The 30 Most Expensive Hotels in America You Wish You Could Afford

Sometimes, you just need to get away. But one night at one of the country’s swankiest hotels could eat up your entire vacation budget. Although you can visit posh destinations on the cheap, it’s easy to see why the rich choose to stay at luxury resorts and hotels. Chauffeur service in a Rolls-Royce, pillow menus and complimentary fresh guacamole are some of the perks you’ll enjoy at these hotels.

Where: 
Sunny Isles Beach, Fla.

Estimated Cost: From $795

On your next trip, vacation like a millionaire at this Mediterranean-style oceanfront resort located north of Miami in Sunny Isles Beach. Start your morning with a treatment at the Acqualina spa by ESPA, and relax on an outdoor terrace with ocean views. You can also rent a private cabana or enjoy some serenity at the adults-only tranquility pool.

Where: Goleta, Calif.

Estimated Cost: From $450

Located in the coastal town of Goleta near Santa Barbara, Bacara Resort & Spa boasts a 42,000-square-foot spa and wellness center, as well as ocean-view pools and cabanas with WiFi. If you want to book a hotel that offers wellness services, keep in mind you can get some exercise on one of the four Har-Tru clay tennis courts. Or, take an aqua fitness class.


Where: Beverly Hills, Calif.

Estimated Cost: From $595

This rosy respite will have you feeling like Los Angeles traffic is miles away. Endearingly referred to as the “Pink Palace,” you can lounge like Hollywood royalty at the hotel’s famous pool and cabanas. Don’t be surprised when staff members swing by your chair with a complimentary mojito pop and offer to clean your sunglasses.

Guests can also book a “Troop Beverly Hills” package in Elizabeth Taylor’s favorite bungalow. But if you want to see real celebrities during your Los Angeles vacation, make sure you check out these famous celebrity hot spots.

Where: Beverly Hills, Calif.

Estimated Cost: From $595

An LA staple since its opening in 1928, the Beverly Wilshire is just a stone’s throw away from shopping and fine dining on Rodeo Drive. Since it’s the filming location for the famous movie, the hotel offers the “Pretty Woman for a Day” experience that includes a stay in the presidential suite, as well as a personal shopping consultation. After your day of shopping, spend a day poolside, followed by dinner at the Michelin-starred Cut restaurant by Wolfgang Puck.

Where: Calistoga, Calif.

Estimated Cost: From $895

Travel to a private canyon in California’s prestigious wine country, and you’ll find this Napa Valley resort. The property’s deluxe lodges feature outdoor showers, fireplaces and bath gardens. Be sure to take a dip in The Auberge Spa’s popular heated mineral pool, which is filled with local waters said to have healing properties.

Where: Lake Buena Vista, Fla.

Estimated Cost: From $863

If you want to get the VIP treatment on your next Disney trip, consider staying at this plush resort. With more than 30 species of African wildlife, guests can see zebras, giraffes, gazelles and kudu. Book the Wanyama Safari and Dinner to see animals up close and enjoy a multi-course meal. If you’re sleepy after your safari, relax at the Uzima or Samawati Springs pools.

Where: Lake Buena Vista, Fla.


Estimated Cost: From $852

A short walk to Epcot and a quick boat ride from Disney’s Hollywood Studios, villas at Disney’s Beach Club feature kitchens and complimentary WiFi. Enjoy elaborate pools and lagoons — including a life-size shipwreck replica — at this New England-style hotel. Its 3-acre Stormalong Bay water “wonderland” has something for everyone, including three whirlpool spa pools.

Also See: 15 Inexpensive Things to Do Just Outside of Disney World

Where: Fisher Island, Fla. 


Estimated Cost: From $975

Historic cottages, courtyard villas and guest house suites beckon at the former private winter estate of the William K. Vanderbilt II family. The resort’s private beach club features white sand imported from the Bahamas, as well as shaded waterfront pavilions. Enjoy stunning views of the Miami skyline, as well as beautiful sunsets, from Biscayne Bay. For fine dining, enjoy steak or seafood at the Garwood Lounge & Piano Bar.

Where: Austin, Texas

Estimated Cost: From $549

A list of the most expensive hotels in America would be incomplete without mentioning one or multiple Four Seasons hotels. The elegant Four Seasons Austin offers more than just glitz and glam. For example, there’s the Taylor Guitars Concierge program that allows guests to check out guitars for a complimentary four-hour session. If you’d rather leave strumming to someone else, enjoy live music in the lobby lounge Wednesday through Sunday evenings. Afterward, head to the hotel’s saltwater pool that overlooks Lady Bird Lake.

