Top destinations for hotels in North America
North America's vast size and varied geography create a wide range of hotel regions — from dense urban centers to tropical islands, mountain ranges to desert retreats. Climate, coastal access and local culture shape which hotel styles dominate and where travelers find particular types of accommodations.
East Coast & New England
This area is known for urban luxury hotels, historic inns and boutique properties in smaller seaside towns.
- Manhattan, New York — luxury city hotels
- Boston — boutique and historic hotels
- Cape Cod and Martha's Vineyard — seaside inns
- Newport, Rhode Island — mansion hotels and B&Bs
Southeast & Florida
From large family resorts to boutique city hotels, this region serves beachgoers and cultural travelers alike.
- Miami Beach — art-deco and luxury resorts
- Florida Keys — small islands, villas and waterfront resorts
- Charleston — historic B&Bs and boutique stays
- Gulf Coast (Naples, Clearwater) — family-friendly resorts
The Caribbean & Bahamas
The Caribbean is synonymous with luxury resorts, all-inclusive stays and private villa rentals.
- Bahamas — long-established luxury resorts
- Dominican Republic — large all-inclusives
- Turks & Caicos — boutique and private villas
- Jamaica — spa resorts and seaside retreats
West Coast & Pacific Northwest
This corridor features design-led city hotels, coastal resorts and independent boutique properties in smaller coastal towns.
- San Francisco — boutique and luxury city hotels
- Los Angeles — city and beachfront resorts
- Big Sur — exclusive coastal retreats
- Pacific Northwest (Seattle, Portland) — design and eco-friendly hotels
Mexico — Baja & Riviera Maya
Mexico offers everything from large all-inclusive beach resorts to intimate haciendas and boutique eco-hotels.
- Cancún & Riviera Maya — all-inclusive and boutique resorts
- Los Cabos — luxury resorts and private villas
- Baja California — desert spas and glamping
- Mexico City area — historic hotels and boutique stays
Canadian Rockies & Great Lakes
Mountain lodges, lakeside resorts and spa properties dominate here, great for outdoor activity and winter sports.
- Banff & Jasper — mountain lodges and luxury resorts
- Lake Louise — ski and wellness resorts
- Ontario & Quebec — cottages and lakeside hotels
- Quebec City — historic hotels and boutique options
Types of hotels and accommodations in North America
North America offers a wide variety of lodging — from sleek urban hotels to traditional cottages, haciendas and unique getaway spots. Travelers can mix luxury, authentic local stays and budget options depending on the region.
Luxury & Resorts
These properties provide full-service amenities: spas, gourmet dining and tailored experiences. They are frequently located on coastlines, in wine regions or near national parks.
- Luxury beachfront resorts (Bahamas, Riviera Maya)
- Five-star city hotels (New York, Los Angeles)
- Mountain luxury lodges (Banff, Aspen)
- Exclusive island resorts (Hawaii, Turks & Caicos)
- Vineyard resorts (Napa Valley)
- Desert spa resorts (Palm Springs, Baja)
Boutique & Design
Smaller properties with strong visual identity and local character, often found in city centers and historic districts.
- Historic inns (Charleston, Quebec City)
- Design hotels (San Francisco, Montreal)
- Converted warehouses/art-hotels (Brooklyn, Portland)
- Small luxury boutiques (Tulum, Santa Monica)
Family-Friendly
Family hotels prioritize larger rooms, kids’ activities and family-oriented facilities, often in resort formats or near attractions.
- Family resorts (Orlando, Cancun)
- Beachfront family hotels (Gulf Coast)
- Theme-park adjacent hotels (Orlando area)
- Cottage resorts by lakes (Muskoka, Michigan)
Business & Urban
Accommodations for business travelers focus on location, conference facilities and fast transport links.
- Downtown business hotels (Chicago, Toronto)
- Airport hotels (near major hubs)
- Conference-center hotels (major convention cities)
- Business boutique hotels (Seattle, Boston)
Budget & Hostels
From roadside motels to modern city hostels — practical options for budget travelers who prioritize cost and flexibility.
- Motels and roadside inns (US routes)
- City hostels (Montreal, New York, San Diego)
- Budget hotel chains (across the continent)
- Shared cabins and cottages (state and provincial parks)
Unique or Eco Stays
Glamping, eco-lodges, ranch stays and historic villas offer more than accommodation — they focus on nature and authentic experiences.
- Eco-lodges (Central America options often booked from North America)
- Glamping and yurts (national parks across US & Canada)
- Dude ranches (Wyoming, Montana)
- Historic haciendas (central Mexico)
- Ice hotel (Quebec)
Best coastal, island, and resort hotels
Coastal and island tourism is extremely popular across North America — from the Caribbean and Mexico to Pacific islands and Atlantic beaches. Many travelers seek beaches, spas and water activities, making resorts and private villas a major draw.
The Caribbean & Bahamas
Luxury all-inclusive resorts and private island villas dominate, offering beaches, watersports and exclusive services.
- All-inclusive resorts (Dominican Republic, Jamaica)
- Private island villas (Bahamas, Turks & Caicos)
- Diving and sailing-focused resorts (British Virgin Islands)
Riviera Maya & Cancún
Large resorts and emerging boutique properties combine beach access with archaeological tours and wellness facilities.
