America’s Top 3 Most Stylish Boutique Hotels
From historic charm to desert glamour, America’s most stylish boutique hotels prove that good design can completely transform the way we travel. These aren’t just places to stay — they’re destinations in their own right, where every detail feels intentional and every corner tells a story.
From the soulful elegance of Hotel Bardo in Savannah to the timeless sophistication of The Colony Palm Beach, and the retro-chic allure of Parker Palm Springs, these properties capture the essence of modern hospitality through artful design and unforgettable atmosphere.
Whether you’re a design lover, an interiors enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates a beautifully curated escape, these hotels are reason enough to start planning your next trip.
Hotel Bardo
Savannah, Georgia
Tucked along Forsyth Park beneath the city’s canopy of moss-draped oaks, Hotel Bardo Savannah is a masterclass in modern Southern design. Housed within a restored 19th-century mansion, the hotel seamlessly balances Savannah’s storied past with a fresh, contemporary spirit. The design aesthetic feels like an elevated take on Southern charm — soft neutrals, layered textures, arched doorways, and Mediterranean influences that nod to both heritage and wanderlust.
Every space at Hotel Bardo feels intentionally crafted to slow you down. Think handcrafted tilework, limestone finishes, sculptural lighting, and warm wood tones that play beautifully against the natural light pouring through tall arched windows. The interiors, designed by Post Company, are equal parts moody and refined — pairing old-world elegance with an effortless coastal sensibility. The effect is quietly luxurious, a kind of lived-in sophistication that never feels overdone.
Beyond the design, the atmosphere is what makes Hotel Bardo stand out. It’s social yet serene — with a private members’ club energy that feels both exclusive and inviting. The Pool Bar and Garden is the heart of the hotel, dotted with striped umbrellas, terracotta planters, and perfectly mixed spritzes. Inside, Saint Bibiana, the hotel’s signature restaurant, offers an elevated yet unfussy dining experience rooted in local ingredients and Mediterranean flavors. Every element — from the handblown glassware to the curved banquettes — feels like it was chosen with care, making it as much a feast for the eyes as for the palate.
A Day (or Two) at Bardo
At Hotel Bardo, time slows in the best possible way. Each moment feels curated yet effortless — from the morning light over Forsyth Park to the hum of cocktail glasses clinking under the stars. Here’s how to make the most of your stay.
Day One: Arrival + Ease Into the Atmosphere
Check in through the grand entryway, where the air feels subtly perfumed and the design immediately pulls you in — plaster walls, travertine floors, and light that moves beautifully through arched corridors. Drop your bags in your suite, where soft linens, custom furniture, and curated art create an instant sense of calm.
Ease into Savannah’s rhythm with a walk through Forsyth Park, just steps from the hotel. The fountain sparkles under the oaks, and the surrounding homes whisper old stories through their shutters and wrought-iron balconies. When you return, grab a seat at the Pool Bar and Garden for a cocktail — a place that feels lifted straight from the Mediterranean but grounded in Southern ease.
Dinner at Saint Bibiana is your introduction to Bardo’s culinary vision: simple, seasonal, and deeply satisfying. Expect dishes like handmade pasta, local seafood, and warm, attentive service. Afterward, sink into one of the curved banquettes at Bar Bibi for a nightcap — the space glows with candlelight, and the design alone is reason to linger.
Saint Bibiana Must Trys:
Daily Crudo – cucumber granita, whiskey barrel shoyu, yuzu
Olive Oil Roasted Pear & 500-Day Prosciutto – hot pepper honey, grissini & crostini
Grilled Mediterranean Octopus – fingerling potatoes, olives, cucumbers, grape tomatoes, lemon balm
Bruschetta – caramelized brussel sprouts, stracciatella, pomegranate molasses, pine nuts
Pappardelle – veal osso buco, smoked pecorino
Crispy Skin Wild Salmon – pickled fennel, caramelized shallot, spiced pine nut
Mediterranean Branzino – oven-dried tomatoes, sicilian anise butter
Day Two: Slow Mornings + Sun-Drenched Afternoons
Wake up to quiet luxury — espresso in hand, wrapped in the soft textures of your room. Breakfast at Saint Bibiana is relaxed but refined: think honey-drizzled ricotta toast or a perfectly made omelet paired with a strong cappuccino.
Spend the late morning poolside, where striped umbrellas and cushioned loungers set the scene for the day. Between dips, wander through the manicured gardens or flip through the coffee-table books scattered across the shaded seating areas. If you’re in the mood for movement, borrow a bike and explore the surrounding squares and boutiques — Savannah is made for slow exploration.
By afternoon, retreat to the Saltgrass Spa, a serene hideaway within the hotel. The interiors mirror Bardo’s overall palette — neutral, tactile, and deeply calming. Treatments here focus on natural ingredients and a holistic approach that feels completely aligned with the property’s ethos.
Dinner calls for something unhurried — perhaps returning to Saint Bibiana for a seasonal tasting menu, or ordering a late meal under the string lights by the pool. End the evening in one of the velvet-clad corners of Bar Bibi, where the martinis arrive perfectly chilled and the conversation flows as easily as the music.
