The Best Hotels I've Ever Stayed At

If you've been around the blog for awhile, you know that I love a good hotel stay. And I try to go on staycations and vacations as much as possible. Over the years, I've stayed at some fun, beautiful and quirky places. From the luxurious Plaza Hotel to outdoor glamping yurts! So I wanted to make a list compiling my favorite hotels, to encourage you to get out and see the world a little bit more.

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Hotel: The Plaza Hotel

Location: New York City, NY

The Plaza needs no introduction. I had dreamt of staying here from the first time I ever watched Eloise at Christmastime. So when we planned a trip back east for my brother's wedding in 2022, I knew I had to take the opportunity to stay at the iconic hotel.

So many movies are set here, and it really is a staple of the New York City experience in my mind. Our stay was phenomenal, the service was impeccable, the views of Central Park were jaw dropping, and it truly was everything I had ever imagined.

Hotel: Autocamp

Location: Russian River, CA

Fun fact: the Autocamp location in Russian River was the first vacation my husband and I ever went on together! Autocamp is a collection of luxury airstreams set in the redwoods and it's every bit as magical as it sounds. It's peaceful, quiet and it feels like you're somewhere far away.

The airstreams themselves are incredibly warm and cozy, making for the perfect glamping experience. Each airstream has a fire pit, and a small kitchen; so you can make as many s'mores as you like. I still remember roasting a dinner of salmon and vegetables over the fire pit one night of our trip, and ordering pizza from a local pizza shop the following night. There are local trails, and you can take a short drive to the ocean if you want.

Hotel: Bath Street Inn

Location: Santa Barbara, CA

For our anniversary this year, we stayed at the sweetest inn in the Southern California town of Santa Barbara.

It has everything you want in an inn. Delicious breakfast in the morning that you share while chatting with other guests, unique bedroom suites, nightly tea, coffee & cookies, and a great location!

The innkeeper was a kind woman who shared her life story with us, and was so accommodating when we decided we wanted to stay and extra night but change rooms.

If you ever plan on going to a concert at the Santa Barbara Bowl, this is the place to stay!

Hotel: Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa

Location: Monterey, CA

Monterey is a well known city by the sea in California's central coast. And while I personally don't go for the tourist attractions, like the aquarium or Fisherman's Wharf, I do love a stay at the Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa.

This hotel has become a favorite for me and my mom, as Monterey is one of her favorite places. And we have so many fond memories here. One of which being the live band the hotel brings in on Thursday & Friday nights to play for guests and locals.

There are stunning ocean views and a spa that has an extensive list of treatment options.

Hotel: The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas

Location, Princeville, Kauai, HI

It was a stroke of pure luck and fate that we were able to stay at the Westin Princeville Resort for our Honeymoon back in October.

We initially had a reservation somewhere else, but decided at the absolute last minute, (genuinely like a few days prior), that we wanted to stay somewhere with more amenities. And the Westin Princeville hit the spot!

I absolutely loved this hotel. It has 3 pools, poolside restaurant service, surprisingly delicious food, ping pong tables, morning yoga classes, and so much more! The room we stayed in was huge with a fully functional kitchen, living room, a large bathroom with a jetted tub and shutters that opened up to the bedroom, and a little patio outside. Loved!

Hotel: Treebones Resort

Location: Big Sur, CA

I love a good glamping experience. And Treebones Resort has to be my favorite place that masters taking the indoors, outdoors.

These are luxury yurts, on the cliffs of California's Highway 1 and it is magnificent. According to Wikipedia, "A yurt or ger is a portable, round tent covered and insulated with skins or felt and traditionally used as a dwelling by several distinct nomadic groups in the steppes and mountains of Inner Asia."

Not only is Treebones a fun camping experience, but there are a lot of fun activities to do on the grounds. From getting a massage, to stargazing while in the hot tub and checking out the amazing organic farm which grows the hotel's food.

But the best experience at Treebones has to be the Omakase inspired sushi experience at the Wild Coast Sushi Bar. Only a few guests are allowed in the restaurant at a time for the intimate dining experience.

On the website, "Delight in an elaborate Fifteen-Course tasting menu artfully crafted and served by Chef Yancy Knapp, which incorporates the highest quality seafood and locally harvested herbs and seasonings, many of which from Treebones’ own organic garden. Dining takes place in an intimate and thoughtfully designed indoor/outdoor space which accommodates 8 guests per seating."

Needless to say, Treebones has a lot to offer and is not one to be missed!

Hotel: The Grand America

Location: Salt Lake City, UT

Every year, during our road trip to Colorado, we stop halfway and stay at the Grand America Hotel in Salt Lake City, Utah. It truly is, in my opinion, the west's version of The Plaza Hotel. The rooms are designed with French inspiration, and are equal parts charming and luxurious.

I've never stayed long enough to enjoy much of the hotel, because we always stay for one night as we're passing through. But the vibes are immaculate, the staff is incredibly kind, and it is a wonderful time.

Hotel: Inn at Avila Beach

Location: Avila Beach, CA

The first time I stayed at this delightful inn overlooking the Pacific Ocean, was in 2015 on a Highway 1 roadtrip with a friend in college.

I have since stayed there at least 6 more times.

It's simply that charming.

I love this place. It's not the fanciest, it's not the most luxurious, but there is something about it that I just love. Could be the college nostalgia, or it could be the nightly fresh baked pies and cookies they offer, the cute living room area where guests can hang out and chat with each other, the sweeping views of the ocean, the rooftop cafe, the bikes that they let you take out free of charge, the overhanging flowers on the terrace, or the day beds on the balcony.

There are so many things to love about this place! Not to mention it's right in the middle of the action in this small coastal town. I have a vlog on Patreon from my husband and I's first trip there together which you can watch here!

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Thanks for reading this post! I hope you enjoyed it and it gave you some inspiration for your next getaway!

xo,