Hôtels de luxe en United States

Bardessono Hotel and Spa occupies an entire block in Yountville, at the heart of Napa Valley, and displays its environmental ambition from the entrance: walls in centenary barn wood, roofs planted with sedums, integrated solar panels. The 62 rooms (from 46 m²) play the minimalist Californian card, lava stone in the bathrooms, bioethanol fireplaces, sliding glass bays onto private patios. We tested the spa (1 200 m²): Naturopathica treatments, geothermally heated pool, local stone hammam. The restaurant Lucy offers a seasonal menu, produce from neighbouring farms, cellar focused on the valley's estates. From 929 € a night, we pay as much for the LEED Platinum certification as for the comfort, yet the address delivers on its technical promises without sacrificing service. The clientele is discreet, forty-somethings and fifty-somethings on an oenological escape, few children. A model of sustainable hospitality that works, rare at this level of luxury ✨

The Warren Street Hotel occupies a cast-iron building from 1860, an era when Tribeca still stored fabrics from the port. We appreciate the sobriety of the place, far from glitzy Midtown, with rooms in neutral tones, wide parquet, white marble bathrooms. The grazing light from Warren Street enters through tall sash windows, typical of the neighbourhood. The in-house restaurant serves contemporary American cuisine, room service operates until 23h. From 1 163 € a night, we pay for the location (Soho 8 minutes on foot, Financial District 5) and the Booking score of 9.6/10 which lives up to its promises. Tribeca remains one of Manhattan's quietest neighbourhoods, perfect for sleeping after meetings or Chelsea galleries ✨

Stunning Lux 2 Bed 2 Bath with Panoramic View from Balcony occupies an apartment on the 47th floor of a recent residential tower, 601 Northeast 1st Avenue, with a plunging view over Biscayne Bay and the Downtown skyscrapers. We access a communal pool, a fitness centre and a spa shared with residents, the whole is clean and well-maintained but without the service of a palace. The two bedrooms are spacious, modern bathrooms, equipped kitchen, neutral decoration type high-end Airbnb. The wraparound balcony justifies the rate, from 711 € per night, especially at sunset when the port lights come on. The 9.6/10 score on 31 reviews reflects the cleanliness and view, not classic hotel service. We book for the apartment and the panorama, not for the concierge or room service.

The Regent Santa Monica Beach occupies a contemporary building on Ocean Avenue, facing the historic pier and the Pacific. We tested an ocean-side room: floor-to-ceiling glass windows, teak terrace, clear view over the surfers and the Palisades Park palms. The interior plays Californian minimalism, sand and linen tones, Carrara white marble bathrooms, natural light everywhere. The 800 m² spa offers signature treatments with Pacific seaweed, the heated pool overlooks the beach with no visual barrier. The service remains discreet, efficient, never obsequious, which differs from Beverly Hills palaces. From 1 268 € per night, rate justified by the rare location (few 5★ hotels with feet in the sand in Los Angeles) and the Booking score of 9,6/10 on 71 reviews ✨

Embrace Calistoga occupies a discreet address on Lincoln Avenue, a stone's throw from the hot springs that made this northern Napa village famous. There are 10 rooms, which guarantees a rare tranquillity in a region often saturated with oenotourist groups. The interiors play on Californian sobriety: light wood, white linen, terrazzo bathrooms. The Booking score of 9.6/10 on 15 reviews reflects attentive management, even if the sample remains modest. From 286 € per night, the rate positions itself in the high range of Calistoga without reaching the heights of Meadowood or Auberge du Soleil. Private free parking avoids parking hassles, appreciable in a village where every space counts. We recommend for a weekend for two, between cabernet tastings and volcanic mud baths ✨

The Waldorf Astoria New York regains its original lustre after a complete metamorphosis of the 47-storey tower. We cross the Verona marble lobby under the Baccarat crystal chandeliers, restored to their original state. The rooms blend Art Deco wood panelling and contemporary amenities, some with direct views of the Chrysler Building. The Guerlain spa occupies 1 400 m² in the basement, golden mosaic pool included. Peacock Alley serves afternoon tea under the listed mural frescoes. Rates from 1 400 € per night, consistent with the standing and the Park Avenue address. The Booking score of 9,5/10 from 44 reviews confirms the success of the reopening ✨