Day Three: Departure (But Not Without One Last Moment)
Before checking out, take one more walk through Forsyth Park — morning sunlight streaming through Spanish moss, coffee in hand — and let the city’s slow rhythm follow you home.
Best For: Design enthusiasts, couples, and travelers who value soulful luxury — the kind that comes not from flash, but from thoughtful details and impeccable design.
The Colony Hotel
Palm Beach, Florida
If Palm Beach had a signature shade, it would be The Colony’s signature pink — cheerful, iconic, and impossible to miss. Just steps from Worth Avenue, this historic boutique hotel has been a beacon of Palm Beach style since 1947, recently reimagined to blend its storied past with a fresh, fashion-forward perspective.
Every inch of The Colony feels like a love letter to design. The interiors — reimagined by Kemble Interiors and later touched by designers like Celerie Kemble and Mark D. Sikes — are a masterclass in layering color, texture, and whimsy. The lobby greets guests with tropical prints, cane furniture, lacquered finishes, and curated art that celebrates both tradition and play. Each guest room is uniquely designed, pairing bold patterns with vintage Palm Beach glamour — think bamboo frames, rattan details, pastel walls, and bursts of green and coral.
The Colony’s design is rooted in nostalgia, yet it feels entirely current. There’s a lightness to the aesthetic — joyful but never overdone, polished yet approachable. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to dress up for breakfast, order champagne before noon, and linger just a little longer by the pool.
Beyond its impeccable interiors, The Colony thrives on energy and atmosphere. Guests gather by the pink-and-white pool, shaded by striped cabanas and surrounded by blooming palms. Inside, Swifty’s, the beloved restaurant tucked beside the pool, carries the social heartbeat of the hotel — offering everything from leisurely brunches to lively evening cocktails. And while Palm Beach has no shortage of glamour, there’s something especially magnetic about The Colony’s version of it: unpretentious, colorful, and full of charm.
A Weekend at The Colony
Day One: Classic Palm Beach Arrival
Arrive beneath the pastel awning and palm-lined drive — where bellmen in perfectly pressed uniforms greet you with Southern charm and a hint of old-Hollywood flair. Check into your suite, each one individually styled and full of personality, then head straight to the pool. Order a crisp rosé or a frozen cocktail from the cabana bar and settle into the rhythm of Palm Beach life — slow, sunny, and effortlessly chic.
As the sun begins to set, dress up for Swifty’s, where dinner feels equal parts social event and design experience. The setting is enchanting — palm-frond wallpaper, candlelight, and the kind of crowd that seems to glow under the soft evening light. End the night with a nightcap on your balcony or a moonlit walk along nearby Worth Avenue.
Day Two: Sun, Style, and Strolls
Mornings at The Colony start beautifully — breakfast at Swifty’s, strong coffee, and a spread of tropical fruit before exploring the neighborhood. Wander down Worth Avenue, one of Florida’s most iconic shopping streets, where European-style courtyards, ivy-covered facades, and high-end boutiques capture the timeless spirit of Palm Beach.
Breakfast at Swifty’s:
The Colony Granola PArfait – florida berry compote, vanilla & lime greek yogurt
Breakfast Trio – overnight oats, fresh fruit bowl, yogurt parfait
Catsmo New York Smoked Salmon – cream cheese schmear, popup bagel, tomato, caper, onion, crumbled egg
Strawberry Shortcake Short Stack – vanilla pancakes, macerated strawberries, cream cheese, white chocolate feuilletine, maple syrup
Swifty’s Crush Avocado – espelette & agave house chips, pico de gallo, yami’s salsa
Chilled Tomato Gazpacho – red pepper relish, toasted sunflower seeds, basil oil
Chickpea & Jalapeno Fritters – kalamata olive tapenade, basil vinaigrette, marinated tomatoes, balsamic
By midday, return to the pool for a dip or a long lunch. The Colony’s pool deck is pure design fantasy — pink and white tiles, blue-striped umbrellas, and lush greenery that makes every photo look like a vintage postcard. Spend your afternoon lounging, reading, or simply people-watching from the shade of a palm.
Later, treat yourself to in-room cocktails or a quiet moment on the balcony before heading out for dinner on the island — Buccan, Renato’s, or Le Bilboquet are all nearby favorites that mirror The Colony’s chic yet easygoing energy.
Day Three: A Slow Palm Beach Goodbye
Before check-out, take one last walk through the manicured gardens or around the lobby — where the morning light dances across glossy pink walls and patterned floors. Have brunch by the pool, soak in the last of the sunshine, and promise yourself you’ll be back soon — because The Colony isn’t just a hotel, it’s a feeling.
Best For: Design enthusiasts, couples, and travelers who adore classic glamour with a playful twist — where vintage Palm Beach meets modern-day sophistication.
