Salamander Middleburg
Photograph: Courtesy Salamander Middleburg
Photograph: Courtesy Salamander Middleburg

13 of our favorite woman-owned hotels across America

These woman-owned hotels across the U.S. combine thoughtful design, strong identity and unforgettable stays.

Lauren Dana
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While Women’s History Month puts the spotlight on female founders, these woman-owned hotels are worth booking year-round. The best ones aren’t just places to stay—they’re places with a distinct point of view, and, in most cases, destinations in and of themselves. Across the U.S., a new wave of hospitality is taking shape as founders reshape the industry on their own terms—think turning childhood summer camps into design-forward retreats or restoring historic homes with an eye for art and detail. The common thread, regardless of size, is a strong sense of identity, from the design to the dining to the overall experience. Whether you’re after a low-key Hamptons escape or a chic oceanfront retreat away from the bustle of Miami, these stays offer something far more personal than the standard cookie-cutter hotel.

Women-owned hotels in the U.S. we love

Cedar Lakes Estate | Port Jervis, NY

Sisters Stephanie and Lisa Karvellas turned their childhood playground into a 500-acre Hudson Valley escape that still holds onto that sense of nostalgia, just with a more elevated edge. The experience leans fully into grown-up summer camp—think board games by the fireplace, mountaintop sledding in winter and long hikes that end with a view. Farm-to-table meals are included, and activities abound, from hands-on classes like pasta-making, cocktail mixing and whiskey tasting to low-key outdoor hangs. Even wellness gets the camp treatment, whether it’s a pop-up spa massage or roasting s'mores by the fire. Finally, stays range from lakeside cottages to rustic-chic cabins and cozy suites, all set among wooded trails and open water.

Wicklow Hall | Georgetown, SC

Situated along South Carolina’s Hammock Coast, Wicklow Hall and its historic grounds feel worlds away from the bustle of nearby Charleston (about 50 miles northeast). The early 1800s estate has been thoughtfully restored by owner Judith Puckett-Rinella, keeping details like heart pine floors and sweeping live oaks intact while bringing in a more contemporary perspective. Accommodations include a handful of guest suites and a private cottage, all filled with antiques, salvaged materials and a rotating photography collection that nods to her past as a photo editor at The New York Times and Vanity Fair. Between the gardens, murals and a forthcoming artist-in-residence program, the vibe here skews more arty than traditional bed-and-breakfast.

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Acqualina Resort & Residences | Sunny Isles Beach, FL

One of South Florida’s most luxe properties, Acqualina sets the gold standard for high-gloss beachfront living under CEO Deborah Yager Fleming. Rooms and suites are notably spacious, with oversized layouts, private terraces and a classic, polished design by Miami-based designer Isabel Tragash that leans timeless rather than trendy. Many open onto sweeping ocean views, while the amenities feel intentionally over-the-top—in the best way. There are multiple pools lined with private cabanas, a 20,000-square-foot spa known for its indulgent treatments and decadent on-site dining, including Il Mulino New York’s white-tablecloth take on Italian classics. A pristine stretch of beach and a thoughtfully designed kids club round things out, making it just as appealing for families as it is for couples.

The River Electric | Guerneville, CA

Part community hang, part quirky boutique hotel, The River Electric brings a different kind of wine country escape to Sonoma County. Co-founder Kelsey Sheofsky reimagines the American summer camp with a distinctly California sensibility at this 12-acre retreat set among redwoods. Guests check into fully furnished canvas tents that feel more design-forward than traditional glamping, then spend their days at the buzzy swim club—equal parts pool, bar and social hub—or floating along the nearby Russian River. The vibe is playful but intentional, with mid-century touches and a crowd that skews creative and in-the-know. Even the menu leans fun and elevated, from a caviar-topped “Tackle Box” to a West County Niçoise and a crowd-pleasing smash burger served on milk bread.

