The Best Boutique Hotels For Families in United States in 2026

A bit of a city in flux, Jax, as it’s known to locals, is often overshadowed by the miles of beaches to its east. Riverdale Inn, however, offers a chance to see Jacksonville at some of its other, lesser-known, best. A 1901 build in a neighborhood that has lost most of its historic mansions, Riverdale Inn is a rare find. The Inn celebrates the gorgeous, breezy architecture favored by turn-of-the-century Florida bigwigs. And there’s lots of antique charm indoors; dark wood, plush curtains and plenty of fireplaces. To serious antiquarians,… > 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

This Midtown Greensboro hotel sits in the middle of Friendly Center Shopping Village, a slightly odd spot for a pretty cool hotel. It’s a 1990 remake of a 1919 hotel that lived in Downtown Greensboro before its demolition in 1979. This gives the space a historical vibe with plenty of modern amenities. It’s all bright red awnings and brick, and stunning woodwork interiors, both stately and fresh. The atmosphere carries through to the amenities and services. There’s an afternoon tea, a small pool, and a super charming cloister garden (available… > Read Our Full Review

Nine Orchard, a bank-turned boutique hotel in the SoHo side of the Lower East Side, is the result of an award-winning renovation. Following both the historical weight of the building and contemporary design trends, the space exude elegance. You can see the influence of contemporary design trends, sure, the full walls of patterned wallpapers being the most obvious. Yet, it’s all tempered by a deep respect 0f the original structure. Unsalvageable elements of the 1912 building have been painstakingly replicated, original blueprints used for work on the Swan Room, and… > 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

It’s modern, it’s classy, it’s emblematic, it’s one of the most lauded of Mount Vernon’s many hotel offerings. Hotel Revival gracefully slid onto Baltimore’s boutique hotel scene in 2018, expertly restoring a historic mansion into a charming hotel. It’s a fine tapestry of 1920s architecture, high-end luxury, stylish decor and art-deco nostalgia. The historic nature maintained by fine wooden flooring, art-deco inspired branding. The contemporary feel comes with bold floral and botanical patterns, shining white walls and striking, dynamic light fixtures. They lean into the local, with Baltimore-sourced coffee &… > Read Our Full Review

This super-classic seaside resort is a Martha’s Vineyard stalwart, set on the edge of Edgartown spitting distance from the lighthouse. Sure, we’re suckers for a hidden gem or a homey boutique B&B, but sometimes you just want to stay somewhere that feels both intimate and solidly, unarguably luxurious. Harbor View Hotel is one of those. The turn-of-the-century building sits imperiously on a corner, very clearly the hallmark of local accommodation. It’s one of a few that stays open all year, which is a huge plus. If you’re willing to brave… > Read Our Full Review

The Colony is a Palm Beach, Florida, boutique hotel with some of the most retro charm the island has to offer. From the pink stucco exterior to the mint green wallpaper in some of the rooms, it’s an exercise in balancing the quirky and the chic. And they do it well. There’s a history to the place, from its original construction in 1947 to the multi-year restoration project that ended in 2022. Throughout, owners have strived to preserve the original character of the hotel, thus the collection of potentially-odd but-ultimately-charming… > Read Our Full Review

This central Aspen location of a small chain of mountainous hotels is a testament to the brand’s quality. Contrary to our typical favorites, Limelight is no art-deco-inspired boutique or historic motel. Neither is it a converted factory or a quirky B&B with an owner that studied culinary arts in NYC. It is more of a chic, cozy, small hotel. There are few surprise frills, and the straightforwardness is refreshing. The amenities are well-selected and easy to take advantage of. With multiple partnerships, the many Audi mentions, for example, it can… > Read Our Full Review

One of our favorite cities, Charleston, South Carolina, is lucky enough to have two of the USA’s very best boutique hotels – the smaller, more intimate, Spectator Hotel, and this one here, the very grand, also award-winning, Hotel Bennett. On the large side for a boutique hotel, it has 179 luxurious rooms and suites, and lots of lovely common space including a rooftop terrace with swimming pool, four drinking and dining venues, and a small spa and gym.   What are the rooms like? 179 rooms & suites: from 355… > 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

The Maritime Hotel, Chelsea, is a 1960s build, retro charmer, covered in porthole-esque windows that look like something out of a Soviet propaganda video for kids. The interiors, however, really draw you in. We’re talking lush balconies, wood paneling, all of the books, and some stunning mural work in the lobby. It does have a ship-like quality to it. The views aren’t limited to round windows; additional floor-to-ceiling glass provides plenty of natural light. Yet, there’s something special about seeing the NYC skyline through (extra large) peepholes that we love…. > Read Our Full Review

