The 35 Best Hotels for Interior Design in America

A hotel is more than just a place to rest your head — it should also be a home away from home. Sure, amenities are a key part of the equation, but aesthetics can sometimes be just as important when you’re making lifelong memories. After all, who doesn’t want to get a little design inspo for their own home or Instagram fodder on their next getaway? Whether you’re all about modern minimalism or vintage-inspired vibes, these are the best hotels for design in America. If you don’t see your favorite now, please let us know about it in the comments! We’ll be updating this piece with the hopes of covering every state and territory over the next year and then expanding out to other countries from there.

Southern hipster meets old-world Paris doesn’t sound like a design match made in heaven, but at Hotel Genevieve in Louisville, Kentucky, it truly is. Located in the cool East Market district, the property is helmed by hospitality company Bunkhouse, which focuses on creating unique experiences for guests. They teamed up with women-led and Philadelphia-based Rohe Creative for Hotel Genevieve’s design, which was inspired by the property’s namesake, Saint Genevieve, Paris’ patron saint. Their muse comes through in feminine flourishes that nod to Louisville’s French roots, like plenty of pinks and florals, balanced with sophisticated finishes and modern accent pieces. The property has 122 rooms on six floors, and four dining options.

The Casa Marina Resort in Key West, Florida, boasts a serious pedigree. It was launched by railroad tycoon Henry Flagler as a destination for well-heeled passengers of his Overseas Railroad in 1920. The historic property was designed by architects Thomas Hastings and John M. Carrera, the masterminds behind the Beaux-Arts masterpiece New York Public Library on Fifth Avenue and the Metropolitan Opera House. Included in the National Register of Historic Places, everyone from presidents and celebrities have rested their heads there, including Cary Grant, Gregory Peck, and Rita Hayworth. With its classic Spanish revival exterior and glorious grounds, it’s easy to see why.

As delightfully rugged as its name would suggest, the Highlander Mountain House is an 18-room mash-up of Anglomania and an Appalachian lodge. Tucked into the mountains of western North Carolina and less than three hours away from Atlanta, it has all the magic of a British estate, with Victorian touches and plenty of patterns and textures adorning the hotel, along with original Cherokee and Sally Mann artwork. You can stay in the 150-year-old main house or opt for the cabin-inspired bunkhouse.

Faraway just screams maritime magic, which makes sense, as it’s smack in the middle of downtown Nantucket, making the hotel as convenient as it is chic. The island’s shops, attractions, eateries, and ferries are just steps away, but you might not be tempted to go that far beyond the hotel’s borders. It’s made up of five historic captain’s homes, each with its own unique vibe. The charming outdoor courtyard is filled with rattan furniture and gobs of greenery, while the restaurant, Sister Ship, serves a seafood-forward menu with local New England ingredients.

Take a step back in time at The Siren in Detroit. It’s located in the city’s historic Wurlitzer building, which was once the headquarters of the piano manufacturer of the same name. The building was designed in 1926 by local architect Robert Finn and was in a state of decay before New York-based firm ASH NYC took over and completely renovated the now 106-room property, narrowly saving it from being demolished. From the plaster ceilings to the travertine floors, it’s been given a new life. Don’t miss swilling a cocktail at Candy Bar, which is bedecked with a 1,500-pound vintage Murano glass chandelier with lights that bounce off of a giant disco ball sourced from a former brothel in Providence.

Austin-based interior designer Shannon Eddings started collecting pieces to decorate the 19th-century Greek Revival Carr Mansion while it was being restored and renovated. She carefully curated everything from antique rugs and furniture to coastal paintings and brass decor, which complement the original details of the former home. The building was originally constructed in 1866 by Lewis W. Carr, and it’s one of the few remaining landmarks from the island’s original building boom. It sits just 10 blocks from Galveston’s Seawall beaches and 13 blocks from the Strand.

If you’ve been looking for another reason to make a road trip to Marfa, Texas — and you can stop at the Prada Marfa sculptural art installation along the way — El Cosmico might be it. Spanning 21 acres of campground in Marfa, it boasts options ranging from teepees to yurts to safari tents, tricked-out trailers and DIY camping, as well as an apartment in downtown Marfa. In other words, there’s something for everyone — and all of them have Southwestern flavor. The grounds also have wood-fired hot tubs, an outdoor stage for performances, a hammock grove, and an outdoor kitchen.

