The gorgeous brickwork became the home to many a society function and a meeting place for the ranch bigwigs of the early 20th century. And now, you can take your turn to lounge in intricate turn-of-the-century beauty, now fitted with modern amenities. Parked on another charming… > Read Our Full Review

Front Street Inn is a historic boutique on the waterfront of Wilmington, North Carolina, and a cozy, homely place to enjoy the city center. The building is a gorgeous 1920s brick number that used to house the Salvation Army. Now, you’ve got to pay to stay, but prices are reasonable, and it’s well worth the cost, in our opinion. This hotel also has a superb location, wonderful staff and a relaxed atmosphere. It’s everything you’d want out of a water-based town like Wilmington, which just calls for you to slow… > Read Our Full Review

Few lists of the best accommodation in Santa Fe would be complete without a nod to this iconic hotel, a mainstay of Downtown’s historic district. It occupies of full block kitty-corner from the Plaza, perfectly blended into the adobe cityscape. Once here, you’ll feel like the entire city, is your hotel, ready to greet you as soon as you open the door. It’s a fairly straightforward place, with no gimmicks (besides being a 100-year-old building), that encourages you to get outside and walk around. You’d be perfectly happy inside, and… > Read Our Full Review

Retro classic set along Seacoast New Hampshire’s favorite seaside cruisin’ route? What more can we ask for? This roadside inn was originally built in the 1950s – fully authentic from the outside, and going to authenticity on the inside. A 2021 full, but historically-sensitive, renovation ramped up the luxury. From the same local owner as Portsmouth’s Inn Downtown, it’s a nice balance between chic, retro, old, new and everything beachy. You’re across the road from the wild Atlantic, minutes from lazy beach walks, and in the perfect spot to truly… > Read Our Full Review

The Angad was a bright and bold new addition to the boutique hotel scene in St. Louis when it opened in 2018, and it remains bright and bold today. It has, as the name suggests, a very strong emphasis on art and is a veritable showcase for local talent. Throughout the building, curated sculpture pieces, paintings, video art, and photographs from local artists are there for us to admire, and most are also available to buy. We find color is a strong theme at Angad with most of its 146… > Read Our Full Review

Imagine a 1970s Days Inn off Main Street, heading north out of Lenox, MA. Besides the obvious charm of Lenox, and the Berkshires, it might not sound that inviting. But put the building in the hands of hotel magicians Life House and they’ll make you reconsider what you thought you knew about roadside motels. When dressed up in retro furnishings and kitschy decor, the motel remodel can read a bit gimmicky, but Life House has taken this entirely seriously. The lobby and cocktail bar are impeccably decorated with a plush… > Read Our Full Review

This stunning Art Deco hotel in the center of Downtown Omaha is perfect for an old-fashioned, glamorous stay in the Gateway to the West. The aptly-named building hails from 1930, all towering stacks of golden brick and lovely stonework. It’s super-central, a stone’s throw from the Orpheum Theater, where you can see everything from comedy to musicals to local theater greats. The vibe of the hotel is old luxury. They’ve hit a nice balance between the bland elegance of business travel and the bold lines of 20th-century chic. The result… > Read Our Full Review

A stay in Downtown Portland with easy insight into the city’s art scene, beer scene, and artisan craftspeople? Sign us up. Hotel Lucia is a boutique hotel that goes the extra mile to connect guests with the pulse of the city. In this case it means world-class food & drink, local handmade arts & crafts, and souvenirs. Hotel Lucia has partnerships with half a dozen local businesses in these fields. It’s been a hotel since 1909, and while nothing really feels 100+ years old, the hotel definitely has hints of… > Read Our Full Review

A historic boutique hotel in Portland’s bustling Downtown, The Clyde has a complex history featuring some of the city’s most iconic properties. A fairly typical hotel in its youth, it was the 2005 acquisition by ACE hotels that established it as a top level boutique hotel. It left ACE in 2024 and rebranded as The Clyde, its original name when it first opened as a hotel over a century ago This involved a few changes: the virtual reception & front desk, for example, are new, tech forward features that we’re… > Read Our Full Review

