Home

 › 

Travel

 › 

36 Cities With the Most Luxury Hotels

36 Cities With the Most Luxury Hotels

While budget hotels usually come equipped with a mini-fridge, a TV, and hopefully a microwave, luxury hotels are a privilege many people only dream of. From onsite spas, to private jacuzzis, to complementary car service, these hotels include perks that keep people coming back. Here are the most expensive hotels in America.

Using Diamond ratings provided by the American Automobile Association, 24/7 Tempo identified the North American cities with the most luxury hotels. To be considered for the list, hotels needed to have a 4- or 5-diamond rating. 

Across the board, free Wi-Fi, pillow top beds, luxury linens, mini-bars, and 24-hour room service are the norm. These basic luxury amenities are often eclipsed by even more extravagant features at some of these facilities.

To identify cities with the most 4- and 5-diamond hotels, 24/7 Tempo reviewed Diamond ratings provided by AAA. Each year, AAA releases the list of hotels and restaurants across the U.S., Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean that received the 4- or 5- diamond rating during the previous year. 

This year, AAA awarded 1 through 5 diamond ratings to approximately 27,000 hotels. Diamond designations for hotels represent the quality, range of facilities, and level of hospitality offered. AAA describes 4-diamond hotels as having “upscale style and amenities with the right touch of service”, while 5-diamond hotels offer “world-class luxury, amenities and indulgence for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Quoted room rates are based on the soonest available bookings and may differ greatly depending on dates and booking platform.

Source: zxvisual / Getty Images

36. Miami, FL, United States
> No. of 4- and 5-diamond hotels: 10
> Population: 451,214
> Annual visitors: 23.3 million in 2018

Miami is one of the few places in the continental U.S. with subtropical, sunny weather year-round, making it a popular vacation destination. The city’s 10 4-diamond hotels feature such amenities as a 2-acre palm tree-lined pool terrace, spa treatments in private poolside cabanas, and a bayside infinity pool. Rates run from as low as $260 per night but can reach upwards of $1,500 per night for a luxury bayview suite.

Source: aimintang / Getty Images

35. Savannah, GA, United States
> No. of 4- and 5-diamond hotels: 10
> Population: 145,342
> Annual visitors: 14.5 million in 2018

Savannah, a riverside city famous for its moss-draped trees, colonial architecture, and southern cuisine, is home to 10 4-diamond hotels. Rooms can run as low as $135 per night, and some of the hotel highlights include a full southern breakfast, in-room fireplaces, and a curated European and American art collection.

Source: bwzenith / Getty Images

34. Los Angeles, CA, United States
> No. of 4- and 5-diamond hotels: 11
> Population: 3,959,657
> Annual visitors: 50 million in 2018

Los Angeles offers one 5-diamond and 10 4-diamond hotels, ranging in price from $300-$3,600 per night. Whether they’re downtown highrises or sprawling villas, these hotels offer a range of luxurious amenities including rooftop pools, private balconies, a revolving cocktail lounge, and of course, views of the Hollywood sign. The 5-diamond hotel is set on a 12-acre landscaped estate, with over 200 plant species in the curated gardens.

Source: timnewman / Getty Images

33. Portland, OR, United States
> No. of 4- and 5-diamond hotels: 11
> Population: 639,387
> Annual visitors: 39.7 million in 2018

The City of Roses has 11 4-diamond hotels that offer amenities that blend well with Oregon’s hip vibe. They include free bike rentals, an in-house art gallery, a library, and a billiard room. Other luxuries include floor-to-ceiling windows, river views, and in-room massage treatments. Many hotels offer rooms on the cheaper side, starting at $111 per night, but if you’re looking for a presidential suite, expect to pay around $1,600 per night.

Source: anzman / Flickr

32. Naples, FL, United States
> No. of 4- and 5-diamond hotels: 11
> Population: 21,564
> Annual visitors: 2.6 million in 2018

This beach and resort town on the Gulf Coast of Florida has one 5-diamond and 10 4-diamond hotels. The 5-diamond hotel sits on 3 miles of beach and offers six restaurants, a salon, car rentals, a florist, and even childcare, with rooms ranging from $387-$1,079 per night. Basic rooms in most of the 4-diamond hotels cost about $400-$700 per night. Many of the hotels have their own golf courses, as well as tennis courts, private beaches, and heated outdoor pools.

Source: Kirkikis / Getty Images

31. Charleston, SC, United States
> No. of 4- and 5-diamond hotels: 12
> Population: 133,762
> Annual visitors: 7.3 million in 2018

This charming southern harbor city has 12 4-diamond hotels, many of which are housed in beautifully maintained historic buildings. Basic rooms average around $400 per night, though some can be reserved for as low as $249 per night. One hotel welcomes guests with champagne and ladyfingers, while multiple hotels host daily wine and cheese receptions, as well as offering milk and cookies in the evenings.

