12 Best City Escape Hotels in the US

Las Vegas is a top destination for a city break with its unique blend of entertainment, dining, and nightlife. A city escape to the "Entertainment Capital of the World" lets you enjoy and explore a wide variety of extravagant shows, casinos, and restaurants. Whether you're looking to hit the jackpot on the strip, indulge in world-class dining, or catch a performance by one of the biggest names in entertainment, the excitement in Vegas never ends. And one prominent Vegas hotel lets you feel like you've traveled to Italy without ever leaving the states.

Enter The Venetian Las Vegas, a destination in its own right. This grand hotel designed to emulate the charm of Venice, complete with canals, gondolas, and a replica of St. Mark's Square. It features elegant Italian-inspired décor and spacious suites, each of which includes a separate living area and a private balcony or terrace. Enjoy a wide variety of onsite amenities, including a casino, the award-winning Canyon Ranch spa, and a variety of shops and restaurants within. The Venetian makes a great base for experiencing the glitz and glamor of Vegas, but with so many head-turning features, you may find it difficult to venture beyond the resort.

Los Angeles is home to some iconic American landmarks and offers a vibrant arts and culture scene, complete with world-class museums, galleries, and theaters. In addition to its many attractions, LA is also a great go-to for outdoorsy types, with many parks, beaches, and hiking trails to explore.

For a luxurious place in a prime location to crash after all your adventures, Loews Hollywood is a great choice. It’s right in the heart of Hollywood and puts you within close reach of many attractions, and the modern, elegant rooms and suites even let you wake up to views of the Hollywood Sign. Onsite amenities include a fitness center, a restaurant, and a rooftop terrace up on the 5th floor with a bar. The hotel is just a short walk or bus ride away from other popular LA hotspots like the Dolby Theatre, where the Academy Awards ceremony is held annually, and the Hollywood & Highland Center, which is home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues.

If you’re planning a city break with kids in tow, Orlando is top-of-the-list for its collection of family-friendly theme parks. Even so, there’s more to Orlando than Walt Disney World and Universal Studios. When you’re not riding roller coasters and meeting Mickey or Shrek, you’ll find yourself having fun under the Floridian sun by going golfing, boating, or hiking. Orlando also has a vibrant dining and nightlife scene, as well as plenty of shopping options.

Whether you're planning to enjoy a fun Orlando city break with family, friends, or as a couple, Wyndham Grand Bonnet Creek is a top place to stay with a touch of luxury. It’s within walking distance of the Walt Disney World Resort and you can take the hotel's complimentary shuttle service to and from the various theme parks. After a day of thrills, soak in the hotel’s heated outdoor pool or enjoy a treatment at the full-service Blue Harmony Spa. Couples can enjoy fine dining at La Luce, one of the hotel’s multiple restaurants.

New York City is a must-visit American metropolis that offers renowned landmarks, eclectic food, and a rich culture. When visiting the Big Apple, be sure to see iconic attractions such as the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building. Take a stroll through leafy Central Park, and enjoy the family-friendly activities. NYC has different neighborhoods to explore, each of which has something special for you to see, taste, and try.

Looking for a hotel that's as stylish and cosmopolitan as New York itself? Book a stay at Virgin Hotels New York City, which puts you right in the heart of Manhattan. You’ll be within easy reach of tourist hot spots like Times Square and the Broadway Theater District. Photographers' favorites Chelsea Market and The Metropolitan Museum of Art are also nearby. After a day of exploring, head to the rooftop terrace to unwind with a cocktail and soak in breathtaking views of the cityscape.

A city break itinerary in Chicago would often include visits to world-class museums and art galleries as well as exploring vigorous food and music scenes. A Chicago city escape can be a fun getaway for couples and families, travelers who love discovering American culture and history, and people who want to explore a new city.

For a luxury boutique stay right in the heart of downtown and set by a lakeside beach, Thompson Chicago is hard to beat. The Hyatt hotel’s guest rooms are stylish and modern as you would expect from the brand, and it's only a few blocks from some of Chicago’s most popular attractions – the Willis Tower (Sears Tower) and the Magnificent Mile, to name a few. And for those who want to indulge in some retail therapy, some of the best shopping in the city is just nearby on Michigan Avenue.

A city break in Nashville often becomes an inspiring getaway into a vibrant American music scene. It’s home to many famous country music venues and museums. Among the unmissable places are the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Ryman Auditorium, and the Grand Ole Opry. Other cultural attractions include the Frist Art Museum and the Johnny Cash Museum. There are also many great restaurants and honky-tonks to check out, as well as outdoor activities such as hiking in Radnor Lake State Park.

1 Hotel Nashville is a top choice for city breaks in the Tennessee capital. The 5-star stay is only 2 blocks from Broadway Street, right in the heart of the city and near many of the popular attractions mentioned above. The hotel features beautiful and sustainability-focused interiors with live plants throughout the property, including the rooms. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer views of the city. At the end of the day, head up to Harriet’s Rooftop terrace where you can sip cocktails, relax, and take in the cityscapes.