Henry Norman is an intimate boutique hotel up in Brooklyn’s sometimes overlooked north end. It sits between the East River and Newtown Creek, a little peninsula with a slightly industrial vibe. The building was a factory in the 19th century, one of those lovely red-brick numbers that’s been fully renovated. It purports to be ‘industrial chic,’ but not really in the minimalist sense. Indeed, it’s more industrial chic in that they’ve taken every design element from every factory in the city and spread it over the hotel. In some areas,… > Read Our Full Review

Beautifully situated and perfectly comfortable, this Old Town Tacoma boutique hotel is a perfect place to enjoy Puget Sound. With every room sporting views of Commencement Bay, anyone who likes to watch the waves will be perfectly happy here. Silver Cloud is a small local chain responsible for a handful of hotels around Seattle and the Pacific Northwest hotels, and we’d venture to claim this is its best iteration. There’s a funny sort of play between typical hotel and new money swank, and we kind of like that it hasn’t… > Read Our Full Review

This Downtown Pittsburgh hotel, at the intersection of the three waterways, is a lofty old beauty, dating all the way back to 1902. Originally, it would’ve been considered a skyscraper, and it’s a mild surprise that the Industrialist has the intimacy that it does, in such a large container. They’ve eschewed the damask, walnut, and mahogany type classic decor. The aesthetic here is more glass and gray and mottled marble. It’s part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection and, as you might imagine, the standards of luxury are high. You’ll have the… > 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

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

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

From the fantastic signage to the friendly smiles of reception, this Hyde Park, Chicago boutique hotel will pamper your body and tickle your brain. Located near the University of Chicago, you’ll share the space with prospective geniuses checking out the campus and professors enjoying a post-lecture martini. Beyond the location, you’ll find bold design and comfortable luxury that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Colors are bold and varied, in rich fabrics and plenty of art. We especially loved the gallery walls in the Mesler Kitchen and the mural-style headboards.  … > Read Our Full Review

The Plaza Resort Club is a Reno fixture that feels like it’s been there for decades. Which, of course, it has. However, while many other hotels might change hands, do renovations, redecorate, etc., there’s none of that here. It’s a superbly reassuring kind of confidence, this kinda outdated hotel that is clearly not interested in figuring out what the cool kids are doing these days. The styling is not hipster, it’s not cottage-core, it’s mostly an 80s glam, like Prince is still filming the ‘Little Red Corvette’ music video in… > Read Our Full Review

A breath of stylish, contemporary air in a city of historic boutique hotels, this eye-catching Downtown LA hotel fits perfectly within the glass-walls that surround. It has a decidedly European air of clean minimalism, with colorful geometric wall art, and simple furniture. Cleverly designed navigational touches like checklist-style floor maps give the hotel a straightforward yet friendly utility.   What are the rooms like? Easy choice: All 28 rooms are King rooms with consistent amenities. Features: Floor-to-ceiling windows, LED TVs, smart fridges, white noise machines. Bathrooms: Walk-in rain showers, quality… > Read Our Full Review

More of a chic temporary (or not so temporary, if you prefer – there are long-term options) apartment than a hotel room, The Docent’s Collection in Old Port allows you to really live a Portland life. In many cities, this type of accommodation can feel a bit contrived, But Portland’s the kind of place where pretending you live there is far more rewarding than being a tourist. Just wandering the streets is more enjoyable than visiting any museums, and the markets and bakeries are as buzzy, and as upscale, as… > Read Our Full Review

We’ll admit we’re suckers for bold typography on the sides of buildings, but that’s far from the only appeal of this Silver Lake boutique treasure. Designed by Venice-based Electric Bowery, desert accents pair perfectly with bold sculptural walls. The hipster heyday may have come and gone, but the spirit of the style is kept alive in the best of ways at the Pool & Inn. It’s another Palisociety property where all the upscale amenities of Big Hotel Daddy feel effortlessly independent.   What are the rooms like? 54 rooms: Queens,… > Read Our Full Review

We love seeing what “extra” looked like in the past, and this 1886 Charleston, South Carolina, mansion-turned-boutique-hotel dominates Harleston Village with unabashed opulence. Double staircases, columns, and pink walls with white quoins welcome you under a mansard roof topped with a matching dome. Inside doubles down, with truly stunning hand-carved molding throughout, inlaid floors, Tiffany glass, and crystal chandeliers almost everywhere you look. If a hotelier designed a building like this today, you might roll your eyes, but the historical value is astounding. Anyone interested in Southern history, the indulgences… > Read Our Full Review

Let’s face it, Colorado is tailor-made for nature-forward tourism, and this Colorado Springs boutique hotel slash resort leans all the way in. Tucked alongside Mesa Road, facing the famed Garden of the Gods Park, just the view from the windows is a celebration of Colorado’s natural beauty. The rest of the hotel is built around this obvious fact, with huge windows in the lodge rooms and the casitas out in the grounds. It really feels outside of the city. Yet it’s not far at all. We’d call this a great… > Read Our Full Review

