Best USA Accommodation
Having previously travelled across 24 states, I have certainly stayed in many different types of accommodation across the country. Some incredible, while some not so great. So, check out my ongoing list of best USA accommodation for your next trip to the United States.
If you are looking to travel the USA on a budget, also make sure to check out the How to Use Hostelworld blog post.
Last updated February 2025*.
Contents
Table of Contents
Best USA Accommodation
Best Accommodation in Arizona
Under Canvas Grand Canyon
Under Canvas is an incredible glamping site in the Southwest and easily makes the list of best USA acommodation. I stayed at Under Canvas Grand Canyon as part of the LA to the Bay with Contiki trip that passed through Grand Canyon National Park, only a 25-minute drive away. This stay was undoubtedly one of the highlights of that trip.
The tents were super spacious and cozy, with very comfortable beds and full-service bathroom facilities. However, the highlight was the onsite restaurant that served up delicious breakfast and burgers. I also loved sitting around the fire, roasting s’mores and sharing all our Grand Canyon stories from the day. The morning yoga session before our day of hiking was also a thoughtful addition!
We stayed for two nights, which was the perfect amount of time to make the most of the property. I paid USD$219* per night for a Safari Tent with 3 Twin Beds, the cost of which was divided among three people. Since the accommodation only operates from April to October each year, make sure to book in advance.
Best Accommodation in California
Holiday House Palm Springs
Holiday House Palm Springs is all that you imagine a mid-century Palm Springs property to be. Nestled just one block back from the main street, this hotel was the highlight of our trip here and is certainly some of the best USA accommodation.
The rooms were curated perfectly with both a spacious kitchenette and bathroom. We also enjoyed the service here, as all the staff were very friendly and had some great recommendations for us. Despite visiting in February, the pool was heated so we were still able to enjoy a bit of sunshine, as well as snacking on some warm homemade cookies by the fire after dark.
However, my favourite part about this hotel was the attention to detail with all aspects of its design. As soon as you enter the lobby, you are transported back to the height of the 50s due to its vibrancy. This theme continues throughout the property, both into the gardens and the rooms. I especially enjoyed riding the free retro bikes around town to spot some more funky architecture nearby.
We stayed at Holiday House for two nights at USD$421* per night for a ‘Good’ room, and it was simply perfect.
Thinking of visiting Palm Springs?
Using Palm Springs as a base to explore Joshua Tree National Park?
Palihotel Westwood Village
Palisociety is a boutique hotel chain offering some of the best USA accommodation, with its locations across California and beyond. Palihotel Westwood Village is located right near UCLA, with plenty of cafes, shops, and even an In-N-Out Burger right around the corner. It is a convenient central location to take a bus either towards Hollywood and Downtown, otherwise out to Santa Monica.
The property itself is a gorgeously designed hotel, with accents of modern Parisian luxury throughout. It was an incredibly luxurious stay, with both big fluffy robes and even Diptyque bathroom products. Our Garden King room also had a view over the courtyard which made it feel just like home. But, my favourite touch was the complementary pastries served each morning in the lobby.
Notably, all Palihotel properties are pet-friendly.
We booked the Garden King room for USD$301* per night, for a three night stay. I can’t wait to explore more Palisociety properties, as it is certainly some of the best USA accommodation.
Palihotel Hollywood
Since we loved our stay at Palihotel Westwood Village so much, we decided to try out another Palisociety property. Located in the heart of Hollywood, Palihotel Hollywood certainly lived up to our high expectations as some of the best USA accommodation.
This property is located on W Sunset Blvd, just one block away from the Hollywood Walk of Fame. But the best part… the hotel is just one door away from In-N-Out. Being such a central location, this property is an amazing choice for first time visitors to Los Angeles, as it is within walking distance of many main attractions. With LA being such a car-dependent city, this is a rare find. Yet another convenience was also the onsite valet parking which took away any stress of finding parking in one of Los Angeles’ busiest neighbourhoods, as well as the possibility of property theft had we parked on the street.
