16 Best New Boutique Hotels in the U.S.
Boutique hotels have a special magic that often makes for unforgettable getaways. Though they may not offer the expansive grounds, amenities and pampering service that some of our favorite resorts and grand dame hotels do, the best boutique hotels are filled with stories—those of their creators, their locales and the travelers who’ve passed through—as well as soulful intimacy, perhaps some whimsy and, likely, a youthful, ever-so-chic vibe. They often feel like “the place to be,” without attracting too much of a scene. Below are 16 brand-new (or recently renovated) boutique hotels to have on your radar in the U.S. that promise gorgeous interiors, hidden gems and unique experiences—bright with possibility for a summer, fall or future escape close to home.
The Rockaway Hotel, Rockaway Beach, Queens, New York
City dwellers seeking a fresh alternative to the Hamptons will delight in the flirty design gem that is The Rockaway Hotel, which opened Labor Day weekend 2020 (and, as such, is a prime candidate for boutique hotel aficionados who like to get in the door first). Easily accessible by train and by ferry, the 53-guestroom and eight-bungalow property sits right on Rockaway Beach Boulevard, with views of the ocean and the Manhattan skyline. Developed by the same firm behind Hero Beach Club in Montauk, the Rockaway’s décor is likewise bright and colorful, with the rotating exhibitions of local and international artists being a particular standout. Couples and friends can while away a weekend lounging by the heated outdoor pool and at the expansive panoramic rooftop bar—or stay active with boating and fishing excursions, surfing, brewery-hopping and exploring the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge. Plus, this summer, guests can expect to see the (measured) return of live music, poetry and performance events and pop-ups.