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The Chanler at Cliff Walk | Newport, RI

Owned by Lani Shufelt, The Chanler delivers full-on Gilded Age grandeur, set within a 19th-century mansion turned ultra-luxe hotel along Newport’s Cliff Walk. Each guest room and suite is designed around a distinct historical period or global influence, layered with rich textiles, antiques and dramatic, transportive detail. Many accommodations feature working fireplaces, soaking tubs and private entrances or terraces, adding an extra sense of seclusion. Dining is just as considered, with Cara, the hotel’s fine-dining restaurant, and the more relaxed Living Room and Remy’s Loose serving seasonal menus focused on coastal New England ingredients. Pull up an Adirondack chair and take in the sweeping coastal views.

The Roundtree | Amagansett, NY

Sylvia Wong’s Roundtree trades Hamptons flash for something quieter, more residential and far less showy. Set across leafy, open grounds, the property’s 14 accommodations are tucked into historic buildings—standalone cottages, guest rooms and a restored barn—each designed with a restrained, modern aesthetic that feels straight out of a design glossy. There’s plenty of space to spread out, from fire pits to wide lawns, and it’s an easy bike ride to the beach (complimentary bikes included). The extras go a long way here: breakfast, afternoon tea, evening snacks, s’mores, ice cream happy hour and beach gear plus coveted parking passes all come standard.

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The Compass McMinnville | McMinnville, OR

A design-forward, adults-only (21+) boutique stay in the heart of Oregon wine country, The Compass is set just two blocks from McMinnville’s buzzy Third Street. Housed in a reimagined 1914 Craftsman with a newly built standalone studio, the property blends historic character with a clean, modern sensibility. Founder Christie Toal keeps things intentionally intimate with just five suites, each designed for real rest—spa-style bathrooms, blackout curtains, luxe bedding and curated snacks and wine included. Shared spaces encourage lingering, from a wine library spotlighting independent and women-made labels to a cedar barrel sauna, cold plunge and fire pit–lined outdoor hangouts. It’s polished but low-key, with everything you need for a relaxed, grown-up wine country weekend.

Inn at Hastings Park | Lexington, MA

Just 15 miles outside Boston, the Inn at Hastings Park adds a luxe touch to historic Lexington as the area’s only Relais & Châteaux property. Owner Trisha Pérez Kennealy—a trained chef and seasoned entrepreneur—infuses the stay with a strong point of view, while 22 rooms and suites spread across three restored buildings lean bold and contemporary, with bright colors, layered patterns and a nod to the town’s heritage. The culinary program is a major draw, spanning bistro dining at Town Meeting Bistro, traditional High Tea, champagne brunch and immersive experiences like garden dinners and hands-on cooking classes. Thoughtful extras, from nearby spa partnerships to in-room wellness setups, round out the stay.

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Blair Hill Inn | Greenville, ME

Perched above Moosehead Lake, Blair Hill Inn leans into classic New England charm with some of the best views in the state. Owner Jennifer Whitlow has turned the 79-acre property into a seasonal retreat built around a restored 1891 country house, with ten rooms and a handful of freestanding cabins spread across the grounds. There’s plenty to do—hiking trails, scenic overlooks, a trout pond—but most people come for the quiet and the setting. The inn is open from spring through fall, with a standout farm-to-table restaurant that lures locals and travelers alike, plus a cozy, wood-paneled cocktail lounge for winding down at night.

The Drake Oak Brook | Oak Brook, IL

Set on sprawling landscaped grounds just outside Chicago, The Drake Oak Brook feels elegant without being stuffy. Owner Tely Nagle took a hands-on approach to restoring this 1960s-era icon, bringing it back to life with a mix of historic preservation and modern updates. Guest rooms and suites feature herringbone wood floors, bespoke furnishings and subtle glam touches like Swarovski chandeliers. On-site restaurants—including the Colonial Room, Polo Lounge and COA—offer a range of settings, from polished dining rooms to more social, lounge-style scenes, with al fresco options overlooking gardens and waterfalls in warmer months.

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