This historic hotel in Downtown Richmond is for anyone wanting their vacation upscale-vintage-cozy. It’s a set of mid-19th-century town houses that have undergone varying levels of renovation and renewal, enough to make a good number of posh rooms and suites ready for modern guests. The collection of buildings forms a courtyard-ish space tucked behind a brick wall, where a couple of towering trees create the perfect amount of shade. Common areas have plenty of windows, making for a bright, welcoming space. The furnishings are definitely a mix of antique and… > Read Our Full Review

Campbell Creek, Anchorage, isn’t a tourism hotspot or cultural hub. It’s a peaceful park-filled neighborhood home to one of the most B&B-like B&Bs in the state of Alaska. With just three rooms, the intimacy level is high, and everything you like about a B&B is here: there’s a cozy lounge area, cushy beds, hearty breakfasts, friendly proprietors. The neighborhood is excellent, one of the more walkable areas in Anchorage. That is, as long as you mostly just want to walk along the creek, smell the fresh air, and spot a… > Read Our Full Review

At first glance, from the strip-mall road a bit outside Downtown Bend, this is your average roadside motel. Sure, the office building has a little more zhuzh than we’d be used to. It isn’t until turning down the side street or into the parking lot that we notice the stylishness of the Campfire Hotel. It’s a dark wood and bright orange color scheme with things like national park signages and vibrant colored umbrellas dotted around. A central parking lot and lounge area surround a set of two-story motel buildings, recently… > Read Our Full Review

With its motel-y superstar of a sister hotel just down the street, you may wonder why NEXT is the Eastside hotel of choice. Here’s our take on the oldest vs. youngest debate, Portland Boutique Hotel-style. We like a bit of grunge as much as (more than?) your average nontraditional hotel aficionado, but we’re also suckers for when grunge and our inner diva get together. We’re talking eating a strand of spaghetti from each end, slicked-back hair with choreographed bleacher numbers, Taylor Swift at a football game, that kind of vibe…. > Read Our Full Review

Greydon House is one more gorgeous boutique hotel in central Nantucket, Cape Cod, part of the Nantucket Historical District, though the property doesn’t really give the salty sea captain vibe you might expect. No, instead, the house takes its inspiration from the wide-ranging travels of the whaling trade for an eclectic design scheme that is no less appealing for being diverse. Indeed, the bespoke headboards, hand-painted imported tile, intricately patterned bed linens, retro phones and antique tables work perfectly to create something unique, chic and inviting. If you want 1800s… > Read Our Full Review

A classic boutique hotel in Central Beach, Fort Lauderdale, The Kimpton Shorebreak is all the contemporary beachy chic you need. Fort Lauderdale has plenty of quirky charm, but around here, the vibe is much more white walls and big windows. Which is why we opt for the classics. Kimpton is a boutique brand with enough name recognition and experience to start a million beachside resorts. And better still, you’ll probably love them all. Thus, the takeover of this 1949 hotel has yielded one of the most comfortable, relaxing, and stylish… > Read Our Full Review

TL;DR • Lark Hotels – A stylish Stowe property with understated charm • Modern design – Friendly, hip interiors behind a tidy exterior • Prime location – Walking distance to downtown and Recreation Path • Check prices here   Yet another Stowe-based offering from the area’s hotel bigwig Lark Hotels, Field Guide Lodge is an understated modern boutique hotel with a hidden personality. From the outside, the place feels a bit monotonous, if neat and tidy. Inside, however, you’ll find super-friendly, quite hip places to rest, revel, and prepare for… > Read Our Full Review

This east-Anchorage boutique B&B, set in the quiet residential area of Muldoon, is a delightful exercise in informal, everyday luxury. Set in a large house on a street that could be any other street, it feels like going to your best friend’s house for a sleepover. A posh sleepover though. The exterior is a crisp white, and the interiors are bright and sunny. Rooms and common areas are peppered with elegant or chic furniture, a nice mix of contemporary minimalism and cozy vintage vibes. SunStar markets itself as a community-centered… > Read Our Full Review

