Travelers today want more than just a place to stay—they crave experiences that reflect a strong sense of location. This year’s winners of the Global Tastemakers for Top U.S. Hotels in Food and Drinks show just that. These hotels use their surroundings—from vineyards and mountains to coastlines—to craft menus that can’t be found anywhere else. Their kitchens rely heavily on local and seasonal ingredients, many grown right on site. The result is luxurious, authentic stays where every detail feels natural and meaningful, never forced or overly flashy.
Hotels That Celebrate Place and Flavor
This year’s top hotels have a few things in common. Many draw inspiration from Asian culinary traditions, especially Japanese, incorporating ingredients, techniques, and even the hospitality philosophy of omotenashi—a mindful, guest-focused approach to service. Most also offer guests a sense of privacy and seclusion, located away from busy tourist hubs to create an exclusive feel.
Here’s a closer look at the 10 best U.S. hotels that are winning hearts through unforgettable food and drink experiences:
1. Blackberry Farm – Walland, Tennessee
For the second year running, Blackberry Farm tops the list. Nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains foothills, this renowned spot is a dream for food lovers. It boasts three restaurants with rotating menus based on the hotel’s garden harvest. The Barn, a James Beard Award-winning restaurant, is the highlight for many visitors. Blackberry Farm also hosts special events throughout the year, like the Sisterhood Summit led by Jenna Bush Hager and Barbara Bush, and Le Paulée, a Burgundy wine celebration. Guests can even join truffle hunts with the hotel’s own dogs.
2. Aragosta – Deer Isle, Maine
Far from the crowded summer spots of Bar Harbor, Aragosta offers a coastal retreat with sweeping ocean views. Chef Devin Finigan crafts dishes that combine Maine’s fresh ingredients with international touches. Highlights include spring halibut in lobster and dashi broth and lobster with beurre blanc. Guests stay in one of nine cozy cottages right on the 21-acre property, enjoying a relaxed pace and stunning scenery.
3. Bardessono – Napa Valley, California
Located in Yountville, the heart of Napa Valley’s culinary scene, Bardessono grows many of its own ingredients on its small vineyard and kitchen garden. The Lucy Restaurant & Bar features dishes made with homegrown produce like pineapple quince and yuzu. The eco-friendly hotel feels like a modern Tuscan villa, with stone walls, lush greenery, and valley views. Suites offer fireplaces and private balconies, while downtown Yountville is just steps away.
4. SingleThread Farm, Restaurant, & Inn – Healdsburg, California
This intimate Sonoma spot earned two Michelin stars just 10 months after opening in 2016. Owned by husband and wife Kyle and Katina Connaughton, SingleThread uses produce from its biodiverse farm, including unique items like Kyoto carrots and Komatsuna mustard. Their approach is inspired by omotenashi, ensuring every guest’s needs are anticipated with care. The tasting menu features creative dishes like Miyazaki wagyu with black truffle, and guest rooms come with luxurious touches like soaking tubs and local treats.
5. Harbor House Inn – Elk, California
Tucked away on the Mendocino coastline, Harbor House Inn offers dramatic seaside views and a rustic yet refined dining experience. Chef Matthew Kammerer focuses on local North Coast ingredients cooked with steam and fire, serving dishes like sake-poached abalone and smoked black cod. Guests choose from six main house rooms or five cottages, all with access to a private cove. Cell phone service is limited, encouraging guests to disconnect and savor the natural beauty.
6. Ocean House – Westerly, Rhode Island
Ocean House embodies classic New England charm. Its formal restaurant, Coast, serves seasonal prix fixe menus with dishes such as pan-roasted seafood and seared scallops with foie gras. During warmer months, the Verandah offers raw bar selections outdoors, while the Bistro provides casual fare like steaks and salads. Rooms feature coastal blue accents, and guests can enjoy the hotel spa and a collection of Ludwig Bemelman art.
7. Twin Farms – Barnard, Vermont
An adults-only retreat in Vermont’s Green Mountains, Twin Farms offers privacy and a choose-your-own-adventure vibe. Guests can enjoy wellness activities like Japanese onsen saltwater soaks or winter skiing on private trails. Chef Nathan Rich’s menu features items such as porcini-poached chicken and wild mushroom ragu. The all-inclusive resort covers meals, drinks, and experiences in a rustic yet elegant setting.
8. The Setai Miami Beach – Florida
A peaceful oasis in the bustling South Beach area, The Setai draws heavily on Asian influences in its design and cuisine. The hotel’s dining options span flavors from Japan, Thailand, China, India, and Bali. Jaya is known for its South Asian specialties, while the new Japón restaurant offers a luxurious Japanese experience, including sushi, tempura, and caviar. Guest rooms feature Duxiana beds and Frette linens for ultimate comfort.
9. Espacio The Jewel of Waikiki – Honolulu, Hawaii
Espacio is a private, ultra-luxury hotel with just nine suites overlooking the ocean near Waikiki Beach. Guests enjoy priority seating at Mugen, a 34-seat restaurant helmed by Colin Sato, with menus by renowned chef Alan Wong. The six-course tasting menu highlights Hawaiian ingredients like poke paired with caviar and Kona kampachi with coconut avocado mousse. Every bite is a taste of Hawaiian luxury.
10. Hotel Emma – San Antonio, Texas
Located on San Antonio’s lively River Walk, Hotel Emma mixes historic charm with modern luxury. The former brewhouse features multiple standout dining options. Supper serves all-day open-fire cooking, with dishes like Hill Country quail biscuits and Texas steaks. Larder offers South Texas-style food and local brews. Sternewirth, the hotel’s tavern, serves inventive cocktails like the potent “Three Emmas.” The hotel’s vibe is both romantic and fun, making it a favorite spot in the Pearl District.
The Recipe for Exceptional Hotel Dining
What makes these hotels truly exceptional is their deep connection to their location and commitment to offering guests unique, memorable experiences through food and drink. Whether it’s a remote mountain farm or a seaside retreat, these hotels show that thoughtful hospitality and local flavor create stays that guests will cherish long after they leave.
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