10 Most Charming Boutique Hotels in the U.S. — How To Book

While large hotels and mega resorts often provide many amenities for guests, boutique hotels offer a stylish and usually more personalized stay. So, it’s no surprise that more and more travelers are booking their vacations at these smaller hotels every year.

If you’re looking for chic and unique accommodations for your next getaway, here are the best boutique hotels in the U.S.

1. Avalon Hotel in Beverly Hills, California

Starting Nightly Rate: $334

Located in the heart of Beverly Hills, Avalon Hotel Beverly Hills offers a serene escape from the city’s bustle while still providing the glamor tourists look for. The hotel was designed to epitomize the California color scheme and lifestyle, with light, upscale colors, particularly blues and neutrals.

Of course, you can also find pops of eye-catching color. That’s especially true around the pool and other common areas since the hotel’s 84 rooms aim for a more calming motif. This modern minimalism blends with carefully selected mid-century pieces to create an ambiance that evokes Hollywood luxury.

Part of the Avalon Hotel’s appeal is its location. It’s within walking distance of many of the area’s top sites and shopping districts, and others are just a short drive away. This style blends seamlessly with the theme of Viviane, the on-site restaurant, which recreates the Euro-American atmosphere of the mid-20th century.

How To Book: This property is part of Marriott’s Design Hotels collection, allowing you to book a boutique stay even with your points and miles. You can redeem around 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night for a guest room with 1 King Bed, though the exact rates will depend on the season.

2. Bradford House in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Starting Nightly Rate: $162

Bradford House in Oklahoma City is more than a Victorian-style home. It’s also a beautiful hotel ready to welcome guests to relax, unwind, and reminisce. Bradford House takes inspiration from its century-old history, mixing vintage, antique, and modern pieces to create a charming and eclectic color scheme and decor style.

This decor creates a unique setting for your overnight stay and curates a cozy place where you can grab a coffee, a bite to eat in the restaurant, or just settle in with a good book in the library.

Bradford House became so popular that the hotel’s 36 rooms have been split into 2 buildings, each with a different but complementary style. The Historic Home is perfect for visitors who want to step back in time, while the Modern Guesthouse puts a more modern twist on classic and timeless style.

How To Book: The Bradford House is part of Marriott’s growing Design Hotels collection. Rooms are incredibly affordable, starting at just 20,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night. Even better, members can get your fifth night free when booking an award stay!

3. The Dwell Hotel in Chattanooga, Tennessee

Starting Nightly Rate: $229

The Dwell Hotel in Chattanooga is small, with just 16 guest rooms. However, what it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in ambiance. It mixes mid-century modern, retro luxury, and contemporary glamor to create an upscale boutique hotel that makes every guest feel like a VIP from Hollywood’s golden years.

Since there are just over a dozen rooms in the hotel, each has its own identity, so there’s something for virtually every style. The Tropicana has a vintage beachy look, while The Pink Lady has a funky retro appeal that’s perfect for guests who love a little quirkiness in their decor.

The Dwell’s on-site bar, Matilda Midnight, is another guest favorite, thanks to its specialty cocktails and unique small plates. It’s a family-friendly spot during the day, but after 9 p.m., it switches to a 21+ crowd.

How To Book: While The Dwell Hotel may not appear to be a points property at first, it’s another independent hotel that partners with Marriott Bonvoy Design Hotels. Base-level suites will cost around 45,000 points per night, making it a great use of those 35,000-point free night certificates if you can top off the stay with extra points.

4. The Grand Hotel in Hogansville, Georgia

Starting Nightly Rate: $178

With just 9 guest rooms, the Grand Hotel in Hogansville is about as boutique as lodging comes. Classic sophistication is the main theme of the hotel, brought to life by its antiques and other mid-century and Victorian-style furnishings. This hotel has been open since the 1890s, so it has had over 100 years to build a reputation as one of Georgia’s top lodging options.

Each of the Grand Hotel’s rooms is decorated with one-of-a-kind artwork and furniture to ensure each guest has a unique stay. Whirlpool tubs are in 3 of the rooms, while others have working fireplaces.

The Grand Hotel’s unique styling and ambiance have even drawn the attention of directors. Some of the rooms and the hotel’s wrap-around veranda were a key setting in an episode of “The Walking Dead.” 8 of the rooms sleep 2 people, so families should consider booking the Bridal Suite, which sleeps 4.

How To Book: Booking this hotel is possible through Expedia or Hotels.com, which shares a loyalty program known as One Key Rewards. All members earn 2% in OneKeyCash, which can be redeemed for those major travel platforms, as well as Vrbo!

5. Lucille’s Mountain Top Inn and Spa in Sautee Nacoochee, Georgia

Starting Nightly Rate: $300

Lucille’s Mountain Top Inn and Spa is a small, intimate luxury inn near the Blue Ridge Mountains. Its location near Atlanta and in the middle of the state’s wine country has made it a top spot for guests looking for a place to get away and unplug.

The resort’s decor further encourages that ambiance. Each of the inn’s 14 rooms is decorated with calming neutral tones and natural materials, embodying the natural surroundings for a restorative stay.

All rooms have bathrobes, hair dryers, Wi-Fi, and cable television to make your vacation more comfortable. Lucille’s also offers complimentary gourmet breakfasts, beverages, and evening desserts. Staying on the property gives you easy access to the hotel’s renowned spa.

How To Book: Paying for any hotel reservation with a travel credit card is a great way to rack up bonus points. Our top recommendations are the Chase Sapphire Reserve^® and the Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card, which earn 3x and 2x Ultimate Rewards points on travel purchases, respectively.

