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Curator Hotel & Resort Collection Members Earn Top Honors in Forbes Travel Guide Awards and U.S. News & World Report Best Hotels

Feb 26, 2026

BETHESDA, MARYLAND (February 26, 2026)Curator Hotel & Resort Collection (“Curator”) proudly announces that 30 of its distinguished members have been recognized in top 10 rankings of the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Hotels Rankings.And, many member hotels and resorts were also honored in the Forbes Travel Guide Awards. These prestigious accolades celebrate Curator’s membership which is comprised of independent properties offering authentic experiences and exceptional hospitality across its growing portfolio.

The 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Hotels Rankings evaluate properties based on a comprehensive methodology that combines industry awards, hotel star ratings, and guest reviews to identify the top hotels and resorts across the United States. Forbes Travel Guide Awards are determined through anonymous, in-person inspections evaluating service excellence, facility quality, and overall guest experience, recognizing properties that consistently deliver exceptional stays.

“We are incredibly proud of our members for earning recognition from both U.S. News & World Report and Forbes Travel Guide,” said Jennifer Barnwell, President of Curator Hotel & Resort Collection. “These awards reflect the passion, individuality, and dedication to excellence that define Curator properties. From coastal resorts to mountain lodges and vibrant urban retreats, our members continue to set the standard for independent hospitality.”

Curator Members Recognized in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Hotels Rankings

Best Hotels & Resorts in Islamorada, FL

#3 – Amara Cay Resort: A relaxed island retreat in the Florida Keys offering waterfront accommodations, private beach access, and effortless access to world-class fishing and diving.

#5 – La Siesta Resort & Villas: A tranquil oceanfront hideaway featuring private villas, lush tropical grounds, and direct access to the turquoise waters of the Florida Keys.

Best Hotels & Resorts in Key West, FL

#2 – The Marker Key West Harbor Resort: A vibrant harborfront resort steps from Duval Street, featuring expansive guest rooms, multiple pools, and a lively island ambiance.

#7 – Ocean Key Resort & Spa: Located at the edge of Mallory Square, this colorful waterfront resort blends sunset views, upscale dining, and indulgent spa experiences.

Best Fort Lauderdale Resorts

#3 – Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort: A laid-back oceanfront escape inspired by coastal living, complete with multiple dining venues, pools, and live entertainment.

#5 – Pelican Grand Beach Resort: A classic beachfront resort known for its private stretch of sand, oceanfront dining, and timeless Florida charm.

Best Miami Beach Resorts

#9 – Eden Roc: An iconic oceanfront resort blending mid-century glamour with modern luxury along Miami Beach’s Millionaire’s Row.

Best Naples Hotels & Resorts

#4 – Inn on Fifth: An elegant downtown Naples hotel known for its personalized service, rooftop pool, and prime Fifth Avenue South location.

#6 – LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort: A beachfront sanctuary delivering Gulf-front luxury, championship golf, and elevated coastal dining experiences.

Best Baltimore Hotels

#4 – Hotel Revival: A boutique property celebrating Baltimore’s artistic spirit with thoughtfully designed rooms and a rooftop restaurant overlooking Mount Vernon.

Best San Diego Hotels & Resorts

#4 - L’Auberge Del Mar: A refined seaside escape offering coastal-chic accommodations, ocean views, and relaxed Southern California sophistication in the heart of Del Mar.

Best San Francisco Hotels

#5 – 1 Hotel San Francisco: A waterfront urban retreat blending sustainable design, natural materials, and sweeping views of the San Francisco Bay.

Best San Jose Hotels

#7 – Hotel Los Gatos: A Mediterranean-inspired sanctuary in Silicon Valley offering refined accommodations and a tranquil courtyard setting.

Best La Jolla Hotels

#1 – Estancia La Jolla: A hacienda-style coastal retreat offering lush gardens, award-winning spa experiences, and refined Southern California hospitality.

Best Santa Cruz Resorts

#1 – Chaminade Resort & Spa: A hilltop resort set on 300 acres overlooking Monterey Bay, offering spa experiences, outdoor activities, and serene coastal vistas.

Best Santa Monica, CA Hotels

#9 – Viceroy Santa Monica: A stylish coastal retreat steps from the Pacific, offering modern design, poolside relaxation, and vibrant dining.

Best Bakersfield Hotels

#1 – Padre Hotel: A restored historic landmark blending vintage character with contemporary comfort in downtown Bakersfield.

Best West Hollywood Hotels

#8 – Montrose at Beverly Hills: An all-suite boutique hideaway featuring a rooftop pool and tennis court in a quiet residential enclave.

#9 – Chamberlain West Hollywood Hotel: A residential-style boutique hotel offering spacious suites, a rooftop pool, and a prime location near Sunset Boulevard.

