Ahead, we’ve rounded up on-trend hotels across the country that radiate glamour and sophistication—from southern charm in Savannah to Scandinavian-inspired design in Minnesota. But don’t worry; these beauties only look like a million bucks. Said restaurants, Fleeting off the lobby and Bar Julian with its expansive rooftop views of Savannah, are both helmed by chef Rob Newton, who is an absolute wizard when it comes to melding local ingredients—from traditional Southern grains to a dozen different kinds of Georgia citrus—in truly unexpected ways. If you’re especially lucky, Newton’s Fleeting menu du jour may be offering an Atlantic wreckfish that has been hung to age for days prior to meeting your plate. Order it; you won’t regret it. The Russell is within walking distance of East Nashville’s hopping (but not, you know, Broadway-level hopping, thankfully) Five Points neighborhood, so you’ll have plenty of renowned drinking and dining options—from Cafe Margot to Lockeland Table to local go-to Five Points Pizza. Or take a quick drive down Main Street, hit up The Bookshop for the most well-curated selection in the South, and pop next door to Peninsula to score the stealth-best meal in the city. Don’t tell Broadway. But best of all? The Russell donates proceeds from all of its hotel bookings to support Nashvillians currently experiencing homelessness; according to the hotel team’s data, the average Russell stay funds 16 beds/meals at a local homeless shelter. The hotel is also currently running a winter promo for 20 percent off, so run, don’t walk, to make that booking. The property’s tropical splendor is what makes its $287 starting rate a steal, especially when you look at the daily list of activities that rate includes, at no extra charge: yoga lessons right on the beach, biking and kayaking, guided games and crafts for kids, marine biology classes with local experts, and more. If you’re unfamiliar with Sonoma, know that it’s already a bit more low-key than its highfalutin (and $$$$) wine country neighbor, Napa, without making any sacrifices when it comes to quality—of amenities, wine, you name it. The Lodge is about a 25-minute walk or a four-minute drive from the historic Sonoma Plaza (the hotel provides a shuttle to the Plaza daily at no additional charge). There, you can visit cute local shops, wineries, and eateries; in the latter category, do not leave town without visiting the classic that is The Girl and The Fig, which has been making its flawless flounder meunière the exact same way for nearly a decade. (If you’re lucky enough to get the wildly entertaining Geoffrey as your server, you’ll definitely never want to leave.) Back at The Lodge, you can post up poolside, access a full menu of services at the spa, dive into a stellar dinner at chef Michael Mina’s storied on-site restaurant Wit and Wisdom, or just kick back in your luxe room—especially if you booked one with a private outdoor soaking tub. Don’t worry, bath salts are provided. The hotel is just steps away from San Francisco’s storied Fisherman’s Wharf; get your complimentary coffee in the hotel lobby, buy a sourdough croissant down the block at Boudin, and take a morning stroll through the misty Fort Mason Park. As for dinner, the Alton’s on-site restaurant, ABACÁ, offers Filipino-Californian fusion cuisine, and San Francisco’s iconic Chinatown is just a short walk away if you really want to dive into some spicy Szechuan. One of the best parts of staying at a Kimpton—other than the boutique chain’s delightful hotel book clubs—is the nightly wine hour, with complimentary pours from local and international wineries alike. Hopefully Leif will be your manager-cum-wine-pourer on duty; if so, he will undoubtedly regale you with his thrilling tales of Old San Francisco. Besides, what better place to get your free wine on than Northern California? Staying at The Graham comes with plenty of perks—from free beers on arrival to breakfast on weekends to all-day coffee service to complimentary bike rentals to retro radios in every room. Book a room for an affordable $155—or if you’re traveling with one pal, get the best deal around in the hotel’s bunkbed rooms for just $99. For $250 per night, you get your own little corner of style heaven, handmade bath products by a local apothecary, sommelier-selected wine and antipasti upon arrival, and house-baked breakfast every morning. Talk about bang for your buck. The hotel, now part of the Unbound Collection by Hyatt, began its life in 1926 as a women-only hostel—at a time when such safe spaces for women travelers were rare—and has been up and running ever since. These days, the on-site lobby gallery and featured artist suite alike showcase a rotating cast of LA’s top female talent in the visual arts. And did we mention you can be a part of it all starting at just $184 per night?