The desert has its own special sort of romance, perfectly encapsulated by this boutique hotel in Tucson’s Saguaro National Park. The Joshua Tree House (one of three similar establishments in the Western US) is a sprawling, pale clay building tucked behind the park, off one of those kind of empty, right-angle roads you see in movies. It’s ultimately just a house, but a very well-connected house on acres of spectacular desert land. As such, it’s less a traditional boutique hotel than an a la carte kind of vacation. You can… > Read Our Full Review

This picture-perfect hotel on the lagoon side of Palm Beach is the sister boutique to Nantucket’s gem of the same name, bringing New England style chic to Florida. They’ve whitewashed one of the area’s typical Mediterranean revival buildings and added enough black and white stripes to make a zebra blush. In all seriousness, though, it works beautifully. An interior full of lush houseplants and unique furnishings in a range of neutral tones and soft colors gives the black and white a cat-in-the-hat kind of charm rather than a Cruella DeVille-esque… > Read Our Full Review

You won’t get any more central SoHo than the sleek, contemporary tower building of the ModernHaus hotel. Snuggled in a little triangular area by 6th Ave and Canal Street, the hotel rises above a lower wood-clad base, creating a unique profile in a neighborhood better known for historic cast-iron buildings The tower is a smidge disconnected from the lateral panels of the all-wood facade. Yet, the resulting views more than make up for a momentary ‘huh.’ Snag a top-floor room, and you’re doing great, looking out over Manhattan from an… > Read Our Full Review

If you wanted something truly fresh in Downtown Cincinnati, this contemporary boutique by IHG is the one for you. The building is new, the rooms are new, everything is hip, and the only reason it’s not shiny is because that’s not really the vibe they’re going for. Nope, this isn’t impersonal chrome or faux art-deco brass-gold. It’s more stone pillars and plenty of windows. For us, we would be hard-put to choose anything but a historical hotel in the super-vintage center of Cincinnati, but we know it’s not for everyone…. > Read Our Full Review

This traveler’s daydream is literally inside Denver’s Union Station. You enter through the train station lobby in one of the easiest arrivals imaginable. From then until you leave, all comings and goings will pass between Beaux-Arts archways, under gorgeous high ceilings and through the lively bustle of this 1914 station. Tucked away beyond the madding crowd, this Denver boutique hotel is a sanctuary of style and comfort.   What are the rooms like? Plenty of choice: 112 rooms and suites in multiple categories. Historic charm: Layouts shaped by the station’s… > 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

A Downtown Tulsa icon, Tulsa Club is one of the city’s most prominent historic hotels. Built in 1927 to house a high society social club, this Art Deco gem has a lot of stories in its walls. Taken over by Hilton in the 2010s, it is now part of the brand’s exclusive Curio Collection. Thus, we’re looking at luxury. The common areas are breathtaking, the accommodation full of modern comforts. It all plays with the geometric elegance, deftly merging the past and present, very much hitting the futuristic side of… > Read Our Full Review

This Midtown boutique hotel meets crystal-palace is one for all of your New York glitterati fantasies. We’ll admit, we’ve got some skepticism about the brand-name designer hotel. The powers-that-be here are not your typical hoteliers, and this has both upsides and downsides. In terms of facilities, design, and luxury branding, everything is as top-notch as you’d imagine. Everything in the hotel sparkles. They know what screams ‘luxury’ and where to put it. The marble gleams and you’ll find more chandeliers than a Beverly Hills Home Depot. It’s also got some… > Read Our Full Review

This central boutique in the center of Downtown Cincinnati is the perfect place for an art-focused vacation. We feel a bit like the 21c Museum Hotel chain, started in Louisville, KY, is at its best in the Midwest. And this is definitely proof positive. The building itself is a winner, formerly the Metropole Hotel, a gorgeous stone and brick number with a little happy trail of eye-catching wrought-iron balconies down the middle. Inside, everything is fully updated, a contemporary chic so complete you could be in a new Brooklyn loft… > Read Our Full Review

ARRIVE from Palisociety is a super-cute boutique hotel in the center of Downtown Wilmington, North Carolina. Palisociety has a good track record of hip, elegant hotels in locations that deserve a little extra love on the boutique hotel front, and Wilmington is no exception. ARRIVE occupies an impeccably curated building of whitewashed brick that feels like it was designed to show up all the other hotels around. We’re not huge fans of painted brick (give it to us exposed, please), but we can’t deny that the building very nicely catches… > Read Our Full Review

This Downtown Houston hotel has all the stately luxury you could ever ask for. It feels like the fairytale version of ‘fancy hotel,’ if fancy hotels showed up often in fairy tales. The Princess Diaries, maybe. If you’d like to get your true Genovian fantasy going, this is the place. The hotel was built in 1926, and it’s retained the elegance of the time. After extensive (and expensive) renovations in the late 2010s, it has the added benefit of top-notch amenities. You’ll be staying in the Theater District, with no… > 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

