As a brand that appeals to the luxury facet of hospitality, we feel it’s important to distinguish which hotels raise the bar according to industry standards. Although we’re not limited to serving clientele at home, there is a lot to sift through when it comes to luxury hotels in the United States. Still, for so much space to cover, there are approximately 1,700 luxury hotels that compete each year in terms of exceptional amenities, superior customer service, and artisanal restaurants that come together to continuously refurbish a hotel’s reputation.
Picking on hotels that already represent some of the nation’s most enchanted destinations, here’s a brief rundown of U.S. News & World Report’s annual Best Hotels in the USA for 2014:
10. Waldorf Astoria Chicago
Catered towards those who want to experience the city’s most revered activities, with the option of traveling throughout the city in style through the hotel’s in-house Mercedes Benz sedan. Being the chic hotel that it is, travelers also take a shining to a variety of special accommodations like the Bowers & Wilkins speaker systems and 500-thread count sheets, amplified with breathtaking views of the Chicago skyline. Being that it’s a Hilton-affiliated brand, you can be sure that the basics (spa, fitness center, dining options) surpass expectations as usual.
9. Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa
Situated in Rancho Santa Fe, California, this hotel boasts a Mediterranean theme that is lavished with gardens and olive groves. The hotel is comprised of 49 casitas that feature private balconies, multiple rooms, fireplaces, deep soaking tubs and high-tech sound systems. The quintessential southern Californian getaway, this hotel surely benefited from its recent $30 million renovation that has only refined its standing reputation for attentive service, a luxurious spa and the backdrop of the desert.
8. Four Seasons Resort Hualalai at Historic Ka’upulehu
As if visiting Hawaii wasn’t already a dream in itself, this Four Seasons beauty embodies Hawaii’s Golden Age. Enjoying Hawaii’s miraculous landscape, guests get all-star treatment with a spa and seven pools to choose from, a golf course overlooking the Pacific Ocean and bamboo canopy beds. Vacationing with such amenities in paradise makes this hotel continuously win industry praise.
7. The Grand Del Mar
Showcasing what San Diego has to offer in terms of setting and indoor/outdoor activities, this hotel grabs a high spot on the annual list thanks to its extensive terraces, open-air walkways and the Addison restaurant. Like most luxury hotels, this hotel is nothing short of a grandeur spa, spacious guest rooms and suites, along with a golf course designed by Tom Fazio.
6. Amangani
Located in an area that attracts visitors who need a getaway from the hustle and bustle of their daily lives, Amangani is no stranger to the Best U.S. Hotels list, coming in at No. 1 in 2013. Although Amangani’s ranking dropped this year, that doesn’t deter guests from choosing this hotel when visiting Jackson Hole, Wyoming and its surrounding region of the Teton Mountains. Amangani is a vacation in itself being that it’s difficult to leave the resort grounds. The resort makes up for it by offering year-round indoor and outdoors activities, a full-service spa, and bountiful suites that feature fireplaces and separate living areas.
5. Four Seasons Resort Lana’i, The Lodge at Koele
Another favorite in Hawaii, on the most exclusive island, The Lodge at Koele is the ultimate tropical resort. It doesn’t get much better than this – a greenhouse, two golf courses, poolside service and extensive outdoor activities. We guarantee you will never want to leave. It also doesn’t hurt that the Four Seasons brand is known for exceptional customer services and congeniality.
4. Four Seasons Hotel Seattle
Considering how much we’ve covered the Fourt Seasons brand in this latest edition of the Robe Report, we’re delighted to see that the brand’s Seattle location is at the top of the list. Another hotel that is optimally located in a happening city, guests keep coming back thanks to its proximity to the best things to do and see in Seattle, ultimate comfort and as always, unbeatable customer service. You might even forget you’re visiting Seattle once you get a hold of the hotel’s rooftop infinity pool, a 6,000-square-foot and an ultra-hip dining and nightlife option located in the hotel, ART Restaurant and Lounge.
3. The Allison Inn & Spa
A hotel that was left to the wayside in last year’s list has finally developed its reputation for 2014. Along with being strategically located in Oregon’s wine country, customer service is really what pulled them to the top 10 list this year. Even if you can’t get enough of the hotel employee’s attentiveness, you’ll also enjoy the relaxing décor and being surrounded by wine enthusiasts from all over the place. Vacationing in a spot (Newberg, Oregon) where there are 200 wineries enclosed in the countryside is also hard to beat.
2. The Inn at Palmetto Buff
Now, you don’t have to vacation on the Hilton Head Island to have an ideal vacation in South Carolina. Featuring 50 cottages and suites alongside the May River, guests fall in love with the property’s quintessential Southern charm, evoking the true meaning of ‘Southern hospitality.’ With so many amenities on site, you may never feel the need to leave the grounds throughout your stay. Be sure to experience Jack Nicklaus’ signature golf course, touring nearby Daufuskie Island, fitness classes and playing tennis, croquet and bocce. Things stay lively well into the nighttime with access to private porches, fireplaces and wet bars.
1. The Lodge at Sea Island
Although this is not the first time this hotel has been recognized by industry lists, it took some time for The Lodge at Sea Island to gain the reputation it maintains today. Aside from the fact that it is located on a coveted island off the coast of Georgia, it’s hard to overlook seven restaurants and three 18-hole championship golf courses on site. And don’t forget the whopping 65,000-square-foot spa found at its sister property The Cloister nearby. To top it all off, guest rooms are embellished with waterfront views, wood furnishings, capacious patios and bathrooms that look like they can be found in a spa.
Credit: http://www.nydailynews.com/life-style/best-hotels-usa-2014-article-1.1594124