The best hotels near US national parks

Smack-dab in the heart of Death Valley, this four-star inn is part of the Oasis at Death Valley resort, which also includes the family-friendly Ranch at Death Valley just down the road. But this is the more elegant and intimate of the two, set in a gorgeous mission-style building that dates back to 1927, where the likes of Clark Gable and Carole Lombard once stayed.

The inn is perched on a mountain surrounded by palm trees, lush gardens, and fountains—all framed by otherworldly desert formations. The recently renovated property (now open year-round) features a warm, welcoming lobby and bar area with saltillo tile floors, wood-beamed ceilings, antique furnishings, comfy leather seating, and spectacular views through arched windows. Amenities include a spring-fed outdoor swimming pool with a sprawling stone deck, fireplace, and pool cafe, a new spa and fitness center, and tennis courts. The highlight of the gourmet Inn Dining Room is the terrace, which directly overlooks the shimmering Panamint Range.

Rooms in the main inn are updated and feature an old-school ambiance with graceful furnishings, creamy white headboards, and marble bathrooms. Entry-level Double Rooms measure around 300 square feet, while Deluxe rooms are larger with patios, decorative fireplaces, and mountain views. The 22 new One-Bedroom Casitas offer more privacy and space, as well as kitchenettes, patios, and a seating area with a pullout sofa bed. Casitas also come with golf carts to get around the property.

Trip Advisor Ranking: 1 out of 4 hotels in Death Valley

Booking.com Rating: 8.5 out of 10

Pros: The lush grounds, spring-fed pool, and historic buildings are lovely, but it's the incredible desert views and easy access to area hiking trails that really make this stay special.

Cons: On-site dining options are quite pricey.

Nestled at the base of the skiing wonderland of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, this four-star alpine lodge is also conveniently located near two major national parks: Grand Teton National Park is less than a mile away, while Yellowstone is about a 1.5-hour drive. The hotel partners with several companies that offer a variety of full and half-day tours of both parks, which can all be arranged through the concierge.

Interiors feature a modern mountain flair with a grand timbered lobby, bookended by wood-burning stone fireplaces, and outfitted with cozy contemporary velvet and leather seating. The Spur Restaurant and Bar has a fantastic mountainside patio, and there is also a full-service spa with steam rooms, indoor/outdoor pools, and five hot tubs, including a 22-person rooftop Jacuzzi with incredible mountain vistas.

Rooms are thoughtfully designed with large picture windows, wood headboards, and furnishings that provide a nice rustic touch. Lodge King rooms measure 350 square feet, while the slightly larger Grand King category comes with gas fireplaces, balconies, and kitchenettes.

Trip Advisor Ranking: 2 out of 8 hotels in Teton Village

Booking.com Rating: 8.9 out of 10

Pros: The slope-side location means terrific mountain views from many of the public spaces, especially the rooftop hot tub.

Cons: Rates are high during the summer and winter. First-floor rooms may have unappealing parking-lot views while rooms above the restaurant terrace can be noisy.

Located 4,000 feet above sea level and surrounded by lush tropical rainforest, waterfalls, and koi ponds, this upscale Big Island bed and breakfast is a true island escape. Wonderfully secluded, the property is just 2 miles from Volcanoes National Park and its active Kīlauea and Mauna Loa volcanoes.

All five handcrafted bungalows have a treehouse-like feel with wood floors, walls, and ceilings, plus huge windows and decks looking onto the rainforest. Each room is individually designed but all feature electric or gas fireplaces, dining tables, seating areas, and kitchenettes. Breakfast (included in rate) is prepared and delivered to rooms each evening.

The smallest is the Hale Kilauea, with a Queen-sized bed and floor-to-ceiling windows surrounded by enormous ferns. Those wanting an airier, larger space will find it's worth spending another $40 or so for one of the three 400-square-foot lodges, which have cathedral ceilings and a variety of amenities such as a spa tub or a lanai that overlooks lava rock formations. There is a two-night minimum stay during the high season.

