Vote for your favorite boutique hotel!
USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Awards
Boutique hotels offer an escape all their own, complete with a more customized experience and the best modern amenities and service. And these 20 properties — nominated by a panel of travel experts as the best boutique hotels in the country — offer unique accommodations in the middle of some of the nation's greatest destinations.
Which boutique hotel would you like to book a stay at the most? Vote for your favorite once per day until voting ends on Monday, August 5 at noon ET. The 10 best boutique hotels will be announced on Wednesday, August 14.
Read the official Readers' Choice rules.
Boutique hotels offer an escape all their own, complete with a more customized experience and the best modern amenities and service. And these 20 properties — nominated by a panel of travel experts as the best boutique hotels in the country — offer unique accommodations in the middle of some of the nation's greatest destinations.
Which boutique hotel would you like to book a stay at the most? Vote for your favorite once per day until voting ends on Monday, August 5 at noon ET. The 10 best boutique hotels will be announced on Wednesday, August 14.
Read the official Readers' Choice rules.
Boutique hotels offer an escape all their own, complete with a more customized experience and the best modern amenities and service. And these 20 properties — nominated by a panel of travel experts as the best boutique... Read More
Best Boutique Hotel Nominees
Beaufort Hotel
Beaufort, North Carolina
Walking tours, bird-watching, and scuba diving are among the many adventures to choose from when you stay at Beaufort Hotel. Sustainability practices and well-appointed accommodations are greatly admired by guests during their stay, in addition to the gorgeous waterfront views. Signature events and local attractions add to the reasons to book with Beaufort.
Photo courtesy of Bottleworks Hotel
Bottleworks Hotel
Indianapolis, Indiana
A former Coca-Cola bottling plant, Bottleworks Hotel puts the fizz in its experience with architectural throwbacks and modern amenities ranging from a chic bar, a coffee shop, and a billiards salon to plush appointments in the rooms. Guests enjoy an experience that's both grand and intimate.
Photo courtesy of aimintang / E+
Castle Hill Inn
Newport, Rhode Island
A Relais & Châteaux property, the Castle Hill Inn features rooms, suites, and cottages, as well as on-site restaurants and bars, all situated on a 40-acre estate that overlooks the ocean. During your stay, you can walk the beach, go for a bike ride, enjoy a fishing demonstration or make s'mores over a beach bonfire.
Photo courtesy of Compass Rose Lodge
Compass Rose Lodge
Huntsville, Utah
Located in Ogden Valley, the Compass Rose Lodge offers 15 spacious guest rooms, with each highlighting local artwork and featuring 4K TVs and Beckman 1802 artisan bath products. Every morning, guests can start the day with a complimentary breakfast of juice, Greek yogurt, and a breakfast bar.
Photo courtesy of Charles Snograss
The Everett Hotel
Bryson City, North Carolina
The Everett Hotel allows you to become as integrated in the local downtown Bryson City scene or as exclusively sequestered from it as you wish. Retreat to its guests-only rooftop or modern Southern-fare bistro and find luxury in one of 10 suites designed for comfort and convenience.
Photo courtesy of David Fish Photography
The Gordon Hotel
Eugene, Oregon
The art and social scenes at The Gordon Hotel set it apart as a one-of-a-kind spot that offers your own space to mix, mingle, explore, or sink into the comfort of plush and warm accommodations. With an Oregon-centric tavern, a rooftop taqueria, and a secret speakeasy, The Gordon invites guests to relax and enjoy themselves.
The Graylyn Estate
Winston-Salem, North Carolina
At The Graylyn Estate, butlers are available around the clock to ensure that guest needs are always attended to. Winston-Salem's own version of "Downton Abbey" treats visitors like royalty, while homemade butterscotch cookies and a fishing pond count among the unique pleasures at this 55-acre historic property.
