Best Boutique Hotels in the US
Some of my Favorite boutique Hotels in the US Right Now and Why
Bev’s Favorite Hotels Right Now and Why
“Where would you stay?” my friends often ask me when they go on vacation or business trips. You see, I am on a quest to find the best boutique hotels in the US.
They ask this because I often travel for work, and they know I desire a little more fun during my hotel stay. I tend to choose very distinct, unique hotels. Hotels that have their own personality. I avoid the cookie-cutter hotels, you know, the ones along the side of the interstate hoping to snag those road-trippers driving a little too late into the night. Or the hotels that cater to the business person, all business and no fun.
Hotels are not just a place to sleep for me. It’s an experience. From the moment I see the building, walk through the doors, and am greeted by staff until I leave the following day, I am gauging the hotel and what I like about the experience it gave me.
Here are my picks for some of the best boutique hotels in the U.S., which are a few of my current favorites. I am continually updating this list, so subscribe here to stay informed about my new favorite recommendations. (see another new one I love by clicking here, The Bottleworks Hotel.) These aren’t in any particular order. They are all amazing in their own right, each giving me a unique experience.
Hotel St. Francis, Santa Fe, New Mexico
210 Don Gaspar Avenue, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87501
This intimate hotel sits right in the heart of Santa Fe’s historic district, just a block from the Plaza, and it’s the oldest hotel in the area. The original hotel in this spot opened in 1889 as the De Vargas Hotel. A fire destroyed it in 1922, and it was rebuilt in 1924. It became Hotel St. Francis in 1986. The fireplace mantel in the lobby is the oldest piece in the Hotel, dating to the original structure.
Bev’s Key Loves
- Historic hotel in the center of the Historic District
- Oldest hotel in Santa Fe
- Calm, romantic, moody, and beautiful.
- I love the historic photos, the marble floors, the artisan wood furniture, and the religious nods throughout.
- Conveniently located within walking distance to the Plaza and numerous restaurants, bars, shops, and museums in the entire Santa Fe historic district.
- The room was unique, featuring a blend of wood and metal, with calming tones and extremely comfortable bedding.
- A great cocktail bar, Secreto Lounge, crafted the most beautiful cocktail I’ve ever had, called “I Can’t Sleep, But I’m Not Sour About It.”
The Cottonwood Hotel, A Kimpton Hotel Omaha, Nebraska
302 S 36th St, Omaha, NE 68131
The first hotel on my list of the best boutique hotels in the US is The Cottonwood Hotel. You can’t help but feel important when you arrive here. Historic, opulent, service is impeccable, and with bars and restaurants onsite. Along with the complimentary wine hour in the lobby, you never have to leave the hotel.
Bev’s Key Loves
- You never have to leave the hotel
- A historic revitalized 1920s building
- Unique
- Gorgeous property
- Friendly and helpful staff
- Beautiful fabric headboards (ask for a room with this)
- Multiple food and drink venues on site
- Wine happy hour (This is a Kimpton service. Every Kimpton does this)
- They make you feel special
The Alluvian, Greenwood, Mississippi
318 Howard St, Greenwood, MS 38930
The second hotel on my list of the best boutique hotels in the US is The Alluvian. This hotel is in the middle of small-town America in the Mississippi Delta. A subsidiary of the Viking Corporation, it’s beautiful with southern charm and friendliness.
Bev’s Key Loves
- The hotel rooms have doorbells!
- Very clean
- Local artwork on the walls
- Southern hospitality
- Giardina’s Restaurant, a historic restaurant with private booths
- Spa services – excellent for a girl’s weekend
- Amazing Old Fashioneds
- The walkable downtown area with storefronts
The 21c Museum Hotel, Cincinnati, Ohio
609 Walnut St, Cincinnati, OH 45202
The third hotel on my list of the best boutique hotels in the US is The 21c Museum Hotel in Cincinnati. The essence of the hotel is fun and quirky. The museum, the penguins—it’s just a fun place to stay.
Bev’s Key Loves
- It’s quirky! What else can I say? I love it
- Penguins, yellow at this property, are the mascots, seeming to be standing guard and keeping their eye on you
- The bathroom tiles – body parts. They are unique to Cincinnati. You won’t find them at any other 21c property
- Some rooms have heated floors in the bathroom
- An art museum as part of the hotel
- Restaurant, and a bar. I am partial to the bar (I had my first bourbon port wine mixed drink here, it smelled like Christmas)
- Very walkable area. I was able to walk from across the river in Kentucky back to the hotel
The Stanley Hotel, Estes Park, Colorado
333 E Wonderview Ave, Estes Park, CO 80517
The fourth hotel on my list of the best boutique hotels in the US is The Stanley Hotel. Location is the main focus here but not the main reason this is on my list. Yes, being located at the Rocky Mountain National Park entrance certainly has a perk. HOWEVER, the hotel itself has a right of its own to be on my list. The historical building, tales of the past, ghosts, personal service, and the bar – all add to the lure of being a favorite.
Bev’s loves
- Location – The setting is idyllic at the entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park
- Historic – Take a tour and learn not only about the hauntings but of its beginning with the Stanley Family
- The stories! From Stephen Kings being inspired here for his books The Shining and Pet Cemetery, Jim Carrey being scared by the “ghosts” during the night and asking for a different room, to the stories of Stanley’s era and the men camping on the grounds. So many stories are here
- Ghosts – oh yes, they talk about their spirits. From the moment I check-in, they have ghost stories to tell. Take a ghost tour; they are tons of fun. Never the same twice. (Yes, I’ve done this multiple times.) Check out more ghostly hotels here in my blog.
- The historic building with beautiful interiors and recently updated rooms BUT they also have the lodge adjacent to the main building. Very new and some rooms with TWO KING beds. (Not just double beds).
- Whiskey bar (You can see another awesome hotel with great whiskey here!)
- Easy access to Rocky Mountain National Park
- Visit in the right season, and you may see elk on the property
- I love the old elevator
- They let you roam; that’s right, you can wander and take photos all over the property
The Crossroads Hotel, Kansas City, Missouri
2101 Central St, Kansas City, MO 64108
The fifth hotel on my list of the best boutique hotels in the US is The Crossroads Hotel. I LOVE this lobby; so unique, cavernous, and modern—a good story on the history of the building, a fantastic Italian restaurant onsite, and an art display.
Bev’s Key Loves
- The lobby is unique, minimal, with lots of wood, cavernous, and gorgeous
- Historic (see a theme here? I love historic properties)
- Stories of the history of the building built into the design of the hotel (think mob boss and PBR beer)
- Lazia Restaurant, is an old-world Italian restaurant complete with aperitifs while you wait for your table
- KC Bourbon and PBR in the rooms
- Local KC artisans work displayed and incorporated into the design elements
- Art display in the lobby
- Smart TV’s (they have their time of need, for sure)
I do not mention the beds or bedding as they are fabulous in all of these hotels. Wi-Fi isn’t something I’ve had to worry about at these hotels either.
Please let me know if you have any hotel suggestions for me. I am always open to learning about new places to try!
BEST HOTELS from Bev’s Picks
- Hotel St. Francis, Santa Fe, New Mexico
- The Cottonwood Hotel, A Kimpton Hotel Omaha, Nebraska
- The Alluvian, Greenwood, Mississippi
- The 21c Museum Hotel, Cincinnati, Ohio
- The Stanley Hotel, Estes Park, Colorado
- The Crossroads Hotel, Kansas City, Missouri
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