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When it comes to luxury travel, not all five-star hotels are created equal. The Forbes Travel Guide, the only global rating system for luxury hotels, restaurants, and spas sets the gold standard. Its anonymous inspectors evaluate properties based on over 900 exacting criteria, from the warmth of the welcome to the quality of in-room dining and the depth of spa treatments. The result? A coveted list of hotels that consistently deliver service, design, and experiences at the highest level.
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Whether you’re craving wide-open mountain air, an iconic city escape, or sun-soaked beach days, we’ve rounded up 10 of our favorite Forbes-endorsed hotels in the U.S.—each one offering not only exceptional accommodations but also access to incredible local culture, cuisine, and activities. From the cinematic glam of Beverly Hills to the stillness of a Montana ranch, these properties aren’t just places to stay. They’re the reason to go.
As one of just 60 Forbes Travel Guide-endorsed travel agencies worldwide, Boutique Travel Advisors (BTA) is proud to have earned a place among the world’s most elite luxury travel planners. This exclusive designation is offered by invitation only, following a rigorous vetting and interview process—and allows us to offer our clients preferred access and elevated recognition at Forbes-rated hotels around the globe.
For every Forbes hotel booking made through BTA, we take the extra step to personally connect with the property’s General Manager or senior leadership to ensure your stay is truly unforgettable—from VIP welcome amenities to room upgrades and insider experiences that can’t be booked online. Check out these amazing properties.
Photo Courtesy of The Peninsula Chicago.
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1. The Peninsula Chicago – Chicago, Illinois
Forbes Rating: ★★★★★
Located in the heart of the Magnificent Mile, The Peninsula Chicago is the epitome of sophisticated urban luxury. Known for its personalized service, attention to detail, and elegant interiors, this Forbes Five-Star property consistently ranks among the favorite Forbes-endorsed hotels in the U.S., especially for travelers seeking a refined city experience.
The spacious guest rooms feature subtle Asian-inspired design, high-tech controls, soaking tubs, and floor-to-ceiling windows offering panoramic city views. Don’t miss the award-winning Peninsula Spa and its half-Olympic indoor pool perched above the city skyline.
Dining: The hotel’s Shanghai Terrace serves upscale Cantonese cuisine in a sultry, club-like setting, while the Lobby offers one of the best afternoon teas in Chicago.
Why Go? Chicago is a dynamic blend of architecture, food, music, and Midwestern charm. Stroll Millennium Park, catch a show in the Theater District, or cruise the Chicago River to admire iconic architecture. World-class museums like the Art Institute and natural spaces like the Lakefront Trail are minutes away.
Photo Courtesy of Twin Farms
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2. Twin Farms – Barnard, Vermont
Forbes Rating: ★★★★★
For those seeking complete seclusion and rustic elegance, Twin Farms is the ultimate countryside retreat. This adults-only, all-inclusive resort sits on 300 acres of rolling meadows and forest, and it’s widely considered one of the most luxurious boutique hotels in the U.S.
Each of the uniquely themed cottages is filled with curated art, wood-burning fireplaces, and deep soaking tubs. A stay at Twin Farms is designed for total relaxation with personalized gourmet meals, inclusive activities like fly-fishing, biking, and cross-country skiing, and spa treatments in a serene setting.
Dining: Meals are crafted daily by an in-house culinary team using locally sourced ingredients. There’s no menu, just tailored tasting experiences served in intimate settings, including candlelit barns and fireside dining rooms.
Why Go? Barnard and the nearby town of Woodstock offer quintessential New England charm. Explore covered bridges, local craft shops, artisan cheesemakers, and hiking trails. In fall, the foliage is spectacular; in winter, it’s a snow-dusted wonderland.
Photo Courtesy of Amangiri
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3. Amangiri – Canyon Point, Utah
Forbes Rating: ★★★★★
Tucked into the dramatic desert landscapes of Southern Utah, Amangiri is one of the most visually stunning properties in the U.S. The resort’s modernist architecture blends into towering mesas and rust-colored canyons, offering guests a harmonious connection with nature and an unparalleled sense of tranquility.