Trip Advisor Ranking: 5 out of 30 hotels in Volcano

Booking.com Rating: 9.2 out of 10

Pros: The idyllic rainforest setting and dreamy wood bungalows are wonderfully romantic, while pullout couches in some accommodations make them family-friendly, too. well-suited for family stays. There is also a hot tub on the property.

Cons: There is no restaurant on-site, however, for an extra charge, a takeaway picnic lunch can be arranged. As the lodge is at a high elevation, it can be chilly at night, no matter the season.

The chic desert town of Palm Springs makes an ideal base for exploring Joshua Tree National Park, an easy 45-mile drive east, while the San Bernardino National Forest is also less than an hour away. One of the city's most stylish hotels, this midcentury posh icon is one of our top hotels in Palm Springs. It opened in 1959 as California's first Holiday Inn and a decade ago was entirely transformed into a sleek, contemporary hideaway under the design direction of guru Jonathan Adler.

Interiors pop with bright colors and zingy patterns, and Adler's trademark whimsy is everywhere, from the custom-made needlepoint pillows to animal-shaped poofs. His eclectic designs even extend out to the 13 acres of gardens, where a seven-foot-tall bronze banana sculpture dominates the main lawn. Outdoor amenities include areas for croquet and petanque, clay tennis courts, and two saltwater pools. There's an indoor pool at the standalone spa, dubbed the Palm Springs Yacht Club, which also houses a 24-hour fitness center with tall arched windows overlooking the grounds. Dining-wise, the alfresco terrace of Norma's restaurant draws a fashionable crowd, while dinner and late-night drinks are enjoyed at the glamorous lobby-adjacent Mr. Parker's, tucked behind turquoise velvet doors.

Individually decorated rooms vary in size and layout depending on the building and are similarly playful. Entry-level Estate rooms measure around 320 square feet and are situated near the lobby's bar and restaurant. Deluxe rooms offer more space and proximity to the hotel's Silicon Valley pool. If you crave private outdoor space, spring for a Hammock room, with an enclosed sand patio complete with hammock.

Trip Advisor Ranking: 33 out of 78 hotels in Palm Springs

Booking.com Rating: 8.9 out of 10

Pros: The hotel's midcentury provenance and groovy retro interiors offer a truly singular experience, while the beautifully landscaped grounds make it feel like a true oasis.

Cons: Navigating the sprawling property and grounds can sometimes be confusing. Food and drink are on the expensive side. Joshua Tree is still a far drive, but expect the only close lodging next to the park to be chain hotels and motels.

Set on historic Main Street in downtown Bar Harbor, this charming English Tudor-style inn is within walking distance of dozens of restaurants and bars, as well the Town Pier. It's just across from the Village Green, where you can hop a free (seasonal) shuttle bus that gets you to several different points in nearby Acadia National Park.

Built as a residence in 1939 and converted to a hotel in 1996, the 18-room inn (which is indeed covered with ivy) retains its historic ambiance with antiques and period furnishings. While there's no on-site restaurant, a continental breakfast is included in the rate and the hotel's William Tell Lounge is a cozy spot for a wine or beer. Out front, the fire pit is a popular hangout come evening.

Queen and King rooms are individually decorated in a traditional style with wood-frame beds (many are four-posters), antiques, period furnishings, and classic artwork. Some have decorative fireplace mantels and shared decks. Six separate cottages with King-sized beds offer a more contemporary feel with polished concrete floors and vaulted ceilings. The inn is open seasonally, from May to mid-October.

Trip Advisor Ranking: 5 out of 43 hotels in Bar Harbor

Booking.com Rating: 9.5 out of 10

Pros: Rooms are beautifully furnished with original antiques. The location puts you right in the center of everything in Bar Harbor. Guests have noted that the staff is extremely gracious and helpful.

Cons: There is no on-site restaurant and the provided breakfast is quite basic.

Just two miles from the southern entrance of Yosemite, and about an hour to the famed Yosemite Valley, this upscale, year-round mountain resort is particularly well-suited to families. It starts at reception, with a special kids' check-in line, and continues throughout the 50-acre property, which boasts a children's adventure course and climbing wall, game room, daily nature hikes, indoor/outdoor pools, a seasonal ice-skating rink, and a nightly bonfire with s'mores.

