Courtesy of The Royal Hawaiian
#49 Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort
Oahu, Hawaii
Score: 82.98
Beachfront cabanas (the only ones in Waikiki) are just one of the many recently added amenities.
NEWS: Royal Hawaiian just re-opened after a complete remodel, which added Waikiki's only beachfront cabanas.
Courtesy of The Phoenician
#48 The Phoenician, a Luxury Collection Resort
Scottsdale, Arizona
Score: 83.01
Sophisticated desert enclave at the base of Camelback Mountain.
NEWS: Two restaurants debuted in 2009: Il Terrazzo (authentic Italian) and J & G Steakhouse, from celeb chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten.
Courtesy of Fairmont Hotels and Resorts
#47 Fairmont Hotel Vancouver
Score: 83.02
Two friendly yellow Labs in the lobby and a special “bubblegum tea” service for little ones, complete with PB&J finger sandwiches.
NEWS: This summer, their Absolute Spa opened a 2,500 square foot expansion-all the better to treat you with.
Peter Vitale / Four Seasons
#46 Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore
Santa Barbara, California
Score: 83.15
Coastside 1927 Spanish colonial with a fleet of beach cruisers.
NEWS: Check out the revamped Coral Casino Beach and Cabana Club, with its Olympic size pool and access to Butterfly Beach.
Courtesy of Disney's Grand Floridian
#45 Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Lake Buena Vista, Florida
Score: 83.27
On the Magic Kingdom monorail loop, with red gables and Victorian flourishes.
NEWS: You can now roast ’mallows nightly around a Mickey-shaped campfire and watch Disney flicks on the beach.
Courtesy of Sunriver Resort
#44 Sunriver Resort
Bend, Oregon
Score: 83.33
Recreation mecca in the Deschutes National Forest, near 9,000-foot Mount Bachelor.
NEWS: Guest rooms were recently completely renovated, with both new furniture and electronics.
Courtesy of Hyatt Regency
#43 Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa
Oahu, Hawaii
Score: 83.51
Expansive resort with all the island thrills—plus three floors of shopping.
NEWS: At their Na Ho’ola Spa, you can try Hulacise—a new, dance-like workout that's just as fun as it sounds.
Courtesy of The Beverly Hills Hotel & Bungalows
#42 Beverly Hills Hotel & Bungalows
California
Score: 83.72
Mission-style hot spot since 1912; even kids are treated like movie stars.
NEWS: The hotel introduced their VYV (Very Young VIP’s) program in 2007. Kids are greeted by name, plied with unlimited beverages, and given a personalized welcome letter, teddy bear, and chocolate chip cookies on arrival.
Courtesy of Orient Express
#41 Charleston Place
South Carolina
Score: 84.17
Bastion of Southern hospitality near the South Carolina Aquarium.
NEWS: Chef Michelle Weaver has joined the ranks at Charleston Grill, intent on capturing the local palate (try the Bibb lettuce and corn beignets).
Courtesy of St. Regis, Aspen
#40 St. Regis Resort, Aspen
Colorado
Score: 84.30
High-service hotel at the base of Aspen Mountain.
NEWS: Staff here formed a Green Committee in March 2008, intent on maintaining an eco-focus (the result of their efforts include natural cooling systems and subsidized bus passes for employees).
