5-Star Hotels in the U.S. That Only Insiders Know About

Part of what makes 5-star hotels so luxurious is their exclusivity. You can find crowds in any hotel, but seclusion, peace, and quiet can be much harder to come by.

That’s why we’ve rounded up some of our favorite stays at one of America’s hidden gem hotels. If you’re looking for a place to unwind, relax, and feel like a VIP, these are some of the best luxury options to consider.

1. Amangani, Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Starting Nightly Rate: $409

Just outside Grand Teton National Park, Amangani is the perfect hotel for nature lovers who want to enjoy a little luxury.

With a hilltop location, Amangani offers world-class views you can’t find anywhere else in the country. You can book excursions to experience Wyoming’s wilderness, like skiing, fly fishing, or horse riding.

Nature isn’t the only thing the hotel has to offer, though. Amangani also has a luxury wellness center and spa where guests can enjoy massages, steam rooms, a hot tub, and more.

Amangani might be a secluded hotel, but it’s far from boring. Throughout the year, the hotel hosts seasonal events and activities. It can offer hours of fun and entertainment without the big city crowds.

How To Book: The Amangani can be booked through the Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts program, which can be accessed by having The Platinum Card^® from American Express and The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express. Benefits include a room upgrade (upon availability), daily breakfast for 2 people, guaranteed 4 p.m. late checkout, and a unique property amenity valued at $100.

2. The American Club, Kohler, Wisconsin

Starting Nightly Rate: $395

For over 100 years, Wisconsin’s American Club has been an iconic yet underrated beacon of luxury in the Midwest. This hotel’s history is ingrained in its charm, with decor that harkens back to its roots as accommodations for the state’s immigrant communities and later as an avant-garde resort.

Located on 4 acres of land with a 500-acre nature preserve nearby, the American Club offers seclusion, peace, and quiet. The town of Kohler is relatively small, with a population of around 2,000, so this is the perfect spot to go if you want to relax, unwind, and make the most of quaint, small-town life.

The American Club offers guests plenty of ways to fill their days: fitness classes, a private beach, a health club, and a state-of-the-art spa. It’s a popular holiday getaway spot, hosting exclusive and beloved Thanksgiving and Christmas events for guests.

How To Book: Select Capital One cardholders can book The American Club through the Capital One Premier Collection. This luxury hotel program offers guaranteed breakfast for 2, though other perks like room upgrades, early check-in, and late check-out are given out upon availability.

3. CordeValle, San Martin, California

Starting Nightly Rate: $462

Tucked away at the foot of the Santa Cruz Mountains, CordeValle is one of Northern California’s best-kept secrets. The hotel features 1,700 acres of land and offers an idyllic retreat experience with numerous amenities.

CordeValle is beloved among avid golfers, but there’s something for everyone here, from its health and athletic facilities to luxury spa, winery, and culinary experiences. Guests are welcome to plan their own getaway or choose from one of the hotel’s golf or romance packages if they’d prefer a more hands-off approach.

With CordeValle’s size, number of activities, and multiple eateries, it’s easy to escape crowds and feel tucked away in a secluded oasis. You might even forget you’re just a 6-minute drive from downtown San Martin.

How To Book: CordeValle can be booked through the Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts program. With the Amex Platinum card, you’ll receive an up to $200 prepaid hotel credit every year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts bookings, on top of those exclusive perks by booking through the platform.

4. The Inn of The Five Graces, Santa Fe, New Mexico

Starting Nightly Rate: $855

The Inn of The Five Graces offers luxury and seclusion without straying more than a few minutes walk from Santa Fe’s best restaurants, shops, and art galleries.

This underrated hotel has garnered a loyal clientele that loves the inn’s spa. The spa’s relaxing setting, ancient practices, and modern wellness ensure guests leave the hotel rejuvenated.

Special care was taken in designing the hotel’s rooms, communal areas, and restaurants, so finding a place to linger and unwind is not difficult.

Despite being the city’s only luxury hotel, the hotel has remained one of Santa Fe’s best-kept secrets. You don’t have to worry about crowds affecting your stay. Unsurprisingly, the hotel is particularly popular for retreats and couple’s vacations.

How To Book: The best way to book this hotel is through the Amex FHR program. The Amex Platinum card and the Amex Business Platinum card offers 5x points on prepaid hotels booked on AmexTravel.com, which is just the cherry on top to the already impressive benefits.

5. The Lodge & Spa at Brush Creek Ranch, Saratoga, Wyoming

Starting Nightly Rate: $1,710

Tucked away near Medicine Bow National Forest, the Lodge & Spa at Brush Creek Ranch offers dude ranching in luxury. Spanning 30,000 acres, it’s easy to feel like you’re in a haven surrounded by nature.

The lodge’s seclusion means you can relax and unwind or enjoy nature and the hotel’s panoramic views at your own pace. You can also book one of the hotel’s excursions, like skiing, archery, or ice fishing.

If you’d prefer a more rejuvenating vacation, you can spend your days at the resort’s wellness center. From goat yoga to massages, there’s something for every level of health and self-care.

Brush Creek Ranch offers plenty of activities for kids to run around and enjoy Wyoming’s natural landscape. The lodge’s dining area is localized, and many kitchen ingredients come from the property.