Who doesn’t like a good Homer reference in their tourism day-to-day? This Siren is a Downtown Detroit, Michigan boutique beauty from the sumptuous stylings of the Ash Hotel Group. It is housed in a Renaissance Revival building from 1923 – perfectly suited to the brand’s notably chic, vintage vibe. The lobby itself is a worth a stay, mysteriously curtained behind its floor-to-ceiling windows. It’s lavishly decorated with swathes of velvet, ornate golden furnishings, and warm lamplight that gives it a forever-nighttime vibe. It all matches perfectly with the building’s carved… > Read Our Full Review

A fantastic find in Baltimore’s cultural center of Mount Vernon, Ulysses boasts decadence and delivers. Devised and crafted by the brilliant Ash Hotel ‘chain,’ the hotel radiates flamboyant glamour from every nook, cranny and flamingo motif. The hotel gives far more than lip service to the neighborhood’s countercultural past. Suite names reference the beloved/reviled John Waters. The decor is overly sumptuous, reaching lazy pinky fingers over the line into camp. Common areas emanate everything from Studio 54 to an eastern-inspired train car vibe that could make Wes Anderson blush. The… > Read Our Full Review

Finding a sub-200-key luxury hotel in the neon exuberance of the Vegas Strip is not an easy task. If you want both the intimacy and the comfort of a smaller hotel, but don’t want to give up on the scene, you need look no further. The Ahern Hotel is one of the few boutique experiences in the city, and a nice change for anyone who likes the casual intimacy of a small hotel. The lack of casino also keeps the energy a bit more relaxed. It doesn’t, however, forget it’s… > Read Our Full Review

When in the Pacific Northwest, such as Bend, a trip to McMenamins is always a go-to. You don’t always need to spend the night, indeed, Portland and Seattle have so many other hotel options a beer at the bar can be enough. Maybe you want a bit more luxury, or even a unique style that doesn’t seem lifted from the cover of Anthem of the Sun. In the right location, though, it’s a great choice. Like most of the Oregon-based franchise, it’s housed in a gorgeous old building, being built… > Read Our Full Review

Boutique hotels are not super widespread in Sarasota, Florida, but we like that there are still some smaller, more design-heavy hotels popping up. Kompose is one, though in our opinion, its location may negate some of the attraction, being so far away from anything walkable. But, let’s be real, we doubt anyone came to Florida thinking they were going to walk everywhere. Our other critique is a bit more grounded, having to do with the pricing structure. When booking direct, the hotel offers different rates for different ranges of services…. > Read Our Full Review

This decidedly nautical hotel near Atlantic Beach, FL., is a nice find for anyone who wants a bit of Jacksonville area history. It’s a renovated 1946 motel, more charming than impressive. We always love a retro makeover, but here they have a special significance. Head towards the beach, and you’ll notice plenty of Very Florida Architecture crowding the sand. For decades, renovation wasn’t really on the to-do list of any local developer, making a pre-60s build a rare find. There was a whole lot of tear-down and re-build going around… > Read Our Full Review

The old Darwin hotel was acquired by IHG in late 2024 which marked their voco Atlanta boutique hotel debut. We liked the Darwin a lot before and thankfully the style and character of the place seems not to have been changed. The exterior is still somewhat surprisingly drab, despite the bird motifs, but once inside you’ll notice immediately the same 3D artworks and murals circling the still decidedly cheerful bar & lounge. There’s a boldly colorful decorative surprise around every corner at the Darwin, one which stands its ground well… > Read Our Full Review

If you love the quaintness of the Whites but want a little walkability, this Main Street, Bethlehem boutique inn is the perfect spot. Set cutely on the side of Maplewood Ave that leads out of town, the inn is a stylishly renovated 1908 number. It features a spectacular windowed porch, turret-like features that don’t seem as tacky as usual, and a gorgeous stone foundation. It was all built in 1908 by the same architect as the local fancy hotel the Omni Mount Washington. The larger hotel is iconic, we won’t… > Read Our Full Review