The Four Seasons Hotel New York occupies an I.M. Pei building of 52 storeys on 57th Street, two blocks from the MoMA and Central Park. We head up to rooms in beige and cream tones, blonde wood, honey onyx marble in the bathrooms. Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the spaces with light, clear views over glass and steel towers. The 670 m² spa offers treatment cabins and indoor pool, the Ty Bar serves cocktails and oysters until midnight. Service remains discreet, efficient, attuned to the expectations of an international clientele. From 2 157 € the night, rate in keeping with the standing and location ✨

Hotel Bel-Air stands at the end of a residential canyon, fifteen minutes from Sunset Boulevard, and we forget Los Angeles from the entrance bridge. The 103 rooms and suites occupy Mission Revival bungalows scattered in the gardens, some with fireplace and private terrace overlooking the lake. The Spa by La Prairie offers eight treatment cabins, heated outdoor pool, light filtered by the century-old sycamores. Wolfgang Puck signs the menu of the main restaurant, service until 22:30, terrace open all year. The clientele remains discreet, many regulars from the industry who book their favourite bungalow six months in advance. From 1 708 € per night, a Californian palace rate consistent with the standing and the address. We recommend for an occasion, not for a repeated stay ✨

L'Hotel Drisco holds the heights of Pacific Heights since 1903, in a white Edwardian building with columns. We slept in a cream and taupe room, thick carpet, Frette bedding, Italian marble bathroom. The bay view from the upper floors alone justifies the detour, Golden Gate Bridge in sight in clear weather. Room service operates 24/7, continental breakfast and evening wine are included in the rate, served in the ground floor lounge. From 856 € per night, it is one of the most expensive addresses in San Francisco, but the discretion and attention to detail compensate. We recommend for a romantic stay or special occasion, not for a quick city break. The 9.5/10 rating on 75 reviews reflects a rare consistency in this range ✨

Opened in 2022, Aman New York takes the exact opposite tack to New York hotels: few rooms, plenty of space, a monastic calm.

The Whitby Hotel occupies a red sandstone building on 56th Street, between Fifth Avenue and the MoMA. We recognise the Firmdale touch from the lobby: plum velvet armchairs, painted ceramic lamps, contemporary works hung without symmetry. The rooms blend blond wood, king beds in off-white linen, bathrooms in veined grey marble. The Whitby Bar & Restaurant serves revamped American cuisine, with cognac leather banquettes and a glass roof overlooking the street. Service remains discreet, efficient, never stuffy. From 1 554 € a night, we pay as much for the address as the signature design. A safe bet for those seeking a design pied-à-terre in Midtown, without the anonymity of big chains ✨

Crosby Street Hotel occupies a red-brick building in the heart of SoHo, two blocks from Prince Street. We spot Kit Kemp’s signature from the lobby: bold printed fabrics, bespoke furniture, contemporary sculptures that converse with fuchsia velvet armchairs. The 86 rooms blend blond parquet, padded striped linen headboards, granite bathrooms with deep bathtubs. The Crosby Bar & Terrace serves modern American cuisine in a paved garden open all year round, rare in Manhattan. Service remains discreet, efficient, very Firmdale Hotels. From 4 137 € the night, we pay as much for the address as for the style ✨

L'Ermitage Beverly Hills occupies a low nine-storey building on Burton Way, three minutes from Rodeo Drive. We find 116 spacious suites, all with full kitchen, private balcony and separate living room. The interiors play a sober contemporary note: light wood, grey marble, natural light filtered by white sheers. The Valmont spa offers facial treatments and massages in a hushed setting, the rooftop pool offers a clear view over the hills. The service remains attentive without being intrusive, typical of addresses that bet on regular clientele rather than passing trade. From 877 € a night, it is a clever choice for those wanting the space of an apartment with the services of a palace. ✨

The Peninsula Chicago occupies a contemporary 1999 building two blocks from Michigan Avenue, and we recognise the Peninsula signature straight away: white marble, mahogany woodwork, white-gloved service. Rooms start at 45 m², all with deep bathtub and integrated technology (control tablet, mirror TV in the bathroom). The pool on the 19th floor remains the best argument: 25 metres under a glass roof, teak loungers, plunging view over Water Tower. The 450 m² spa offers Peninsula signature treatments (hot stone massage, 90 minutes, 295 $). From 538 € per night, we pay for the consistency of the service and the Magnificent Mile location, not the decorative originality. The lobby bar attracts a business clientele at the end of the day, hushed atmosphere, live jazz at the weekend. An efficient five-star, comfortable, without surprise ✨