Source: kenlund / Flickr

30. San Diego, CA, United States
> No. of 4- and 5-diamond hotels: 12
> Population: 1,401,932
> Annual visitors: 35.8 million in 2018

San Diego has a single 5-diamond hotel on a sprawling estate with a golf course, six restaurants, four pools, and tennis courts. Rooms start around $440 per night. As for this coastal city’s 4-diamond hotels, they range from modern bayside highrises with private balconies to historic landmark buildings complete with chandeliers, and rooms in those hotels sometimes go as low as $250 per night.

Source: excentric_01 / Getty Images

29. Mexico City, DF, Mexico
> No. of 4- and 5-diamond hotels: 13
> Population: N/A
> Annual visitors: 13.5 million in 2017

The capital of Mexico has two 5-diamond and 11 4-diamond hotels. Amenities at the 5-diamond establishments may include a personal butler for every room, saunas, and deep soaking tubs in marble-lined bathrooms, with rooms ranging from $300-$1,300 per night. Of the 4-diamond hotels, some of the luxury amenities are a heliport, a lobby of art exhibits, a rooftop pool, and even a temazcal (Mayan sweat lodge). Rooms start at $200 per night.

28. Dallas, TX, United States
> No. of 4- and 5-diamond hotels: 14
> Population: 1,318,806
> Annual visitors: 27.2 million in 2017

Of the 14 4-diamond hotels in Dallas, some have spectacularly unique amenities, including a water park with a lazy river, a revolving restaurant lounge with a panoramic skyline view, and a complementary chauffeured Bentley for short outings near the hotel. Rooms start around $220 per night and run up to $1,000 per night.

Source: ImageegamI / Getty Images

27. Orlando, FL, United States
> No. of 4- and 5-diamond hotels: 14
> Population: 275,690
> Annual visitors: 75 million in 2018

In 2018, Orlando had more tourist visitors than any city with 10 or more 4- or 5-diamond hotels. Being a family-oriented vacation destination, it’s no surprise that Orlando’s luxury hotels have fun features like waterslides, lazy rivers, and free shuttles to SeaWorld. Of course, golf courses and spas abound for those who wish to skip the kid-friendly attractions. Rooms can be found for as low as $150 per night.

Source: csfotoimages / Getty Images

26. Nashville, TN, United States
> No. of 4- and 5-diamond hotels: 16
> Population: N/A
> Annual visitors: 15.2 million in 2018

This southern music hotspot has 16 4-diamond hotels. Location is everything, as many of these hotels are situated within walking distance of honky tonks, music venues, and nightlife. Multiple hotels have rooftop pools and bars, and of course, live music. Basic rooms can range from $234-$579 per night.

Source: oksanaphoto / Getty Images

25. Seattle, WA, United States
> No. of 4- and 5-diamond hotels: 16
> Population: 708,823
> Annual visitors: 40.9 million in 2018

In a city known for its fine dining — especially its seafood — the hotels are no exception. Multiple of Seattle’s 4-diamond hotels feature award-winning restaurants and oyster bars. Also characteristic of many of the hotels are curated art collections, original artwork, and views of Elliott Bay. Basic rooms can run from $230 to $670 per night.

Source: RiverNorthPhotography / Getty Images

24. Denver, CO, United States
> No. of 4- and 5-diamond hotels: 16
> Population: 693,417
> Annual visitors: 31 million in 2018

The largest city in Colorado, Denver is home to two 5-diamond and 14 4-diamond hotels, where it’s easy to find a room with sweeping views of the Rocky Mountains. Not uncommon in these luxury hotels are fireplace lounges and original artwork. A few hotels go the extra mile: one features a nightly wine reception; another the highest rooftop bar in Denver. Rooms can be found for $199 a night.

Source: ianmcdonnell / Getty Images

23. San Jose Del Cabo, BS, Mexico
> No. of 4- and 5-diamond hotels: 16
> Population: N/A
> Annual visitors:

San Jose Del Cabo is a beach resort city along the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja California peninsula, with three 5-diamond and 13 4-diamond hotels. For $990 a night, guests can stay at a 900-acre oceanside resort, with the option of renting a yacht complete with crew to go snorkeling or whale watching. Another resort offers rooms with private infinity pools. For lower budgets, oceanfront villas are available for $270 per night.

Source: R.M. Nunes / Getty Images

22. Montreal, QC, Canada
> No. of 4- and 5-diamond hotels: 16
> Population: N/A
> Annual visitors: 19 million in 2018

Montreal has 15 4-diamond hotels and a single 5-diamond hotel. The 5-diamond offers heated floors, in-room fireplaces, and an indoor saltwater pool, for as low as $535 per night. Rates in the 4-diamond hotels start at $150 per night.

