Attempting to list America’s top ten luxury hotels will always be difficult, since there are many criteria by which to judge hotels – whether they are best for business travellers, holidaymakers, families and so on. That said, here is a list of hotels that should meet the demands of the most discerning luxury traveller.
Four Seasons – Los Angeles
Billed as European grace combined with Beverly Hills style, The Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles features a landscaped, rooftop pool and Jacuzzi and a luxurious full-service spa with a steam sauna. The award-winning Gardens Restaurant offers California-Mediterranean cuisine. In every room there is a high-speed Internet connection, and the hotel is ten minutes by car from downtown Hollywood.
Grand America Hotel – Salt Lake City, Utah
In downtown Salt Lake City, the 24-storey Grand America Hotel has 775 luxurious rooms and suites that feature European-style furnishings, with stunning views to the Rocky Mountains. There is a world-class spa and the fitness centre leads to indoor and outdoor pools. The in-house audio-visual systems are state-of-the-art and the popular Garden Café features American seasonal cuisine.
JW Marriott Camelback Inn – Scottsdale, AZ
This well-known Scottsdale resort, set on 125 acres of landscaped desert, includes a 36-hole championship golf course, two heated swimming pools, a luxury spa, and a large conference facility. There are 453 spacious, Pueblo-style ‘casitas’, including 27 suites, some with private pools. Resort restaurants include Golf Grill, Hoppin’ Jacks, and Sprouts.
Ritz-Carlton, Georgetown – Washington, D.C.
Located in Washington DC’s fashionable Georgetown district, with 86 guest rooms and suites, the Ritz-Carlton merges contemporary and historic architecture. Within walking distance of many shopping districts, fine dining choices, trendy nightclubs, and the waterfront, the hotel is also only minutes from the Kennedy Centre. There are meeting facilities for up to 90 people, and a fourteen-screen movie theatre.
Ritz-Carlton – Central Park South, New York
With expansive views of Central Park and extraordinary, personal service, this 261-room and 48-suite hotel is much in demand by celebrities and royalty. Elegant rooms and suites are lavish, with fine furnishings and all amenities. French cuisine is served at the Atelier restaurant, and beauty treatments are available at La Prairie salon.
The American Club – Kohler, Wisconsin
The American Club is less than an hour’s drive north of Milwaukee. Luxuriously appointed rooms are finished to the highest standards and include the latest audio-visual and communications facilities. The award-winning golf courses, Blackwolf Run and Whistling Straits, give preference to hotel guests. The spa packages include rejuvenating services, and their annual cooking and wine demonstrations attract wine and food enthusiasts from far and wide.
The Fairmont Olympic Hotel – Seattle, Washington
Listed on the National Register, The Fairmont has been Seattle’s top luxury hotel since it opened in 1924. Located in the heart of Seattle, The Olympic combines impeccable service with 450 beautifully appointed rooms, and its two award-winning restaurants have a top reputation for fine cuisine. Nearby attractions include the famous Pike Place Market, Seattle Waterfront, and Space Needle, plus many theatres, restaurants, and shops.
The Greenbrier– White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia
Since 1835, a succession of U.S. Presidents has spent their summers here. Accommodation includes estate houses and 803 individual rooms. All accommodations have top-line entertainment systems, refreshment bars, lighted vanity mirrors, individual heating/air conditioning, and access to high-speed, wireless Internet.
The Phoenician – Scottsdale, Arizona
Exceptional service and breathtaking scenery make The Phoenician a top luxury resort. Guests enjoy an $8 million dollar art collection, spa treatments and the Southwest’s most spectacular golf course. The gilded lobby has valley views, and large well-appointed rooms are finished to the highest standards. Guests can also receive massage therapies, skin and body treatments and expert hair and nail services.
Walden Country Inn & Stables – Aurora, Ohio
The Walden, set on 32 acres around a 175-year-old barn and silo, has 25 luxuriously appointed suites that include full audio and televisual facilities. In-room services include massage and a maid service. Popular for relaxing getaways, weddings and executive retreats, visitors enjoy world-class dining, inconspicuous service and a wealth of activities such as an equestrian centre, a spa and a theatre.