The Waldorf Astoria Chicago occupies the floors of a contemporary tower on East Walton, two blocks from Michigan Avenue. We find the American palace register: marble in the halls, generous ceiling height, attentive service without being stiff. The rooms play the card of muted comfort, neutral tones, king-size bedding, light stone bathrooms with deep bathtub. The spa extends over 14 000 square feet with indoor pool, treatment rooms, hammam. The pool offers a clear view of the surrounding buildings, rare at this scale in the city centre. Count from 442 € per night, a rate consistent for an American palace in the heart of the Gold Coast ✨

The Wallace Hotel occupies a tree-lined street of the Upper West Side, this residential New York the guides often forget. We sleep in rooms in neutral tones, light wood and white linen, sash windows giving onto red-brick facades. The fitness centre is compact but functional, sufficient to keep the pace. Central Park is reached on foot in five minutes, Lincoln Center in ten. From 582 € a night, it's one of the rare family addresses accepting pets in this area. We recommend for those who want to live New York like a local, not like a tourist ✨

The Baccarat Hotel and Residences New York occupies a 1928 building on 53rd Street, facing the MoMA garden. We step into a lobby where every chandelier, wall light and glass comes from the Lorraine workshops, from floor to ceiling. The 114 rooms play on lacquered white, pearl-grey velvet and bevelled mirrors, with bathrooms in white Thassos marble. The 15-metre indoor pool bathes under a golden mosaic, the La Mer Spa offers treatments and hammam. The Chevalier restaurant, led by chef Shea Gallante, serves contemporary French cuisine under monumental chandeliers. From 1 569 € a night, we pay as much for the crystal as for the address, 300 metres from Fifth Avenue ✨

The Sherry Netherland occupies a 1927 Art Deco building facing Central Park, and we sleep in real apartments with herringbone parquet, original mouldings and functional kitchens. The rooms mix antique furniture and modern comfort, some with marble fireplaces. The park view alone justifies the rate from 926 € a night, especially on the upper floors where light floods the rooms. Service remains discreet, suited to a regular clientele who have been returning for decades. No spa or pool, but a decent fitness centre and the Cipriani restaurant on the ground floor. We come here for the address, the history and that rare sensation of living in New York rather than simply staying there ✨

Fouquet's New York transposes the DNA of the Champs-Élysées to 456 Greenwich Street, in a glass and brick building in Tribeca. We find the codes: dark wood panelling, tawny leather banquettes, dimmed lighting that recalls the mother brasserie. The Diane Barrière spa spans 930 m² with hammam, sauna and treatment cabins, rare at this scale in the neighbourhood. The 97 rooms embrace understated chic, textured fabrics and white marble bathrooms. The restaurant serves a Franco-American menu overseen by Pierre Gagnaire, with lobster and côte de bœuf as signatures. From 1 879 € a night, we pay as much for the name as the address, but the service remains impeccable and the Booking score (9.3/10) testifies to flawless execution ✨

The Beverly Hills Hotel occupies a slice of Californian legend at the corner of Sunset Boulevard and Beverly Drive. We recognise from afar the pink façade and white stripes, backdrop to a hundred films and a thousand society scandals. The rooms blend floral chintz, 1940s furniture and Italian marble bathrooms, some with terrace over the palms. The Polo Lounge remains the HQ for agents and producers at breakfast, McCarthy Salad and Cobb Salad served since 1960. The cabana pool draws a discreet crowd, dark glasses and embroidered robes. From 1 878 € a night, we pay as much for the myth as the comfort, yet Dorchester Collection service delivers. A required stop to grasp what Hollywood glamour once was ✨

The Sunset Tower Hotel occupies a 1929 building signed Leland A. Bryant, fifteen storeys of poured-concrete Art déco facing the Strip. We enter through a lobby in black marble and bronze, period lifts, coffered ceilings. The rooms blend Streamline furniture with contemporary fabrics, some with private terraces overlooking the hills. The rooftop pool remains the major asset, teak loungers, 180° view over Los Angeles, frequented by industry clients who prefer intimacy to the pool scenes at Chateau Marmont. The Tower Bar restaurant serves solid Californian cuisine, hushed décor in green velvet and wood panelling, reservations advised even for residents. From 449 € a night, a fair positioning for this level of service and this address. We recommend for the history and the view, not for the spa (absent) nor the modern equipment ✨

The Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago occupies floors 14 to 27 of a glass tower by Adrian Smith, opened in 2009 on Wabash Avenue. We sleep between 170 and 340 metres in altitude, floor-to-ceiling bay windows, contemporary furniture in dark wood and grey marble, travertine bathrooms with deep bathtub. The 23-metre indoor pool runs along a glass wall facing the skyline, subdued lighting, leather loungers. The spa spans 2,100 m² with 53 cabins, golden mosaic hammam, signature treatment menu. From 404 € per night, we pay for the height and the view, not decorative originality. The service remains professional, discreet, efficient for a business clientele and affluent couples. The location allows us to reach the Magnificent Mile on foot in eight minutes ✨

The Langham Chicago occupies the first 13 floors of a Mies van der Rohe building on North Wabash, facing the river. We enter through a hall of white marble and dark wood, six-metre ceiling height, natural light filtered by Japanese blinds. The rooms start at 40 m², floor-to-ceiling bay windows, views over the river or Michigan Avenue depending on the floor, signature Blissful Bed linen, bathrooms in pink marble with separate bath. The Chuan spa occupies 3,200 m² in the basement, 20-metre pool, hammam, sauna, treatment cabins inspired by traditional Chinese medicine. The service remains discreet, efficient, never obsequious, typical of the Langham house. From 447 € per night, which places the address in Chicago's upper range without reaching the rates of the Peninsula or the Four Seasons ✨

The Park Hyatt Chicago occupies the 7th to 67th floor of a glass tower on Michigan Avenue, facing Water Tower Place. We slept on the 42nd: floor-to-ceiling windows, clear views over Lake Michigan, Mies van der Rohe furniture, black granite bathrooms with deep bathtub. The NoMI spa offers Biologique Recherche treatments, the indoor pool stays calm even in the middle of the day, the Technogym fitness centre runs 24/7. Service is discreet, efficient, never obsequious, a welcome change from European palaces. Clientele of senior executives and couples in their forties who prefer comfort over show. From 477 € a night, it delivers strong value for a 5★ on Magnificent Mile ✨

The Wall Street Hotel New York City occupies a 1907 banking building, and the weight of history is still felt in the volumes. The rooms blend period mouldings and contemporary furniture, some with direct views over the glass towers of the financial district. The ground-floor restaurant serves a classic American menu, without fanfare. The gym remains modest for a five-star at this price. We appreciate the location, 300 metres from the Charging Bull and a 10-minute walk from One World Trade Center, from 681 € a night. An address for those who want to sleep in the historic heart of Manhattan, not for the spa or rooftop.

Mr. C Miami occupies a contemporary eight-storey building facing the Coconut Grove marina, Miami's bohemian quarter where sailboats replace Lamborghinis. We find the Cipriani style: blonde wood, caramel leather, white Carrara marble, natural light everywhere. The rooms overlook the bay or tropical foliage, Italian bedding, light stone bathrooms. The rooftop pool is open until sunset, teak sun loungers, cocktail service. The spa offers massages and signature treatments, cabins with water views. Rates from 472 € per night, an accessible positioning for a 5★ Cipriani. We appreciate the discretion of the address, far from the tumult of South Beach ✨

Suites at SLS Lux Brickell occupies a glass and steel tower in the heart of Miami's financial district, managed by CE. We stay in suites with equipped kitchen, separate living room, floor-to-ceiling windows framing the skyline or Biscayne Bay. Materials are contemporary, light marble in the bathrooms, blonde wood, sleek furniture. The pool on the top floor offers a 360° view over Downtown and the ocean, open until sunset. The spa offers massages and treatments, the gym is equipped Technogym. From 500 € a night, it's an address for those who want the independence of an apartment without giving up the concierge and room service ✨

Shutters On The Beach occupies the only palace location directly on the sand of Santa Monica, at the corner of Pico Boulevard. We cross the bleached wood lobby, and the beach starts three metres further. The rooms play the Cape Cod card, painted panelling, navy blue striped fabrics, claw-foot bathtubs facing the bay windows. The spa offers treatments based on Californian algae, the heated pool overlooks the ocean. The restaurant 1 Pico serves a cuisine of local products, lobsters, oysters from Tomales Bay, market fish. From 761 € a night, it's the price of the last palace with its feet in the water in Los Angeles. ✨

