Best Hotels by Brand 2013

Brand-name hotels come with some attractive perks. By bedding down in a chain, you can rely on the same quality of customer care and hallmark amenities found at affiliated properties throughout the country (and in some cases, the globe).That said, finding the very best of the name-backed bunch is no easy task. That's where our Best Hotels by Brand rankings come in. After sifting through guidebooks, magazines, and scores of expert and guest reviews, we've come up with a list of exemplary hotels throughout the U.S. and the Caribbean that not only reign supreme among their affiliated chain, but also trump hundreds of other contenders on our 2013 Best Hotels rankings.

The properties on this list are heavyweights not only for their outstanding service, amenities, and ambiance, but also because they showcase the very best of the titans of the hospitality industry.

The Inn of the Five Graces (Relais & Châteaux Hotels)

Santa Fe, N.M.

You'll find The Inn of the Five Graces burrowed in the heart of downtown Santa Fe, just minutes from the vibrant galleries of Canyon Road. But while this Relais & Châteaux property flaunts an enviable New Mexico address, The Inn of the Five Graces avoids the kitschy Southwestern décor donned by so many hotels in this part of the country. As you open the doors, you'll feel like you're being transported to the Eastern Hemisphere. The luxurious accommodations feature an eclectic array of Middle Eastern and Asian design elements: Some guestrooms are adorned with hand-painted Afghani beams, while others are filled with majestic candelabras and ornate tiles. What's more, you can count on Relais & Châteaux-quality service and emphasis on well-being. Everything—from the indulgent Tibetan- and East Indian-inspired spa treatments to the mouthwatering French cuisine served up at Bistro 315—is seemingly tailor-made to induce total relaxation.

St. Regis Atlanta (St. Regis Hotels & Resorts)

Atlanta

Tucked away in the upscale Buckhead neighborhood, The St. Regis Atlanta consistently wows guests with its opulent décor and über-luxe amenities. Here, you'll have access to the 40,000-square-foot Pool Piazza and high-end treatments at Remède Spa. But that's not all this St. Regis outpost has to offer: The accommodations are equally impressive, with floor-to-ceiling windows, marble bath fixtures, and gleaming chandeliers. And should you wish to get out and about, downtown Atlanta is just a short drive away. Another bonus: Thanks to its Starwood connection, visitors can accrue loyalty points toward free nights or other perks through the Preferred Guest program.

The Fairmont Olympic Hotel (Fairmont Hotels & Resorts)

Seattle

At this stylish Fairmont property positioned in downtown Seattle, you might have a hard time deciding what's more exquisite: the crystal chandeliers hanging from the arched ceilings, or the divine culinary offerings served at The Georgian, a French-inspired restaurant. Extravagance oozes from the Italian Renaissance-style architecture to the lavish beds draped in exceptionally soft linens. And while a stay here is bound to leave a dent in your wallet, guests say it's worth every penny, citing the immaculate service and ideal downtown location as equally compelling reasons to return. Although The Plaza in New York City technically claims the top spot on our list of Best Fairmont Hotels, the iconic hotel doesn't openly bear the brand's name. The Fairmont Olympic, however, proudly flaunts its affiliation and holds the No. 3 spot on our 2013 roundup of the Best Hotels in Seattle.

The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas (Ritz-Carlton Hotels & Resorts)

Dallas

This elegant member of the Ritz-Carlton clan can be found at the heart of the Dallas Arts District, just minutes from the Dallas Museum of Art. But while its location is convenient, the bounty of amenities, superb culinary offerings, and richly appointed guestrooms are the main reasons to bed down in these Dallas digs. Inside, you'll find a 12,000-square-foot spa, while the on-site Fearing's Restaurant has earned numerous awards for its tasty American cuisine. The accommodations are equally alluring, with sumptuous beds draped in Frette linens and spacious bathrooms stocked with BVLGARI products.