Parker Palm Springs
Palm Springs, California
Few places embody effortless cool quite like Parker Palm Springs. A mid-century icon reborn under the design genius of Jonathan Adler, the Parker is a bold, playful study in modern eclecticism. Tucked behind a wall of white breeze blocks and surrounded by 13 acres of manicured gardens, the property feels like a secret world — glamorous, eccentric, and unapologetically fun.
The design is maximalism done right. Adler transformed the once-private estate into a vibrant playground for the design-obsessed — where every room tells its own story. The lobby, known as the Living Room, feels like stepping into a fever dream of 1960s sophistication: peacock chairs, velvet sofas, geometric patterns, and pops of tangerine, turquoise, and gold. It’s a place where you half-expect to see Slim Aarons himself lounging with a martini in hand.
Guest rooms follow suit, blending mid-century lines with bold prints, rich textures, and whimsical touches — think lacquered furniture, terrazzo details, and sculptural lighting that’s as functional as it is photogenic. Every inch of the property reflects Adler’s signature mix of wit and glamour, from the banana-leaf wallpaper to the ceramic accents that make you smile without trying too hard.
Outside, the Parker’s lush grounds are a study in contrast — palm trees, citrus groves, and secluded courtyards that feel worlds away from the desert heat. Two pools (one adults-only, one family-friendly), croquet lawns, hammocks, and even a lemonade stand create a sense of nostalgia that’s as charming as it is stylish. And when it’s time to escape the sun, the Palm Springs Yacht Club Spa awaits — a tongue-in-cheek nod to nautical luxury, wrapped in crisp white interiors and endless serenity.
A Weekend at Parker
Day One: Arrival & Indulgent Afternoons
Check in through the breezeblock entrance and follow the winding path to the main lobby — a scene straight out of a design magazine. After a quick tour (and a few inevitable photos), drop your bags and head straight for the pool. Order a margarita from the retro pool bar and settle into a lounger beneath striped umbrellas as the desert sun works its magic.
Lunch at Norma’s is a must — the menu is playful, the plating colorful, and the atmosphere perfectly Palm Springs. Afterward, wander the property’s meandering paths or sneak away to a hammock hidden among citrus trees. As golden hour sets in, the entire hotel seems to glow — the kind of light that makes you understand why so many artists fell for the desert in the first place.
What I’m Ordering at Norma’s:
Norma’s Burger – with nueske’s bacon, provolone cheese, truffle aioli, & curry ketchup
Real Tuna Salad Sandwich – on multigrain bread
Chunks of Lobster Swimming in Cheesy Macaroni
Claw’s & Chip’s Gone Fishing – lobster & cod fish on board, like fish ‘n chips
Spicy Shrimp Quesadilla – with mango salsa
Dinner calls for Mister Parker’s, the property’s moody, velvet-draped restaurant that feels equal parts supper club and secret speakeasy. Dark wood, mirrored walls, and jazz playing softly in the background — it’s a scene that invites lingering.
Mr. Parker Said to Order:
Jumbo Lump Crab Cake – miso beurre blanc, citrus-fennel salad, osetra caviar
Salad Lyonnaise – slow-cooked egg, applewood-smoked pork belly, croutons, sherry vinegar vinaigrette
Burrata Salad – piedmont hazelnut pesto, grape cherry tomatoes, smoked mustard seeds
Beef Tartare – prepare tableside prime beef, dijon, capers, cornichons, parsley, quail egg
Scallops – cauliflower puree, caviar & champagne sauce
Caviar Bucatini – osetra caviar, 36-month aged parmesan fondue
Cheese Cart – murray’s cheesemonger’s choice
Day Two: Spa Mornings & Leisurely Escapes
Start your day at the Palm Springs Yacht Club Spa, a gleaming all-white sanctuary with indoor pools, eucalyptus steam rooms, and treatments designed for pure indulgence. A massage or facial here feels like a reset button.
Post-spa, take a bike ride around the neighborhood — the surrounding streets are lined with mid-century modern architecture, an open-air gallery of design inspiration. Back at the hotel, lunch at Norma’s again (because once is never enough) before a long, lazy afternoon by the pool or under the palms.
As evening falls, head into downtown Palm Springs for a bit of vintage shopping and people-watching, then return to Mister Parker’s for one last dinner, cocktail in hand, surrounded by that signature Adler glow.
Day Three: One Last Look
Before departing, grab breakfast on Norma’s terrace — pancakes stacked high, the scent of citrus in the air, and that desert light you’ll want to bottle up and take home. A few final photos beneath the breezeblock façade, and you’re off — though chances are, you’ll already be planning your next visit before you leave the driveway.
Best For: Design devotees, couples, and travelers drawn to bold, playful luxury — where mid-century cool meets unapologetic personality and every corner feels like a work of art.
About the Author
Anne Liles is the founder of Anne Liles Travel, a boutique travel company that crafts custom journeys for curious, discerning travelers. With a passion for thoughtful itineraries and a global network of luxury partners, Anne designs seamless escapes that balance cultural immersion with effortless indulgence. Whether it’s a romantic European getaway or a family adventure off the beaten path, Anne brings expertise, care, and a personal touch to every trip.
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