While large hotel chains have dotted the American hospitality landscape since years, now the era of boutique hotels is warming up. We won’t deny that hospitality chains like Sheraton and Hyatt have fantastic customer service and wonderful amenities, but boutique hotels have a charm of their own. These hidden gems may not entail 400 rooms or feature four pools, but their exclusivity is noteworthy. We’ve scoured the numerous states of America to craft together a list of the best boutique hotels in the region. From the natural wonders of Utah to the stunning beauty of the Caribbean, we have it all here.
Here’s a specially curated list for those boutique lovers out there.
#7 Andaz 5th Avenue, New York City
A concept by Hyatt, Andaz 5th Avenue is well appointed in downtown Manhattan. This 184-room hotel opened in July in a 1916 limestone and brick building. Room are fairly large for New York standards with 366 sq ft of space. A nice touch at Andaz hotels is that snacks and non-alcoholic beverages are complimentary. The Andaz Fifth Avenue isn’t inexpensive with $230 a night, but you do get a comfortable room, quite a few extras and a healthy dose of New York-inspired chicness for the price.
#6 Modern Hotel, Honolulu
Modern Honolulu is one of just a few hotels that combine mainland style and Hawaiian splendor. The 353 $239 priced rooms and suites are sleek and sophisticated. While 46-inch LCD screens are standard, as are Frette linens, down comforters and house-provided iPods or iPads, luxury is all alround. Rooms are only half the equation in this sort of boutique-style hotel. A full-service spa, a poolside lounge and a private lagoon-side beach club make for relaxing days, and nights are spent in Morimoto, the Japanese restaurant.
#5 CitizenM, New York City
CitizenM’s first outpost in America is super stylish and hip. The boutique hotel is located right in the heart of the Big Apple – Times Square. While I can’t deny that the 230 rooms are rather concise, but the designer has cleverly used the space available. When we say hip and stylish, we mean mood pad tablets and DJ curated playlists in each room. Evenings are even better at the hotel with grab-n-go wine bottles & $14 speciality cocktails. With $199 per night, I’d say this hotel has a great pricing considering its location.
#4 Hotel Beaux Arts, Miami
Offering glitzy interiors, great dining options and fabulous views of Biscayne Bay is the Hotel Beaux Arts. This small, two-floor boutique hotel is perched on the 38th-40th floors, above the JW Marriott Marquis Hotel with room rates starting from $369. The sleek modern 44 room hotel has fantastic views and chic black, white and chrome decor. I’d have to say rooms are quite large and all have floor-to-ceiling windows with views over Biscayne Bay. A techie paradise, the curtains close at the touch of a switch, there’s also a Bang and Olufsen flat screen and iPad.
#3 W, New Orleans
The W New Orleans – French Quarter is a swanky contemporary hotel is a 5-minute walk from upscale shopping at The Shops at Canal Place. While modern rooms give artsy vibe, suites add separate living areas and luxe studios include private balconies with hot tubs lit by a chandelier. A lush courtyard with a fountain leads to the French Riviera-inspired heated outdoor pool. A chic restaurant serves Louisiana street food-inspired small plates, and features a bar with self-serve wine and beer machines, plus a courtyard and private dining spaces. Rooms start from $200 a night.
#2 Amangiri, Canyon Point – Utah
This ultra-plush 34-suite compound lies just a few miles north of Lake Powell on a 600-acre plot of rugged high desert, soaring red-rock cliffs, and jagged mesas. Each of the artfully designed units at the Amangiri has an extensive private terrace and outdoor fireplace, while top units have private pools. A dramatically situated spa offers treatments in both indoor and outdoor areas. Dining options include first-rate Mediterranean and American cuisine in a softly lighted dining room, warmed by a crackling fireplace—the clientele is mostly hotel guests. Room rates start from $1,900.
#1 Jade Mountain, St. Lucia
Perched on the pinnacle of the picturesque island of St. Lucia is the beautiful Jade Mountain, The hotel exterior is all about curves and rough stone. While the interior of 29 suites is definitely unique, some impressive features have found place in all rooms. Namely infinity pools or jacuzzis, 15-foot ceilings, and loftlike architecture—even the raised bathroom is essentially part of one huge space. Suites have only three walls, offering open-air, panoramic views. The resort has bold and organic architecture that celebrates the natural beauty of St. Lucia. While you may be taken aback with the room rates that start from $1,500, we’d definitely recommend this one.