Photo courtesy of kickimages / iStock Via Getty Images Plus
Guild House Hotel
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
With just 12 rooms and suites, Guild House Hotel pays homage to the women who once gathered here to fight for their independence. Named for some of the key figures who played a role in the New Century Guild, the rooms feature luxurious textiles, bath products, and a coffee and tea corner.
Photo courtesy of GunRunner Hotel
GunRunner Hotel
Florence, Alabama
Drawing inspiration from the storied Shoals area, the GunRunner Hotel has 10 spacious suites — seven with private balconies — that celebrate the history and people of the region. Guests can also take advantage of the top-notch services and treatments offered at the GunRunner Spa.
Photo courtesy of Harmon Guest House
Harmon Guest House
Healdsburg, California
With warm woods and plenty of natural light, the Harmon Guest House prides itself on being a "chic retreat" in Healdsburg. In addition to the 39 spacious and inviting guest rooms, the hotel also sports a rooftop terrace, a swimming pool, and a private creekside deck that's perfect for picnics.
Photo courtesy of PixelsEffect / E+
Hotel Les Mars
Healdsburg, California
Exuding old-world European charm, the Hotel Les Mars welcomes guests to choose one of their 16 rooms, enjoy a complimentary French breakfast each morning, and sample wine and cheese during the daily reception. Each plush room features a sitting area with a gas fireplace, where you can cozy up in the evenings. This Relais & Châteaux property also has an on-site restaurant, Arandas, which features traditional Mexican cuisine and fusion dishes.
Photo courtesy of Kickstand Studio
Hotel Trundle
Columbia, South Carolina
A 41-room property, the Hotel Trundle brings together color, creativity, and charm in an eclectic style across three historic buildings. Cozy and cool, guest rooms feature furnishings from local craftspeople, including custom beds from Bricker & Beam. And thanks to the property's location in Columbia's Main Street Historic District, you're close to all that South Carolina's capital city has to offer.
The Inn Above Tide
Sausalito, California
Overlooking San Francisco Bay, The Inn Above Tide features 33 rooms and suites with panoramic views of the bay and city skyline. During their stay, guests will enjoy a continental breakfast, a 24-hour complimentary coffee and tea service, and an evening wine and cheese reception.
Photo courtesy of Old Edwards Inn & Spa
Old Edwards Inn & Spa
Highlands, North Carolina
Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, the Old Edwards Inn & Spa features an array of luxurious accommodations that include guest rooms, suites, cottages, and vacation rentals. In addition, guests can choose from a wonderful selection of on-site dining venues, as well as spend some time being pampered at the award-winning spa.
The Quoin Hotel
Wilmington, Delaware
Housed in a beautifully restored 1880s brownstone, The Quoin Hotel offers a unique blend of traditional charm and modern elegance. Guests can indulge in the culinary delights of its restaurant, unwind in the cozy underground bar, or soak in the city views from the rooftop. A prime location near Wilmington's cultural landmarks and a plethora of luxurious amenities, like Bellino Fine Linens and Lavazza espresso machines, make a stay here all the more appealing.
Photo courtesy of simonkr / E+
The Sewanee Inn
Sewanee, Tennessee
Located on the grounds of the University of the South, The Sewanee Inn boasts 43 rooms, two on-site restaurants, a nine-hole golf course, and outdoor recreation including hiking, fishing, canoeing, and more. Amenities include morning coffee in the lobby and complimentary bikes for exploring the property and its surroundings.
Staypineapple Chicago
Chicago, Illinois
Housed in a National Historic Landmark building, Staypineapple Chicago offers both rooms and suites outfitted with European-style individual duvets, lightweight robes, and cozy bath towels. Plus, with the Pineapple Pup Package, you can bring your beloved furry friend, who will enjoy a dog bed, collapsible water bowl, treats, and a dog waste bag dispenser with bags.
Timber Cove Resort
Jenner, California
High above the Pacific Ocean on a rugged cliff, Timber Cove Resort boasts a unique blend of modern amenities and rustic charm, providing guests with cozy accommodations and breathtaking coastal views. Whether it's savoring the seafood-centric, seasonal fare at the on-site Coast Kitchen or gathering around the outdoor fire pit, the resort promises a stay that's as relaxing as it is memorable.