- All-inclusive beachfront resorts (Cancún, Playa del Carmen)
- Boutique jungle hotels near Tulum
- Luxury family resorts (Riviera Maya)
Los Cabos & Baja California
A mix of luxury oceanfront resorts, desert spas and glamping along the Pacific and Sea of Cortez.
- Oceanfront luxury resorts (Los Cabos)
- Desert spa retreats (Baja)
- Private villas and boutique hotels
Florida & Gulf Coast
Offers everything from family resorts near theme parks to exclusive beachfront properties in Miami and the Keys.
- Miami Beach luxury resorts
- Florida Keys boutique inns
- Gulf Coast family resorts (Naples, Clearwater)
Hawaii & Pacific Islands
Hawaii provides high-end luxury, eco-lodges and private villa options across its islands.
- Maui luxury beach resorts
- Kauai eco-lodges and boutique stays
- Big Island volcanic lodges
Canadian Atlantic & Great Lakes
Cooler-climate coastal and lakeside resorts focus on tranquility, nature and seasonal activities.
- Nova Scotia coastal inns
- Prince Edward Island seaside B&Bs
- Great Lakes resort hotels
Hotel price ranges and travel tips
Hotel prices across North America vary widely depending on destination, season and level of service. Major cities and island destinations typically cost more than smaller towns or rural areas.
Average nightly prices (approx., USD)
- Budget: $40–$100 — hostels, motels, basic hotels
- Mid-range: $100–$250 — comfortable city hotels and mid-level resorts
- Luxury: $300+ — five-star hotels, high-end resorts and top boutique properties
Practical tips
- Check local taxes and fees — U.S. and Canadian hotels often add city taxes and tourist fees to the room rate.
- Tipping is customary in the U.S. and Canada (15–20% in restaurants; tips for bellhops and housekeeping are expected).
- Breakfast is not always included — budget properties may offer a simple breakfast, while higher-end hotels usually charge extra.
- Credit cards are widely accepted; carry small cash for tips or remote locations.
- Typical check-in is after 3 PM and check-out by 11 AM — verify policies if you need early/late options.
- Plan transport to the hotel — airport shuttles, taxis and rideshare services (Uber/Lyft) are common in major cities.
- Book early for summer, holidays and major events — best rooms and rates sell out quickly.
- Check cancellation policies and any resort fees before confirming a booking.
- Safety: read reviews, choose well-lit neighborhoods in cities, and check weather advisories when traveling to nature areas.
- Seasonal price swings are significant — island resorts and ski areas peak at different times of year.
- Look for packages (spa + stay) and long-stay discounts to save on nightly rates.
Unique stays and heritage hotels in North America
North America is rich in authentic and experiential stays — from historic hotels and vineyard estates to mountain lodges, desert camps and eco-lodges. These properties emphasize architecture, history, location and atmosphere as part of the guest experience.
1. Quebec City, Canada
Historic hotels with preserved colonial architecture offering a romantic, old-world city stay.
2. Napa Valley, USA
Vineyard estates converted into boutique hotels and resorts focused on wine tasting and fine dining.
3. Banff & Alberta, Canada
Mountain lodges and timber cabins with dramatic views — ideal for outdoor activities and alpine experiences.
4. Oaxaca & Central Mexico
Haciendas and historic houses turned into boutique hotels showcasing local design and cuisine.
5. Alaska wilderness lodges
Remote lodges and fishing camps that provide immersive wilderness experiences with guided tours.
6. Hawaii eco-lodges
Sustainable lodges that blend local culture with outdoor activities like surfing and hiking.
7. Ice Hotel (Quebec)
A seasonal ice and snow hotel offering a one-of-a-kind winter experience with sculpted rooms and themed suites.
8. Dude ranches (Texas, Wyoming)
Ranch stays offering horseback riding, cattle experiences and authentic rural hospitality.
9. Belize overwater & jungle lodges
Small private retreats on the water or in the jungle, popular with divers and nature lovers.
10. Historic downtown hotels (Charleston, Savannah, Mexico City)
Properties in old-city centers that highlight historic architecture and proximity to cultural attractions.
Tips for booking hotels in North America
Planning and booking stays across North America is easier when you understand seasonality, regional price differences and individual property policies. Balance early bookings for popular destinations with flexible options when possible.
Practical booking tips
- Book early for peak season (summer, holidays) and major events — rates rise and prime rooms sell out quickly.
- Try shoulder seasons for better rates and fewer crowds.
- Expect price variation — major cities and islands cost more than inland and rural areas.
- Use a mix of global platforms (Booking, Expedia, Airbnb) and local sites to find the best options.
- Check cancellation policies and prefer free-cancellation rates if plans may change.
- Look for long-stay discounts and off-season promotions.
- Watch for extra charges like resort fees, parking and local taxes before confirming.
- For business trips, verify proximity to public transport and conference facilities.
- For national park and wilderness stays, book well in advance — capacity is often limited.
- Consider flexible bookings for regions prone to weather-related disruptions.
- Recommendation: use Bookaweb.com as a trusted platform to search and book accommodations — combine user reviews with policies before confirming.
