The 12 most romantic hotels in the U.S.

This exotic branch of the Four Seasons is unlike any other brand hotel you've been to. The stunning cliffside property—a former pineapple plantation—has a number of guest rooms and suites, yet manages to feel intimate with personalized touches including sake tastings and mixology classes. Couples will love luxuriating on the tranquil beach, mai tai in hand, or participating in fun activities such as a sunset sail along the coastline or dining under the stars at a private table for two overlooking Hulopoe Bay. 

Mood? Super luxe.
Budget range? Five-star pricing.

Located among the majestic hills of the Big Sur lies the Alila Ventana Inn and Spa. Beautifully catered to adults only, this is the romantic resort your heart's been looking for. Surrounded by 160 acres of secluded forest – along with a Japanese hot bath and two heated pools – this hotel has all you need for a utopian getaway with your S.O. The guest rooms boast private balconies/patios with views overlooking the forest, ocean or meadows, walk-in showers, soaking tubs and plush bathrobes to relax in true resort style. Looking for a little more adventure? Join one of the complimentary yoga classes, visit the on-site art gallery or spend an afternoon tasting wine among the hilltops. Bliss.

Mood? Non-stop adults-only fun.
Budget range? Spenny AF.

The vibe is beachy by day and sultry at night at this luxe hotel. The Setai hotel seamlessly blends the old and the new, from the intimate waterside pergolas to the lobby, built from bricks repurposed from crumbling Art Deco buildings in Shanghai’s old city. It includes 125 suites and three heated pools, one of which is flanked by a 90-foot bar. Sipping Asian-inspired cocktails from a chaise lounge with sparkling views of the Atlantic is what this hotel is all about.

Mood? Miami vibes all round.
Budget range? More affordable than most five-stars.

The Big Apple has some stunning stays for romance and MADE is one of the best romantic hotels around NYC. Featuring a plant-filled wraparound patio with floor-to-ceiling windows and an abundance of natural light, this epic hotel has so much to offer its guests. In the rooms, you can expect air-conditioning, a Samsung flatscreen TV, and matching bathrobes—some even have sweeping city views. An all-American breakfast is served daily on-site and Ferris, the resident restaurant, specializes in wholesome American fare—open for both lunch and dinner. Go for one of the craft cocktails and ease your way into a weekend of lustful luxury.

Mood? NYC living.
Budget range? Very well priced.

The five-star Auberge du Soleil is nestled on a 33-acre olive grove in prime California wine country with infinity-edge soaking pools overlooking the vineyards. Each of the 50 one- and two-bedroom suites features a wood-burning fireplace, extra-large soaking tub and private terrace. Meander hand-in-hand through the Ma(i)sonry Sculpture Gallery dotted with 110 works by California artists, then indulge in spa treatments that incorporate mud, minerals, olive oil, grapes and fresh herbs—you can upgrade your pampering session with a wine pairing selected by the Michelin-starred restaurant’s sommelier.

Mood? Vibey vineyards.
Budget range? Surprisingly good value. 

This luxury bed and breakfast is located inside a gorgeously restored 1892 Renaissance Revival mansion. Featuring 13 simply stunning guest rooms adorned with tasteful antiques and elegant textiles, the B&B offers enticing delights such as a nightly hors d'oeuvres reception and turndown service capped off by a plate of warm cookies. Couples can boost the long list of included amenities with optional add-ons like chilled Champagne and a platter of chocolate-covered strawberries.

Mood? Historic charm.
Budget range? Suuuuper affordable. 

This charming boutique hotel and spa in downtown Charleston is pretty dreamy for a couple looking to spark a bit of romance. On our visit, a lot of our fellow guests were on honeymoons and anniversaries, with the excellent staff seemingly well-versed in keeping those loved-up vibes flowing—mostly through making sure glasses are topped up at the complimentary wine and cheese receptions taking place most evenings. The Restoration is superbly placed for exploring Charleston—we can totally recommend a romantic dinner at Fig, or slurping oysters at 167 Raw. 

Mood? Grand on grand. 
Budget range? Very well priced.

Built in 1928, this Mediterranean-style mansion located on a barrier island south of Savannah feels like its own private paradise. With 1,000 acres lushly planted with palm trees, it’s the perfect place for couples looking for some poolside chilling (there are three to choose from) as well as action-oriented couples who want to hit up its PGA golf courses or frolic along its five miles of private beaches. At night, relax in the property’s comfy rooms or suites, featuring vaulted ceilings, exposed wood beams and handcrafted rugs.

Mood? Vacay in the Med.
Budget range? On the pricier side.

Nestled among Newport’s Gilded Age manors is this 19th-century wonder, a former mansion converted into 20 elegantly furnished hotel rooms. Each is unique and evokes a particular historical period or decorative theme. The Williamsburg Room’s style is post-Revolutionary America, with floral prints of red, white and blue, while the Nantucket Ocean Villa’s harbor scenes and nautical design evoke the early 19th century on the island. Romance abounds at the hotel’s restaurant, Cara, as well as at the fire pits on the expansive seaside lawn where you can wind down as the sun sets with a tipple in hand.

Mood? Ocean views for miles. 
Budget range? Mid-range to higher-end.

Opened in 1875, The Wauwinet is the perfect adults-only island escape. The two private beaches provide stellar ocean views or you can marvel at the charming 19th-century architecture of the building. Each room comes with custom furnishings, featuring 400-thread-count Italian linens and a daily arrangement of fresh local wildflowers. But the real pièce de résistance is the four cottages, which boast their very own living rooms complete with gas fireplaces, king-sized beds and spacious bathrooms. Best of all, you'll only be nine miles from downtown Nantucket.

Mood? Beachfront paradise. 
Budget range? Spennnny as heck.

Twin Farms offers 20 suites and cottages—each with a wood-burning fireplace and screened-in porch—on more than 300 acres of woodlands and meadows just north of Woodstock. Each folk art-inspired dwelling is unique with hand-painted murals, maple and pine woodwork, antique quilts or four-poster beds. Choose a vintage from Twin Farms’ 15,000-bottle wine cellar, then take a dip in the clothing-optional furo, a traditional Japanese soaking tub heated to 104 degrees.

Mood? Bespoke design.
Budget range? A whole five-star treat.

The oceanfront Stephanie Inn, located on the coast of northern Oregon, provides equal doses of stunning nature, heady romance and top-tier luxury. Couples can enjoy PNW experiences such as wine-pairing dinners that match local produce (think spice-roasted beets with delicious Oregon pinot noir), fireside massages in the privacy of your own room and cocktail-making classes. Tired of all the one-on-one time? Head down to the daily wine and beer gathering and mingle with other guests.

Mood? Panoramic beach views.
Budget range? A great range of options.