A 1925 institution, the ever-mysterious Hawthorne Hotel is a key part of both Salem’s Downtown and its mystique. A hotel for its entire existence, the Hawthorne is a classic Salem tourist stay. There are rumors of hauntings, and the hotel even made an appearance on Ghost Hunters. The Hawthorne though assures us that guests generally get to sleep uninterrupted. The decor waxes historical as well, but unfortunately not in such a charming fashion. It’s very hotel-y, with elaborate silver and white wallpaper and textiles that feel very 90’s does the… > Read Our Full Review

Another New England gem from Lark Hotels, this Victorian-turned boutique hotel in Portsmouth, NH is a ticket to a fabulous seacoast vacation. We think you’ll find the design extraordinary, and well curated, though that may well depend on your patience for Americana. There are stars, there are stripes, there’s the famed trio of colors throughout the house. It’s all quite deliberately done, with the single exception of the common room. Here, one can only imagine Old Glory ate something super-stylish and then threw it up all over the living room…. > Read Our Full Review

In the Renaissance neighborhood, near the University of Tulsa, is yet another nationally-recognized historic 1920s hotel. Not as stately as some of the others, The Campbell instead has a super charming neighborhood-y feel. The bricks are a warm, sandy color and the building is low and sprawling rather than towering and impressive. It doesn’t lessen the appeal as much as make it more intimate. Inside, we get personality. There are multiple themes, from the suitcase installation in the lobby to elegant rooms full of antiques and cute rooms full of… > Read Our Full Review

Horrific squashed typography notwithstanding, this Downtown Grand Rapids eco hotel is a nice example of creative hospitality. It’s not the first nice hotel undermined by branding choices, but we’re more disappointed here – CityFlatsHotel, as one of the more authentic sustainability-focused hotels out there, deserves better. It’s an old building converted into a sustainable space, recently welcomed into the Ascend Hotel Collection. Some cool decisions related to sustainability include cork flooring, bamboo linens, and a shop devoted to eco-friendly products used at the hotel. The vibe is definitely contemporary, despite… > Read Our Full Review

One of our favorite boutique hotel trends is the remodeled retro motel, and we’d like to present this Vilano Beach, Florida gem as justification. With a property dating back to the 1950s, Haley’s Court does an excellent job of combining the old and the new. There’s a sort of contemporary retro (oxymoron, we know) to the decor that complements original architectural details like the superb roadside sign that welcomes guests on arrival. It’s all been done up in pink and teal, which seem to be the hip St. Augustine beach… > Read Our Full Review

This Old Port hotel, set as it is in the Portland Press Herald’s former Gannett Building, is the perfect boutique hotel for admirers of the written word. Sadly, you’ll no longer find hordes of camera-wielding Jimmy Olsens, though it’s not out of the question that you’ll see a Ron Burgundy type. The hotel still attracts its fair share of high-profile writers and performers; it’s a lovely place for anyone to spend a night. With a stash of vintage typewriters, letterforms and homages to Maine literaries on the walls, some might… > Read Our Full Review

This Lake Placid property is an excellent new addition to the Adirondacks’, and Upstate NY’s, boutique hotel collection. It’s a chic, nature-forward accommodation from a trio of visionary friends that formed Eastwind Hotels. The owners are frequently there to greet guests on arrival, either in Lake Placid or at one of their gorgeous Catskills hotels. All locations share the same dark blue clapboard siding and simple roadside signage. It’s a cute touch that solidifies the branding while making the group feel like a collection of homes rather than a hotel… > Read Our Full Review

The Francis Hotel is an 1881 era mansion-turned-boutique-hotel in Portland’s West End. From the outside, the house fits perfectly into the collection of grand brick buildings lining Congress Street. Inside, nobody’s trying to pretend Billy the Kid is still at large. There’s gorgeous parquet flooring, sure, and carved-wood fireplaces in the common areas, but the walls gleam with fresh paint and the furniture is decidedly modern.   What are the rooms like? Number of rooms: 15 Room types: Suites, Kings, and Queens ranging from 300–600 sq ft. Style: Roomy, simple,… > Read Our Full Review