The Maybourne Beverly Hills occupies a contemporary building on Canon Drive, two blocks from Rodeo Drive. We find the Maybourne signature: clean lines, noble materials (white marble, light wood, brushed brass), discreet service without obsequiousness. The rooms feature generous volumes, floor-to-ceiling glass windows, natural stone bathrooms with double vanity. The rooftop pool offers a clear view over the hills, teak loungers, private cabanas on reservation. The spa offers Biologique Recherche treatments and cabins with natural light. From 1 104 € per night, a rate consistent with a recent 5★ Beverly Hills ✨

The Fairmont Heritage Place Ghirardelli Square occupies the chocolate factory founded in 1852, converted into hotel residences on Fisherman's Wharf. We stay in self-contained apartments, not classic rooms: full kitchen, washing machine, separate living room, terraces with views over the bay and the Golden Gate. The red brick building retains its original metal beams, ceilings rise to 3.5 metres, the bay windows frame Alcatraz. The address suits long stays (a minimum of one week recommended) or families who want to cook, not travellers seeking palace service. The free private parking remains a rare luxury in San Francisco. From 1 094 € per night, we pay for the location and the space, not 24-hour room service ✨

Balcony Ocean View occupies a residential building in Coconut Grove, fifteen minutes south of Miami’s centre. We bed down in an equipped apartment (kitchen, lounge, balcony facing the bay), with access to a small hotel’s services: pool, gym, free Wi-Fi, private parking. The rooms are functional, contemporary furniture without design signature, but the view from the balcony justifies the booking. The rate starts at 308 € per night, reasonable for Miami with parking included. The 9.1/10 score from 540 reviews reflects the cleanliness and service reliability. It’s an address for long stays or families who want to cook, not a palace with concierge.

Le Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills occupies a low-rise building on Doheny Drive, steps from Rodeo Drive, in a discretion that appeals to celebrities. The rooms blend light wood, Italian marble and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the garden or the hills. We tested the 600 m² spa, the treatments are precise, the hushed atmosphere, without the theatricality of the large resorts. Room service operates 24/7, the pool remains a rare refuge in the city. From 1 122 € the night, that's the Beverly Hills rate for a palace that doesn't seek to impress. The clientele is international, discreet, often regulars of Four Seasons worldwide ✨

Oceana Santa Monica occupies a low-rise building facing the Pacific, steps from the pier and the Third Street Promenade. We stay here in a suite (studio or one bedroom), all equipped with a Miele kitchenette, a furnished balcony and large windows framing the ocean or the park's palm trees. The decor blends light wood, ecru linen, matte white tiles, a Californian sobriety that ages well. The Exhale spa offers yoga, barre and body treatments in subdued light, the heated pool remains open all year under the eucalyptus trees. From 795 € a night, we pay mainly for the address (Ocean Avenue) and the space (suites from 46 to 93 m²), the service remains discreet without being distant. Clientele of affluent families, quadra couples on long weekends, some advertising shoots in the lobby. A good compromise between a beach hotel and a serviced apartment ✨

The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco occupies the former Metropolitan Life Building at the top of Nob Hill, and the 1909 neoclassical architecture commands respect from the entrance. We cross a lobby with Corinthian columns in white marble, gilded coffered ceilings, crystal chandeliers, the whole listed by the city. The rooms mix Regency furniture and contemporary equipment, some with views over the bay or Coit Tower, others over Victorian rooftops. The fitness centre is adequate without being remarkable, room service operates 24/7. From 815 € per night, we pay as much for the Nob Hill location as for the palace standing. The Booking score of 9.1/10 reflects a clientele that appreciates consistency more than innovation. A Californian palace that plays the history card, not that of contemporary design.

The Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco at Embarcadero occupies the upper floors of a glass and steel tower in the Financial District, two blocks from the Ferry Building. We head straight to the 5th floor for the lobby, then the rooms climb up to the 40th: floor-to-ceiling bay windows, light wood flooring, grey marble in the bathrooms. The bay view justifies the rate from 991 € a night, especially the east side with the bridge and the island. The Four Seasons service runs like clockwork, discreet and anticipatory. The neighbourhood is dead after 19h, we take an Uber to North Beach or Mission. Booking score of 9,1/10 from 270 reviews, which remains solid for an American urban palace ✨