Hot Tip:

Lucille’s Mountain Top Inn and Spa is intended to be a haven for adults, so guests must be at least 14 years old.

6. Mayflower Inn & Spa, Auberge Resorts Collection in Washington, Connecticut

Starting Nightly Rate: $635

Mayflower Inn & Spa, an Auberge Resort Collection property, is elegant, idyllic, and eclectic, making it the perfect place for a relaxing but unforgettable getaway. This inn is set on over 50 acres and has only 30 rooms on the property, so it can curate an intimate experience away from crowds.

Each room is uniquely designed, with some painted to make you feel like you’re sleeping in a garden of vines, while others evoke a vintage European ambiance. Its idyllic, peaceful location makes it a popular home base for tourists hoping to explore New England since the inn is just a few hours from New York City.

You can spend your days at the hotel, enjoying a meal in the Garden Room or Tap Room or pampering yourself at the award-winning spa. Mayflower Inn welcomes children and pets, so it’s great for families.

How To Book: The Mayflower Inn & Spa is bookable through the American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts platform, which is an amazing way to get extra benefits. Guests enjoy a guaranteed 4 p.m. checkout, complimentary breakfast, and more.

7. The Robey in Chicago, Illinois

Starting Nightly Rate: $194

Located in one of Chicago’s most trendy and eclectic neighborhoods, The Robey is a luxe boutique hotel that mixes modern sleekness and historic longevity.

Each of its 89 rooms is decorated in a way that combines industrialism and style. The Tower Rooms offer the best views since they have the highest floors. On the other hand, the Annex Lofts curate a more unique experience since this part of the hotel was once a converted warehouse.

The Robey’s sleek design matches perfectly with its luxury amenities. All guests have access to the hotel’s various eateries and complimentary bike service, and you even get a pass for the Bucktown Athletic Club located just a few doors down. You can also use the rooftop pool during the summer.

For a truly pampered stay, book an in-room massage to unwind after a long and exciting day of exploring the Windy City.

How To Book: As another member of Marriott’s Design Hotels, guest rooms start at 40,000 points per night. You can earn Marriott Bonvoy points by transferring points from American Express Membership Rewards, Bilt Rewards, and Chase Ultimate Rewards.

8. Scribner’s Catskill Lodge in Hunter, New York

Starting Nightly Rate: $245

Scribner’s Catskill Lodge brings guests close to the great outdoors in style, thanks to its 49 accommodation options, split between guest rooms and cabins. Scribner’s rooms are decorated in a minimalistic mountain style, with fireplaces, sleek white walls, and luxuriously rich furnishings.

Its cabins, also called rounds, are great for travelers who want to take advantage of the hotel’s picturesque location. Each round has an oculus in the ceiling for stargazing, a gas fireplace, a soaking tub, and a circular sofa with plenty of room to spread out.

Scribner’s Catskill Lodge curates a homey, cozy atmosphere for guests. Everyone who stays on the property can roam the communal areas, like the library, lounge, sauna, and pool. There’s also a kids’ zone on the property for youngsters to hang out, color, play, or unwind.

How To Book: Marriott’s Design Hotels collection is one of the best ways to book these charming hotels, and the Scribner’s Catskill Lodge is no exception. The base-level guest room with 1 Queen bed can be booked from 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

9. Timber Cove Resort in Jenner, California

Starting Nightly Rate: $427

Located on a cliff overlooking the Pacific, Timber Cove Resort immerses travelers in the rugged beauty of the California coast. The hotel is small, with just 46 rooms and suites, to prioritize quality experiences that guests won’t forget.

Timber Cove’s atmosphere is part of its charm. Instead of opting for trendy decor, the entire resort has a simple but timeless style that takes inspiration from nature. Hardwood, warm colors, and vintage pieces are used throughout the hotel.

To help visitors feel more at home, the hotel offers several cozy amenities you won’t find at larger-scale lodgings. Sunset champagne toasts are hosted every Saturday, and wine tastings occur on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Every night, guests can treat themselves to freshly baked cookies, which you can find in the lobby. There’s a record player in each room and a library of vinyls you can borrow.

How To Book: The Timber Cove Resort participates in The Hotel Collection by American Express, and guests can enjoy a $100 property credit and a space-available room upgrades by booking. With the popular American Express^® Gold Card, you can receive a $100 statement credit toward eligible charges with The Hotel Collection when booking 2 nights (or more) through AmexTravel.com.

10. The Winston in Solvang, California

Starting Nightly Rate: $205

The Dutch town of Solvang is known for its unique buildings and culture, and The Winston does its part to match the local charm. Each of the 14 rooms on the property was carefully designed to bring magic and imagination to life with cozy touches like needlepoint furnishings, intricate wallpaper, and rich colors.

The Winston has also taken a Nordic and hands-off approach to its hospitality that guests love. Staff is always around if help is needed, but visitors are also free to explore and unwind without interruptions. Check-in is done via an access code provided before your arrival, and the on-site bar is only available to guests to ensure maximum peace and tranquility.

In-room amenities combine luxury and home comfort, with robes and slippers, coffee, and luxe toiletries in all suites. Guests are also welcome to try local wines and beers in the in-room mini-bar. 

How To Book: If you frequently book independently-owned properties that do not belong to any major hotel chain — like The Winston — applying for a One Key credit card is worthwhile. The One Key™ Card and One Key+™ Card earns 3% in OneKeyCash on Expedia, Hotels.com, and Vrbo purchases, as well as gas stations, grocery stores, and dining.

Final Thoughts

There’s no shortage of boutique hotels across the country. No matter your style, there’s a boutique lodging option to suit your preferences. Hopefully, this list has helped inspire you to book your next vacation at a boutique hotel.