This standout piece of 1963 Googie-architecture in Midtown Oklahoma City is an attention-getter of a motel with a design-forward vibe and an easy kind of comfort. The Classen Inn is all-in on the retro, so if some kitsch puts you off, we’d take it off your list. If, however, you’re a fan of bold colors and always dreamed of staying in a kind of real-life Barbie house in Oklahoma, this is the one. It’s an odd yet fitting vibe for an otherwise nondescript section of road, a standout in olive… > Read Our Full Review

This central Tacoma boutique hotel is one in a long line of brainchildren of the McMenamins, a local hospitality group started in 1983 by two brothers. The M.O. is to find incredible buildings, renovate them, and turn them into hotels, brewpubs, restaurants, and/or bars. In Tacoma, the incredible building in question is a 1916 number that originally served as an Elks Temple. The brothers scooped it up in 2019 to turn the 7-floor beaux-arts gem into a multi-level shrine to fun, fellowship, beer and cocktails. It’s a radical glow up… > Read Our Full Review

This inside-out boutique hotel beauty is one of Downtown Des Moines’ most eye-catching places to stay. The 1913 Beaux-Arts building alone is a head-turner, but once you get inside, we’re pretty sure you’ll want to stay. Originally an office building for insurance companies, the interior has been converted into a mid-century but modern gem. It’s a gorgeous blend of contemporary luxury and classic comfort, all buttery leather and white coffered ceilings. Anyone who likes historical charm and elegance, but modern luxury, won’t find a better place in Des Moines. And,… > Read Our Full Review

Texas has no shortage of gorgeous old architecture, but not all have the charismatic appeal of Downtown San Antonio’s Hotel Havana. The building is a gem from 1914, originally designed as (this may shock you) short-term high-end residences. The property bopped around a few different hands until 2010, when it was bought by Austin-based Bunkhouse Hotels, a small, community-focused hotel group. So, we know it’s in good company, we know it’s a great building for a hotel. What makes it special is more of an attitude than a history. With… > Read Our Full Review

Tucked away in upper Belltown, above a hip cafe, you’ll find a unique boutique hotel experience that speaks to the spirit of Seattle. The interior is stark white, but a fascinating selection of vintage furniture pieces, flea market curios, and clever design elements gives the space a lively feel. We’ll be frank, this hotel is for a specific clientele, and it’s not the champagne and caviar from room-service crowd. It’s more for the crowd that wants to grab champagne and caviar from the nearby Public Market and enjoy it on… > Read Our Full Review

Traveler’s Rest offers laid-back hospitality in Pittsburgh’s lively, historic South Side Flats neighborhood. The building is the first draw, an 1883, classically lovely red-brick with a fully-branded facade. It first belonged to a prominent area iron manufacturer, because, of course. Our present-day hosts have been in charge since 2018, and they maintain the space with a nice balance between casual and somewhat plush. The two Pittsburgh locals who run the hotel are welcoming and knowledgeable, and more than ready to showcase their city.   What are the rooms like? Number… > Read Our Full Review

From the outdated neon sign on the top of the building to the complimentary use of both umbrellas and bikes, this Downtown Seattle boutique hotel has the perfect balance of eccentricity, thoughtfulness, and comfort. Hotel Theodore’s premises hosted guests for decades in the old Roosevelt Hotel (as per the glowing red letters crowning the building). Its 2017 ownership change maintained the welcoming atmosphere while modernizing the space. The common areas feature understated yet stylish leather furnishings, tasteful murals and other artistic touches, and low lighting that keeps the spaces calm… > Read Our Full Review

Surprise! Once again, and this time from Midtown Reno, us totally non-biased folks at Boutique Hotel Hub bring you a…renovated motel! Sure, sure, we’re predicable, but there’s a lot to love about a refurbished motel in general, and this 1958 gem in particular. We’re talking easy parking, individual entrances, neon rooftop signs, cool little courtyards….we could go on. It’s not the most romantic location, but the rooms are brand new and Instagram-ready. It’s sister property, The Jesse, has a similar location and a similar vibe. It’s contemporary chic next to… > Read Our Full Review