Washington, DC has all the cultural credentials you need for a city break, particularly if you’re interested in American history and politics. See iconic landmarks like the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, and the US Capitol. Visits to world-class museums like the Smithsonian and the National Museum of American History are also not to be missed, and the city’s rich and eclectic drinking and dining scenes make it easy to recharge in between.

For a city break in the US capital, The Jefferson, Washington, DC is a great place to stay. This elegant beaux-arts-styled hotel is just a short walk from the White House and the National Mall, both of which are among the capital’s great icons. You also have some of the city's best restaurants and shops within easy reach. The hotel’s luxurious amenities welcome you back from all your adventures, with all-day dining under a stunning skylight at The Greenhouse and classic and signature cocktails at the highly rated Quill bar.

The Royal Sonesta Houston Galleria is an ideal choice if you're looking for luxury in a convenient location. It's a prominent landmark in the Galleria neighborhood of Huston, with easy access to some of the city's best shopping, dining, and entertainment options. Additionally, the hotel is close to popular attractions such as The Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park and The Menil Collection.

The hotel itself offers comfortable and well-appointed guest rooms, an outdoor pool and fitness center, and a popular on-site restaurant highlighting steaks and seasonal global cuisine. Additionally, Houston's food scene is renowned for its delicious Tex-Mex and barbecue offerings, and its multicultural dining scene can’t be missed with a variety of cool spots within walking distance around Uptown.

For a stylish and modern stay in Denver, consider The Maven at Dairy Block in the heart of trendy LoDo (Lower Downtown). This art-inspired hotel pulls off an edgy, New York loft style and is a hub of creativity in Denver—think mismatched furniture and abstract prints. Guest rooms are comfortable, with urban art on the walls and floor-to-ceiling windows, but most of the effort has been spent on the communal areas.  

The Maven at Dairy Block has a lobby cocktail bar and an in-house restaurant. The Tex-Mex dishes at the Kachina Cantina are well worth it. Nearby, check out the Denver Art Museum and the Denver Performing Arts Complex, both within walking distance. Foodies will appreciate the hotel's proximity to many of the city's best restaurants, including Mercantile Dining & Provision at the beaux arts-style Union Station. 

The LINE San Francisco is one of the coolest places to stay in the city, right in the heart of the Theater District. It's one of the latest and trendiest properties to grace the city. With its modern and minimalist design, the hotel offers a range of comfortable and chic rooms and suites. Its rooftop bar, Rise Over Run, has become one of the most popular venues among the craft cocktail-sipping crowd, offering stunning views of the city and the Bay Bridge.

The hotel is located just a few blocks south of Union Square, San Francisco's renowned shopping, dining, and nightlife hub. The scenic Embarcadero waterfront, featuring the bustling PIER 39, is also a short drive to the north. Nature enthusiasts can enjoy waterfront hiking through Lands End and Mile Rock Beach, which is just a half-hour drive to the west. Additionally, the vibrant nearby neighborhoods of Chinatown, Haight-Ashbury, and the Mission offer more shopping and cultural experiences.

Reverb by Hard Rock Atlanta Downtown is one of the top hotels for a city break in Atlanta, with a rock and roll vibe. The decor is inspired by famous musicians, and there are instruments and music memorabilia everywhere. It's centrally located in the heart of downtown, putting you just minutes away from some of the city's most popular attractions. It’s just across from Mercedes Benz stadium and next to Centennial Park – the Atlanta skyline and cityscapes are awesome from its RT60 Rooftop Bar.

Also nearby is the World of Coca-Cola, where you can learn about the history of the famous beverage, and there's Georgia Aquarium, one of the largest aquariums in the world. Whether you're interested in learning about the Civil Rights Movement, understanding the city's role in the Civil War, or experiencing a thriving music and arts scene, there’s plenty to explore in Atlanta. Reverb by Hard Rock Atlanta Downtown is right next to the MARTA rail system, so getting around the city is a breeze.

Omni Dallas Hotel is a top choice for a Dallas city break. Located in the heart of the city, the hotel offers easy access to Dallas' most popular attractions, including the Dallas Convention Center and the American Airlines Center. Besides a thriving arts and culture scene, on a city break in the “Big D” you’ll also enjoy abundant shopping and dining, from high-end designer stores to local boutiques and eateries.

The hotel itself features luxurious guest rooms and suites, as well as a fitness center, a rooftop pool and dining terrace, and a variety of other dining options – the eclectic Restaurants on Lamar, just across the street, features everything from sushi and Tex-Mex to premium steaks. The hotel's complimentary shuttle service can take you to popular destinations such as the West End Historic District and the AT&T Performing Arts Center.