When I’m planning a trip—whether it’s a big family adventure, a romantic weekend with my husband, or a fun girls’ getaway—I always find the conversation starts with where we want to go. But I think the real magic, the secret ingredient to a trip you’ll talk about for years, is asking a different question: Where do we want to stay?
Think about it. We put so much care into planning our days, our dinners, and our excursions. But what about the place we wake up in and come home to each night? For me, a hotel isn’t just a place to leave your suitcase. It’s part of the destination. It’s the anchor for your memories, the frame for your experience, and sometimes, it’s an adventure all by itself.
Why settle for a generic, beige room when you could be sleeping in a Gilded Age masterpiece, a chic art-filled boutique, or a cozy lodge where nature is literally at your doorstep? Choosing a hotel with a story and a strong character is how you turn a good trip into an amazing one. These are the places that are just as memorable as the city itself, and I am so delighted to share a few of my absolute favorites with you.
1. The Living Postcard: Grand Hotel
Let’s start with a destination that is truly one-of-a-kind. If you’ve never been to Mackinac Island in Michigan, it’s a place you absolutely must experience. The journey itself feels special—you take a ferry to an island where cars are not allowed, and the main modes of transport are horse-drawn carriages and bicycles. It’s like stepping back in time, and there is no place that captures this magic better than the Grand Hotel.
From the moment you see it perched on the hill, it’s just breathtaking. Opened in 1887, it’s a National Historic Landmark and boasts the world’s longest front porch. My family and I love just sitting in those iconic white rocking chairs, gazing out at the Straits of Mackinac. It’s the perfect spot for a morning coffee or an evening cocktail.
The hotel itself is an event. It’s pure Gilded Age glamour. One of the things I find so charming is that every single room is uniquely decorated by the legendary Dorothy Draper & Co.—full of vibrant colors, bold patterns, and florals. It feels personal and thoughtful, not like a cookie-cutter room.
And the traditions! This is a place that creates those core memories. You absolutely have to experience Afternoon Tea in the grand Parlor—it’s such a delightful and civilized pause in the day, perfect for sharing with your mom or kids. And in the evening, the hotel has a dress code, which I know might sound old-fashioned, but I promise you, it’s wonderful. It’s a chance for everyone to get a little dressed up, listen to the live music from the hotel orchestra, and enjoy a truly elegant dinner in the Main Dining Room. It makes the evening feel special, an occasion to be remembered.
My Must-Do: Rent bicycles (you can get them right at the hotel) and take the 8.2-mile ride around the island’s perimeter. It’s mostly flat and the views are incredible. Then, come back and reward yourself with the hotel’s famous Pecan Ball ice cream. It’s pure, nostalgic joy.
2. Gilded Age Glamour by the Sea: Hotel Viking
If you love that same sense of history but want it with a seaside, East Coast flair, then you need to explore Newport, Rhode Island. And the perfect home base is, without a doubt, the Hotel Viking.
Newport is the city of legendary Gilded Age “summer cottages” (you know, the modest 70-room “cottages” like The Breakers and Marble House), world-class sailing, and that incredible Cliff Walk. Hotel Viking isn’t just near the history; it is a part of it. Built in 1926, it’s on the National Register of Historic Places and just exudes this timeless, 1920s charm.
The location is fantastic, right in the heart of the historic district, making it so easy to explore. After a day spent imagining yourself as a Vanderbilt while touring the mansions, coming back to Hotel Viking just feels right. The lobby is classic and elegant, and the rooms are so comfortable and beautifully appointed.
For a little pampering, I always make time for Spa Fjord. It’s their on-site spa, and it is such a tranquil, wonderful escape. It’s the perfect way to recharge before an evening out.
And for that evening, you don’t have to go far. The Top of Newport rooftop bar is one of my favorite spots in the city. You can sip a craft cocktail, watch the sunset over the harbor, and just soak in the cinematic views. It’s pure magic. For dinner, One Bellevue offers this wonderful classic New England menu in a really sophisticated setting.
My Must-Do: Start your day with the Cliff Walk, then spend the afternoon at the spa. In the evening, get drinks at Top of Newport for those sunset views. It’s the perfect, glamorous Newport day.
3. Industrial-Chic History: Fidelity Hotel
Now, let’s jump from coastal history to a story of urban renewal and stunning architecture. I’m completely charmed by Cleveland, Ohio—it’s a city that has this incredible energy, from the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame to its amazing food scene. And right in the heart of it all is a new hotel that I’m just so excited about: Fidelity Hotel.
This hotel has a story. It’s housed in a breathtaking 1896 Beaux-Arts building that was Cleveland’s first “skyscraper” and originally a bank. You can feel that “old-world spirit” the second you walk in, but it’s been reimagined with a modern, soulful vibe. They’ve kept so many of the original details—think soaring ceilings, grand architectural features, and that unmistakable feeling of history.
The design is just stunning. It’s that perfect mix of industrial chic and timeless elegance. The rooms are sophisticated and incredibly comfortable, a perfect oasis in the city.
But the real showstoppers are the public spaces. The signature restaurant, Club Room, is a destination in itself, with a European-inspired menu in a truly grand setting. And my favorite part? The hotel features an underground speakeasy called The Vault. It’s located in the building’s original bank vault, and it feels like you’ve discovered a fantastic secret. It’s so atmospheric and the cocktails are amazing.
My Must-Do: After a day exploring the city, head down to The Vault for a pre-dinner cocktail. It’s such a unique experience that’s tied directly to the building’s history. This is the kind of place you’ll be telling your friends about. It’s perfect for a sophisticated couple’s getaway.
