Top-Rated City Hotels in the Continental U.S. for 2025

Summary

1. The Lowell, New York City
2. The Loutrel, Charleston, South Carolina
3. Pendry Chicago, Chicago
4. Riggs Washington D.C., Washington, D.C.
5. (tie) The Lytle Park Hotel, Autograph Collection, Cincinnati
5. (tie) Morrison House Old Town Alexandria, Autograph Collection, Alexandria, Virginia
7. L’Ermitage Beverly Hills, Beverly Hills, California
8. Wentworth Mansion, Charleston, South Carolina
9. The Peninsula Chicago, Chicago
10. Pendry West Hollywood, West Hollywood, California
11. The Rally Hotel, Denver
12. The Carlyle, a Rosewood Hotel, New York City
13. The Post Oak Hotel at Uptown Houston, Houston
14. The William Vale, New York City
15. The Newbury, Boston

The best city hotels in the United States include stylish newcomers and several longtime favorites.

Impeccable service, chic interior design, and exciting new arrivals influenced iBestTravel readers as they voted for the best city hotels in the continental United States. Readers also praised hotels in places that didn’t make it onto last year’s list — Boston, Denver, and Washington, D.C., among others.

Every year for the World’s Best Awards survey, iBestTravel invites its readers to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Hotels (including safari lodges) were rated on their facilities, location, service, food, and overall value. Properties were classified as city or resort based on their locations and amenities.

iBestTravel readers were particularly entranced with hotels in Chicago, New York City, and Charleston, South Carolina. The Loutrel, a 50-room property in Charleston’s historic downtown, won the No. 2 spot because of its “fantastic location and friendly staff” and “beautiful rooms with handwritten welcome notes,” according to voters. Small touches, such as complimentary bicycles and craft cocktails in the Veranda Lounge, contributed to the welcoming feel of this Lowcountry property. Another Charleston hotel, Wentworth Mansion (No. 8), garnered praise for its restaurant’s outdoor patio and the southern hospitality that extended to couples and family groups alike.

In the Windy City, “sophisticated charm and elegance” come together in the No. 3 Pendry Chicago, which opened in May of last year in a 1920s-era landmark building. “The brand’s attention to detail in terms of design, experience, and staffing makes it easy to distinguish from want-to-be competitors,” wrote one reader. Another newcomer worth traveling for: the Newbury (No. 15). Guests loved the rooftop Contessa restaurant, part of chef Mario Carbone’s Major Food Group, the lobster chowder at the Street Bar, and — a real treat on a drizzly Boston day — working fireplaces in select corner suites. “This is the best hotel in Boston by far,” wrote one reader, adding that “the vibe is buzzy and cool, but the rooms are beautiful and chic.”

1. The Lowell, New York City

Living room view of suite at The Lowell — Courtesy of The Lowell

Located on a charming, tree-lined street on the Upper East Side, this New York institution continues to dazzle guests with “stunning attention to detail, beautiful rooms, and amazing food,” wrote one reader, although most importantly, the staff and service “make you feel like you’re family.” More than one voter proudly shared that they’ve been repeat guests for several years, pointing to the key location, the sophisticated reception area, the “romantic aura,” and cozy hideaways like the Club Room and Jacques Bar. Put simply, “This is a home away from home,” wrote one dedicated voter.

Score: 98.80