It’s hard to get closer to the sea than this spot of Malibu boutique luxury. This is the entire experience of Malibu, a place which is nothing without its place on the edge of the ocean. Malibu Beach Inn could hold its own anywhere as a hotel but we like it just where it is. Gazing out the glass windows of one of their oceanfront suites, it feels like you could jump off your balcony straight into the Pacific. When that’s the case, any beachfront hotel in LA will already… > 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

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

Yes, those Vanderbilts. Newport is still a hotspot, but The Haves have changed, and the Vanderbilt Hotel changed with them. It is rich, luxurious and eye-catching, but with a modern sensibility that dials down the gold trimmings, champagne fountains and feathers of the Gilded Age. Instead of jewels, you get jewel tones: deep greens and silky blues grace the walls with sophisticated opulence. The Vanderbilt has maintained the grandeur of the building though, but without sacrificing an iota of comfort. Luxury hotel amenities aren’t spared either. Unusually for a Newport… > 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

New York has as many faces as it does boroughs, and The Lowell Hotel is as good a face as any for the Upper East Side and its heritage of grandeur. Built in 1927, much of the old school elegance has been kept around, with sumptuous woodwork, original art pieces and plush furniture at every turn. The Lowell regularly appears on lists of NYC’s best hotels. Here it is taking the number one spot on Travel & Leisure’s list back in 2021, for example.   What are the rooms like?… > Read Our Full Review

Hip designs can be nice, and sometimes we want something a little whimsical, but good old-fashioned indulgence is classic for a reason. The Rittenhouse is a Philadelphia Center City boutique hotel that offers just that kind of timeless luxury. Its par excellence is mainly backed by years of top-notch service, meaning a stay at The Rittenhouse places you among a pantheon of discerning Philly hotel-goers. Seriously, find us another hotel here that will chauffeur you around town in a Jaguar for free. The current hotel building encompasses the original Beaux-Arts… > 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

This super-chic hotel in the Pearl district of San Antonio, Texas, is full-on refurbish fantasy. For some reason we don’t understand but do love, in the late 1800s, breweries housed in Second-Empire style buildings were a thing. If the only result of this is the majestic, ornate Hotel Emma, it will have been worth it. Of course, it wasn’t, and besides the other gorgeous buildings throughout the country, the Pearl district itself formed around this San Antonio landmark. We could go on and on about the building, but we have… > Read Our Full Review

This Downtown Cincinnati hotel is a sleek contemporary space perfect for anyone with an eye for design. Like a pair of well-connected siblings who live in different cities, the Kinley brand seems pretty determined to make its mark on the US boutique hotel scene. It’s backed by Marriott and (shocker!) part of its Autograph Collection, so if you want a mom-and-pop authentic Cincy experience, you’ll want to keep looking. It’s a total Skarsgård brother of a hotel, however. The Kinley Cincinnati might not be pulling itself up by its bootstraps,… > 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

If you’re trying to picture ‘the most Santa Fe of all hotels in Santa Fe,’ this Downtown boutique hotel beauty should be what comes to your mind. Pair that with Rosewood brand luxury, and we’ve got a winner. The stucco and wood-beam architecture speaks the language of the city, with beautifully crafted woodwork welcoming you into a space that you wouldn’t find anywhere else. References to the region’s original caretakers, the Anasazi tribe, are woven throughout the hotel. They’re presented as an integral part of the area’s character, alongside vestiges… > Read Our Full Review

Have you ever wanted to stop off a stretch of desert road, swagger up to an office, and slink into bed in your own little stucco hut? But then, like, not had bedbugs or Javier Bardem murdering anyone in the next room? This remodeled boutique roadside motel off the old 66 in Southwest Santa Fe is your opportunity. Even those who have not watched too much Twin Peaks and developed odd road trip fantasies will enjoy El Rey, which has topped its renovation with an utterly charming swath of greenery… > 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

A stay at a ROOST is never a horrible idea, but this Tampa, Florida, iteration of the boutique apart-hotel concept shows the small chain at its best. Water Street itself is a chic development project between Downtown Tampa and the Garrison Channel. It’s both central and waterfront, an excellent location for anyone getting to know the city. It’s also jam-packed with amenities targeted at a certain income level. Water Street is designed for yuppies, basically, to bring some life into a sometimes lackluster Downtown. Tucked into the first several floors or… > 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

Breezy, sunny, laid back: between Beverly Hills and West Hollywood, this charming Fairfax boutique hotel exemplifies the Southern Californian spirit we came to LA for. In the daytime, the courtyard and restaurant area are airy and inviting, with extensive greenery, sky-blue seating and a gorgeous checkerboard floor. At night the atmosphere is fairy-like, with soft lights hanging from the trees. The hotel is in an ideal location for great LA exploration, but you may never want to leave this little oasis.   What are the rooms like? Number of rooms: 66…. > 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