Spacious suites open onto private patios with desert views, some featuring fire pits or plunge pools. The resort’s spa is a destination in itself, offering Navajo-inspired healing rituals, flotation therapy, and outdoor treatment pavilions.
Experiences: Amangiri specializes in immersive experiences—from sunrise yoga atop ancient rock formations to private tours of nearby national parks like Zion, Bryce Canyon, and the Grand Staircase-Escalante. As one of the most tranquil and remote destinations among the favorite Forbes-endorsed hotels in the U.S., it offers experiences that simply can’t be found anywhere else. Whether you’re floating in the desert-view pool or enjoying Navajo-inspired spa treatments, every moment on property is designed to reconnect you with stillness, space, and serenity.
Why Go? The surrounding area is a paradise for adventurers, photographers, and stargazers. Hike slot canyons, take a hot air balloon over the desert, or boat on Lake Powell. This is a destination for reconnecting with the land and yourself.
Interested in learning more about Amangiri and other standout properties? Check out it’s features on [Luxurious Movie-Inspired Hotels for Film & TV Enthusiasts], [Swoon-Worthy Design Hotels for Your 2025 Bucket List], and [Best Luxury Resorts to Unwind in the Southwest]. For business travelers, explore our [8 Best Luxury Resorts In the Southwest For A Relaxing Corporate Retreat] to see why Amangiri is consistently a top pick.
Photo Courtesy of The Lodge at Blue Sky and Forbes Travel Guide
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4. The Lodge at Blue Sky, Auberge Resorts Collection
Forbes Rating: ★★★★★
Set just outside Park City in Wanship, this secluded Western retreat spans across a 3,500-acre ranch, where modern design is grounded in the drama of open sky and mountain scale. Days are built around expertly guided pursuits such horseback riding, fly fishing, hiking, mountain biking, clay target shooting, outdoor yoga, and even heliskiing.
Accommodations include suites facing the Wasatch Mountains, hillside rooms tucked into the terrain, and freestanding creekside cabins set beside rushing water. Interiors favor earth tones and locally sourced materials (wood, stone, marble), designed to keep the landscape as the focal point. For couples seeking true privacy, the adults-only Creek Houses offer fireplaces, soaring ceilings, and floor-to-ceiling glass that draws the outdoors in.
Wellness centers on Edge Spa, perched on a cliff with treatment rooms overlooking Alexander Creek and rolling mountain ranges. Expect a restorative, place-based sensibility—serene spaces, natural products with botanical ingredients sourced onsite, and a cliffside relaxation pool that feels made for lingering after a day in the elements.
Dining: Yuta anchors the experience with contemporary Western cooking and a wood-burning hearth, leaning on local purveyors and the onsite, organic Gracie’s Farm. The bar’s equestrian-inspired cocktail program is as distinctive as the setting, and the team can arrange elevated outdoor dining experiences across the ranch, including within the property’s yurt.
Why Go? It is a rare blend of true seclusion and prime ski-town access: Park City Mountain Resort and Deer Valley Resort are within a 30 minute drive and in winter the lodge’s private ski lounge at the base streamlines slope days.
Photo Courtesy of The Setai, Miami Beach
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5. The Setai, Miami Beach – Miami, Florida
Forbes Rating: ★★★★★
A serene sanctuary nestled in the heart of South Beach, The Setai offers a rare blend of Asian tranquility and Art Deco sophistication. With sleek lines, teak finishes, and Balinese-inspired design, the ambiance feels far removed from the buzz of Ocean Drive—yet everything is just steps away.
The oceanfront suites and residences are spacious, elegant, and ultra-private, with deep soaking tubs, rainfall showers, and floor-to-ceiling views of the Atlantic or the Miami skyline. The Three Temperature Infinity Pools offer a peaceful escape from the Miami heat, and the Valmont Spa is a Five-Star oasis.
Dining: Jaya, the hotel’s signature restaurant, offers bold flavors from Southeast Asia, India, and Japan, with live music and courtyard seating under the stars.
Why Go? Miami offers a mix of culture, energy, and beauty. Spend the day exploring the art galleries of Wynwood, relax on white-sand beaches, or take a speedboat tour of Biscayne Bay. The nightlife, dining, and Latin flavor of the city make it an exciting year-round destination.