Where: Wailea, Maui, Hawaii

Estimated Cost: From $499

Enjoy luxurious yet beach-y decor at this slice of tropical paradise. The resort’s adults-only Serenity Pool boasts both swim-up bars and stunning views. Or set up camp on the beach, where guests can enjoy chaise lounges, towel service and even an occasional facial spritz. Later, enjoy fine dining at Wolfgang Puck’s Spago, which features grilled mahi-mahi with ginger BBQ, sweet Maui onions and pineapple. The resort is also known for having some of the most luxurious presidential suites.

Check Out: Most Expensive Presidential Suites in America

Where: New York

Estimated Cost: From $775

Located in midtown Manhattan, this Four Seasons property is near Central Park and world-famous shopping on Madison Avenue. The hotel is a welcome sanctuary from the bustling city below. But if you need to run errands in the city within a 12-block radius, the hotel’s Rolls-Royce can drop you off. When you get back from your errand, book a treatment at the L.RAPHAEL Spa, which is the luxury skincare line’s first location in North America.

Where: Kapolei, Oahu, Hawaii

Estimated Cost: From $525

Located on the western coast of Oahu, this five-star resort is peaceful yet comfortably close to Honolulu and Waikiki Beach. Relax at the adult or family pools after going paddleboarding or doing sunrise yoga. If you’re traveling with children, they can receive free welcome amenities, toiletries and even a child-size bathrobe.

Check Out: 15 Places to Enjoy an Unforgettable Family Vacation

Where: Santa Barbara, Calif.


Estimated Cost: From $545

The Biltmore boasts opulent accommodations, as well as stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and Channel Islands. Adjacent to the property is the famous Coral Casino Beach and Cabana Club, which was built in 1937 and is only accessible to private members and resort guests. Guests can also book personal coaching with beach volleyball gold medalist Todd Rogers, and surfing adventures with world surfing champion Tom Curren.

Where: Washington, D.C.

Estimated Cost: From $695

Located in the heart of Washington, D.C., the Four Seasons has a prestigious Pennsylvania Avenue address that puts it roughly a mile or so from the White House. The hotel’s 12,500-square-foot spa and fitness center overlooks the beautiful C&O Canal. Enjoy delicious cuisine at Bourbon Steak, or try a new varietal at ENO Wine Bar. Guests are also conveniently located near some of the most legendary landmarks in the U.S., including the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial.


Where: San Francisco

Estimated Cost: From $499

A stay at this boutique hotel in the Pacific Heights neighborhood of San Francisco includes continental breakfast, as well as a complimentary nightly wine reception featuring local wines and hors d’oeuvres. Check out a bicycle to explore the city, but you’ll want to watch out for notoriously steep hills. After a long day of sightseeing, you’ll fall into bed, which comes with an elaborate pillow menu, as well as a sleep machine.

Where: Aspen, Colo.

Estimated Cost: From $1,049

This resort boasts studios, one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom condos with state-of-the-art kitchens — think Viking appliances and Le Creuset cookware — as well as nearly three dozen different floor plans. The resort is conveniently located at the base of Aspen Mountain and a half-block from the gondola. Ask for a unit with an outdoor hot tub to rewind after a long day on the slopes. Continental breakfast is complimentary, but many dining options are also near the resort.

Where: Moose, Wyo.

Estimated Cost: From $485

Enjoy the great outdoors in luxury at this beautiful lodge inside Grand Teton National Park. Accommodations include single-room log cabins, duplex cabins and cabin suites, some of which come with wood-burning stoves. The Signature Stay Package includes gourmet breakfast, a five-course dinner menu, horseback riding and the use of beach cruiser bicycles.

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Where: Boston

Estimated Cost: From $595

With its ideal location in the heart of Boston’s famed Back Bay, guests of the Mandarin Oriental Boston are within walking distance to the city’s major attractions. The hotel spa features a New England Retreat service that uses ingredients native to the region. For dinner, enjoy seasonal French fare with a Northeastern twist at Bar Boulud.

Where: Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii


Estimated Cost: From $1,225

This luxurious resort in Kapalua Bay has more than 24 acres of lush landscaping. Its rooms boast full gourmet kitchens, in-residence laundry and more. While on vacation in this paradise, go snorkeling, horseback riding, zip lining and more.