LUMA Hotel San Francisco occupies a contemporary building in Mission Bay, a neighbourhood in full transformation between the old docks and the Chase Center. We tested a bay-side room: large floor-to-ceiling windows, light oak furniture, grey terrazzo bathrooms. The Bansai rooftop offers cocktails facing the stadium and the skyline, young tech vibe without being noisy. The Co-Op restaurant serves honest Californian cuisine, local produce, careful execution. The service remains attentive without being stiff, we sense a well-drilled team. From 657 € per night, a coherent rate for a recent 5★ in this developing area. ✨

The Bluegreen Vacations Hotel Blake occupies a building from 1894 on South Dearborn, in the heart of the Loop. We appreciate the location, within walking distance of the museums and the Chicago River. The rooms blend exposed brick with contemporary furniture, some with views of the skyscrapers. The ground-floor restaurant serves classic American cuisine, without pretension. At 151 € per night, it is a good base from which to explore the centre without breaking the budget. The service remains efficient, typical of well-maintained chain hotels. Rating of 9.1/10 from nearly 1,800 reviews, which reflects commendable consistency.

Nobu Hotel Chicago occupies a converted red brick building in West Loop, the neighbourhood that has become the city's gastronomic heart. The rooms play the zen card: dark wood, sliding shoji, deep lava stone bathtubs, indirect lighting. The indoor pool on the top floor offers a clear view of the Loop's skyscrapers, natural light all day long. The service remains discreet, efficient, without fuss. We sleep well, the soundproofing filters out the noise from Peoria Street. From 410 € per night, it offers good value for a 5★ design hotel in Chicago, especially if we dine downstairs ✨

The Estate Yountville occupies six acres in the heart of Napa Valley, a stone's throw from French Laundry and Bouchon. We tested a garden-side room: light wood, white linen, floor-to-ceiling windows opening onto the oaks, Restoration Hardware furniture without surprises. The spa offers treatments based on grapes (we stay in Napa), the main pool remains open until 22h with heated loungers. From 741 € a night, which places the address in the local high-end without reaching the rates of Auberge du Soleil or Meadowood. The service is attentive, never intrusive, typical of Californian hospitality. We recommend for a comfortable wine-tourism stay, not for a striking architectural experience. The three pools remain the real asset: one can switch according to the time and desire ✨

The Four Seasons Resort Napa Valley occupies a 3.2-hectare estate planted in the middle of the Silverado Trail vineyards, fifteen minutes from Napa centre. We sleep in low stone and wood villas, with private terraces overlooking the cabernet sauvignon rows and the ochre hills. The rooms play Californian sobriety: white oak parquet, Carrara marble bathrooms, sliding glass bays. The 930 m² spa offers treatments with grape extracts and a heated indoor pool. The overflow outdoor pool remains the rallying point at the end of the day, loungers facing the vines, iced rosé service until 8pm. From 1 048 € the night, we pay for viticultural tranquillity and Four Seasons service, impeccable without being stiff. The address works for couples who want to disconnect between two tastings, less for those seeking urban animation ✨

The Sun Rose West Hollywood occupies a new building at 8430 Sunset Boulevard, right in the bend where the Strip begins to climb towards Beverly Hills. We tested a north-side room: floor-to-ceiling bay windows, bleached oak parquet, grey terrazzo bathrooms. The 400 m² spa offers Biologique Recherche treatments, the rooftop pool offers an unobstructed view of Griffith Observatory. The restaurant serves honest Californian cuisine, without starred pretension. From 489 € the night, it is positioned between the Sunset Tower and the Edition, with more attentive service than the latter. We recommend for a design stay without the agitation of the east Strip ✨

Candlelight Inn Napa Valley occupies a Victorian house from 1929, transformed into a charming inn with ten rooms. The interiors blend period woodwork, polished parquet floors, second-hand furniture, Liberty fabrics. We appreciate the heated outdoor pool, nestled in a garden planted with century-old oaks and climbing roses. The homemade breakfast is taken on the veranda or in the room, continental formula with local pastries. The welcome remains family-like, without 24h concierge or room service after 10h. From 231 € per night, it is a comfortable base to explore the wine estates without the pomp of the valley's resorts. Honestly, we come here for the calm and the proximity to the cellars, not for the services of a palace.