Photo Courtesy of The Little Nell, Aspen
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6. The Little Nell – Aspen, Colorado
Forbes Rating: ★★★★★
The Little Nell is Aspen’s only Forbes Five-Star, Five-Diamond property—and a true alpine gem. Perfectly situated at the base of Aspen Mountain, it offers ski-in/ski-out access in winter and immediate access to hiking and biking trails in summer.
The hotel’s interiors are warm yet modern, with wood accents, gas fireplaces, and balconies overlooking the slopes. Guests are assigned personal concierges who can arrange everything from ski lessons to fly-fishing excursions and art gallery tours.
Dining: Element 47 is a standout for fine dining and features one of the most impressive wine cellars in the Rockies. Ajax Tavern is a favorite for aprés-ski with its famous truffle fries and slopeside seating.
Why Go? Aspen is more than a ski town—it’s a year-round destination for outdoor enthusiasts, foodies, and art lovers. Home to one of the favorite Forbes-endorsed hotels in the U.S., it’s the perfect base for exploring everything from the renowned Food & Wine Classic to scenic gondola rides and the chic boutiques and galleries that line the town’s charming streets. A scenic walk is a great way to explore the city after a long day on the mountain.
Photo Courtesy of Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills
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7. Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills – Beverly Hills, California
Forbes Rating: ★★★★★
Glamorous, contemporary, and impeccably serviced, the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills redefines West Coast luxury. Designed by Pierre-Yves Rochon, the property is all clean lines, soft golds, and lush greenery—culminating in one of L.A.’s most luxurious rooftop pools.
All rooms feature private balconies, with sweeping views of the Hollywood Hills or city skyline. The Waldorf is also one of the most technologically advanced hotels in Los Angeles, offering in-room tablets to control lighting, service, and entertainment.
Dining: The previous Michelin-starred Jean-Georges Beverly Hills restaurant inside the hotel closed in May 2023—now replaced by Espelette, featuring a coastal-Mediterranean menu by Chef Steve Benjamin. Meanwhile, The Rooftop Beverly Hills (formerly Rooftop by JG) remains a vibrant al‑fresco destination with panoramic 360° views of L.A. and an Asian-influenced menu.
Why Go? This hotel is ideal for travelers seeking understated glamour in the heart of Beverly Hills. You’re close to the Sunset Strip, the Hollywood Bowl, and premier L.A. attractions, yet cocooned in a serene, resort-like setting.
Photo Courtesy of The Four Seasons Hotel, The Surf Club
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8. Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club – Surfside, Florida
Forbes Rating: ★★★★★
Originally opened in 1930 as a private club for the rich and famous, The Surf Club has been reimagined as a modern Four Seasons sanctuary, blending historic charm with contemporary elegance. The hotel’s architecture, led by Richard Meier, preserves the iconic arches and club heritage while offering sleek, glass-lined rooms with direct ocean views.
Guests can unwind at the beachfront spa, sip cocktails in the legendary champagne bar, or dine at Lido Restaurant by Chef Michael White. The ambiance is refined yet relaxed—perfect for those who want Miami luxury without the Miami chaos. Once you step foot on this property, you will understand why it is one of our favorite Forbes-endorsed hotels in the U.S.
Dining: Lido is a culinary standout offering coastal Italian cuisine, and The Surf Club Restaurant by Thomas Keller (of French Laundry fame) delivers impeccable seasonal menus in an elevated setting.
Why Go? Located just north of Miami Beach, Surfside is quieter and more refined. Enjoy pristine beaches, luxury shopping at Bal Harbour Shops, and easy access to the buzz of South Beach and cultural hotspots downtown.
Photo Courtesy of The Ranch at Rock Creek
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9. The Ranch at Rock Creek – Philipsburg, Montana
Forbes Rating: ★★★★★
Nestled in the wild beauty of Montana’s Big Sky Country, The Ranch at Rock Creek is the only Forbes Five-Star ranch resort in the world. Combining authentic Western adventure with refined luxury, this all-inclusive property sits on 6,600 acres of pristine wilderness where wildlife roams freely and the pace of life slows down.