While many Flagstaff boutique hotels sit casually on the side of Route 66, this historical, boutique B&B sits snug within walking distance of the city’s small but mighty center. The building has been fully renovated since its construction in 1894 by a regional company with a family of southwestern hotels. New trappings on a 125-year-old frame make for a lovely combination of antique charm and modern luxury. The house blends harmoniously into the rest of the neighborhood, charming and residential. Top of the line in comfort and location, Bespoke Inn,… > Read Our Full Review

You might have to plan ahead to snag a room here, but the Beach House, on the southernmost tip of Vilano Beach, St. Augustine, is worth the effort. It’s a super-intimate boutique hotel that sits right next to the water, the perfect place for a sand-based St. Augustine stay. It’s nothing super fancy, so if you need an onsite spa and an Aperol Spritz hand-delivered to your beach chair, we’ll send you somewhere else. The general vibe is that of a B&B, with a well-loved breakfast offered daily to guests,… > Read Our Full Review

This old Key West boutique hotel tucked away in a residential area is the real Florida Keys deal. One of the oldest operating guesthouses on the Key, Eden House is a wood-panelled, tiki-bar sporting, well-named paradise. It’s historic, which means quirky, non-standardized charm. A set of converted conch houses serves as a cluster of compact guest rooms and deluxe accommodations. If you prefer a checklist of Hilton-esque luxuries, this might not be the place. On the other hand, it might be the perfect opportunity to experiment. It’s not that the… > Read Our Full Review

Mansions on Fifth, an East End, castle-esque beauty, managed by the Priory Hospitality Group, is a standout in Pittsburgh’s boutique hotel scene. Built in 1905 in what was the stinkin’ rich part of town, Shadyside, it showcases early 20th-century, new-money Pittsburgh. It’s all large stone and completely unnecessary crenelation, and it’s filled with some of the best handiwork of the era. The ironwork, tiling, and stained glass you’ll find around the premises were all locally crafted. It’s not all looks, though, and the service and amenities add relaxed, luxury hotel… > Read Our Full Review

The Eliot Hotel is one of Boston’s original boutique hotels; an elegant, late 19th-century building in the beautiful Back Bay neighborhood. It has an old-world European atmosphere, with its marble lobby, ornate décor, and welcoming staff. The Eliot is also home to Uni, one of the city’s top-rated restaurants, which attracts both locals and visitors alike.   What are the rooms like? 95 rooms and suites: Standard rooms as well as spacious one-bedroom and two-bedroom suites. Style: European-style décor with antique furniture and luxurious fabrics. Comfort: Cozy, traditional, and soundproofed… > Read Our Full Review

In Boise, the best walking is by the river, and this upscale boutique hotel is just a 5-minute walk from the water. Besides the location, we’re looking at cute, spacious, luxury accommodation. With the red awnings, cute little balconies, and teal accents, it looks a bit like a Playmobil hotel, blown up life-size to appeal to the tiny, round-headed, elbow-less doll inside all of us. Besides a vague sense of plastic-yness, it’s everything you’d want out of a small hotel, pleasant from the ground up in the least pretentious of… > 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 boutique hotel is a laid-back, sumptuously decorated turn-of-the-century mansion in Galveston’s Historic District. As a historic property, expect personality, like uneven floors and interestingly placed windows. Besides these, the property is done up in modern comfort. The house itself is one of the surviving structures from the famous Great Storm of 1900, making it a piece of history itself. It’s surrounded on all sides by other historical gems, the perfect base for Galveston’s cultural charms. Staff are a nice balance of available and out of the way, though if… > Read Our Full Review

It’s not like you’ll miss the lovely River Walk neighborhood during a San Antonio vacation, but this luxury boutique hotel is hidden away on a small island-like formation that connects the north and east River Walk. Something about having a waterfront stroll on all sides makes it extra charming, and a tad more exclusive. The building is a lovely restored property that stands out a bit but is surrounded by enough noteworthy architecture to make walking around the area decidedly pleasant. The Mokara is very much on the international standard… > Read Our Full Review

Hotel Ivy, from Marriott’s Luxury Collection on the edge of Downtown and Loring Park, Minneapolis, is a glamorous, modern moment in the city’s hotel scene. It doesn’t give boutique hotel vibes from the outside, being part of a fairly typical skyscraper, though we like the building it’s built around. Those who like Very Tall Things can enjoy it from the street, but others should pop inside to see its other side. The interior really shows off the glam of a towering building covered in windows. It’s an airy space filled with… > 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

One of the few non-New England locations by the indomitable Lark boutique hotel chain, Blind Tiger is Downtown Asheville’s top inn-style accommodation. It’s committed to the guesthouse vibe, so no boozy parties at the hip on-site bar, but we’re not convinced this is necessary in a town with so many breweries. The house is a very charming 19th-century Queen Anne. Some impeccable renovation has left it a showcase for interior design, with unique art and antique pieces scattered throughout. Blind Tiger also does the home-away-from-home vibe better than most. We… > Read Our Full Review