L'InterContinental Miami occupies a 34-storey building at the end of Brickell Avenue, facing the port. We sleep in standard IHG rooms refurbished in 2019, beige marble, floor-to-ceiling windows, bay or skyline views depending on the floor. The pool on the 5th remains the real draw: teak sunloungers, swim-up bar, no crowds even in high season. The Elemis spa offers decent treatments, nothing memorable. From 234 € a night, it's the best value for a 5★ Downtown with pool and direct access to Bayside. Service is professional, never warm, typical of big chains. We recommend for cruise stopovers and business stays that want the bay without paying South Beach ✨

Maison Felix occupies a low-rise villa in Miami Beach, between Surfside and Bal Harbour, in a quiet residential district. There are 14 rooms arranged around a pool surrounded by palms and bougainvillea, the whole feels more like an upscale guesthouse than a vertical palace. The rooms blend blonde wood, white linen, polished terrazzo, natural light filtered through bamboo blinds. Service remains discreet, we cross paths with few people in the corridors. From 324 € the night, it's an address for those seeking intimacy without forgoing 5★ standards. No restaurant on site, but Harding Avenue lines up cafés and casual tables two minutes on foot. We slept peacefully, woken by the birds, not by the traffic ✨

Le Viceroy Chicago occupies an 18-storey limestone and brick building, built in 1929 for upscale apartments. We tested a lake-view room: solid oak parquet flooring, midnight blue velvet headboard, Carrara white marble bathroom with deep bathtub. Morning light streams through the original sash windows, double glazing filters the noise from State Street. The rooftop with heated pool stays open even in winter, clear views over Navy Pier and the lake. The service is efficient without being intrusive, typical of well-run chain hotels. From 280 € per night, it offers good value for Gold Coast.

Four Seasons Chicago occupies the upper floors of a 66-storey tower, and we quickly understand that the address bets everything on height. Rooms start on the 30th, floor-to-ceiling windows, lake or skyline views depending on orientation. The decor remains classic Four Seasons, light wood panelling, beige marble, sober contemporary furniture without particular boldness. The pool on the 7th floor surprises with its glazed bays overlooking Michigan Avenue, rare at this altitude in an urban hotel. The Allyu spa occupies 1 200 m² with eight treatment rooms, hammam, Finnish sauna. From 426 € per night, a rate consistent for a 5★ of this stature in Chicago. We recommend lake-side rooms, the difference in view is worth the supplement ✨

Level Chicago Fulton Market occupies a contemporary building in the heart of the West Loop, the neighbourhood that now concentrates the city's best tables and the headquarters of Google, McDonald's, Mondelez. We tested a king room on the 12th floor: floor-to-ceiling bay windows, anthracite grey and bleached oak palette, black marble bathroom with rain-effect shower. The indoor pool and spa (rare in this neighbourhood) justify part of the rate, from 308 € per night. The fitness centre is open 24/7, equipped with Technogym. The service remains professional without being stiff, suited to a mixed business and leisure clientele. We recommend it for a design stay in today's Chicago, not that of the 1920s ✨

Hotel Yountville occupies a modern building on Washington Street, the village's main artery. We appreciate the spacious rooms in neutral tones, light wood and limestone bathrooms, some with a fireplace. The spa offers massages and grape treatments, the outdoor pool remains open all year with teak loungers. From 743 € per night, a high rate but consistent for Yountville in high season. The service is attentive without being intrusive, free parking rare in the valley. We recommend it for a comfortable wine-tourism stay, not for its remarkable architecture. The location allows walking to the wineries and starred tables ✨

The Napa Inn & Spa occupies a Victorian house from 1899 on Warren Street, two blocks from the Napa River. We slept in rooms with high ceilings, original parquet, understated American colonial furniture. The spa offers classic massages and treatments, nothing revolutionary but effective after a day of cave-hopping. The whole remains modest, the welcome warm, the decoration a bit dated in the common areas. From 235 € a night, it is a solid base to explore the valley without paying resort prices. We recommend it for the value for money and the tranquillity of the residential neighbourhood.

The Hotel Beaux Arts, Autograph Collection occupies a contemporary building on Biscayne Boulevard, facing the bay. We tested a water-view room: light marble floors, brushed brass furniture, floor-to-ceiling windows that let in Miami's light all day. The spa offers massages and treatments in a plush setting, the rooftop pool provides unobstructed views of the port and Financial District towers. From 1 093 € per night, the rate places the hotel in Miami's palace segment, with attentive service but without the history of South Beach's grand houses. The restaurant serves contemporary American cuisine, correct without being memorable. We recommend it for a business stay or design weekend, not for the gastronomic experience.