Source: Pgiam / Getty Images

21. Miami Beach, FL, United States
> No. of 4- and 5-diamond hotels: 17
> Population: 91,826
> Annual visitors:

Guests can choose from 17 4-diamond hotels in Miami Beach, most of which include ocean views, beach access, and of course, swimming pools. Expect to spend about $300 per night, or up to $1,700 for a basic room at some of these oceanside hotels.

Source: bootbearwdc / Flickr

20. Washington, DC, United States
> No. of 4- and 5-diamond hotels: 14
> Population: 684,498
> Annual visitors: 23.8 million in 2018

The nation’s capital has 13 4-diamond hotels and one 5-diamond hotel, spread out among prime locations such as Georgetown, The Wharf, and Downtown. Many offer rooms in the $200 range and feature views of the city and the waterfront.

Source: CarolinaSmith / Getty Images

19. Cabo San Lucas, BS, Mexico
> No. of 4- and 5-diamond hotels: 17
> Population: N/A
> Annual visitors: 955,000 in 2017

Adjacent to Baja’s San Jose del Cabo is the resort town of Cabo San Lucas, which features 3 5-diamond hotels and 14 4-diamond hotels. Many of the hotels are all-inclusive destinations, featuring shopping, restaurants, private beaches, bars, and even currency exchange. For accommodations at a resort with free yoga, a beachfront infinity pool, and a swim-up bar, prepare to spend at least $925 per night.

Source: KatSnowden / Getty Images

18. Puerto Vallarta, JA, Mexico
> No. of 4- and 5-diamond hotels: 17
> Population: N/A
> Annual visitors: 4.7 million in 2018

Puerto Vallarta on the Pacific coast of Jalisco has one 5-diamond and 16 4-diamond hotels. Rooms start at around $400 per night at the adults-only 5-diamond hotel, which features four restaurants, in-room hot tubs, and a rooftop infinity pool overlooking the ocean.

Source: Davel5957 / Getty Images

17. Scottsdale, AZ, United States
> No. of 4- and 5-diamond hotels: 17
> Population: 246,026
> Annual visitors: 9.1 million in 2018

A city known for its upscale resorts and golf courses, Scottsdale has four 5-diamond hotels and 13 4-diamond hotels, many of which house their own golf courses and desert gardens on multi-acre estates. Rooms start between $250 and $500 per night but can go as high as $4,000 a night for a presidential suite.

Source: laughingmango / Getty Images

16. Vancouver, BC, Canada
> No. of 4- and 5-diamond hotels: 17
> Population: N/A
> Annual visitors: 10.3 million in 2017

A coastal city surrounded by the Pacific Ocean and British Columbia’s Coast Mountains, Vancouver is a destination for wilderness adventurers and urban explorers. The city’s two 5-diamond hotels and 15 4-diamond hotels feature bonuses like live music, rooftop pools, fire pits, and steam rooms. Accommodations start at around $200 per night.

Source: Sisoje / Getty Images

15. San Antonio, TX, United States
> No. of 4- and 5-diamond hotels: 18
> Population: 1,486,521
> Annual visitors: 39 million in 2018

Known for its River Walk and home of the Alamo, San Antonio sees more visitors than any other Texas city on our list. Some of its luxury hotels are housed in historic buildings, and many are in prime locations overlooking the River Walk. Rooms start around $150 per night.

Source: Carlo Pelagalli / Wikimedia Commons

14. Lake Buena Vista, FL, United States
> No. of 4- and 5-diamond hotels: 19
> Population: 04
> Annual visitors: 20.9 million in 2018

Lake Buena Vista, a municipality controlled by Disney World, is home to one 5-diamond and 18 4-diamond hotels. Guests have many themed lodges to choose from, including a Polynesian Village with a volcano-themed waterslide and a rustic lodge modeled after a Yellowstone inn, complete with a working replica of Old Faithful.

Source: prayitnophotography / Flickr

13. San Francisco, CA, United States
> No. of 4- and 5-diamond hotels: 19
> Population: 870,044
> Annual visitors: 25.8 million in 2018

Although the San Francisco metro area is the most expensive to live in the United States, its 4- and 5-diamond hotels are surprisingly affordable, compared to those in other cities. Rooms with great views of the city start around $150 per night.

Source: ablokhin / Getty Images

12. New Orleans, LA, United States
> No. of 4- and 5-diamond hotels: 20
> Population: 389,648
> Annual visitors: 18.5 million in 2018

Although no New Orleans hotels received 5-diamond designation, the 20 4-diamond hotels can cater to a wide range of tastes. Whether you want an in-house casino, fine dining with live music, or a carousel bar, you can find accommodations starting around $200 per night.