This villa-filled property, minutes from Delray Beach, Florida is ideal for a relaxed, beachy vacation. Crane’s is part hotel, part collection of small beach houses, good for the more independent travelers. Rooms are a bit plain, but definitely worth it for access to the rest of the space. The common areas are stunning and offer a good amount of privacy if you were hoping to hang with your honey in a beautiful space. The grounds are luxurious and extensive for the size of the place. It’s no bare, open courtyard,… > Read Our Full Review

Off the west coast of Oregon, in Gearhart, OR, is one of the oldest golf courses west of the Mississippi. The 1892 Gearhart Golf Links started as a relaxing three-hole game for visitors staying in the nearby Hotel Gearhart. It has since expanded, and the hotel with it. This is one of the most hotel-y of all the Oregon-based McMenamins locations. They originally purchased the property to install the Sand Trap Pub. Hotel renovations finished roughly four years later. There’s no need to golf, with the Pacific Ocean in sight…. > Read Our Full Review

Anyone with scholarly business at all will find the perfect accommodation at Tucson’s Graduate Hotel, steps away from the University of Arizona. As Hilton properties, Graduate hotels are pretty reliably comfortable and well-staffed. There’s a standard of care that makes for a smooth and welcoming stay. That said, chains and larger hotels can sometimes teeter on the edge of interchangeable, which is not really what we look for in a boutique. Happy for us, this Graduate has a cheerful youth to its cozy luxury that makes it a special place… > Read Our Full Review

This boutique hotel in Ybor, Tampa, Florida is on the larger side for us, but the super-chic architecture and the low-level building let it sneak through. It’s a sprawl of a space, taking up a full city block. But, with the courtyard in the center, you don’t really notice once you get inside. And we think it’s worth it to preserve the human-sized feel of Ybor, which is a nice foil to the many glass towers scattered throughout Tampa. Inside, we’re talking a casual vibe, with small touches of the… > Read Our Full Review

This South Main, Memphis, Tennessee boutique is a bit of a change from typical luxury lodgings. It’s best for our more independent friends, those who like the idea of being set up in their very own posh apartment. The building is small and attractive, with a gorgeous facade and a slightly less gorgeous rest of the building. We like the more worn-down parts of it, though, and the quirky collage-architecture. Inside, it’s a bit New York in style, a white-paint minimalist kind of vibe, with cute furniture and some nice colorful… > Read Our Full Review

The Redmont Hotel, Birmingham, Alabama,  opened in 1925, as a 200-key luxury guesthouse. At that time, its ensuite bathrooms were the height of opulence. Of course, as the years have progressed the hotel has undergone plenty of work, but it’s maintained a definite air of prestige. We love the eye-catching exterior, a grand sandy brick number with wrought iron awnings. Inside, well. We usually feel like the Hilton Curio partnership makes it easy to recommend a hotel, but we’re not convinced the chain has done the upkeep the place deserves…. > Read Our Full Review

This pastel paradise by the Seawall is a super-charming place to experience the laid-back city of Galveston. It’s a renovated 1963 motel with a shiny white set of rooms with colored accent walls, and all matches nicely the easy-going island atmosphere. The whole effect is a bit hipster Barbie on vacation, which we really can’t hate. Common areas are peppered with local art, filled with unassuming yet beautiful furniture. Everything’s just a tiny bit muted, but still colorful. It’s decidedly contemporary, so head to the Historic District if you want… > Read Our Full Review

As Lark Hotels continues its takeover of the New England boutique hotel scene in Falmouth, MA, their strategies for regional domination gain sophistication and delicacy. We submit as evidence this inn on the southwest corner of Cape Cod. Cute inns and hotels are nothing new for the area, but this renovated farmhouse has just the balance of upscale flair, modern simplicity and subtle nautical touch to stand out among the rest. It’s very much rich aunt, or your mom’s single friend who makes it look like her entire life was… > Read Our Full Review