The Jersey Shore’s reputation has evolved pretty drastically over the last few years (fist pumping, who?), and The Asbury has a lot to do with that. This hotel is located in Asbury Park, and when it opened in 2016 it was the first of its kind in the area in decades. The hotel sits in a former Salvation Army building and melds vintage vibes and artsiness with its Scandinavian-inspired design. Because it’s just a block away from the beach, it offers plenty of entertainment beyond relaxing in the sand. Kick back with a cocktail at the rooftop bar overlooking the ocean; visit Asbury Lanes, the music venue and bowling alley attached to the hotel with an underground passageway; or sip a frozen drink in a private cabana by the pool.

You’ll have no doubt you’re in Northern California when you stay at Graduate Palo Alto. This property is located in the heart of downtown Palo Alto on University Ave., and is filled with antique furniture, art, hand-painted Redwood wallpaper, and many of the original Hotel President’s 1930s architectural features. In fact, photos and vintage postcards of the OG hotel served as major design inspo for its revamp. Along with 100 hotel rooms, there are two dining options: Lou & Herbert’s, a café on the ground floor, and President’s Terrace, a rooftop bar.

What was once a sewing company building and department store in downtown Detroit was born again in 2019 to welcome the ultra-sumptuous Shinola Hotel. The brand known for its iconic watches, leather goods, and accessories, Shinola tapped Gachot Studios (the design firm behind restaurants like Pebble Bar and Jac’s on Bond in New York City) to design the boutique hotel. There are 129 guest rooms total, with a nod to the city’s industrial history and celebrated architecture. Truly anything you need is just outside your door — dine at one of the five mouth-watering restaurants, wander through shop-lined Parker’s Alley, or enjoy a drink at the hotel bar.

Guild House is an 1855 National Historic Landmark-listed Italianate row home turned super-charming boutique hotel located in Philly’s lively Washington Square West neighborhood. It’s another Rohe Creative-designed project with a storied past. It served as the former headquarters for the New Century Guild, a women’s labor organization, and the hotel’s decor is an homage to that rich history. Each of the 12 rooms are named for former guild members and are decorated with a mix of traditional and contemporary furnishings. You’ll find William Morris wallpaper alongside mid-century modern lights and beautiful bathroom fittings. Tour the spaces virtually before booking to decide which room is right for you. 

Hotel San José was originally built as a motel in 1939, and today it’s located in the trendy, music-focused SoCo neighborhood of Austin. The Texas city’s influence is seen in amenities like a music library, Polaroid cameras, and a video collection. Each of the 40 rooms is decked out in a minimalist style with polished concrete floors, wooden platform beds, and their trademark paisley duvets. The courtyard lounge is a stylishly simple oasis serving their signature micheladas, classic cocktails, beer, wine, and light bites.

Get your kicks on Route 66 — specifically at El Rey Court, located on old Route 66 on Cerrillos Road in Santa Fe, New Mexico. This building was originally built in 1936 as an adobe roadside motor court, and the 86-room property has been renovated into a modern getaway that maintains its original adventurous mood. La Reina mezcal-tequila bar is known for attracting tourists and locals. Each room is unique, with local artwork and textiles that celebrate Santa Fe’s unique Southwestern aesthetic.

It doesn’t get much more boutique than a 20-room property — especially when you’re staying at Greydon House. This spot is the vision of Roman and Williams, and it has a classic Nantucket vibe, to the point where you can practically smell the salty ocean air inside. The design details in the 1850s Greek revival home are unmatched. Rooms feature artwork by Terry Winters, custom-designed beds covered with block-printed linens by John Robshaw, bespoke lighting fixtures, and bathroom tiles hand-painted in Portugal that depict Nantucket’s whaling history. There’s also an English garden and restaurant inspired by Venice — all just steps away from the main attractions of the island.

