Favourite Accommodation in the USA
Discover my overall favourite accommodation in the USA during my previous nine visits. 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 all my favourites 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.
Contents
Table of Contents
Favourite USA Stays
California
Palihotel Westwood Village
Palisociety is a boutique hotel chain in the US with locations across California and also a few other states. Following my first stay at Palihotel Westwood Village, Palisociety instantly became my favourite accommodation in the USA.
This property is located right near UCLA, so has a lot of cafes and shops nearby. There is also an In-N-Out Burger right around the corner. It is a convenient location to take a bus towards not only Hollywood and Downtown, but also 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.
All Palihotel properties are also pet-friendly.
We booked the Garden King room for USD$289* per night, for a three night stay. I can’t wait to explore more Palisociety properties, as it is certainly my favourite accommodation in the USA.
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 has since been some of my favourite accommodation in the USA.
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 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 retro bikes around town to spot some more funky architecture nearby.
We stayed at Holiday House for two nights at USD$349* per night, and it was simply perfect.
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.
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 also allowed us to enjoy the poolside bar and its other facilities.
Despite its remote location, the resort really had everything we could have needed. In fact, there was a convenience store onsite where we could stock up on groceries and snacks. There was also a coin-operated laundry facility available for use.
However, my favourite part of this property was its location hidden away in the Californian woods. This meant an abundance of wildlife, especially black bears. Despite living in Canada for two years, my stay at The Pines Resort was finally the first time I got to see my favourite animal, although from a safe distance.
We stayed at The Pines Resort for two nights at USD$215* per night, although this cost was divided between three people.
Southwest
Bellagio Las Vegas
Bellagio Las Vegas is perhaps the most famous hotel on the Las Vegas Strip. I had the chance to stay here on my most recent trip to Las Vegas, and it was certainly worth the hype.
The large room felt incredibly luxurious, and the pillows were the most comfortable I have ever experienced. We were lucky to have a room facing over the Las Vegas Strip, so were also able to watch the Bellagio Fountains every half hour from our 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 roadtrip from Las Vegas like we were.
The Bellagio is a destination in itself, and you could spend a whole day exploring the hotel. However, my highlights are the Conservatory, the Bellagio Buffet, and of course the pool.
We stayed for two nights in February at USD$199* per night.
Zion Glamping Adventures
Zion Glamping Adventures is an incredible site hidden in the red rocks of Southern Utah. Located in Hildale, Utah, the accommodation is only a 45-minute drive south of Zion National Park, and a much more scenic option than staying in nearby Saint George.
You can bundle up by the fire and gaze up at the whole Milky Way late into the night here. It was so quiet in February, and although freezing, the heater inside the tent made it very cozy. We also found all the other travellers here to be super friendly, and were able to get some great tips for the area.
We only stayed here one night for USD$125*. However, I really wish we had stayed for two nights to experience more of the property’s amenities and explore more of the area!
Under Canvas Grand Canyon
Under Canvas is another incredible glamping site in the Southwest. I stayed at Under Canvas Grand Canyon as part of a Contiki trip that passed through Grand Canyon National Park, only a 25-minute drive away. This stay was without a doubt one of the highlights of that trip, and also a favourite accommodation in the USA!
The tents were super spacious and cozy, with very comfortable beds. But, the highlight was the onsite restaurant that served up delicious breakfast and burgers. I also loved sitting around the fire, roasting smores and sharing all our Grand Canyon adventures. The morning yoga session before our day of hiking was also a great addition!
We stayed for two nights, which was the perfect amount of time to make the most of the property. I paid USD$314* per night for a Safari Tent with 3 Twin Beds, however this cost was divided among three people.
Gravity Haus Moab
Gravity Haus Moab was a surprising boutique hotel located in the heart of Moab, Utah. It is a pet friendly hotel, in fact the first thing we did was meet friendly guests and fluffy friends in the parking lot!
I was impressed with how quiet and luxurious the hotel felt. 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. The service was incredibly friendly as well.
We stayed here for two nights at USD$149* per night and had an amazing time.
New York City
CitizenM New York Bowery Hotel
CitizenM is one of my favourite hotel chains around the world. They always have the friendliest staff and the most comfortable beds. Not to mention the mood lighting in the shower!
We stayed at the CitizenM New York Bowery Hotel and it was fantastic. Although not located close to main tourist attractions, we were glad to have the opportunity to explore new neighbourhoods on our third visit to the Big Apple.
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 had really enjoyed this funky property, and paid USD$229* per night.
Hawai'i
The Laylow
The Laylow is an incredible boutique hotel hidden only one block away from Waikiki Beach. I found it to be a much quieter and more intimate experience than some of the bigger hotels along the waterfront. In fact, it actually took less time to walk to nearby restaurants and shops without having to navigate the maze of a resort.
The rooms had the biggest king beds I have ever seen, with such funky modern island-style decor. In fact, we actually ended up buying a few soap dishes from their store because we loved the decor so much! My favourite part was the poolside breakfast and the submerged lounges in the pool. It was the perfect place to kick back and relax after a day of hiking Diamond Head!
We stayed here for five nights at USD$289* per night. The Deluxe Room with two king beds was plenty of space for three people.
Royal Hawaiian
The Royal Hawaiian is perhaps the most iconic hotel on Waikiki Beach. In fact, the Pink Palace is actually one of the oldest hotels in the area, and you can even take part in a history tour of the property during your stay. It is certainly a luxury hotel, and the resort itself is a destination.
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 see a wedding here at the most romantic destinations on the island.
We only stayed for one night for USD$460*. However, this is the best luxury hotel in Waikiki to stay a few nights if your budget allows! It would be hard for this to escape anyone’s list of favourite accommodation in the USA.
*Please note that all prices are current as of the publication date of this post.