One fun fact about Downtown Tulsa, Oklahoma is a surprisingly extensive collection of 1920s-era Art Deco architecture. The Mayo Hotel is one; a truly stunning building tucked within a handful of lesser, contemporary offerings. It’s on the National Register of Historic Places, but spent many years in disrepair. After extensive repairs in the early 2000s, the bulk of the hotel is modern luxury, but studded with historical detail. The neon rooftop sign is our personal favorite. The interiors don’t have quite the same elegance, but they’re soft and easy and… > Read Our Full Review

Any place that lists stargazing as one of its main activities is good in our books, making this Flagstaff AZ boutique hotel, on the western outskirts of town, an instant favorite. Besides the night sky, High Country Motor Lodge is a clever, contemporary take on the roadside motel. Unlike many others, it is not a renovation job, giving you this decade’s best in facilities and accommodation. We’re talking stylish, tiny-home-style cottages, matching motel buildings, and a gorgeous courtyard pool. It’s one of the lesser of all charming roadsides, essentially a… > Read Our Full Review

This cozy, modern hotel on the outskirts of Downtown Raleigh, North Carolina is a friendly, stylish place to spend an evening or two. Another one for the mid-century motor inn crowd, The Longleaf Hotel has been refurbished a number of times, and brought to its current evolution by a local property management firm. Loden Properties is the firm in question, and the mastermind behind The Longleaf, the Guest House, and even the Aloft in Downtown Durham, NC. This, we might argue, is their best work to date. It’s a veritable… > Read Our Full Review

This boutique hotel has been part of the Downtown Spokane landscape for more than a century, and a hotel for almost as long. The historic building, renovated in 2020, is a gorgeous red brick number built in 1911. It sits right on the corner in the center of the city, all wrought iron, gleaming windows and, one of our favorites, a glowing blade sign on the corner. Hotel Indigo, IHG’s casual take on the boutique hotel craze, doesn’t always rise to the top of the lists. Their locations are exquisite,… > Read Our Full Review

Variety is said to be the spice of life, and the collection of buildings that is the Faraway Hotel in Nantucket’s Downtown is another good example. The hotel’s buildings hail from the 1800s to the 20-teens, and all are connected by a central courtyard. They have varying levels of historical prestige, and a pretty consistent charm. The architectural flavor of New England is so strong on Nantucket, the five work together well. It’s clapboard, shingles, and breezy porches everywhere you look. The interiors also do a fantastic job of melding… > Read Our Full Review

This Downtown Minneapolis ‘art hotel’ strikes a nice chord between historical charm and contemporary chic. The property is formed by a lovely 1908 corner building with contrasting modern additions. The new structures are 90% window, making for large sunny spaces with plenty of personality. The Chambers also has a very solid art collection, with big-name pieces scattered throughout the hotel. It’s not just the famous work, even, and not just standard visual art. There are also artistic touches to the decor, including staircase murals and art vending machines, and all… > Read Our Full Review

This hotel is another of the cadre of unique accommodation options in the extended mall that is Midtown Greensboro, North Carolina. Across the street from a tire repair shop, you’ll be walking distance from the Verizon store and an Outback Steakhouse. The hotel itself is meticulous design meets the most boring sides of urban living. We like to think it would work well as the set of a Wes Anderson remake of Memento. It’s definitely one of those that works best once you’re immersed. The size is excellent, not overly… > Read Our Full Review

Moonrise is a boutique hotel with personality, and mild space-obsession, in Saint Louis’ vibrant entertainment quarter The Loop. The space-theme inside and giant city-of-the-future neon sign outside are not subtle, but there’s an easy quirkiness and laid back atmosphere here that is refreshing and fun rather than gimmicky. It’s a good base to explore The Loop and the city but we’ll forgive you for just hanging out around the hotel admiring the decor. The glowing rainbow stairway for example is an Instagram-friendly highlight that you won’t find in many places…. > Read Our Full Review