Wentworth Mansion
Charleston, South Carolina
Wentworth Mansion, located in Charleston's historic district, exudes a timeless charm. With its opulent rooms featuring whirlpool tubs and complimentary refreshments, the property promises an experience steeped in Southern elegance. Guests are treated to a full spectrum of indulgences, from the full-service spa to the exquisite dining at Circa 1886, set in the original carriage house.
Photo courtesy of mtreasure / iStock Via Getty Images Plus
The Willcox
Aiken, South Carolina
Since 1898, The Willcox has long welcomed VIP guests such as Winston Churchill, Elizabeth Arden, and Harold Vanderbilt. But their Southern hospitality and grace extends to all guests. The timeless and inviting property features cloud-soft beds and an intimate spa, in addition to an on-site restaurant and the promise of a tranquil evening on the porch.
About 10Best Readers' Choice Awards
Nominees are submitted by a panel of experts. 10Best editors narrow the field to select the final set of nominees for the Readers’ Choice Awards. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For any questions or comments, please read the FAQ or email USA TODAY 10Best.
The Experts
Allison Tibaldi
Allison Tibaldi is a travel and food writer based... Read More
Allison Tibaldi is a travel and food writer based in New York City. She has lived in Rome, Tuscany, Melbourne Australia, Toronto and Los Angeles. She studied early childhood development in graduate school and firmly believes that travel is the best education. She writes for numerous publications including CNN, Travel Channel, HGTV, am New York, Emirates Open Skies, Family Traveller and Travel Weekly.
Allison Tibaldi
Allison Tibaldi is a travel and food writer based in New York City. She has lived in Rome, Tuscany, Melbourne Australia, Toronto and Los Angeles. She studied early childhood development in graduate school and firmly believes that travel is the best education. She writes for numerous publications including CNN, Travel Channel, HGTV, am New York, Emirates Open Skies, Family Traveller and Travel Weekly.
Dennis Malcolm "Ale" Sharpton
Dennis Malcolm Byron aka Ale Sharpton is a... Read More
Dennis Malcolm Byron aka Ale Sharpton is a world-renowned beer authority, award-winning journalist, blogger (AleSharpton.com), photographer, event planner, host, speaker and beer judge to name a few of his roles. While passionately traveling the globe to cover everything from automobiles to culinary scenes, celebrity profiles, sports, hotel destinations, art, and what he terms “the world’s best beverage,” Ale has contributed to more than 30 magazines and websites combined. His current media outlets include USAToday, Thrillist.com, Craft Beer & Brewing, CraftBeer.com, Theinfatuation.com, ButterATL.com, James Beard Foundation, Atlanta Magazine, and others. Along with being featured in various publications, on the web, radio, podcasts, television, beer fests, conferences, and ongoing Cruisin’ For A Brewsin’ video series, Ale utilizes his Cornell University School of Hotel Administration education and vast work experience to consult in the culinary industry as well. Forbes, Smithsonian Institution, UNTAPPD, Good Beer Hunting, and numerous others have showcased Ale’s accomplishments. In a collaboration going on six years with brewing giant New Belgium, Ale has produced a beer he conceptualized called Piano Keys—a chocolate vanilla imperial stout—geared to support diversity and racial equality. This project with New Belgium also spawned his initiative, BrewGether, which raises funds to support nonprofits embracing the same mission as Piano Keys. Ale proudly owns AllWays Open Creative Solutions, an agency specializing in creative direction, logo design, branding, web design, video production, photography, consulting, and social media. Although a native New Yorker, Ale proudly calls Atlanta his home. Follow Ale’s globetrotting adventures on his captivating Instagram (@realalesharpton).