Accommodations range from rustically elegant lodge rooms to luxury canvas cabins and fully appointed homes, many with outdoor soaking tubs and wood-burning stoves. Daily activities like horseback riding, archery, fly-fishing, and sporting clays are tailored to guests’ preferences, while the Granite Spa and heated pool provide a soothing contrast to the rugged outdoors.
Dining: Expect farm-to-table cuisine served fireside, with a focus on Montana flavors—elk, bison, trout, and seasonal vegetables. Communal dining encourages connection with other guests, while private meals can be arranged in scenic locations across the property.
Why Go? Montana offers untouched landscapes, fresh air, and wide-open skies—perfect for travelers craving nature, wellness, and space. Nearby, explore the historic mining town of Philipsburg or plan a day trip to Glacier National Park.
Photo Courtesy of The Lowell, New York
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10. The Lowell – New York, New York
Forbes Rating: ★★★★
Tucked away on a quiet tree-lined street just off Madison Avenue, The Lowell is one of Manhattan’s best-kept luxury secrets. This refined Upper East Side gem offers a distinctly residential feel, making it a favorite for celebrities, creatives, and seasoned travelers seeking discretion and elegance.
Rooms and suites feel like private apartments, complete with hardwood floors, wood-burning fireplaces (a rarity in NYC), and curated libraries. The style is classic, understated, and deeply personal—every detail thoughtfully designed to create a sense of home.
Dining: Majorelle, the hotel’s signature restaurant, serves refined French-Mediterranean cuisine with a side of Park Avenue elegance. Don’t miss breakfast or afternoon tea at The Pembroke Room, a New York institution.
Why Go? Staying at The Lowell places you steps from Central Park, The Met, upscale shopping on Madison Avenue, and a more refined, quiet version of New York luxury. It’s ideal for guests who want to live like locals—albeit very privileged ones—in the city that never sleeps.
Why Book Forbes Hotels with BTA?
Boutique Travel Advisors is proud to be one of just 54 Forbes Travel Guide-endorsed agencies worldwide—an honor extended by invitation only following a thorough vetting and interview process. This elite designation signifies our commitment to excellence in luxury travel planning and client care.
What does this mean for you? When you book a Forbes-rated property through BTA, we don’t just make a reservation. We leverage our direct relationships to personally connect with the General Manager or Hotel Manager of each property to ensure VIP recognition, tailored amenities, and seamless experiences from check-in to check-out.
Whether you’re looking for a romantic escape, a wellness retreat, a family adventure, or a solo splurge, these Forbes-endorsed hotels represent the pinnacle of luxury hospitality in the United States—and Boutique Travel Advisors is here to make it unforgettable. So, which of our favorite Forbes-endorsed hotels in the U.S. will you be staying at next?
Check Out These Other Helpful Articles Focused on Hotels and Travel in the United States:
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Best Luxury Back To Nature Hotels In The West (January 18, 2026)
A nature-forward shortlist of Western stays chosen for privacy, setting, design, and wellness, with an emphasis on wide-open landscapes and restorative pacing. -
Best Luxury Back To Nature Hotels on The East Coast (December 8, 2025)
An East Coast counterpart that prioritizes space, serenity, and boutique character—ideal for a refined domestic reset without sacrificing comfort. -
Your Next Power Move? A Wellness Retreat at These U.S. Spa Resorts (January 28, 2026)
A “strategic reset” guide to American wellness resorts, positioning spa travel as performance recovery rather than simple indulgence. -
10 Best U.S. Golf Destinations: Legendary Fairways, Luxury Hotels & Unforgettable Experiences (September 23, 2025)
A golf-driven itinerary builder that pairs iconic courses with elevated hotels and experiences, geared toward travelers who want both sport and polish. -
Best Luxury Resorts For Families With Teens In The US (January 11, 2026)
A practical, property-led guide for multigenerational travel, focused on resorts that keep teens engaged while preserving a true luxury experience for adults.
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Boutique Travel Advisors is a full-service, luxury travel agency. We specialize in creating bespoke itineraries for discerning clients around the world. Please visit our website or call 480-787-1477 to speak with a dedicated travel expert.
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