How To Book: Bookings made through the Amex FHR program include a complimentary one-way airport transfer during your stay. The nearest airport to the property is Laramie Regional Airport (LAR), located approximately 90 minutes from The Lodge & Spa at Brush Creek Ranch.

6. Ocean House, Westerly, Rhode Island

Starting Nightly Rate: $425

Though Ocean House is the only 5-star hotel in Rhode Island, it’s still one of the state’s hidden gems. Not only has the hotel been honored with a star rating, but the location’s spa and fine dining restaurant have also been. In fact, it’s one of the only resorts in the world to have achieved such a feat.

Ocean House’s location makes it a perfect hidden luxury spot. With beautiful coastal views and 13 acres of resort property, including a private beach, it’s an escape from the bustle of the city.

The hotel’s seclusion doesn’t mean it lacks things to do. It hosts classes, adventure excursions, and child-friendly activities in addition to the sports and spa bookings available to guests. Exclusive events are also hosted on the property throughout the year.

How To Book: While this boutique property does not participate in any luxury rewards program, we recommend booking with the Chase Sapphire Reserve^® , which earns 3x points on all travel purchases.

7. Post Ranch Inn, Big Sur, California

Starting Nightly Rate: $1,660

The Post Ranch Inn’s coastal location has made it one of the top places in California for a romantic or relaxing getaway. Despite this growing notoriety, the inn still flies under the radar of most travelers.

The ranch offers multiple accommodation options, including a luxury treehouse that immerses guests in nature. Unwinding at the on-site spa and enjoying the views are some of the most popular ways to vacation at the Post Ranch Inn.

There’s no shortage of other activities. Guided nature walks, yoga classes, group meditation, and wine tasting are just a few of the experiences you can book to elevate your stay.

While it’s easy to think the hotel is in the middle of nowhere, it’s a short drive from the rest of Big Sur and Monterey, so there’s no limit to your exploring.

How To Book: The Post Ranch Inn can be booked through The Edit by Chase Travel, a luxury hotel program accessible to those who hold the Chase Sapphire Reserve card or J.P. Morgan Reserve Card. Benefits include daily breakfast for 2, a room upgrade upon availability, a $100 property credit, and many more!

8. The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee, Greensboro, Georgia

Starting Nightly Rate: $640

Located an hour outside of Atlanta, the Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee offers peace and tranquility away from the buzz of the city. As part of the Ritz-Carlton group, this location offers guests a variety of exclusivity levels, including access to a personalized stay if you’re part of the Ritz-Carlton Club.

What makes the Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee, unique is its location. The hotel is on the lake’s shores, surrounded by Georgia’s nature and acres of land. Unsurprisingly, some of the hotel’s most popular activities include golfing, lakeside dining, and boating.

Health and wellness are top priorities, with a state-of-the-art fitness center, spa, lakeside beach, and pool.

How To Book: As a participating hotel of the Marriott Bonvoy program, rooms can be booked for as little as 50,000 points per night. Don’t forget that you can also get your fifth night free on award bookings as a Marriott Bonvoy member.

Hot Tip:

Even during the colder months, this hotel hosts special events and activities for the whole family, such as holiday dinners, workshops, and ice skating.

9. San Ysidro Ranch, Montecito, California

Starting Nightly Rate: $2,595

San Ysidro Ranch‘s list of notable guests is long, ranging from Winston Churchill to Laurence Olivier. However, despite its notable history, San Ysidro’s reputation for exclusivity has allowed it to remain one of California’s best-kept hidden gems.

Hidden from the bustle of the chaos of daily life in Santa Barbara, the ranch is surrounded by greenery and hills, which offer privacy and peace.

In addition to this already secluded setting, the ranch features several private guest cottages. Each has a gated entry to ensure guests have the sort of privacy usually reserved for celebrities.

This tranquil ambiance is perfect for a day at the renowned on-site spa. For a little more adventure, San Ysidro also offers boating, biking, and wine-tasting experiences to fill your days with luxury. 

How To Book: The San Ysidro Ranch participates in the Leading Hotels of the World program, and rooms can be booked for around 30,000 points per night. Citi ThankYou Points is the only transfer partner of Leaders Club at a ratio of 5:1.

10. The Umstead Hotel and Spa, Cary, North Carolina

Starting Nightly Rate: $409

With 12 acres of lakeside property for guests to explore, North Carolina’s Umstead Hotel offers travelers on the East Coast a chance to unwind in the lap of luxury.

Inspired by art, nature, and southern hospitality, the hotel curates a classy, restorative stay for its guests. The luxury spa offers several services, from massages to manicures, so guests can curate a day of self-care and wellness to suit their needs.

The hotel offers numerous amenities, including nightly entertainment, access to the hotel’s restaurants, and afternoon tea. The Umstead is one of the only luxury resorts offering pet-friendly accommodations.

While at the Umstead, it might be easy to forget you’re far from town. However, a short drive will take you to some of North Carolina’s best museums, performance centers, and shops.

How To Book: This hotel is available on the Amex FHR platform, and the $100 on-property credit will be perfect for any spa treatments you book during your stay.

Final Thoughts

From the East Coast to the West, the U.S. has no shortage of hidden gem hotels perfect for a luxurious getaway. Hopefully, this list has helped inspire you to plan your vacation to one of America’s best-hidden luxury hotels.