L'Hotel Nikko San Francisco occupies a glass and granite tower two blocks from Union Square, sober 1980s architecture that has aged well. We appreciate the indoor pool on the fifth floor, 25-metre pools under a glass roof, adjacent jacuzzi, dark wood changing rooms. The rooms are spacious (30 m² minimum), neutral beige and grey tones, firm Japanese-style bedding, marble bathrooms with deep bath. The service remains efficient without being warm, typical of large Japanese chains. From 915 € per night, a high rate for San Francisco but consistent with the location and facilities. The fitness centre is well equipped, recent Technogym, open 24/7. We recommend it for travellers seeking functional comfort rather than boutique charm.

Four Seasons Hotel Miami occupies a glass and steel tower at the heart of Brickell, the city's tropical Manhattan. We bed down between the 7th and 40th floors, spacious rooms (42 m² minimum) with floor-to-ceiling windows framing the bay or Downtown, contemporary furniture in dark wood, marble in the bathrooms. The 1,200 m² spa offers signature treatments based on Florida citrus, the pool overlooks yachts moored at Brickell Key. Service is polished, discreet, efficient, typical of the chain. From 569 € the night, rate coherent for a 5★ urban in Miami, but we pay above all for the location and Four Seasons reliability. Clientele mostly corporate weekdays, affluent couples weekends. Solid address, no surprises ✨

Private condo hotel at Four Seasons Brickell occupies the 30th floor of the Four Seasons tower, and we stay in a private apartment rather than a standard room. The view over Biscayne Bay and the Miami skyline justifies the address, with floor-to-ceiling windows and private terrace. We have access to the pool, spa and restaurant downstairs at the Four Seasons, which avoids the usual compromises of upscale Airbnb rentals. The service is that of a palace, with room service and concierge available. The apartment itself is furnished in a sleek contemporary style, light marble and blonde wood. From 629 € per night, it's a hybrid formula that appeals to long stays (a minimum week to make the most of it). We recommend if you're seeking the autonomy of an apartment without renouncing the facilities of a 5★ ✨

The Palace Hotel has occupied the same location since 1875, rebuilt after the great earthquake. We enter via New Montgomery Street, white marble hall, bronze chandeliers, seven-metre Corinthian columns. The rooms blend period mouldings with contemporary equipment, king-size bedding, Italian marble bathrooms, 3.20-metre ceiling height in the historic suites. The indoor pool in the basement retains its blue tiling from the 1920s, subdued lighting, wooden cabins. From 854 € per night, a rate consistent for a palace in the financial centre. The service remains professional without being stiff, business clientele during the week, tourists at the weekend. We recommend a room on the inner courtyard side, quieter than Montgomery Street ✨

The St. Regis San Francisco occupies a glass and steel tower in the heart of SoMa, two blocks from the SFMOMA and the Moscone Center. We tested a room on the Third Street side: high ceilings, marble in the bathroom, impeccable bedding, but the view overlooks office buildings, not the bay. The butler service responds in less than five minutes, useful for booking a table at Saison or organising a transfer to Napa. The indoor pool remains small, more of a relaxation pool than a real swimming spot. From 915 € per night, we pay mainly for the location and the St. Regis standing, less for the architectural charm. An address for high-end business stays and lovers of impeccable service who are not looking for the Victorian picturesque of Nob Hill.

L'Alila Napa Valley occupies a contemporary building on Main Street, steps from the tasting rooms of St. Helena. We tested a 42 m² room with private terrace, whitewashed oak floor, Japanese lava stone bathtub, direct view over the cabernet sauvignon rows. The spa extends its 1 200 m² between volcanic steam room, heated pool and six massage cabins facing the vines, we easily spend half a day there. The outdoor pool remains open until 22h, lit by floating lanterns. The service is attentive without being intrusive, typical of the Hyatt signature. From 777 € per night, a rate consistent for a 5★ Napa with a spa of this scale ✨

L'Hotel Emblem San Francisco occupies a 1908 building on Sutter Street, two blocks from Union Square. We slept in a 22 m² room with anthracite grey walls, padded velvet headboard, solid walnut desk. The decor pays homage to the Beat Generation writers, Kerouac quotes screen-printed on the walls, vintage book collection on each floor. The neighbourhood vibrates day and night, trams creaking on Powell Street, luxury boutiques and theatres within reach. From 652 € per night, a rate consistent for Union Square without being the most competitive in the sector. The Wi-Fi works perfectly, private parking on site (rare and precious in San Francisco). Our verdict: an address for travellers seeking character rather than an impersonal palace ✨