The number of truly lovely historic buildings in Downtown Oklahoma can be a welcome surprise, especially when so many are now gorgeous boutique hotels. This one is a 1910 registered Historic Hotel, a soaring construction of ornate stonework in the very center of the city. The common areas are all luxury – marble and shiny things and leather barstools. There are some touches retained from the original building, others are clearly added later. Polished marble and shiny metal fixtures work together well, and the steely gray of it all is… > Read Our Full Review

The Lodge & Club Ponte Vedra, near Jacksonville, debuted in 1989, and it definitely looks it —a sprawling testament to pre-millennial mall architecture. The vibe is thus, on the edge of dated, with heavy beams and lots of corners. Decor is on the casual side, and some time away from the glitzy marble and brass of Florida opulence is a nice change. It does, however, add to the mall atmosphere just a smidge. We’d say most of the charm lies in the hotel’s many amenities, excellent service and, of course, the… > Read Our Full Review

If you ever imagined Night at the Museum for grown-ups, you might be thinking this Downtown Louisville boutique, or one of its compatriots. 21c Museum Hotels are scattered around the country, showcasing style, comfort and culture. And here is where it all started, the chain’s flagship museum-slash-hotel. It’s widely understood to be the best one as well. A lovely concept for any traveling art-lovers, and 21c Museum is considered one of the top galleries in the city, whichever hotel you end up staying at. The only question is, if you… > Read Our Full Review

The Townsend offers an unusual mix of Gen-X, modern, and classic luxury in Birmingham, MI, a comfortable, sensible suburb of our beloved Motor City, Detroit. Birmingham feels like the younger sibling of a former child star that just became a real estate agent and found true happiness with two homes and a hot tub. Detroit is trying to stay out of the tabloids, while Birmingham argues with their conservative spouse about inviting them to Thanksgiving. The hotel itself is set on a chichi street in the center of Birmingham in… > Read Our Full Review

A couple of Culver City’s boutique hotels have illustrious histories. The Culver Hotel here hails from the 1920s and the very height of LA glamour. It’s recognized as a National Landmark in fact. It still has that old-time charm in spades, and as a hotel seems intent on honoring the historic architecture. It has received recognition as it happens from The Collective, a group of Proper Hoteliers that select and promote the best in independent boutique hotels.   What are the rooms like? Size: 46 rooms ranging from Queens to… > Read Our Full Review

A lone brick building on the corner of a pretty empty intersection in Reno, The Jesse is a luxury boutique hotel with enough grungy romance to excite any number of upscale adventurers. It’s super small, thus entirely intimate, and the open-to-the-public bar and restaurant space gives a little exclusivity zhuzh to hotel guests. Almost everything is custom-made, and it’s a veritable paradise of exposed brick. There’s an upscale saloon vibe that fits into Reno’s whole casino desert/Tahoe crossroads thing. The size, the style, the houseplants, the local cafe & bar,… > Read Our Full Review

New Orleans is famed for revelry and debauchery, and hanging out in the peaceful Garden District sipping cocktails is still a party in our book. Those who want to avoid boisterousness and coeds with Mardi Gras beads might look to this NOLA boutique hotel. The Ponchartrain lives up to the glamor of the Big Easy but tones down much of the chaos for you. They’ve turned the elegance factor up though, and it shows in little things: impeccable color schemes, velvet upholstery, and the gallery wall of portraits and flower… > Read Our Full Review

This new West End offering to Portland, Maine’s hospitality scene is the quintessential luxury boutique hotel. The Longfellow hits right, despite feeling a little young, and super-clean, for a quirky ol’ town like Portland. It’s the perfect place though for the unashamedly attached to creature comforts. In keeping with the local aesthetic, it’s a red-brick building that looks simple from the outside. The sleek newness of the outside might need a few years to settle in, but inside, literally and figuratively, the hotel fits perfectly into the city. The wood-paneling… > Read Our Full Review

One of the hippest hotels in the center of Delray Beach, Florida, The Ray is definitely a place to see and be seen. We’ll take the locale of “Pineapple Grove Arts District” with a grain of gentrifying salt, but there are a good selection of artsy spots nearby, and the hotel fits right in. The facade is all glass and glitz; a pretty lovely contemporary building that fits in well with the Delray Beach’s beachy vibes. It’s not the most intimate space, but it’s definitely got character, and plenty of… > Read Our Full Review

This motorcycle-centered independent hotel near Walker’s Point, Milwaukee, is a super unique stay catered towards road warriors, but open to all. We might detect whiffs trying too hard, but it’s easy to overlook that in exchange for some hip leather couches and a post-ride massage. Of course, it’s probably best appreciated by the Harley-Davidson demographic it’s aimed at, but we think just about anyone can find something to appreciate here. The accommodation is modern, chic, and comfortable, while the common areas all have an edge that can be hard to… > Read Our Full Review