4. An Art-Lover’s European Escape: The Fontaine
If your idea of a perfect hotel involves being surrounded by beauty and art, then you are going to fall in love with The Fontaine in Kansas City, Missouri.
First of all, the location is a dream. It’s right in the beautiful Country Club Plaza, an area modeled after the architecture of Seville, Spain. It’s full of fountains, stunning buildings, and the best shopping and dining in the city.
From the moment you walk into The Fontaine, you feel like you’ve been transported to a chic, European boutique hotel. The entire hotel is filled with a curated collection of art—it’s on the walls, in the hallways, and even in the rooms. It’s not just decoration; it’s a core part of the hotel’s identity.
The design is Renaissance-inspired but with a modern, playful twist. Think beautiful marble, intricate wood paneling, and a stunning grand staircase in the lobby. The rooms are spacious and elegant, with these wonderful tile-work “area rugs” and fantastic bathrooms.
My absolute favorite spot, though, is the rooftop. In the warmer months, they have a gorgeous seasonal rooftop pool that is a true oasis. And right next to it is the rooftop bar and restaurant, Nine Zero One, which is just the perfect, chic spot for sipping amazing craft cocktails and enjoying a seasonal menu while you soak in those incredible city views. And if you visit during the holidays, you must check out their enchanting Rooftop Igloo Experience—you can get so cozy in a private, heated igloo with amazing food and cocktails, all while overlooking the magical, sparkling lights of the Plaza.
My Must-Do: Plan your trip for a warm month so you can take full advantage of that rooftop pool. It’s the perfect place to relax after a morning of shopping the Plaza or visiting the nearby Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.
5. Cozy European Charm: Royal Park Hotel
Sometimes you don’t want a grand, historic landmark; you want a hidden gem that feels like a luxurious, personal escape. For that, I adore the Royal Park Hotel in Rochester, Michigan.
Rochester itself is a charming, walkable town with a fantastic Main Street, and the hotel is nestled right against the banks of Paint Creek. It’s designed to feel like a modern English manor, and it just exudes this warm, welcoming, old-world charm.
This hotel is all about “thoughtful luxury.” You feel it in the details. The lobby is so grand yet cozy, with a beautiful fireplace and comfortable seating. Many of the rooms also have fireplaces, which is just the best thing on a chilly Michigan evening. The service is always so personal and kind; you truly feel taken care of.
It’s a wonderful place to go when you just need to slow down and recharge. You can stroll along the creek, browse the shops in town, and then visit Rochester Municipal Park. It’s such a lovely, sprawling park right on the Paint Creek Trail, perfect for taking a family stroll, having a picnic, or just finding a quiet bench by the water to relax. And if you’re lucky enough to visit during the holidays, The Big, Bright Light Show is an absolutely magical experience you’ll never forget, where the entire downtown is draped in millions of twinkling lights that just fill you with wonder!
For dinner, you simply must plan an evening at PARK 600, their fantastic on-site restaurant. You can tell the chef really cares about the menu, which is always delicious and fresh, focusing on European-inspired flavors using locally sourced ingredients. My husband loved the Smoked Old Fashioned, which they smoke right at the table, and I’m still dreaming about their signature Beef Tips. They also have an incredible wine list with both international favorites and some really great Michigan wines, plus all sorts of creative craft cocktails. It just feels so special and thoughtful, whether you’re settling in for a multi-course dinner, sharing one of their amazing flatbreads, or even stopping by for their wonderful brunch.
My Must-Do: Book a room with a fireplace and a view of the creek. Start your day with a walk on the Paint Creek Trail. If you have a car, you absolutely must take the short drive (about 10-15 minutes) to Yates Cider Mill in nearby Rochester Hills. It’s a Michigan institution, especially in the fall, but it’s wonderful any time they’re open. It’s a truly delightful and restorative getaway.
6. The Modern Mountain Adventure: Newpark Resort
Finally, for those of us who believe the adventure is outside, I have the perfect place. Park City, Utah, is a world-class destination for skiing in the winter and hiking and biking in the summer. But a great hotel here doesn’t just put you near the mountains; it immerses you in them. That’s exactly what Newpark Resort does.
What makes this resort so special is its location. It’s not on the main historic street; instead, it’s located in the Kimball Junction area and, most importantly, it borders the 1,200-acre Swaner Preserve and Ecocenter. This means you get a modern, eco-conscious hotel with breathtaking, wide-open views of protected nature.
The design is modern mountain-chic—clean lines, huge windows to let in all that natural light, and sustainable, LEED-certified construction. This is a game-changer for families: in addition to standard rooms and suites, they offer amazing townhomes. Having that extra space, a kitchen, and a living area is just priceless when you’re traveling with kids.
And the amenities are built for adventurers. There’s a wonderful indoor/outdoor pool and a hot tub that overlooks the preserve—soaking in there after a long day of skiing or hiking is just the best. You can literally step out of the hotel and onto a trail for a family hike or bike ride.
My Must-Do: This is our family’s dream setup. Wake up, make breakfast in your townhome’s kitchen, and then head right out the door for a hike in the Swaner Preserve before the day gets busy. It’s a way to be fully immersed in that gorgeous Utah landscape while still having all the comforts of a luxury resort.
Your Hotel is Your Home Base for Memories
A great trip is a collection of wonderful moments, and where you choose to stay plays such a huge role in that. It can be the quiet morning coffee on a historic porch, the inspiring art you walk past on the way to your room, or the breathtaking view you wake up to.
So, the next time you’re planning a journey, I encourage you to look for the place with a story. Look for the hotel that’s as unique as the destination itself. I promise you, the memories you make will be so much richer for it.
Happy exploring!