Dennis Malcolm "Ale" Sharpton
Dennis Malcolm Byron aka Ale Sharpton is a world-renowned beer authority, award-winning journalist, blogger (AleSharpton.com), photographer, event planner, host, speaker and beer judge to name a few of his roles. While passionately traveling the globe to cover everything from automobiles to culinary scenes, celebrity profiles, sports, hotel destinations, art, and what he terms “the world’s best beverage,” Ale has contributed to more than 30 magazines and websites combined. His current media outlets include USAToday, Thrillist.com, Craft Beer & Brewing, CraftBeer.com, Theinfatuation.com, ButterATL.com, James Beard Foundation, Atlanta Magazine, and others. Along with being featured in various publications, on the web, radio, podcasts, television, beer fests, conferences, and ongoing Cruisin’ For A Brewsin’ video series, Ale utilizes his Cornell University School of Hotel Administration education and vast work experience to consult in the culinary industry as well. Forbes, Smithsonian Institution, UNTAPPD, Good Beer Hunting, and numerous others have showcased Ale’s accomplishments. In a collaboration going on six years with brewing giant New Belgium, Ale has produced a beer he conceptualized called Piano Keys—a chocolate vanilla imperial stout—geared to support diversity and racial equality. This project with New Belgium also spawned his initiative, BrewGether, which raises funds to support nonprofits embracing the same mission as Piano Keys. Ale proudly owns AllWays Open Creative Solutions, an agency specializing in creative direction, logo design, branding, web design, video production, photography, consulting, and social media. Although a native New Yorker, Ale proudly calls Atlanta his home. Follow Ale’s globetrotting adventures on his captivating Instagram (@realalesharpton).
Jacky Runice
Born in Bucktown (Chicago) when bulletproof was a... Read More
Born in Bucktown (Chicago) when bulletproof was a home safety choice and not a coffee order, Jacky Runice has been knocking around Chicago as a professional print, online and broadcast journalist and editor specializing in separating the riff from the raff in culture, entertainment, food, travel and pure unadulterated fun. Jacky is a member of the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA) and relies on her vast experience and gray matter to produce informative, entertaining content.
Jacky Runice
Born in Bucktown (Chicago) when bulletproof was a home safety choice and not a coffee order, Jacky Runice has been knocking around Chicago as a professional print, online and broadcast journalist and editor specializing in separating the riff from the raff in culture, entertainment, food, travel and pure unadulterated fun. Jacky is a member of the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA) and relies on her vast experience and gray matter to produce informative, entertaining content.
Jamie Davis Smith
Jamie is a travel writer who has visited over 50... Read More
Jamie is a travel writer who has visited over 50 countries, many of them with her children in tow. She loves visiting everything from theme parks to ancient ruins and packs strictly carry-on-only. Jamie can be reached at jamiesmithwrites@gmail.com.
Jamie Davis Smith
Jamie is a travel writer who has visited over 50 countries, many of them with her children in tow. She loves visiting everything from theme parks to ancient ruins and packs strictly carry-on-only. Jamie can be reached at jamiesmithwrites@gmail.com.
Jean Chen Smith
Jean Chen Smith is a freelance journalist who has... Read More
Jean Chen Smith is a freelance journalist who has been producing content for over 15 years. With a love of travel and storytelling, her intention is to create content to inspire and connect people to places, things, and experiences. Her articles have appeared in AARP, Travel and Leisure, 1859 magazine, Insider Travel, USA Today, Family Vacationist, The Oregonian, SFGATE, weekand.com, and more. When not writing or teaching Pilates at her studio, she enjoys trail running, spending time with her pups Tonka and Paisley, and reading suspense novels.
Jean Chen Smith
Jean Chen Smith is a freelance journalist who has been producing content for over 15 years. With a love of travel and storytelling, her intention is to create content to inspire and connect people to places, things, and experiences. Her articles have appeared in AARP, Travel and Leisure, 1859 magazine, Insider Travel, USA Today, Family Vacationist, The Oregonian, SFGATE, weekand.com, and more. When not writing or teaching Pilates at her studio, she enjoys trail running, spending time with her pups Tonka and Paisley, and reading suspense novels.
