The frenetic energy of city life demands a careful choice of hotel. A great location is a must — too far from the action and you’ll waste half your trip schlepping, too touristy and you’ll miss out on a glimpse at local life. You’ll want an in-the-know concierge, a room that feels like an oasis, and above all, a real sense of place. There is a lot of collection of city Hotels in the US.

There’s no doubt the past year has been challenging for the hospitality industry — especially for hotels in urban areas. But it’s clear that the best city hotels in the continental United States rose to meet the moment, welcoming guests graciously while going above and beyond to protect the health of staff and visitors alike.

Every year for our World’s Best Awards survey, TopTravelGuidance invites its readers to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Hotels were rated on their facilities, location, service, food, and overall value. Properties were classified as cities or resorts based on their locations and amenities.

Best Hotels

The standout hotels this year, which ranged in size from 316 rooms to just 18, impressed TopTravelGuidance readers with exceptional service. This year’s No. 3, The Lowell in New York City, was a prime example. “They not only upgraded us to a fabulous room with terrace and fireplace — but also brought us champagne,” raved one voter. Another guest praised the tony hotel for two other qualities that travelers prized this year: “It’s low-key and private, which are two things that I find stand out among the rest of the Upper East Side hotels. The staff is at the highest level.”

But the Viceroy Chicago claimed the No. 1 spot this year. Among all the stellar hotels across the U.S., the four-year-old property set the standard for excellence with its contemporary design, ideal Windy City location, and superlative service. Read on to see what readers had to say.

1. Viceroy Chicago, Chicago

Located in the upscale Gold Coast neighborhood, this majestic hotel — which incorporates a landmark building from the 1920s into its facade — didn’t miss a step, even during a tumultuous year. “Service is amazing and rooms are well-appointed and luxurious,” wrote one reader, who praised the Viceroy’s “superb” location and “wonderful” restaurant and rooftop bar. “It’s right in the middle of one of the best neighborhoods in the city, with shopping, dining, and nightlife just steps away.” Another reader echoed the praise for the food and drinks at the hotel, saying that the property’s “cool vibe” is best enjoyed at the rooftop lounge, which has stunning views of Lake Michigan.

Reason :

• The lobby at the Viceroy Chicago hotel voted one of the best city hotels in the United States

Score: 97.66

2. Inn of the Five Graces, Santa Fe, New Mexico

Reason :

• A colorfully tiled bathroom at Inn of the Five Graces voted one of the best city hotels in the United States

Score: 97.41

3. The Lowell, New York, New York

Reason :

• The reception desk at The Lowell voted one of the best city hotels in the United States.

Score: 96.24

4. The Georges, Lexington, Virginia

Reason :

• A chic guest room at The Georges is voted one of the best city hotels in the United States.

Score: 95.76

5. The Peninsula Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, California

Reason :

• A sitting area at The Peninsula Beverly Hills is voted one of the best city hotels in the United States.

Score: 95.52

6. The Langham, Chicago, Chicago, Illinois

Reason :

• The pool at The Langham, Chicago, voted one of the best city hotels in the United States.

Score: 95.39

7. Hotel Emma, San Antonio, Texas

Reason :

• The brick exterior of the Hotel Emma was voted one of the best city hotels in the United States.

Score: 95.27

8. Windsor Court Hotel , New Orleans, Louisiana

Reason :

• A sitting area at the Windsor Court Hotel is voted one of the best city hotels in the United States.

Score: 95.14

9. Crossroads Hotel, Kansas City, Missouri

Reason :

• A guest room at Crossroads is voted one of the best city hotels in the United States.

Score: 95.03

10. Hotel Bel-Air, Los Angeles, California

Reason :

• The pool at the Hotel Bel-Air is voted one of the best city hotels in the United States.

Score: 95.03

11. Oceana Santa Monica, Santa Monica, California

Reason : 

• The Luxury welcome area of the Ocean Santa Monica voted one of the best city hotels in the United States.

Score: 94.73

12. John Rutledge House Inn, Charleston, South Carolina

Reason :

• The sitting area of the John Rutledge House Inn voted one of the best city hotels in the United States.

Score: 94.56

13. The Alida Hotel, Savannah, Georgia

Reason :

• A guest room of the Alida Hotel Savannah voted one of the best city hotels in the United States.

Score: 94.52

14. Viceroy Santa Monica, Santa Monica, California

Reason :

• The pool at Viceroy Santa Monica hotel is voted one of the best city hotels in the United States.

Score: 94.32

15. The Chatwal, a Luxury Collection Hotel, New York, New York

Reason :

• A terrace at The Chatwal is voted one of the best city hotels in the United States.

Score: 94.12

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