Done up in a rustic-meets-modern design, with stone fireplaces and wood-beamed ceilings, the main lodge serves as the hub for dining and activities. There, you'll find Jackalopes Bar and Grill, with a casual menu of burgers and salads, plus a lovely alfresco terrace framed by towering trees. The fireside Embers has a refined selection of pasta, fish, and meat dishes, plus a kid-friendly menu.

Rooms have a homey, cabin-like vibe, with wood furnishings, rustic trim, and sliding wood doors. Entry-level Deluxe rooms are outfitted with a King-sized bed or two Queens and measure 350 square feet, but if you want better views, upgrade to a similar-sized Premium room. Extended rooms offer more space, plus a balcony or patio. The top-of-the-line, two-bedroom Explorer Cabins are a 10-minute walk from the lodge on 27 forested acres and feature kitchenettes, broad decks, and extra amenities such as free breakfast, a daily wine reception, and access to the exclusive Explorer Clubhouse.

Trip Advisor Ranking: 1 out of 2 hotels in Fish Camp

Booking.com Rating: 8.5 out of 10

Pros: Access to Yosemite is quick and easy: a public bus stops at the lodge and transports you to the park's Visitor Center, or the concierge can arrange a variety of Yosemite tours. There are many year-round family-friendly activities on-site including ice-skating and snowshoeing in winter.

Cons: Most activities have an extra charge. There is also a $30 nightly resort fee.

Sandwiched between the Sante Fe railroad and Route 66 in downtown Winslow, this 1929 mission-style hotel and designated National Historic Landmark is just an hour west of Petrified Forest National Park. It's one of the original 20th-century Harvey Houses, a chain of railroad restaurants and hotels built across the American West, the most famous being the Grand Canyon's El Tovar.

The hotel is surrounded by seven acres of flowering gardens, ponds, and cottonwoods, and it's Turquoise Room restaurant and gift shop are popular tourist attractions. The property has been restored to reflect the original mission architecture, and the lobby, with its stone floor, colorful beamed ceilings, southwestern accents, and cozy seating nooks make for a welcoming entrance. There are stone patios to relax and soak up garden views or watch the trains pass by, and an on-site museum exhibits works by local artists.

Rooms are connected by stone passageways and come in a variety of sizes and configurations. All are individually decorated in a southwestern style, with brightly painted walls, wood furnishings, Ponderosa pine beds, handwoven rugs, and wood or tile floors. Some feature original black-and-white tiled bathrooms with six-foot cast-iron tubs. Standard rooms measure a snug 220 square feet; larger rooms have patios or balconies. Views vary and might look out over the gardens, the cottonwood grove, or the south lawn toward the railroad tracks.

Trip Advisor Ranking: 1 out of 14 hotels in Winslow

Booking.com Rating: 9 out of 10

Pros: La Posada Hotel is loaded with historic charm and the sprawling gardens are a lovely oasis. Many guests complimented the cuisine at the independently owned Turquoise Room restaurant.

Cons: There is no elevator, which some might find problematic if staying on the second floor. Rooms facing the train tracks can be noisy.

Opened in February 2020 in the heart of historic St. George, this is the first luxury boutique hotel in the Greater Zion area. It lies about 40 miles west of Zion National Park, while the Red Cliffs National Reserve, with its many hiking trails, is less than a 10-minute drive. The hotel is within walking distance of the town's restaurants and bars, chic art galleries, and stately 19th-century buildings.

Interiors offer a modern take on pioneer architecture with wood-paneled walls, beamed ceilings, contemporary furnishings, and funky, industrial-style lighting. The open-plan wood.ash.rye restaurant offers a southern-infused menu using regional ingredients, while the bar specializes in cocktails made with local craft spirits. On the roof terrace, you'll find a spacious lounge with fire pits and a Jacuzzi, plus amazing views of the surrounding red sandstone cliffs.

Rooms feature wood floors, neutral patterned wallpaper, craftsman furniture, and oversized windows with seating nooks. Entry-level rooms measure 343 square feet and have King-sized beds and city views; pricier top-floor dormer rooms feature vaulted ceilings and enormous windows. Higher-category rooms and suites offer balconies and kitchenettes and boast mountain views. The hotel is part of the Autograph Collection, which means Marriott Bonvoy members can earn and redeem points.

