US News & World Report Share Their 2019 Best Hotels List

Image: Four Seasons Resort Hualalai (Courtesy Four Seasons)
Image: Four Seasons Resort Hualalai (Courtesy Four Seasons)
Alex Temblador
by Alex Temblador
Last updated: 3:00 PM ET, Wed February 6, 2019

U.S. News & World Report just shared their list of the 2019 Best Hotels and coming in at number one in the United States was Hawaii's Four Seasons Resort Hualalai.

After evaluating more than 30,000 luxury hotels and resorts in over 400 destinations in the U.S., Europe, Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean, U.S. News awarded the top 10 percent of ranked hotels with a Gold badge. Hotels are chosen based on their "outstanding service, ample on-site amenities, and elegant accommodations."

In terms of the U.S. rankings, The Peninsula Chicago took second place, followed by the Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club in Surfside, Florida. In terms of Gold Badge winners, there were 71 hotels awarded this prestige in California, followed by 44 in New York and 41 in Florida. Among cities, New York City had the most with 39 Gold Badge winners, while Los Angeles and Las Vegas tied for second with 14 Gold Badge hotels each.

Beyond the U.S., the report found that Esperanza, an Auberge Resort in Cabo San Lucas took the top spot in Mexico, while Le Blanc Spa Resort in Cancun won the Best All-Inclusive Resort in Mexico. Canada's Rosewood Hotel Georgia earned the Best Hotel in Canada once again, giving them this title now two years in a row.

As for the Caribbean, Jade Mountain in St. Lucia won the Best Hotel in the Caribbean and the Best All-Inclusive Resort in the Caribbean. In Bermuda, The Loren at Pink Beach won gold.

Across the pond in Paris, La Reserve Paris-Hotel and Spa was awarded the best hotel in Europe, followed by Hotel Sanders in Copenhagen and Hotel Eden in Rome.

This year, U.S. News introduced destination-specific rankings to the Best Hotels in the U.S. portfolio and included 3.5-star hotels to assist more travelers in finding a hotel that is right for them in terms of amenities and service, as well as price.

"The U.S. News Best Hotels rankings combine data from industry expert evaluations as well as traveler- focused reviews and insight to provide a more holistic idea of what each hotel has to offer," Hannah Cheney, senior travel editor at U.S. News.said in a statement.

"Readers can use the rankings to find a variety of options for every type of vacation. Whether that's a luxurious stay in Paris or a weekend getaway to a college or beach town, we've expanded the hotel rankings to give readers information on even more hotels."


For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore

More From TravelPulse

Related Videos

Grow Your Travel Business With Certified Courses

Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.

Don't Miss These Travel Agent Events and Trainings

Upcoming Webinar
Fiesta Americana Travelty Collection, What Advisors Need to KnowThursday, August 6, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Stay ahead with the latest updates from Fiesta Americana Travelty Collection, featuring upscale...
Upcoming Webinar
Experiential and Adventure WebinarTuesday, August 11, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, and TravelPulse in the virtual studios on August 11 for the...
Upcoming Webinar
Headline: Learn about the New Riviera Travel River CruisesWednesday, August 12, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
If you haven't sold or sailed on Riviera over the past two years then you haven't experienced the new...
Upcoming Webinar
Fiesta Americana Travelty Collection, What Advisors Need to KnowThursday, August 6, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Stay ahead with the latest updates from Fiesta Americana Travelty Collection, featuring upscale...
Upcoming Webinar
Experiential and Adventure WebinarTuesday, August 11, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, and TravelPulse in the virtual studios on August 11 for the...
Upcoming Webinar
Headline: Learn about the New Riviera Travel River CruisesWednesday, August 12, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
If you haven't sold or sailed on Riviera over the past two years then you haven't experienced the new...