Top 5 hotels and resorts in the United States

No doubt there are plenty of nice hotels in the world, but when you go away, you don't just want nice—you want special, you want amazing, you want spectacular.

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That's why every year, Condé Nast Traveler invites readers to vote for the most outstanding hotels and resorts they've visited. This year, we celebrate our 25th Annual Readers' Choice Awards with a record number of opinions: 46,476 to be exact.

And those combined votes have boiled down to a list that covers  the best places and properties anywhere on earth—including these top 10 right here in the U.S.

1. Waldorf Astoria Chicago
Readers' Choice Rating: 97.9

"From the decor to the service, this is one of the greatest hotels I’ve stayed in." The top-scoring Gold List property in the United States, this "oasis of luxury" (opened at the end of 2009) is in the Gold Coast neighborhood, steps from the lakefront.

Designed to emulate the grand hotels of Paris in the 1920s, it is set in a 60-story tower that has colonnades, spires, and a motor court. The "fantastic, spacious rooms," 10 per floor, have fireplaces, furnished terraces, Italian linens, and white Carrara marble bathrooms with soaking tubs.

"Staff make you feel welcome, like they’re really excited that you chose their hotel." "Epicurean paradises" include the European-style bistro Balsan and Ria, which focuses on sustainable local ingredients. "I’d like to move in—now."
 (Photo courtesy of Inn at Palmetto Bluff)

2. Inn at Palmetto Bluff
Bluffton, S.C.
Readers' Choice Rating: 97.2

"This will be the best inn you’ve ever stayed at," by the May River amid acres of forests and ancient freshwater rice fields. "Superb Southern-style service" comes from staff "who make you feel like you are the first ever guests."

Rustic cottages are "quiet, secluded, immaculate, and spacious," with screened porches, white-wood doorways, vaulted ceilings, fireplaces, wide pine-plank floors, and hipped metal roofs. "You can do everything—golf, fishing, horseback riding, and a spa are some of the activities—or nothing, and be blissfully happy either way." Alas, the food at the River House Restaurant is "only fair."(Photo courtesy of Auberge du Soleil)

3. Auberge du Soleil
Napa Valley, Calif.
Readers' Choice Rating: 97.1

This "outstanding luxury resort" is set on 33 acres of vineyards and olive groves—"the views are spectacular." "Sumptuous cottages" done in sun and earth tones have wood-burning fireplaces and refrigerators stocked with local wines and cheeses; bathrooms come with skylights and flat-screen TVs.

The "stunning restaurant" serves wine-country cuisine with French Mediterranean influences, and its terrace has heaters for dining out on cool evenings. Enjoy Italian ices and chilled towels at the pool and Reiki at La Pagode, an Asian-style pavilion. The hotel manager "takes care of business and addresses issues without breaking a sweat."
(Photo courtesy of 21c Museum Hotel)

4. 21c Museum Hotel
Louisville, Ky.
Readers' Choice Rating: 96.8

Created from abandoned tobacco and bourbon warehouses, and doubling as a contemporary art museum with more than 9,000 square feet of exhibition space, this property has reclaimed-wood floors, hand-blocked linen upholstery, exposed brickwork and timber trusses, and glass transoms.

"The art collection makes it such a fun place to stay." "Unique and creative" guest rooms have Herman Miller chairs, high ceilings, silver mint julep cups, 500-thread-count Egyptian cotton sheets, and rubber ducks in bathtubs.

Proof on Main’s menu is inspired by Italy and the American South, hence dishes like the sweet potato agnolotti, and a choice of over 50 Kentucky bourbons, several bottled exclusively for the hotel. "It’s an incredible place for such a small city."(Photo courtesy of Fearrington House)

5. Fearrington House
Pittsboro, N.C.
Readers' Choice Rating: 96.7

Located eight miles from Chapel Hill, this "charming place" was constructed in 1987 on an old dairy farm and takes its cues from the English and French countryside.

Winding redbrick pathways lead guests through "beautiful gardens" with native plants. Garnering a perfect score, accommodations are "the finest rooms anywhere," done in English country style with fireplaces, floral bedspreads, and 19th-century furniture. Turndown service includes truffles hand made by the hotel’s chocolatier. The restaurant’s contemporary American cuisine is "out-of-this-world good." The recently opened 4,000-square-foot day spa offers facials, massages, and wraps.

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