Jenny Peters
Jenny Peters – aka Jet Set Jen – is a Los... Read More
Jenny Peters – aka Jet Set Jen – is a Los Angeles-based freelance journalist, editor and party columnist specializing in travel, entertainment, film, food, wine, fashion and the other good things in life. She is a founding/voting member of the Critics Choice Association, who present the Critics’ Choice Awards every January. Her favorite places to be are on the beach in Southern California playing volleyball, scuba diving with the sharks in warm tropical waters or strolling the streets and soaking in the atmosphere of one of the world's great cities (New Orleans and Florence are her favorites).
Jenny Peters
Jenny Peters – aka Jet Set Jen – is a Los Angeles-based freelance journalist, editor and party columnist specializing in travel, entertainment, film, food, wine, fashion and the other good things in life. She is a founding/voting member of the Critics Choice Association, who present the Critics’ Choice Awards every January. Her favorite places to be are on the beach in Southern California playing volleyball, scuba diving with the sharks in warm tropical waters or strolling the streets and soaking in the atmosphere of one of the world's great cities (New Orleans and Florence are her favorites).
Joanne and Tony DiBona
Travel memories may fade over time, but... Read More
Travel memories may fade over time, but photographs recall those magical moments.
Joanne and Tony DiBona
Travel memories may fade over time, but photographs recall those magical moments.
Katie McElveen
Writer Katie McElveen began her travel career when... Read More
Writer Katie McElveen began her travel career when a wrong turn on the way to a family vacation took her on an eleven hour odyssey that she thoroughly enjoyed. Today, more than 40 countries later, her work has appeared in Real Simple, Southern Living, Global Traveler, Fodor’s, Virtuoso, Bride’s, Islands, Reader’s Digest, AFAR and other publications.
Katie McElveen
Writer Katie McElveen began her travel career when a wrong turn on the way to a family vacation took her on an eleven hour odyssey that she thoroughly enjoyed. Today, more than 40 countries later, her work has appeared in Real Simple, Southern Living, Global Traveler, Fodor’s, Virtuoso, Bride’s, Islands, Reader’s Digest, AFAR and other publications.
Marla Cimini
Marla is a writer with a passion for travel, music... Read More
Marla is a writer with a passion for travel, music and culinary adventures (and combining those whenever possible)! As an avid globetrotter, she encourages respecting and learning about other cultures while traveling. She has visited Hawaii multiple times, and has explored destinations worldwide, including the Mediterranean region, South America, Asia and more. Marla is a contributor to Fodor’s Hawaii guidebooks (Oahu and Kauai 2020) and her articles have appeared in a number of international publications. She calls New Jersey (Philadelphia area) home. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter and read her travel tips and adventures on her website.
Marla Cimini
Marla is a writer with a passion for travel, music and culinary adventures (and combining those whenever possible)! As an avid globetrotter, she encourages respecting and learning about other cultures while traveling. She has visited Hawaii multiple times, and has explored destinations worldwide, including the Mediterranean region, South America, Asia and more. Marla is a contributor to Fodor’s Hawaii guidebooks (Oahu and Kauai 2020) and her articles have appeared in a number of international publications. She calls New Jersey (Philadelphia area) home. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter and read her travel tips and adventures on her website.
Meg St-Esprit
Meg St-Esprit (she/her) is a freelance writer... Read More
Meg St-Esprit (she/her) is a freelance writer chasing down and covering the most interesting and quirky ideas about parenting, home design, education and travel. She lives with her husband, four kids and way too many pets in Pittsburgh. Her work has appeared in a variety of publications including The New York Times, Washington Post, Romper, Fodor's, and more. Meg studied counseling and human development during her higher education journey, and applies that knowledge and expertise to her writing as well. When she's not writing, she's definitely camping.