The property itself adopts a funky boutique design, with a central pool area that makes it feel like a downtown oasis. It was an incredibly luxurious stay, with both big fluffy robes and Palisociety’s signature Diptyque bathroom products. This property also had a cozy bar area perfect for happy hour drinks or a sweet nightcap.
Notably, all Palihotel properties are pet-friendly.
We booked the King Pool View room (including parking) at USD$229*, for just one night on an LAX layover. However next time, we will certainly be staying longer to make the most of the pool and the amazing location.
Palihotel San Francisco
Tucked away from the chaos of San Francisco’s Union Square that upholds Palisociety’s reputation as some of the best USA accommodation. As with each stay, we were once again welcomed with friendly service and the cozy feeling of a home-away-from-home. Despite being one of the larger properties, Palihotel San Francisco still manages a quiet and peaceful environment.
This property is located at Union Square, an unbeatable location in the heart of downtown, with plenty of high-end shops, restaurants and entertainment nearby. While San Francisco is generally quite walkable, the location of this property also means Nob Hill, Chinatown and the Embarcadero are easily accessible. Not to mention the historic streetcars along Market Street that you can ride to the Mission District or Fisherman’s Wharf.
While the design of this property includes some modern details, I especially love that Avi Brosh focused on restoration rather than renovation here. It truly feels like a classic San Francisco building straight from the Gold Rush era.
I stayed in a Queen room for $USD225* per night. Compared to Southern California, this is definitely one of Palisociety’s more affordable stays.
Thinking of visiting San Francisco?
Hotel Zephyr San Francisco
If you would prefer to stay in the Fisherman’s Wharf area of San Francisco, then Hotel Zephyr San Francisco is a great option. Given I stayed here during my LA to the Bay with Contiki trip, I was pleasantly surprised by the hotel’s high standards.
I absolutely loved having the large outdoor space as a respite from the city’s craziness, as well as all the games available in the lobby. We certainly made the most of a few table tennis tournaments and had a few giggles over our Jenga failures. There was even a photo booth to make some last-minute memories with the group before saying our final goodbyes.
While the hotel itself provided a very modern and comfortable stay, its location is the true highlight. Located just one block away from Pier 39 in Fisherman’s Wharf, the hotel was the best location to explore the sights of San Francisco for the first time. We were easily able to walk to the sea lions, the Alcatraz Ferry, Lombard Street and even Chinatown. Staying in this area also meant lots of casual dining options and bike rental shops. So, this property easily makes my list of best USA accommodation.
I stayed at Hotel Zephyr San Francisco for two nights at USD$284* per night. The cost for the Zephyr Double room was divided between two people.
Wondering how to spend your time in San Francisco?
The Pines Resort
The Pines Resort is a beautiful lake-front property located on the shores of Bass Lake. I stayed here during my LA to the Bay with Contiki trip, as the resort is only a 30-minute drive from the spectacular Yosemite National Park. For outdoors-lovers, this is easily some of the best USA accommodation.
The cabins were incredibly cozy, with more than enough space to fit at least four people. Following a long day of hiking, we were able to enjoy home-cooked meals on the balcony as we watched the sunset over the lake. Although it was too dark to swim, the property allowed us to enjoy the poolside bar and its other facilities. I would have loved to stay an extra few days to enjoy the pool and the lake activities available.
Despite its remote location, the resort really had everything we could have needed. In fact, there was even a convenience store onsite where we could stock up on groceries and hiking snacks. There was also a coin-operated laundry facility available for use so that we didn’t have to stash stinky hiking clothes into our luggage. Not to mention the abundance of wildlife, particularly black bears.
Since the cabins are so large, they are easily shared between family and friends. As a result, we stayed in a 2 Queen Bed Chalet for two nights at USD$226* per night and divided the cost between three people.