Park Hyatt Chicago (Hyatt Hotels & Resorts)

Chicago

Since 1957, Hyatt hotels have been catering to luxury seekers with their high-end accommodations, gourmet cuisine, and upscale amenities. And the Park Hyatt Chicago, positioned on Chicago's famed Magnificent Mile, preserves the brand's high standard of excellence while showcasing its own distinctive style and history. While staying here, you're afforded spectacular views overlooking Chicago's Near North or Lake Michigan, not to mention tasty contemporary American fare served at NoMi Kitchen and Lounge. Because of its style and service, the Park Hyatt Chicago outshined the 84 other Hyatt properties that were evaluated for the 2013 Best Hotels in the USA rankings.

Four Seasons Resort Lana'i, The Lodge at Koele (Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts)

Lanai, Hawaii

The Four Seasons Resort Lana'i, The Lodge at Koele sits amid Lanai's untamed landscape. Interspersed among the resort's verdant gardens and championship fairways, you'll find sun-drenched suites adorned with spacious balconies and terraces offering striking views of the island's tropical scenery. While staying at this top-ranking Four Seasons property, you'll have access to island-inspired spa treatments, superb food, and a spacious pool area. Plus, if you're looking to perfect your tan along sugary sands, you can retreat to the nearby Four Seasons Resort Lana'i at Manele Bay. Above all else, visitors say they were treated like royalty during their stay, which is one of the main reasons this Four Seasons was awarded the No. 2 spot on our 2013 Best Hotels in the USA rankings.

Sandals Royal Plantation (Sandals Resorts)

Ocho Rios, Jamaica

If you're looking for a serene, all-inclusive hideaway, you can't go wrong at a Sandals resort. But the adults-only Sandals Royal Plantation takes laid-back luxury to a new level, with each of the property's 74 ocean-view suites on the Ocho Rios Riviera affording sweeping views of Jamaica's sparkling sands. Accommodations are also appointed with opulent marble bathrooms and spacious king-sized beds draped in fine Italian linens. But while upscale accommodations are a major plus, what distinguishes this Sandals outpost from the pack is its overly accommodating staff who, according to visitors, bend over backward to ensure guests feel welcome. Plus, you'll have personalized butler service to assist with your every need. The service here is so immaculate that guests often point to quality care as a leading reason to return.

Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek (Rosewood Hotels & Resorts)

Dallas

Although it sits just north of downtown Dallas, Rosewood's flagship property doesn't feel like a city hotel. The Mansion on Turtle Creek evokes the atmosphere of a bygone era with period décor; for example, the guestrooms feature canopied beds and French doors extending out onto private balconies. And at the Mansion Restaurant, the elegant ambiance is bolstered by superb American- and French-inspired fare. Although this opulent retreat certainly displays its own personalized style, you'll also find Rosewood's signature stamp of impeccable customer service, which gives this distinguished property the 33rd spot on our list of Best Hotels in the USA.

Mandarin Oriental, Boston (Mandarin Oriental Hotels)

Boston

The Mandarin Oriental, Boston showcases luxury travel at its finest. Accommodations are furnished with stylish Art Deco accents and extravagant extras, like ultra-soft Frette linens and oversized marble bathrooms. What's more, this beautiful Mandarin Oriental outpost showcases the brand's signature trendy, Asian-inspired décor at its best, especially in the stunning 16,000-square-foot spa. After you're feeling relaxed and rejuvenated, you can paint the town: This hotel sits just a short walk from Newbury Street and Boston Common.

Waldorf Astoria Chicago (Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts)

Chicago

The Waldorf Astoria Chicago stands as one of the Windy City's most recognized properties. Set in the heart of Chicago, just steps away from the Magnificent Mile, this fashionable hotel exhibits all the key characteristics of a Waldorf-backed property—luxurious amenities, lavish décor, and excellent customer service. But that's not the only reason guests and travel experts sing this Waldorf's praises. The hotel's trendy Balsan restaurant earns rave reviews for its bistro fare, while the Carrera marble bathroom fixtures and cozy en-suite fireplaces also helped the Waldorf Astoria Chicago claim the No. 9 spot on our 2013 list of the Best Hotels in the USA.