Trip Advisor Ranking: 41 out of 48 hotels in St. George

Hotels.com Rating: 9.6 out of 10

Pros: Guests praised the cuisine at the hotel's wood.ash.rye restaurant and the mountain views from the rooftop terrace.

Cons: As the hotel is quite new, there are some kinks to be worked out on the housekeeping front, and initial reviews from past guests are a bit more limited.

Set on 500 acres of Ponderosa pine forest on the outskirts of Flagstaff, this sprawling family-friendly resort is less than a two-hour drive to the south rim of the Grand Canyon, and about the same distance to the Petrified Forest National Park. Built in 1952 and entirely renovated in 2018, the hotel features lodge-inspired decor with Southwestern touches, namely in the fireside lobby, lined with wood and dotted with Native American artwork.

Amenities include an enormous outdoor pool (open during summer) and hot tub surrounded by pine trees, as well as a nature trail, volleyball courts, and a playground. In winter, the grounds are strung with Christmas lights and a North Pole Experience includes a trolley ride through the trees to Santa's Workshop packed with fun holiday activities. The Silver Pine Restaurant & Bar serves a casual Southwest-influenced menu that includes kid-friendly burgers and tacos, plus a popular local Sunday brunch, and the outdoor patio is particularly inviting.

Rooms are comfortable and modern with Spanish-tile entryways, Southwestern-patterned carpeting, custom maple beds, a seating area, and large windows; some feature step-out balconies and pine forest views. Entry-level rooms measure 420 square feet and come with two Queen-sized beds; King rooms are slightly bigger at 480 square feet. Families may want to opt for one of the spacious suites with a living room, two bedrooms, a large bathroom, and a full-sized kitchen.

Trip Advisor Ranking: 1 out of 66 hotels in Flagstaff

Booking.com Rating: 9.4 out of 10

Pros: Even entry-level rooms are large and the tranquil forest setting makes for a relaxing stay.

Cons: The property is sprawling and some rooms are located far from the main lodge's amenities. Lower-level rooms may overlook the parking lot.

Home to the Thomas Jefferson-designed University of Virginia and Monticello, Charlottesville ranks as one of the best college towns, according to Business Insider. It's also just a 40-minute drive to Shenandoah National Park, which encompasses the Blue Ridge Mountains, part of the Appalachian Trail, and the famed scenic Skyline Drive.

This high-rise hotel is ideally situated across from university grounds on what's known as the Corner, a stretch of Main Street lined with restaurants, bars, and cafes. Part of the trendy, boutique Graduate Hotels mini-chain, the Charlottesville outpost harks back to the college's 19th-century history with elegant Colonial-style furnishings, locally-sourced antiques, and vintage artwork in the lobby. The second-floor game room is a popular hangout with a full bar and ping pong, foosball, shuffleboard, and a spacious patio for drinks. But the star is the top-floor Camp Ten Four, a wood-paneled restaurant and bar whose sprawling rooftop terrace offers fantastic views of the low-rise town and surrounding mountains.

Rooms are all tweedy nostalgia, with plaid carpeting, dark wood furnishings, leather headboards, and vintage-style telephones. Some feature fish hanging above the bed, a nod to the nickname of UVa students, known as Wahoos. Entry-level rooms have either one King-sized bed or two Queens; be sure to request one with a mountain view, which is similar in price.

Trip Advisor Ranking: 16 out of 39 hotels in Charlottesville

Booking.com Rating: 8.6 out of 10

Pros: The location is across from the University of Virginia and near Main Street's buzzy restaurants and bars, while the retro vibe is fun and funky. The rooftop bar patio is a great spot to mingle and the hotel also offers complimentary use of bikes.

Cons: Rates soar during fall football weekends (it's also one of the best times for leaf-peeping in Shenandoah National Park) and when there are major university events, such as graduation. In a college town where street parking is nigh impossible, the hotel only offers pricey valet parking.