Best Accommodation in Florida
Viajero Miami South Beach
One of Latin America’s best hostel chains has finally made its way up to the United States. Not usually known for its hostel culture, Viajero Miami South Beach provides an exception and makes for some of the best USA accommodation. It is certainly worth the extra mile to stay here and explore Miami for a few days.
Whether you are looking to party in Miami, or are looking for a quieter co-working space, Viajero creates a comfortable yet social atmosphere. I loved that the crowd here was more mature than the crowds of freshers you meet in places like SE Asia or Europe.
Housed in a classic Miami art deco building just across from the white sands of South Beach, this location is truly unbeatable. Although if you are not a beach fan, then you will instead be able to enjoy the one of two pools onsite. The rooms themselves were huge, with clean bathrooms and many onsite amenities. I love that this property stays true to the legacy of Viajero design, creating such a fun and truly ‘Miami’ environment in all corners of the hostel.
Although I only stayed here one night on a layover, you could easily stay longer to make South Beach feel like a second home. I paid USD$79 for my night in a 4-bed female dorm.
Best Accommodation in Hawai'i
The Laylow Waikiki
The Laylow is a recent addition to Marriott’s Autograph Collection, hidden just one block back from Waikiki Beach. I found it to be a much quieter and more intimate experience than some of the bigger resorts along the waterfront, and easily makes my list of best USA accommodation.
The rooms had the biggest king beds I have ever seen, with modern island-style decor. We actually ended up buying a few soap dishes and souvenirs from their store because we loved the decor so much! My favourite part was the poolside breakfast and the submerged pool loungers. It was the perfect place to kick back and relax after a day of hiking up to Diamond Head.
This is also pet-friendly property.
We stayed here for five nights at USD$319* per night. The Balcony Room with two king beds was plenty of space for three people.
The Royal Hawaiian Resort
If Barbie came to Hawai’i, this is where she would stay.
The Royal Hawaiian Resort is perhaps the most iconic hotel on Waikiki Beach, and should be on anyone’s list of best USA accommodation. It is certainly a luxury hotel, and the resort is a destination in itself. In fact, the Pink Palace is one of the oldest hotels in the area, so you can actually take part in a history tour of the property during your stay.
We stayed in the Historic Wing, and the rooms were lavishly decorated in a French island-style. We lounged around in our robes for the morning before heading to the Malulani Pool. My favourite area of the hotel is the Helumoa Garden, a hidden paradise hidden in the heart of the property. If you are lucky, you will be able to witness a wedding here as it is perhaps the most romantic destination on the island.
Due to the price tag, we only stayed for one night at USD$573*. However, this is the best luxury hotel in Waikiki so I recommend staying a few nights if your budget allows.
Best Accommodation in Nevada
Bellagio Las Vegas
Wondering how to spend your time in Las Vegas?
Bellagio Las Vegas is perhaps the most famous hotel on the Las Vegas Strip. Fortunately, I had the chance to stay here on my most recent trip to Las Vegas and I can confirm that it lives up to its reputation as some of the best USA accommodation.
The large room felt incredibly luxurious, and the pillows were the most comfortable I have ever experienced. Our room had a panoramic view over the Las Vegas Strip, so we enjoyed watching the Bellagio Fountains every half hour from the window. Above all else, staying here even just for one night is worth it for the views alone. There was also parking onsite which is convenient if you are starting a Southwest road trip from Las Vegas like we were.
Bellagio is a destination in itself, and you could spend a whole day exploring the hotel. However, my highlights are the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens, the Bellagio Buffet, and of course the pool.
We stayed in a Strip View Spa Two Queen room for two nights at USD$479* per night.
Best Accommodation in New York
CitizenM New York Bowery Hotel
CitizenM offers some of the best USA accommodation, and CitizenM New York Bowery Hotel was the first property I stayed at. Not only were we consistently greeted by the friendliest staff, but the hotel also boasts the most comfortable square beds. We had an amazing view over the Lower East Side, so I secretly loved people watching just like a scene from Rear Window. Not to mention the mood lighting in the shower, which was such a novelty!