Staying at Hotel Peter & Paul is literally a religious experience. The former historic church, school house, convent, and rectory designed in the 1860s was reborn into a charming hotel spanning three buildings in New Orleans. The ASH NYC property was painstakingly restored and renovated, filled with 770 antiques unearthed during several buying trips to Europe. The 71 rooms are decorated with gingham and drapes, antique fireplaces, four-poster beds and oil paintings, with every detail considered. On the ground floor of the former rectory you’ll find The Elysian Bar, boasting private club ambience and serving wine, coffee, cocktails, and small plates.

Go back in time to an era when air travel was truly luxurious and stylish at the TWA Hotel. Built in 1962 at the height of the jet-set age, the former TWA flight center was designed by architect Eero Saarinen at JFK International Airport in New York City and now boasts 512 rooms. The designated landmark is pure Instagram bait — especially the 1958 Constellation airplane turned cocktail lounge. Pull up a chaise lounge at the infinity pool and its 10,000-square-foot observation deck with panoramic views of the runways.

Designed by none other than Kelly Wearstler, the striking 131-room hotel is housed in a landmarked, Beaux-Arts era flatiron building in the heart of San Francisco. Even the tiniest details will grab your attention here, from the striking wallpaper in the suites to the gallery walls in the rooftop bar restaurant and lobby.

A true Bohemian beauty, the Ryder Hotel was designed by Charleston local designer Courtney Bishop. The city’s coastal beauty served as the muse, which is evident in a relaxed-yet-sleek sophistication that permeates every room. Earthy hues make up the color palette, and hand-crafted furniture pieces create the perfect, laid-back Southern ambience. 

Midwestern sensibility meets modernism in this Minneapolis gem: An 1897 converted farm warehouse turned trendy hotel with a strong personality. While the exposed timber and brickwork are all original, the custom furnishings and local art are decidedly new — all while maintaining that sleek industrial feel.

In case the name didn’t give it away, it’s no surprise that Pharrell Williams is the mastermind behind this South Beach hotel. He tapped designer Ken Fulk to create this mood-boosting, playful space (think: wicker furniture juxtaposed with pretty pastels and clashing prints with an Art Deco vibe). The pool and library are can’t-misses for hanging out and snapping photos.

Talk about movie magic! Originally a movie theater from 1928 to 1958, the Hudson, New York, space was turned into an independent 27-room hotel designed by Architectural Digest-100 studio Workstead. They tapped the local community of craftsmen to recreate the space: Custom brass light fixtures and beds in the guest rooms and a communal kitchen built by Rowland Butler, a Hudson local specializing in historical restoration. The lobby also boasts locally made furniture by Sawkille and upholstery prints from Zak + Fox.

There are New York City hotels — and then there’s Brooklyn’s The William Vale, which somehow manages to fit 183 rooms, a rooftop bar and restaurant helmed by Chef Andrew Carmellini, and a 60-foot-long pool all in less than a city block. The interiors are the perfect mix of artsy modern meets serenity, thanks to terraces with greenery, local Brooklyn art hanging on the walls, and seamlessly integrated technology. The hotel’s public spaces always seems to be evolving, too. In addition to hosting rotating artist exhibitions and pop-ups with businesses, the fitness center just got a high-design upgrade with 12 pieces of Freemotion state-of-the-art equipment, including treadmills, ellipticals, and stationary bikes that you can stream iFit interactive workouts on. Some of the suites even have connected bikes right in them. Talk about try before you buy!

Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and San Joaquin Hills in Laguna Beach, California, this adults-only hotel has individually styled rooms. Designed by Studio Robert McKinley, the look is a nod to California’s first Spanish settlers, with stone vanities, vaulted ceilings, and showers with painted tiles providing major throwback vibes. A record player in every room adds a modern touch and a bit of artsy entertainment. 

Montclair, New Jersey, has been called the Brooklyn of New Jersey, and that’s very evident at The George, a former 1902 Georgian manor that has been transformed into a sophisticated space with worldly flair. Helmed by beauty mogul Bobbi Brown and her husband, Steven Plofker, it was opened in 2018. Each of the unique 31 rooms feature decor personally picked by Brown herself on her travels that have taken her all over the world, with a decidedly British flair mixed in with decorative accents. 

It’s hard to compete with the breathtaking views of Newport’s famous Cliff Walk along its shoreline, but The Chanler certainly can hang in that competition. If old-world opulence is your thing, you’ll want to rest your head here. Each room in the 19th-century mansion is named for the royalty that serves as its muse, such as the Louis XIV and the English Tudor suites.

