2025-03-01T04:01:00
(BPT) – By Annie Fitzsimmons
When I told people I was writing National Geographic’s 100 Hotels of a Lifetime, the most common response was, “Do you need an assistant?” It’s no wonder — hotels have a unique allure. They are more than just places to stay; they’re gateways to discovering the essence of a destination, often reflecting its culture and history. For nearly 20 years, my career as a travel writer — many of those years with National Geographic — has taken me to some of the world’s most extraordinary hotels, where I’ve explored how they bring places to life.
As I curated the hotels for this book, I felt strongly about including properties that offer experiences anyone can enjoy, whether they’re staying overnight or simply stopping by for a drink, a meal or an afternoon in the spa. One of my personal philosophies is to start every birthday with breakfast at a great hotel. No matter what happens the rest of the day, you’ve started it on the right note. Some of my favorite hotels for moments like this can be found across the United States.
Below are five picks that celebrate accessibility and hospitality. From grand lobbies to intimate cocktail bars, they invite you to immerse yourself in their world. These are hotels where luxury is defined by connection — places to linger, savor and perhaps discover a new perspective, with or without staying the night.
The Inn of the Five Graces, Santa Fe, New Mexico
The Inn of the Five Graces in Santa Fe draws inspiration from the Tibetan philosophy that our five senses are gifts to experience the world’s splendor — and at this boutique hotel, every sense is ignited. The inn, tucked on a quiet street in restored adobe buildings, reflects the cultural confluence of Santa Fe, blending Native American, Spanish, and Western and Eastern influences. Designed by Ira and Sylvia Seret, who also own the nearby Seret & Sons furniture store, the hotel is a feast for the eyes, with Afghan, Tibetan and Southwest elements.
Bathrooms dazzle with colorful hand-laid tiles from the Seret family’s private collection, while the luxurious 2,000-square-foot Luminaria Villa features five woodburning fireplaces and original adobe details.
Even if you’re not staying at the inn, visit the Pink Adobe, a Santa Fe institution since 1944, for margaritas, enchiladas and the legendary French onion soup and apple pie.
The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island, Kiawah Island, South Carolina
Kiawah Island, 20 miles south of Charleston, is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with more than 10 miles of hard-packed beach perfect for a sunrise or sunset bike ride along the Atlantic’s edge. The island, named for the Kiawah tribe, has maritime forests, marshes and ponds teeming with wildlife, including fiddler crabs, turtles, bobcats and a dazzling array of birds.
In 2004, The Sanctuary at Kiawah brought world-class amenities to this private island: a luxurious spa, fine dining and access to five championship golf courses, including the famed Ocean Course, ranked among the world’s best. Although the island is private, anyone can reserve to dine, spa or play golf at The Sanctuary.
End your day with drinks on The Ocean Course porch at sunset; or, in summer, savor the Mingo Point Oyster Roast and BBQ on Monday evenings, a Kiawah tradition.
Hotel Jerome, Colorado, Aspen
Aspen may be a small town, but it offers big-city appeal, and the Hotel Jerome has been at its social heart since 1889. This landmark blends Victorian charm with eclectic American West interiors and a touch of Ralph Lauren. The Living Room, with leather Chesterfield sofas and silver chandeliers, is perfect for après-ski cocktails, while the J-Bar is a world-famous watering hole, known for its legendary Colorado beef burger on a brioche bun — available to anyone who can snag a seat from 11:45 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Aspen, a year-round destination, boasts a thriving art scene, including the free-entry Aspen Art Museum, and hosts major events like the Aspen Music Festival. Skiers choose from four mountains in winter, while summer offers hiking, biking and cultural experiences like the Aspen Ideas Festival and the FOOD & WINE Classic.
Originally built during the silver mining boom by Jerome B. Wheeler, the Hotel Jerome remains a time capsule of Aspen’s glittering history, with Western charm and modern luxury.
Crosby Street Hotel, New York, New York
Brilliant color, bold art and all-day dining have made the Crosby Street Hotel a modern New York City classic. In all of the world’s great cities, it is impossible to choose one hotel to represent a stay of a lifetime. In Manhattan alone, there is the Carlyle, the Mark and the Lowell on the Upper East Side; the Baccarat and the Chatwal in Midtown; and the Greenwich downtown. But any great New York City hotel must also be a reflection of its neighborhood, part of the fabric of the city’s distinct environs.
Located in the heart of SoHo, the hotel reflects its neighborhood’s vibrant energy and serves as both a gathering place for locals and a luxurious retreat for visitors. Its ideal spot puts guests within walking distance of the West Village, Tribeca, Nolita, Chinatown and downtown’s dynamic dining and shopping scenes.
This was the first New York property for Firmdale Hotels, founded by Tim and Kit Kemp, whose signature style combines British whimsy with local character. Kit Kemp’s joyful design aesthetic — vivid patterns and eclectic art, including dog-themed pieces inspired by New Yorkers’ love for their pets — is felt throughout. Highlights include the peaceful Meadow Suites with garden terraces and upper-floor rooms offering skyline views.
The Crosby Bar & Terrace is a lively all-day brasserie with al fresco seating for sunny days. Join New Yorkers and hotel guests here for breakfast, lunch, dinner or daily afternoon tea.
The Beverly Hills Hotel, Los Angeles, California
Before Rodeo Drive and two years before the city of Beverly Hills even officially existed, the Beverly Hills Hotel, affectionately called the “Pink Palace,” opened in 1912, surrounded by fields. Now part of the Dorchester Collection, the hotel boasts over 200 rooms and 23 bungalows, many with ties to Hollywood legends, including Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor and Frank Sinatra.
Beloved by locals as much as visitors, the Beverly Hills Hotel is a quintessential L.A. gathering spot. “People come here to celebrate special moments, and that says everything,” notes Angeleno Stephanie Steinman. From power lunches to sunset drinks, it remains a living room for the city.
Even if you’re not staying, stop by for the famed McCarthy Salad at the Polo Lounge and enjoy the nostalgic charm of the Fountain Coffee Room, a 1950s-style diner serving pancakes and apple pie, but also green juices and egg-white omelets — this is L.A., after all. The moment you step inside, you feel the golden age of Hollywood come alive.
Find more hotels you’ll love in 100 Hotels of a Lifetime: The World’s Ultimate Retreats.
Annie Fitzsimmons has covered hotels, travel, lifestyle, restaurants, and destinations around the world for the last two decades across many platforms and in a constantly evolving media landscape.