Meg St-Esprit
Meg St-Esprit (she/her) is a freelance writer chasing down and covering the most interesting and quirky ideas about parenting, home design, education and travel. She lives with her husband, four kids and way too many pets in Pittsburgh. Her work has appeared in a variety of publications including The New York Times, Washington Post, Romper, Fodor's, and more. Meg studied counseling and human development during her higher education journey, and applies that knowledge and expertise to her writing as well. When she's not writing, she's definitely camping.
Melanie Reffes
Melanie is an island girl at heart . Born in... Read More
Melanie is an island girl at heart . Born in Manhattan, she now lives on the sunny island of Montreal and covers the Caribbean for a variety of publications including USA TODAY 10Best, CaribbeanTravel.com and MarryCaribbean.com. A journalist with a boatload of writer awards under her belt, Melanie's affection for the Caribbean started young when her family vacationed in Puerto Rico. An avid fan of spicy food, Melanie enjoys the diversity of Montreal - especially during the warmer months -when she's not en route to the Caribbean. She holds a Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of Toronto.
Melanie Reffes
Melanie is an island girl at heart . Born in Manhattan, she now lives on the sunny island of Montreal and covers the Caribbean for a variety of publications including USA TODAY 10Best, CaribbeanTravel.com and MarryCaribbean.com. A journalist with a boatload of writer awards under her belt, Melanie's affection for the Caribbean started young when her family vacationed in Puerto Rico. An avid fan of spicy food, Melanie enjoys the diversity of Montreal - especially during the warmer months -when she's not en route to the Caribbean. She holds a Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of Toronto.
Melissa Curtin
At age 20 Melissa Curtin traveled around the world... Read More
At age 20 Melissa Curtin traveled around the world on Semester at Sea, igniting her passion for globetrotting and learning about new cultures. She is a longtime educator, a Fora travel advisor, and has been a freelance travel and food writer for over 10 years - published in Lonely Planet, Fodor's, Insider, MSN, AAA World, Travel Awaits, and many more. Raised in Connecticut, she has joyfully lived in California the last 17 years splitting her time between Malibu and Palm Springs.
Melissa Curtin
At age 20 Melissa Curtin traveled around the world on Semester at Sea, igniting her passion for globetrotting and learning about new cultures. She is a longtime educator, a Fora travel advisor, and has been a freelance travel and food writer for over 10 years - published in Lonely Planet, Fodor's, Insider, MSN, AAA World, Travel Awaits, and many more. Raised in Connecticut, she has joyfully lived in California the last 17 years splitting her time between Malibu and Palm Springs.
Tamara Gane
Tamara Gane is an expert panel member for 10Best... Read More
Tamara Gane is an expert panel member for 10Best Readers' Choice Awards. She's based in Reno/Lake Tahoe and in addition to USA Today 10Best, her work has been published in Travel & Leisure, Fodor's Travel, The Washington Post, SF Gate, Houston Chronicle, Lonely Planet, and more.
Tamara Gane
Tamara Gane is an expert panel member for 10Best Readers' Choice Awards. She's based in Reno/Lake Tahoe and in addition to USA Today 10Best, her work has been published in Travel & Leisure, Fodor's Travel, The Washington Post, SF Gate, Houston Chronicle, Lonely Planet, and more.
Wendy O'Dea
Born and raised in western New York, Wendy O'Dea... Read More
Born and raised in western New York, Wendy O'Dea moved to L.A. to attend the USC graduate School of Journalism and stayed for the innovative and creative lifestyle the city offers. Other than the traffic, there's not much about California she doesn't love. You can track her gallivanting ways on Instagram via @WendyTravels .
Wendy O'Dea
Born and raised in western New York, Wendy O'Dea moved to L.A. to attend the USC graduate School of Journalism and stayed for the innovative and creative lifestyle the city offers. Other than the traffic, there's not much about California she doesn't love. You can track her gallivanting ways on Instagram via @WendyTravels .
10Best Editors
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original,... Read More
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.
10Best Editors
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.