Some beachside hotels can take the theme a little too far, but not the Marram. The cool, casual retreat has just the right amount of seaside touches, like furniture made from reclaimed fishing boats and photographs by surf photographer Brian Bielmann adorning the walls. The ocean is just steps away from the 96-room getaway (see a room interior at the top of this story), and there’s a pretty pool and outdoor fire pit area, too.

Imagine the swankiest Southern-style guest house, and you have Maison de La Luz in New Orleans, Louisiana. Designed with Studio Shamshiri, each of the 67 suites in the renovated 1908 building in the city’s Warehouse District features original artwork. Upon arrival, guests are given a weighty, tasseled key that unlocks a striking private bar, helping you feel right at home right away. 

Boasting a couple of impressive firsts, The Ramble Hotel is the first hotel in Denver’s River North Art District and has the first outpost of speakeasy Death & Co outside of New York City. Inspired by 17th-century French salons, it melds that aesthetic with its artsy-yet-industrial neighborhood, giving it a totally unique feel. To curate artwork for its 50 guest rooms, the hotel partnered with a local arts organization to find pieces that would complement the painted wood-paneled walls, velvet upholstery, and brass light fixtures.

Nashville’s known for its music scene, and the Bobby Hotel plays that up in just the right way (think: live music on their rooftop and Sunday drag brunch). Their bar is decked out with neon art and salvaged car parts, while the rooms feature quirky wallpaper, murals, and tufted headboards. Don’t forget to pet the hotel’s dog, adopted from the Nashville Humane Association, who is being trained to be an emotional support animal and will be donated to a U.S. veteran.

If you like your insomnia with a side of art, then this is the hotel for you. The hotel’s on-site art galleries are open 24/7, so you can get your fix anytime with the rotating roster of contemporary artists. The 156 chic hotel rooms also have original art as well as custom furnishings for a homey feel. If you still aren’t sated, right next door is the Contemporary Arts Center.

Nautical nonsense has never looked so cool. Although the San Francisco hotel is on solid ground, you’ll feel like you stepped onto a ship, thanks to details like nautical artifacts and porthole windows, not to mention the blue color palette, octopus wallpaper, and plenty of anchors, all juxtaposed with the exposed brick, a nod to the hotel’s past as the Fisherman’s Wharf’s historic Haslett Warehouse building. Its location is just as eye-catching, with views of the San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz, and the Golden Gate Bridge.

With a bi-level art gallery and carefully curated retail shop offering jewelry and decor that rivals the best museum gift shops, this hotel offers plenty to look at. The rotating exhibitions feature a mix of local and national artists, complemented with events like artist talks and classes. Located on a picturesque tree-lined street in downtown Charlottesville, the rooms are just as flawless as the rest of the hotel, with modern artwork and unexpected color palettes featuring lots of pink. 

“Keep Portland Weird” isn’t only the motto of this Pacific northwest city; it’s also the motto of this hotel there. Originally built in 1908 as a hotel, the building housed a furniture manufacturer for 80 years before returning to its original purpose in 2021. Each of the 57 bespoke rooms feels as original as the city it calls home. A study hall just off the lobby only adds to the charm and would be the perfect place to take a work Zoom, if you’re still on the clock when you stay.

This delightfully chic boutique hotel was originally built as a school in 1889 in Park City, Utah, and named after George Washington. As one of the oldest surviving schoolhouses in the country, it maintains it rustic appeal but with luxurious upgrades. Each of the 12 rooms are filled with antiques and custom furniture, with no detail left unturned. In the winter, don’t miss the ski lounge for some apres-ski fun. 

Lev Glazman and Alina Roytberg, the co-founders of beauty brand Fresh, teamed up with hospitality expert Damien Janowicz to create The Maker, an 11-room boutique hotel in downtown Hudson, New York. Furniture and decor were sourced from local and global artisans alike, with a striking art collection and a library curated in partnership with New York City’s famous The Strand Book Store. The European-inspired café features a glass conservatory and striking mural with a delectable, seasonal menu featuring local ingredients. The rooms also have themes, and you can select based on which creative personality resonates with you, from architect or artist to writer or gardener and beyond.