Know Before You Go: 18 Hidden Expenses to Watch Out for When Vacationing in Hawaii

Where: Scottsdale, Ariz. 


Estimated Cost: From $509

Grandeur and adventure await at this five-diamond desert oasis. From guided nature hikes along Camelback Mountain to golf course safaris, there are several opportunities to bask in the desert heat. When you’re ready to rest, cool off at one of the resort’s seven pools — one even features a 165-foot waterslide.

Where: Rancho Santa Fe, Calif.

Estimated Cost: From $621

Cruise down the Southern California coastline in a Porsche from this resort’s fleet. If you’re a golf lover, choose from various nearby courses, but leave your clubs at home — the resort has complimentary Callaway sets. Suites feature organic bath products, as well as fresh-squeezed orange juice and a newspaper delivered to your door every morning.

Where: Dallas

Estimated Cost: From $429

Located in downtown Dallas on McKinney Avenue, the hotel features an outdoor pool, as well as complimentary chauffeur service on a first-come, first-served basis. Every evening in the hotel lobby lounge, guests can taste some signature guacamole. Prepared by a “guacamologist,” this savory Southwest treat can be paired with liquor from the Tequila Vault, as well as margaritas.

Where: Las Vegas 


Estimated Cost: From $1,156

Fit for a high roller, these enormous two-story boutique suites come with at least 1,400 square feet of living space. As part of the popular MGM Grand Resort, entertainment and nightlife are at your beck and call. However, if you’re not into the party scene, the pillow menu, personalized stationary and butler service will help you forget you’re in Vegas. To get the best deals while on your Vegas vacation, use these secret insider tips.


Where: Calistoga, Calif.

Estimated Cost: From $565

This posh resort features a Michelin-starred restaurant, Solbar, which serves up mouth-watering dishes. After your meal, explore the nearby vineyards. And after a long day of wine tasting, book the resort’s signature, three-part detoxifying mud treatment.

Where: Atlanta

Estimated Cost: From $475

As the city’s only “true in-town luxury resort,” the St. Regis Atlanta is located in the chic Buckhead neighborhood. It features a beautiful pool piazza. After lounging by the pool, book treatments at the Remède spa or call a personal butler to unpack your belongings.

Where: 
Park City, Utah

Estimated Cost: From $707

Less than an hour from Salt Lake City, the St. Regis Deer Valley offers guests ski-in/ski-out access at Deer Valley Resort. The hotel also features a ski beach, ski valet and a split-level infinity pool. Head over to the St. Regis Wine Vault after a long day on the slopes. In summer months, guests can enjoy outdoor recreation, including hiking and fishing.

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Where: New York

Estimated Cost: From $695

History abounds at St. Regis’ flagship hotel, which has been synonymous with New York glamour for more than a century. Located at 55th Street and Fifth Avenue in midtown Manhattan, the hotel’s signature Bloody Mary cocktail was invented at the hotel’s King Cole Bar in 1934. And if you want to save money on your stay, check this out: Guests can reserve select suites and enjoy a second night in the city that never sleeps for a mere $4.

Where: Princeville, Kauai, Hawaii


Estimated Cost: From $570

Located on the northern shore of Kauai in the picturesque community of Princeville, this resort’s stunning 5,000-square-foot infinity pool offers breathtaking views of Hanalei Bay. Guests can also head down to the beach, which is protected by a reef that keeps the waters calm. For an afternoon of pampering, the Halele’a Spa offers oceanside massages.

Where: Key West, Fla.


Estimated Cost: From $1,079

Just a quick boat ride from Key West on Sunset Key, the property’s cottages adorned with bougainvillea are charming, luxurious and full of quintessential Floridian charm. Enjoy local cuisine at Latitude’s Restaurant or a snack at Flipper’s Pool Bar. When you arrive in Key West, an ambassador from the hotel will meet you at the main marina and escort you on a seven-minute cruise to Sunset Key.


Where: Mountain Village, Colo.


Estimated Cost: From $699

Warm up after a long day on the slopes at the spa’s multiple dry saunas, Roman tubs and eucalyptus-infused steam rooms. And with condos that boast gourmet kitchens, wine fridges, west-facing balconies and a ski valet, you’ll be on a rocky mountain high.

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Methodology: This list was compiled by searching Hotels.com for the most popular tourist destinations in the United States. Properties are listed alphabetically and their respective costs were the starting prices at the time of our search (March 24, 2017) for a one-night stay for two adults. Please note prices might vary depending on which site you use to book a hotel room.