Ten Best Hotels in USA for 2024 – Beachfront Resorts and Theme Parks
NOTHING screams vacation more than a poolside resort, but not all coastal areas are the same.
Where you stay can often make or break an entire trip, but US News has taken the guesswork out of vacation planning with them list of the ten best hotels in the country.
Experts ranked their top picks based on a combination of “analysis of industry awards, hotel star ratings and user reviews.”
Acqualina Resort & Residences (#1)
With six Critics Awards and thousands of rave reviews, Miami Beach's Aqualina Resort beat out more than 30,000 hotels to take the top spot of the country's best resort.
The five-star Mediterranean-style resort features three oceanfront pools, a large spa, meeting rooms and four dining options, including New York's elite Il Mulino.
Take a nice breather in the resort's signature poolside lounge or enjoy some well-deserved time for yourself in their VOI hair salon.
With your choice of oceanfront rooms that offer expansive views of all Miami has to offer, your stay is sure to be unforgettable.
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Four Seasons Hotel at the Surf Club (#2)
Another highlight of Miami Beach's resort scene proudly boasts a roster of star-studded visitors.
Frank Sinatra, Elizabeth Taylor and Winston Churchill were just a few of them Surf clubs guests from the past.
The three twelve-storey towers comprise a total of 77 luxury rooms and 119 private residences, with a ballroom, the Lido Restaurant, a champagne bar and stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.
The Surf Club is home to a world-class spa that will alleviate even the worst cases of jet lag with its message therapy, skincare and fitness offerings.
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Montage Laguna Beach (#5)
Southern California's best resort is located right on its namesake, Laguna Beach.
With direct access to the water, this seaside hotel allows you to relax on the coast.
Vacationers can enjoy classic California dishes at one of three onsite restaurants, The Loft, Mosaic Bar and Grille, and Lobby Lounge.
The atmosphere of Laguna is described by customers as 'romantic', best suited to couples, although the resort also offers an impressive range of baby and children's programmes.
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Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection (#6)
Located in the heart of Hawaii's mountainous Big Island and Kohala Coast, Mauna Lani is the state's pride and joy when it comes to outings.
Exclusive to the resort are routes that most hotels can hardly beat, including award-winning golf courses right on the water.
Catch humpback whales, dolphins and pilot whales as they return from Alaska between January and April, or listen to live music by the sea at dusk.
Foodies can even start their day off with freshly brewed Kona coffee or Japanese-inspired dishes at one of the seven restaurants and markets on site.
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Four Seasons Resort Orlando in Walt (#7)
Disney fans are in for a truly magical experience at the Four Seasons Resort Orlando.
Guests of all ages can enjoy a day of fun and relaxation at Explorer Island water park.
Or, for the tired parent looking for some alone time, naps can be had in the Oasis adult pool.
Families can even toast a perfect holiday with fireworks overhead during a rooftop dinner at the resort's Michelin-starred Capa steakhouse.
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Faena Hotel Miami Beach (#10)
a third destination in Miami Beach took the last spot in the top ten, with its designs with gold and red accents.
The 1950s-themed resort is perfect for creative types or those looking for a touch of nostalgia.
Catch a production at the Faena Theater, where the resort offers its own critically acclaimed cabaret performances.
Those with a varied palate will also be pleased with their four on-site dining options, including South American, Asian fusion, Mexican and Japanese omakase dishes.
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The Langham, Chicago (#3)
Although visitors certainly can't lounge next to Lake Michigan, the closest body of water around The Langhamthe hotel itself is still impressive.
The five-star hotel's Travelle Lounge overlooks the Chicago River and offers skyline views as guests chat over cocktails.
The Pavilion is perfect for tea lovers. On weekends it is open in the afternoon for those who want to relax with a book and some savory snacks.
Langham's Chuan Spa helps guests relax with a full-body experience guided by the five elements, and features facilities such as a 20-metre indoor pool, Hydro-Vitality hot tub, oriental steam room and eucalyptus and Himalayan salt stone saunas.
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The Chicago Peninsula (#4)
Located in the heart of downtown Chicago, The peninsula is “Far Eastern grace where it meets Midwestern hospitality.”
The Asian-inspired hotel has received a five-star rating from Forbes Travel Guide every year since it opened in 1997.
Fitness enthusiasts will feel right at home in their state-of-the-art gym, with floor-to-ceiling ceilings and a semi-Olympic-sized indoor pool.
The pool, located on the 19th floor, also overlooks Lake Michigan.
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The Jefferson, Washington, DC (#8)
Originally a block of luxury apartments, architect Jules Henri de Sibour took just two years to transform the units into an impressive building hotel.
Located in the nation's capital, it only makes sense that The Jefferson would have its own resident historian.
Susan Sullivan Lagon, PhD, meets daily with guests to share details about the history of the building, its architect, and its location.
The pet-friendly hotel also features a state-of-the-art kitchen, restaurant, bar, book room and fitness center.
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XV Beacon Hotel (#9)
Word on the street is that Boston's Beacon Hotel was once home to Geoge Washington, America's first president.
Although ironically there is no presidential suite, Beacon guests can choose from seven different room types, from the Classic with queen beds and a walk-in shower to the two-bedroom Gilbert Stuart Suites.
All Beacon rooms feature amenities such as white Italian marble bathrooms, fresh flowers, and even complimentary bath salts and CBD bath bombs.
The hotel's on-site restaurant, Mooo, offers a menu of all-natural grass-fed ribeye and Wagyu A5 sirloin steak.