#10 – Le Parc at Melrose: A chic, all-suite hotel offering spacious accommodations and a serene rooftop setting near Melrose Avenue.

Best Mackinac Island Hotels & Resorts

#1 – Grand Hotel: A historic luxury resort known for its world-famous porch, timeless Victorian charm, and classic summer traditions overlooking the Straits of Mackinac.

Best Kansas City Hotels

#4 – The Fontaine: A sophisticated Country Club Plaza retreat featuring European-inspired design and a rooftop pool with sweeping city views.

Best Jackson Hole Resorts

#4 – Teton Mountain Lodge & Spa: A slopeside alpine lodge offering rustic elegance, spa amenities, and year-round mountain adventure.

#5 – Hotel Terra Jackson Hole: A contemporary mountain retreat combining sustainable design with luxury amenities at the base of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort.

Best Oregon Resorts

#8 – Salishan Coastal Lodge: Nestled along the Oregon coast, this nature-inspired resort offers forested seclusion, golf, spa treatments, and ocean access.

Best Newport, RI Resorts

#3 – Newport Harbor Island Resort: A waterfront escape delivering classic New England charm, marina access, and panoramic harbor views.

Best Richmond Hotels

#4 – Quirk Hotel Richmond: A design-forward boutique hotel celebrating art, creativity, and local culture in a historic department store building.

Best Detroit Hotels

#3 – Royal Park Hotel: A refined English manor-style hotel offering classic elegance and attentive service just outside Detroit.

Best Colorado Springs Resorts

#3 – Garden of the Gods Resort & Club: A scenic retreat overlooking the iconic red rock formations, offering refined accommodations, wellness experiences, golf, and sweeping views of Pikes Peak.

Best Jekyll Island Hotels & Resorts

#3 – Jekyll Island Club Resort: A storied coastal retreat blending Gilded Age elegance with modern comforts, set among lush grounds and oceanfront views on Georgia’s Jekyll Island.

Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa – Nestled on 10 acres in coastal La Jolla, Estancia blends hacienda-style architecture with lush gardens and tranquil courtyards. The property features an award-winning spa, seasonal California cuisine, and refined residential-style accommodations, offering a serene retreat just minutes from the Pacific Ocean.

Gateway Canyons Resort & Spa – Set amid the dramatic red rock canyons of western Colorado, Gateway Canyons delivers a one-of-a-kind luxury adventure experience. Guests enjoy expansive casitas, a world-class spa, farm-to-table dining, and curated outdoor excursions—from UTV tours to stargazing—immersed in breathtaking desert landscapes.

Inn on Fifth – Located in the heart of downtown Naples on Fifth Avenue South, Inn on Fifth offers sophisticated accommodations paired with personalized service. Guests can unwind at the rooftop pool, indulge in spa treatments, and explore upscale shopping, dining, and nearby Gulf Coast beaches just steps away.

Little Palm Island Resort & Spa – An adults-only private island escape in the Florida Keys, Little Palm Island delivers barefoot luxury at its finest. Accessible only by boat or seaplane, the resort features thatched-roof bungalow suites, oceanfront dining, and an intimate spa, creating an exclusive, secluded sanctuary surrounded by turquoise waters.

The Marker Key West Harbor Resort – Overlooking the historic Key West harbor, The Marker offers spacious guest rooms, three pools, and vibrant island-inspired design. Just steps from Duval Street, the resort balances lively local culture with tranquil harborfront relaxation.

Viceroy Santa Monica – A modern coastal retreat located moments from the Pacific Ocean, Viceroy Santa Monica pairs sophisticated design with relaxed beachside energy. Guests enjoy stylish accommodations, two outdoor pools, and elevated dining, all within walking distance of the Santa Monica Pier and vibrant Ocean Avenue.

For more information on Curator Hotel & Resort Collection and its award-winning members, visit www.curatorhotelsandresorts.com.

About Curator Hotel & Resort Collection

Curator Hotel & Resort Collection is a distinct collection of small brands and independent lifestyle hotels and resorts. Curator provides access to a wide breadth of program offerings to enhance the guest experience, improve employee engagement, provide additional marketing support, and drive incremental revenue, all while allowing the properties to retain their unique individuality. In addition, Curator offers the benefits of associating with other unique lifestyle hotels, resorts, and small brands while participating in best-in-class operating agreements, services, reporting, and technology. Visit www.curatorhotelsandresorts.com and follow us @CuratorHotelsResorts.

Media Inquiries:

Melanie Neff 305-677-3904 (curatorpr@ciicpr.com)

For independent lifestyle owners and operators interested in joining Curator:

Jennifer Barnwell 240-507-1338 (jbarnwell@curatorhotelsandresorts.com)

For companies and service providers interested in partnering with Curator:

Brent Hayhurst 240-660-9485 (bhayhurst@curatorhotelsandresorts.com)


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