While not located close to the main tourist attractions, we were glad to have the opportunity to explore new neighbourhoods during our third visit to the Big Apple. I especially loved exploring the local cafés and restaurants hidden throughout SoHo, Little Italy and Chinatown. It felt like a much more authentic experience of New York City than we would have had staying closer to Times Square. Nonetheless, we were still able to enjoy the convenience of the subway to take us uptown as the nearest station was actually located on the same corner as the hotel.
CitizenM has an additional property in Times Square, which you may find more convenient if it is your first visit to New York City.
We really enjoyed this funky property, and paid USD$248* per night.
First time in New York City?
Wondering how to spend your time in New York City?
Renaissance New York Chelsea Hotel
Renaissance New York Chelsea Hotel offers a luxurious 4-star experience in the heart of charming Chelsea. As a member of the Marriott group, I was once again blown away by their friendly service and high-end amenities. Our room felt like a quiet oasis nestled in the heart of New York City’s chaos.
Being so centrally located made it easy to walk to many nearby neighbourhoods. We were able to both cycle around Central Park as well as walk down to SoHo all in one day. I also especially loved the five-minute walk to the nearest Eataly opposite Madison Square Park.
For those also interested in exploring more of the tri-state area beyond New York City, the hotel is only a ten-minute walk from Penn Station. For sports lovers, this means only ten minutes from Madison Square Garden!
We paid USD$395* per night for a King room, although I found the price to vary a lot day-to-day. As a result, I recommend being flexible with dates and booking ahead of time to get the best rates.
Pod Times Square
Unfortunately New York City is not generally the most affordable city, with the cost of accommodation being no exception. While there are some hostels in New York City, they are not centrally located and so the time and cost of transport certainly adds up. Luckily, I found Pod Times Square to provide the perfect solution.
Times Square is noisy and crowded. As a result Pod Times Square’s location just 700m away was much quieter, yet still a convenient central location. Not only was it within walking distance of major tourist attractions, but also just across from the Port Authority Bus Terminal.
Port Authority Bus Terminal is actually the meeting location of many tour companies that operate Boston, D.C. and other day tours. Due to the early departure time for my day trip to Boston, this meant maximising my sleep in and minimising time alone in the dark.
I paid just USD$139* per night for a Queen Pod. With such a great price tag, this property has to make my list of best USA accommodation.
Best Accommodation in Utah
Zion Glamping Adventures
Zion Glamping Adventures is an incredible site camouflaged in the red rocks of Southern Utah. Located just outside the small town of Hildale, the accommodation is only a 45-minute drive south of Zion National Park and provides a more scenic option than staying in nearby Saint George. This was definitely one of my most memorable stays, and easily makes my list of best USA accommodation.
You can bundle up by the fire and gaze up at the whole Milky Way late into the night, waking up to freshly pancakes prepared by the friendly property owner. The below-freezing temperatures in February certainly made the hot showers and in-tent heater all the more cozy. We also found other travellers here to be super friendly, and were able to get some great tips for the area.
We only stayed here one night, paying USD$235* for a Deluxe Single Queen tent. However, I wish we had stayed for two nights to experience more of the property’s activities and to explore more of the area during the daylight hours!
Gravity Haus Moab
Gravity Haus Moab was a surprisingly comfortable boutique hotel located in the heart of Moab, Utah. Its pet friendliness was the first thing we noticed as we met our first fluffy friends in the parking lot!
I was impressed with how quiet and luxurious the hotel felt, despite being in such an adrenaline-inducing town. My favourite part was the Koala beds, which were certainly a treat after two weeks of hiking. I also loved all the artwork in the room, and even inquired at the front desk about where I could buy some myself. While it was too cold to swim in February, the pool would be an amazing respite from the dry desert heat of the summer months.
Ultimately, this hotel was the perfect base for exploring all that Moab has to offer. We stayed in a Rambler room for two nights at just USD$159* per night and had an amazing time.
*Please note that all prices are current as of the publication date of this post.