From the marble lobby to the marble bathrooms, Hotel LeVeque has certainly latched onto the trappings of luxury and hung on. They’re well-applied, toeing the edge of gaudy without ever really going over. The hospitality is excellent too of course (it’s Columbus, Ohio, people!), but the focus at Hotel LeVeque is on timeless sophistication. We’re especially drawn to where the historical and ornamental work together. A lot of it is in the high ceilings of the 1927 building, where the sun pours in, glinting off the brass fixtures and warming… > Read Our Full Review

The Box House, Greenpoint, is a very-hip, very Brooklyn, hotel carved from converted factory, all black washed concrete, and vintage red brick with bold accents. The metalwork works especially well, with a theater-style entrance and large, multi-paned windows. The lobby is super-airy and sunny, and all touches have a sophisticated kind of casual. It feels closer to a creative studio or cafe hybrid than a traditional hotel lobby. Even the rooms feel more like apartments than swish hotel suites. It’s all brought to you by a small NYC hotel chain… > Read Our Full Review

This art-forward Winter Park, Orlando boutique is still very much a Florida hotel, and much bigger than we’d usually go for. The architecture screams, ‘I was built after 2000, but don’t I look a little bit like an Italian Villa?’ And it does look a little like an Italian Villa, if they typically built villas for 150+ people in the middle of upscale mixed-use development projects. The mixed-use development is connected to Rollins College, created alongside the lovely Rollins Museum of Art. It’s a killer location for anyone who likes… > Read Our Full Review

Based on the name, you might expect this Paradise Valley, Phoenix boutique hotel to be a fairly straightforward luxury retreat, but we’re happy to report it is far from ordinary. From celebrity guests (give Britney her privacy though, ya hear?) to elegant stone architecture and well-placed greenery, the entire property glows with elegance. It gives ‘desert’ without feeling barren, and well-heeled without any pretension. This subtlety is ideal for a ‘sanctuary,’ and a key element of the Sanctuary Camelback Mountain experience. It’s not overt luxury, it’s the kind that gradually… > Read Our Full Review

Yet another gem from California-born chain Pendry, this roomy Midtown boutique hotel bring something a little bit different. It’s a new build connected to a large development that’s mostly a mall but also a bit office building and, clearly, a tad hotel. Of course, this doesn’t scream boutique charm, and it certainly isn’t giving traditional cozy intimacy. Instead, it’s taken the natural minimalist parts of the West Coast attitude and opted for a zen-inspired feel. It’s quite chic, in reality, even if it does seem a bit at odds with… > Read Our Full Review

In a land of 19th-century mansion inn hotels, a beautiful modern building with clusters of potted palms in the center of New Orleans’, Garden District is a breath of fresh air. Hotel Henrietta is the sister hotel to the very classic, historical mansion of the nearby Columns Hotel. In a way, Hotel Henrietta is the Skipper to Column’s Reconstruction Barbie, if Skipper ended up studying at the Bauhaus. It’s a gorgeous yet unique addition to the set of Mansions lining Charles Avenue, which you can admire daily from the rounded… > 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

Perfect for anyone in Orlando for a Disney adventure, this luxury boutique hotel sits just minutes from the theme parks. It’s a severe change in vibe from big-gulp-toting crowds full of children either laughing or screaming, or even the constructed fun of one of the nearby behemoth resorts. Indeed, ette can easily be considered the antidote for a day exploring the wonderful, yet often stressful, world of Disney. It’s all clean lines and contemporary style — streamlined for comfort. There are many, many windows, letting in both the sun and… > Read Our Full Review

Only an absurd list of Maine’s boutique hotels would lack post-industrial brick, and we’ve included this Camden gem to honor the Vacationland tradition. 16 Bay View was built in 1905, transformed into a hotel more than a century later. The industrial vibe didn’t survive beyond the iconic waterfront brick, instead replaced with something more upscale. Forget murals, open concepts, or any other ploys used in the warehouse conversion process. 16 Bay View has beautiful decor in a beautiful building with a beautiful view, and really, what more do you need?… > Read Our Full Review

Ever wished you could take a nice Route 66 stop in Old Town, Albuquerque to shop for local art and sip cocktails in a restored 1937 boutique motel? What if we told you it’s also possible to spend the night? Easily one of the coolest experiments in hospitality in the area, El Vado Motel is the perfect place for anyone who likes to mix retro history and local flavor into their road trip. So, most people we’d hope. They’ve maintained the pueblo revival architecture from the outsides, everything else sporting… > Read Our Full Review

Hilton’s ‘Graduate’ hotels, a line of accommodation set in famous uni towns, are universally admired, and this, their boutique hotel in New Haven, keeps up the good work. A nice balance of chic decor and comfortable furnishings situated in a 1890s hotel, the renovations to the space are award-winning, with good reason. It’s the glamour of Yale with none of the work, which is just what a vacation in New Haven calls for. From the outside, it’s a gorgeous pale brick building with contrasting dormers and an elegant mansard roof…. > Read Our Full Review