Source: dlewis33 / Getty Images

11. Austin, TX, United States
> No. of 4- and 5-diamond hotels: 21
> Population: 935,755
> Annual visitors: 27.4 million in 2018

There are 21 4-diamond hotels in Austin. Some of the more exclusive amenities include a free car service to nearby locations, an outdoor terrace bar with cowhide barstools, a waterpark, and horseback riding. Basic rooms can be found for $200.

Source: Preto_perola / Getty Images

10. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
> No. of 4- and 5-diamond hotels: 22
> Population: N/A
> Annual visitors:

Punta Cana is a beachside resort destination in the Dominican Republic. The single 5-diamond hotel features beachside rooms, in-room hot tubs, and a large ecological preserve on site, with basic rooms starting at $945 per night.

Source: ajansen / Getty Images

9. Atlanta, GA, United States
> No. of 4- and 5-diamond hotels: 22
> Population: 479,655
> Annual visitors: 56 million in 2018

Visitors to Atlanta have two 5-diamond and 20 4-diamond hotels to choose from. Guests can book a $150-$160 room in a luxury hotel with a deck-top pool and onsite night club, or, for a slower pace, they can choose a hotel with a private English garden.

Source: pawel.gaul / Getty Images

8. Cancun, QR, Mexico
> No. of 4- and 5-diamond hotels: 23
> Population: N/A
> Annual visitors:

Prices vary wildly at some of Cancun’s 4- and 5-diamond hotels and resorts. Adults only, all-inclusive resorts in some of Cancun’s 20 4-diamond hotels may range from $623 to $932 per night for a basic room, while a room a 5-diamond lodge in the popular Hotel Zone neighborhood can be had for as low as $200 per night.

Source: benedek / Getty Images

7. Toronto, ON, Canada
> No. of 4- and 5-diamond hotels: 24
> Population: N/A
> Annual visitors: 25.5 million in 2018

Toronto is the capital of Ontario and the largest city in Canada. Onsite spas and multiple restaurants are the norm at many of the city’s two 5-diamond and 22 4-diamond hotels, where basic rooms can often be found for under $300 per night.

Source: littleny / Getty Images

6. Las Vegas, NV, United States
> No. of 4- and 5-diamond hotels: 25
> Population: 626,637
> Annual visitors: 42.5 million in 2019

Las Vegas has six 5-diamond hotels and 19 4-diamond hotels. A basic room in a 5-diamond hotel with a casino, live entertainment, and award-winning dining can go for as low as $143 per night.

Source: dszc / Getty Images

5. Houston, TX, United States
> No. of 4- and 5-diamond hotels: 29
> Population: 2,295,982
> Annual visitors: 22.3 million in 2018

There are a multitude of luxury hotels in Houston, 28 are 4-diamond hotels and one is 5-diamond, with rooms as cheap as about $100 per night. One offers a bath butler service if you’d like someone to run the bath for you, while another offers an in-room tablet to use for room service orders and spa reservations.

Source: Iren_Key / Getty Images

4. Playa del Carmen, QR, Mexico
> No. of 4- and 5-diamond hotels: 29
> Population: N/A
> Annual visitors:

Playa del Carmen is a popular beachside vacation town with seven 5-diamond hotels and 22 4-diamond hotels. Privacy is a selling point here, as multiple hotels feature rooms with private plunge pools, while others offer private steam rooms, and one even has its own private island.

Source: benedek / Getty Images

3. Boston, MA, United States
> No. of 4- and 5-diamond hotels: 29
> Population: 679,413
> Annual visitors: 22.5 million in 2018

Visitors to Boston have four 5-diamond hotels and 25 4-diamond hotels to choose from. Rooms with waterfront views are available for about $260 per night, while rooms in the Back Bay, a historic district with great shopping and dining, are available for about $150 per night.

Source: onlyyouqj / Getty Images

2. Chicago, IL, United States
> No. of 4- and 5-diamond hotels: 42
> Population: 2,718,555
> Annual visitors: 57.6 million in 2018

Chicago’s luxury hotels — two 5-diamond and 40 4-diamond — spare no expense in creating an elegant experience for guests. Some highlights are a 16-story atrium with glass elevators, a modern art collection in the lobby, and rooms with 65 inch HDTVs.

Source: gregobagel / Getty Images

1. New York, NY, United States
> No. of 4- and 5-diamond hotels: 77
> Population: 8,443,713
> Annual visitors: 65.1 million in 2018

Eleven hotels in New York City received 5 diamonds rating, while 66 received 4 diamonds rating. With prime locations on Central Park, Fifth Avenue, and Times Square, guests can stay within walking distance of their chosen stomping grounds. Rooms start around $200 per night.

To top