25 Best Beach Hotels in the USA

This spa resort doesn’t take any of its five stars for granted, particularly when it comes to delivering first-rate customer service. Guests can’t help but keep the compliments coming: Travelers say the resort staff takes extra care to personalize each experience. However, one problem you might face is exclusivity. Acqualina Resort & Residences on the Beach only has 98 guest rooms and suites, so be sure to book early for an upcoming trip to Sunny Isles Beach, Florida. The rooms come with flat-screen TVs and private balconies, as well as double sinks and glass-enclosed showers. Meanwhile, the property also features two in-house eateries, a grab-and-go market, four pools, a spa and beach amenities. What’s more, the hotel is part of The Leading Hotels of the World, meaning Leaders Club members have access to perks here. You’ll find Acqualina Resort & Residences on the Beach about 10 miles north of Miami Beach.

This Four Seasons Resort underwent a major renovation in 2016 that has impressed recent visitors. Guests say the staff here is consistently attentive and helpful, too. Guest rooms also receive high praise for their spacious floor plans and private balconies or patios. Plus, accommodations feature wireless internet access, an evening turndown service and luxury bath amenities. What’s more, this Four Seasons outpost is one of Maui’s most kid-friendly locales, offering complimentary kids toiletries, a popular game room and kid-friendly menus in its four on-site restaurants. Those traveling without little ones can make the most of the resort’s spa and the property’s proximity to three scenic golf courses. Or, spend your days lounging on the island’s shoreline where service staff will ensure you have enough ice water and towels to keep you feeling cool and comfortable. The only gripe guests had was with the high room rates at this hotel, particularly during peak seasons. As its name suggests, Maui’s Four Seasons sits pretty on Wailea Beach.

You’ll feel like you stepped back in time once you’ve stayed at the Ocean House’s classic New England retreat. This historic resort has been lovingly restored to its original design, down to window placements and interior wall hues. But recent guests don’t visit for nostalgia’s sake. Rather, they come for the courteous and attentive service staff and the secluded feel of the resort’s grounds and beach. They also come for the luxurious accommodations, equipped with high-end amenities, such as flat-screen TVs, wooden furnishings and luxury toiletries. Recent guests also reported returning year after year to indulge in rejuvenating spa treatments at OH! Spa and to treat their taste buds to award-winning cuisine and signature cocktails at Ocean House’s several dining venues (though many visitors said that food was expensive here). You’ll find the Ocean House located in Watch Hill on the south coast of Rhode Island, about 40 miles southwest of Newport.

Halekulani remains a traveler favorite for its über-luxurious accommodations and breathtaking views of Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head. Rooms come decorated in Halekulani’s signature “seven shades of white” and feature complimentary internet access, flat-panel TVs and welcome fruit and chocolate. Recent guests highly recommend requesting a room that looks out over the shore; the ocean vistas compliment the creamy room decor. Recent visitors also laud the helpful service staff, attesting that employees here went above and beyond to ensure a pleasant stay. While you’re here, make some time for the SpaHalekulani, which offers a long list of relaxing treatments inspired by Polynesian therapeutic rituals. Halekulani also houses three restaurants, and two bars, including the Lewers Lounge, which hosts nightly jazz performances. And Leaders Club members you’re in luck – as part of The Leading Hotels of the World, this property grants perks like welcome gifts and upgrades.

The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island promotes extreme relaxation in a luxurious setting. Though the resort hosts weekly activities that range from paddleboarding excursions to surfing lessons, the serene setting just might seduce you to participate in the area’s best extracurricular activity – lounging about in one of the resort’s Adirondack chairs. Meanwhile, young families and swooning couples (including some honeymooners) all unanimously agree that the Ritz’s staff couldn’t be more accommodating. Plus, kids can enjoy an array of children’s amenities, such as a kids club, a game room and in-room treats and bedtime stories with a pirate, a princess or the resort’s macaw mascot. The par-72 golf course is also a hit, and foodies rave about the award-winning Salt restaurant. Recent guests said the rooms are just as peaceful as the grounds. Enjoy ocean views from your private balcony and get a good night’s rest with the 400-thread-count Egyptian Frette linens and goose-down pillows. What’s more, accommodations here feature high-tech amenities like high-speed internet access (which the $38 daily resort fee covers) and flat-screen TVs with DVD players. Keep in mind that this Amelia Island resort is a bit of a trek from the airport. If you’re a member of Marriott Bonvoy, you can use and earn points when you stay here.

Located less than a mile inland from D.T. Fleming Beach on Maui’s northwest coast, The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua – with its epic views of Molokai Island – is popular with travelers in more ways than one. The rooms are spacious and are dressed in a tropical-yet-refined style brought on by yellow and green decor and wrought-iron lanais (Hawaiian patios). Accommodations at this Ritz-Carlton also feature flat-screen TVs, marble bathrooms and high-speed internet access. While you’re here, travelers recommend taking advantage of the pool. And if you’re looking to unwind even further, splurge on a treatment at the spa. Others enjoyed the hiking excursions and other outdoor ventures with the Ambassadors of the Environment program. And at the end of the day, refuel with a full plate of fresh Hawaiian cuisine with a twist at Banyan Tree, one of the resort’s six restaurants. Staying here will cost you a pretty penny, especially if you include the $35 daily resort fee. However, this Marriott-affiliated property participates in the Marriott Bonvoy program, so members can use points to cover their stays here.

Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa is a little farther removed from the other luxury oceanfront properties of Palm Beach, Florida; as such, you can anticipate a little more privacy on your beach days. If you stay at this resort in Manalapan, you’ll find yourself 12 miles south of West Palm Beach hot spots like Clematis Street. This Preferred Legend property has taken the area by storm, with recent visitors raving about the resort’s array of unique offerings. The spacious guest rooms feature beachy yellow and blue hues, plus amenities like complimentary Wi-Fi access, soaking tubs and balconies or terraces overlooking the resort grounds or ocean. Meanwhile, travelers say the spa’s treatments and services are worth the extra coin; or, you can get your R&R fix alongside one of two outdoor pools. Eau Palm Beach also offers diversions for children, such as the AquaNuts kids program (with activities for those ages 5 to 12) and the Coast Beauty Salon (with kids hair, nail and makeup treatments). And when you get hungry, try any one of the four on-site restaurants. Keep in mind that this property’s ties to Preferred Hotels & Resorts means members of the I Prefer Hotel Rewards program can redeem accrued points for rewards certificates, which can be used to cover the cost of rooms here.

The northeastern Florida seaside community of Ponte Vedra Beach – due southeast of Jacksonville – is known for its super-luxe resorts. And like its sister property, The Lodge & Club at Ponte Vedra Beach, Ponte Vedra Inn & Club gets kudos for its attentive staff and choice amenities. Accommodations here are spacious and come equipped with conveniences like coffee makers, flat-screen TVs and high-speed wireless internet access (which the $29 daily resort fee covers). When you feel hunger pangs coming on, you can sit down to dinner at the Seahorse Grille, which serves up fresh seafood alongside spectacular ocean views. Ponte Vedra Inn also has a pastry chef on staff who makes homemade ice cream, which is served in the bistro-style Gourmet Shop. And for a hearty serving of R&R, guests recommend spending time at the 30,000-square-foot spa. However, for many guests, it’s Ponte Vedra Inn & Club’s customer service that makes them want to come back. Travelers describe the staff here as superb.