There’s something about the summer that gives us the travel itch more than any other season. While big hotel chains are great for using and collecting travel points, boutique hotels bring other luxuries to the table. They are more intimate and heavily curated, plus they offer specialized, unique amenities to their guests (can you say complimentary chauffeurs in luxury cars, a cocktail class and a pool that straddles two buildings?). If you’re looking for a weekend getaway or your next vacation destination, try one of these boutique hotels—we’ve already started planning our next trip.
The Goodland Hotel, Santa Barbara
Anywhere which can be described, like The Goodland is here, as "a bohemian oasis nestled between the mountains and the sea" is ace in our book, and this Kimpton hotel delivers on every promise made via its charming Instagram bio. The setting has been perfectly curated for capture by photo, but even if you don't bring your camera phone (good on you!) you'll be content to lounge here, where aesthetics are only a part of the picture. For California cuisine, The Outpost delivers an exceptional tasting, and you can likewise enjoy local wines at the hotel's The Good Bar. To work it off—because these days we enjoy indulgence best when balanced—the hotel offers yoga practice by its picturesque pool on Sunday mornings. If it all sounds quintessentially Californian, that's because it is (in all the best ways!).
Book a room here.
The Saguaro, Palm Springs
There's no better way to relax than with a trip to the California desert. With its reasonable prices and bold color exterior and room decor, the Saguaro is one of Palm Springs' most Instagrammed hotels. Spend all day at the pool, then make sure to check out El Jefe, the property's tequila bar and restaurant. We recommend the watermelon margarita and nachos with short ribs!
Book a room here.
Hotel Wailea, Maui
Hawaii is always a good idea. If you want to escape to one of the more unique properties in Maui, look no further than Hotel Wailea. Does it get better than waterfall yoga for finding your bliss? How about joining other guests for daily social hours in the cabanas, where the hotel serves complimentary wine? On Saturdays, the hotel offers a tropical mixology class so you can take a little bit of Maui home with you.
Book a room here.
The Robey, Chicago
The Robey is Chicago's Art Deco darling and perfect for a vacay to the Windy City. The hotel was originally built as an office building, and its stylized rooms boast Le Labo amenities and 180-degree views of the city skyline—a perfect setting for unwinding at the end of the day.
Book a room here.
Moonrise Hotel, St. Louis
Moonrise Hotel in St. Louis, Missouri, is like stepping onto the set of Mad Men. While the wonderfully colorful decor is very 1960s, its eco-friendliness is very 2017. Moonrise Hotel is the first restaurant and hotel to have a fully solar panel roof, and it provides charging stations for electric vehicles. Oh, and it's pet-friendly too! They even make their own treats for their four-legged guests.
Book a room here.
Pontchartrain Hotel, New Orleans
The Pontchartrain Hotel is right in the middle of New Orleans' historic Garden District—you can hop on the streetcar right outside of the hotel's front door. Don't forget to check out the Hot Tin rooftop bar for a post–French Quarter cocktail, and the Mile High Ice Cream Pie is a must at the iconic Caribbean Room hotel restaurant, which is now run by celebrity chef John Besh.
Book a room here.
The NoMad Hotel, New York City
New York is the city where you can do literally anything 24/7. But if you want to retreat from the madness, there's no better place than the NoMad Hotel. Dine and drink from menus created by the 3 Michelin star–rated team of chefs Daniel Humm and Will Guidara from Eleven Madison Park, lounge in the hotel's curated two-level library that's connected by a staircase imported from the South of France, or leave the hustle and bustle outside and soak in your room's clawfoot tub.
Book a room here.
Inn At The Market, Seattle
Aside from grunge music in the '90s, the only thing Seattle is more famous for is the Pike Place Market. Inn at the Market is directly across the street from the infamous attraction. The property was recently renovated, and the rooms have a modern feel. The Water View Rooms, overlooking Elliott Bay, are a must; if you're feeling tired after getting up early to check out the market, treat yourself to an in-room massage!
Book a room here.
The Betsy, Miami
Nothing says "welcome to Miami" quite like the Betsy. While located on the infamous South Beach, the hotel has a completely different vibe from others in the area. Think more Zen, less shenanigans. The family-owned property is for guests who'd rather leisurely sip on a cocktail and read a book at the 3,200-square-foot pool—which happens to straddle two buildings. Forget the DJs and loud music, and instead enjoy the peace and tranquility at this one-of-a-kind pool.
Book a room here.
Hotel Eleven, Austin
Hotel Eleven's motto is "Small place, big personality," and the Texas boutique certainly offers guests affordable luxury. There are only 14 rooms, and the property features a Crash Pad: a 220-square-foot space with a queen bed and window seat but not much else (perfect for those who will be out during the day and on 6th Street all night). Hotel Eleven is also home to Louis Vuitton, a black feline who lives on the property and mingles with guests.
Book a room here.
XV Beacon, Boston
No one would argue that Boston is a city dedicated to being unique, and that includes the XV Beacon. Each of the 63 guest rooms is individually designed, and no two are alike. The hotel went through a major update in 2009 but maintained its original cage elevator. In addition to its cool Boston vibe, the hotel offers complimentary Lexus cars to chauffeur guests throughout downtown Boston—even to the airport.
Book a room here.