Tucked off of Route 9 next to the gorgeous Schroon Lake, this boutique hotel and lodge is the perfect place for some serious nature time. A small collection of buildings, headed by a Main Lodge, welcome you to a large property with a long history of hospitality. The original property, the Brown Swan Lodge, has undergone a series of additions, renovations and reinventions over the years. One small, sweet 1919 clapboard building has grown tremendously into the welcoming encampment you find today. The original focus of the resort has also… > Read Our Full Review

This budget hotel on the Upper West Side manages to balance reasonable price points with reasonably chic accommodation. Expectations matter here: this is a practical budget hotel. The focus is simple: clean rooms, a strong location, social vibes and reasonable rates. The vibe is contemporary, simple and clean. It’s one of many hotels in a landmark building, with renovated interiors. They didn’t go too far, however. The soundproofing could be better, and light sleepers may want to stock up on earplugs. Room sizes are, historical building + New York +… > Read Our Full Review

From the moment you step through the bright yellow door of this Portsmouth boutique hotel, we think you’ll feel right at home. The Sailmaker’s House can be the spot for a relaxing home-base on your NH Seacoast adventure. The original part of the building, constructed in 1801, is a cute collection of architectural quirks. It sits sweetly alongside a selection of rooms that feel reserved for family friends. This means, of course, that you feel like family friends. Add to this the impeccable location and easygoing service, and you can… > Read Our Full Review

The Lucerne is an old-school, classic boutique hotel on the Upper West Side which offers good value, simple luxury and a little bit of calm. We start with a 1904 red-brick building that just screams old New York formal. The decor respond in kind – sophisticated, though a bit too risk averse maybe. Amenities are what you’d expect from this level of hotel, with a solid attention to detail and nice service. Nothing feels exceptional at the Lucerne, but everything is well done. It makes for a very calming space… > Read Our Full Review

Downtown, every night, we find this stories-high sign reminding us, in glowing terms, that we are, in fact, in Portland. It’s an iconic piece of architecture that sits above the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, a gorgeous 1928 Rococo Revival building still busy today with events. The stately brick building next door, also built in the ’20s, houses this here, the Heathman Hotel. Inside you’ll find genuine, sophistication. Original works of art hide around every single corner and the 2000+ book library is truly a sight to behold. It’s a bones-deep… > Read Our Full Review

Our headcanon is that this Nob Hill boutique hotel was dreamed up by a young Twiggy, present-day Mary Berry, and peak Janis Joplin when they went in together on an old Victorian mansion. The house is brimming with vintage British glamour, combined with an easy Californian star power that makes it feel like a stylish, laid-back, home. Walls, upholstery, curtains, and carpets made to catch the eye boast bright patterns and high-contrast coloring that should clash. Instead, it feels like the height of fashion, even if you’re not sure what… > Read Our Full Review

In a place so famous for gray weather as Eugene, OR, a cozy place to stay is a must. As such, we’re happy to introduce the Campbell House Inn. Campbell House was built in 1892, a house that basically feels like a giant cottage. You’ve got a lovely curved facade with a bay window, and little nooks throughout the house. The property includes the Carriage House, a more private option tucked into the trees of a garden-y area that could be a lawn or grounds. It has the grandeur of… > Read Our Full Review

This classic Miami boutique hotel is a longstanding favorite for visitors to South Beach and we too appreciate its soft elegance and Mediterranean flair. Miles away, architecturally, from flashy, glass-covered city centerpiece hotels, Esme is a quiet amalgam of Spanish-Mediterranean design surrounded by lush greenery. Decidedly chic touches then like striped awnings and strings of warm lights bring it all together. The buildings, the plants, and the design enclose a small area that feels like home, if you lived in some amalgam of Paris, Havana, and Magaluf that once housed… > Read Our Full Review

It’s not super hard to find a cute, homey inn in the Whites, but we put Bethlehem’s Adair Country Inn on the top tier. Off a long country road off another long country road, we’re looking at the perfect image of a secluded New England getaway. Add in supremely cozy rooms, gourmet home cooking, and adventures all around, and you’ve got an idyllic vacation. It’s nothing mind-blowing, but there’s consistent quality all around and a restaurant open to the public that has both guests and locals coming back again and… > Read Our Full Review