Tripadvisor's list of best hotels in the U.S. is pretty odd

Tripadvisor just revealed the best hotels in America for 2026 and the top pick isn't in New York or Los Angeles or, frankly, anywhere you've likely traveled.

If you're planning a vacation this year and looking for inspiration, Tripadvisor's Travelers' Choice Best of the Best Hotels rankings has plenty of suggestions. Highlighting the highest-rated stays across the country based on reviews from millions of travelers, the top 10 list is predominantly a where's that of America.

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The rankings are based on the quality and quantity of traveler reviews posted throughout 2025. Tripadvisor notes that fewer than 1 percent of its roughly 8 million listings worldwide earn the "Best of the Best" distinction, making the list one of the platform's most selective annual awards.

Topping the list for 2026 is the FivePine Lodge and Spa in Sisters, Oregon. According to Tripadvisor, the property stood out for its peaceful vibes, rustic cabins and spacious main lodge. Visitors can also enjoy free breakfast, nightly happy hour and an on-site spa as well as a microbrewery. 

That top choice is indicative of travelers favoring smaller destinations. While New York City and Miami Beach both made the top 10, the list is mainly focused on charming small towns and historic districts.

Oregon, in particular, had an impressive year, landing two properties in the top three. In addition to FivePine Lodge & Spa, the Atticus Hotel, coming in at No. 8, earned recognition for its design-forward rooms and location in the heart of Oregon wine country.

Beyond the U.S., Tripadvisor named Indonesia's G.H. Universal Hotel the best hotel in the world for 2026. The only U.S. hotel to crack that top 10? FivePine Lodge and Spa, again.

Here are the top U.S. hotels according to Tripadvisor:

1. FivePine Lodge and Spa (Sisters, Oregon)
2. The Loutrel (Charleston, South Carolina)
3. The Verb Hotel (Boston, Massachusetts)
4. The Bryant Park Hotel (New York, New York)
5. French Quarter Inn (Charleston, South Carolina)
6. The Inn at Christmas Place (Pigeon Forge, Tennessee)
7. Ironworks Hotel Indy (Indianapolis, Indiana)
8. Atticus Hotel (McMinnville, Oregon)
9. Hotel ZaZa Houston Memorial City (Houston, Texas)
10. Faena Miami Beach (Miami Beach, Florida)