This clean, airy boutique hotel gives you easy access to the heart of Vermont’s Queen City – Burlington. Being right in Downtown, it’s walking distance to all our favorite main attractions. We think you’ll find it a very Vermont experience – simple and effortlessly stylish, with zero pretensions and a welcoming air. You can be out and about in the fresh Lake Champlain air all day, and in the evening find yourself in the natural comfort of crisp white sheets and warm wooden accents. We find the lobby at Hotel… > Read Our Full Review

With over one hundred acres of land and sweeping Hudson Valley views, Wildflower Farms is a boutique retreat with a tremendous location. Accommodation is modern and down-to-earth, and with many natural touches that make it feel warm and inviting. Beautiful wood beams, one-of-a-kind textiles and handmade soaps make everything feel like your well-traveled aunt’s drawing room, if your well-traveled aunt employed a full staff of servers and concierge services. It’s designed as an immersive experience with nature, where you bask in the beauty around you and then return to your… > 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

This Historic, award-winning hotel in North Shore, Pittsburgh, is a longstanding favorite with visitors. The building is unique, an 1888 Benedictine monastery turned into a hotel to save it from demolition. It’s been extensively renovated, of course, and now sports all the most modern amenities. And thus, rather than an antique-filled bed and breakfast type joint, you’ll find a modern hotel inside the aged walls. It’s all done up in a sophisticated but unpretentious way – lots of crisp whites and steady blues. You can still get historical flair out… > Read Our Full Review

While this Coconut Grove, Miami hotel is a tad on the large side for a boutique, its unique beauty and character demanded we include it. A post-pandemic renovation of a previously run down 1985 Kenneth Treister icon, the Mayfair House Hotel & Garden is an absolute must-see. From the street, you can wonder at the decorative molding and the intricate metalwork adorning the entryway and second floor. It’s a one-of-a-kind for Miami, and clearly inspired by Gaudi. Inside, you’ll find an atrium dripping in live greenery, where you can enjoy… > Read Our Full Review

This iconic boutique hotel in Santa Monica couldn’t be closer to the beach, and that’s only the start of what makes it a terrific hotel. You’ll be greeted by bellboys in uniforms that match the bold aqua exterior of a building that has been welcoming guests since the 1920’s. The Georgian was specifically designed to catch the eye while providing an intimate, comfortable experience. It’s been refurbished a few times since then, hosting a range of guests from movie stars to factory workers during WWII.   What are the rooms… > 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

Anyone with a penchant for medieval fantasy will understand the allure of a cozy boutique hotel and tavern, but will be rightfully wary at the thought of medieval facilities. Luckily, this Hudson, NY inn has nailed the updated version. Equal parts Prancing Pony and ROOST apart hotel, Wm. Farmer and Sons comprises three sweet side-by-side residences. Guest rooms and suites are available for long and short-term rental. The main building is connected to the Tavern, a lovely spot for locals and guests alike to congregate. In a situation like this… > Read Our Full Review

This super-small boutique hotel in West Palm Beach might not have beach location clout, but it certainly has lots of charm. The building is a Mediterranean revival gem, with warm butter-yellow walls and terracotta roofing. Plants wind up and down arches that open to a courtyard area, creating a warm oasis in the center of the city. It’s B&B-style accommodation with a boutique vibe; one of our favorite combos. Big enough groups have the option to rent the entire establishment for full-on private mansion vibes. It’s pretty limited in facilities,… > Read Our Full Review

Brimming with personality at every point, this extravagantly decorated adobe building near Downtown Santa Fe’s Historic District, Barrio de Analco, is a truly unique, independent, boutique hotel. Part of an extensive family legacy of worldwide art collecting, the Five Graces showcases many of the exquisite pieces collected by owners Ira and Sylvia Seret. They began their collection in Afghanistan, but the property is adorned in gorgeous work from around the globe. You’ll find the classic Santa Fe kiva fireplaces next to stunning miniatures, intricately carved stone lattice screens next to… > Read Our Full Review

This contemporary Short North, Columbus boutique is a put-together place perfect for a stylish vacation in a stylish part of town. If you were heading to an Arts District for grungy creative charm, we’ll have to disappoint you. Short North is on the other end of an upscale development project. This shows in the hotel. It’s fully branded, as are many hotels in the area. The building is unique, window-coated and sleek. They’ve made it to fit into the clean lines and wide streets of the area, with plenty of… > Read Our Full Review

Finding a mansion-turned-hotel is not hard to do in historic Newport, but one as charming as the Cliffside Inn can be elusive. Perched on the beginning of the gorgeous Cliff Walk, it’s one of three Lark Hotel properties in the city. And here again this local New England hotel brand offers style and sophistication. It’s a fairly common tale for an upscale Newport property – in 1876 a nearby Governor built a Victorian-style mansion to ‘summer’ in. It was briefly converted into a schoolhouse, but a beautiful house in Newport… > Read Our Full Review