Our Top Picks
- Top Overall Winner: Quisisana Resort in Lovell, Maine, is the definitive choice for those seeking a soulful lakeside retreat with a historic musical flair.
- Best Island Escape: Winnetu Oceanside Resort on Martha’s Vineyard offers the quintessential blend of family-oriented luxury and pristine beach access.
- Best for Romance: The Vanderbilt in Newport, Rhode Island, provides a sophisticated atmosphere where Gilded Age grandeur meets contemporary intimacy.
- Best Maine Legend: The Norumbega Inn in Camden stands as a world-class architectural gem, ranking as the top-rated inn in the continental United States.
Quisisana Resort in Maine is the #1 best New England hotel for 2025, topping the World's Best Awards with a score of 98.32 for its unique lakeside hospitality. This prestigious ranking places it as the premier choice among the best New England hotels for travelers seeking refined service and a deep connection to the regional landscape.
The Maine Dominance: Lakeside and Coastal Legends
There is a specific kind of alchemy found in the Pine Tree State, a mixture of pine-scented air and the unapologetic honesty of the Atlantic coastline. In the 2025 World's Best Awards, Maine claimed a remarkable five out of the top ten spots, proving that its brand of coastal hospitality remains the gold standard for luxury travelers.
Quisisana Resort, Lovell
Reader Score: 98.32 | Price Tier: $$$ | Best For: Summer camp nostalgia and musical excellence
Tucked away on the shores of Lake Kezar, Quisisana Resort is a revelation. It is not merely a hotel; it is an experience that harkens back to a slower, more intentional era. What sets this property apart—and led it to be ranked as the No. 1 resort in New England and the No. 4 best resort in the continental United States—is its staff. Many are exceptionally talented musicians and performers from the nation’s top conservatories, providing nightly entertainment that ranges from Broadway revivals to chamber music.
The accommodations are charming white-shingled cottages, where the lack of televisions encourages guests to listen to the lapping water or the distant call of a loon. It is a masterclass in best Maine lakeside retreats, offering a sense of community that is rare in the high-end hospitality world.
- Insider Activity Pairings:
- Sip afternoon tea on the porch as the sun dips below the White Mountains.
- Take a vintage wood-paneled boat out for a sunset cruise on Lake Kezar.
- Enjoy a private performance by a Juilliard-trained pianist in the main lodge.
The Norumbega Inn, Camden
Reader Score: 98.33 | Price Tier: $$$$ | Best For: Romantic architectural grandeur
Perched overlooking Penobscot Bay, The Norumbega Inn is often described as a "castle by the sea." This Queen Anne-style stone mansion offers a level of intimacy that larger resorts cannot replicate. Recently, The Norumbega Inn in Camden, Maine, was recognized as the No. 1 inn in the continental United States and earned a spot on the list of the 100 best hotels in the world for 2025.
The interior is a rich tapestry of polished wood, original fireplaces, and floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the rugged Maine coast. It represents the pinnacle of luxury New England resorts for couples who want to feel as though they have stepped into a private, aristocratic estate.
- Insider Activity Pairings:
- Reserve the library for a private fireside cocktail hour.
- Hike the nearby Mount Battie for panoramic views of Camden Harbor.
- Book a multi-course chef’s tasting dinner featuring local Maine lobster and seasonal foraged ingredients.
Inn by the Sea, Cape Elizabeth
Reader Score: 96.24 | Price Tier: $$$ | Best For: Eco-conscious luxury and beach access
Located just minutes from Portland yet feeling a world away, Inn by the Sea is a cornerstone of top-rated luxury oceanfront hotels in coastal Maine. The property manages to balance serious environmental stewardship with five-star comfort. Its boardwalk leads directly through a sanctuary for the endangered New England Cottontail to the crescent sands of Crescent Beach.
The Forbes Four-Star service is evident in every interaction, from the beach valets to the nightly bonfire setups. For those who travel with their four-legged companions, this is arguably the most dog-friendly luxury property in the region, complete with a gourmet dog menu and plush canine bedding.
- Insider Activity Pairings:
- Spend a morning at the Portland Head Light, just a short drive away.
- Experience the Sea Shell Therapy at the full-service spa.
- Draft a picnic basket for a day at Crescent Beach.
Hidden Pond, Kennebunkport
Reader Score: 95.88 | Price Tier: $$$$ | Best For: Modern cabin chic and forest wellness
Hidden Pond is the sophisticated adult version of a summer camp. Set within 60 acres of birch and beech forests, the resort offers private bungalows and two-bedroom cottages that define stylish seclusion. The design is rustic yet incredibly refined, featuring outdoor showers and screened-in porches that let the forest air in.
The Treehouse Spa, suspended eight feet above the ground, offers treatments that utilize herbs pulled directly from the resort's organic farm. It is a destination that consistently appears on lists of best New England hotels for its ability to create a "cocoon" effect for its guests.
Massachusetts Island Luxury: Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket
Cross the waters toward the islands, and the pace of life shifts. Here, Massachusetts island luxury hotels cater to a crowd that appreciates the effort it takes to reach these ferry-accessible havens. The air becomes salt-air-infused, and the light takes on a soft, ethereal quality that has inspired artists for centuries.
Winnetu Oceanside Resort, Martha’s Vineyard
Reader Score: 97.55 | Price Tier: $$$$ | Best For: Multi-generational family luxury
Winnetu Oceanside Resort, located at South Beach in Edgartown, is the gold standard for best Massachusetts island resorts for luxury escapes. It manages the difficult feat of being both undeniably chic and exceptionally welcoming to children. The resort’s architecture, with its sweeping shingle-style aesthetic, blends seamlessly into the dunes.
Accommodations vary from studio suites to massive private homes, all providing easy access to the Katama bike paths and the roar of the Atlantic. The resort’s commitment to service ensures that even at the height of the summer season, every guest feels like the only guest on the property.
- Insider Activity Pairings:
- Take a ride into Edgartown in one of the resort’s vintage vehicles.
- Visit the nearby Morning Glory Farm for fresh-baked pies and island produce.
- Enjoy a clam bake on the lawn while watching the sunset over the dunes.
The Nantucket Hotel & Resort
Reader Score: 96.10 | Price Tier: $$$$ | Best For: Historic island charm with a modern pulse
The Nantucket Hotel is a grand dame of the island, originally built in 1891 and lovingly restored to meet the needs of the modern traveler. It is one of the few historic New England boutique hotels with modern amenities that maintains its original soul while offering the sleekness of a contemporary club.
Located just a short walk from town, it provides the perfect base for exploring the island's high-end boutiques and cobblestone streets. The atmosphere is vibrant, especially at the Breeze restaurant, where the terrace fire pits become the island's social hub as the evening cools.
- Insider Activity Pairings:
- Join the morning yoga class on the outdoor deck.
- Hop on the complimentary shuttle to Cisco Brewers for live music and local craft beer.
- Ask the concierge to arrange a private Jeep for a day trip to the remote Great Point Lighthouse.
Southern New England & Vermont: Mountain and Manor Classics
While Maine and the islands dominate the coastal conversation, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Vermont offer experiences that are deeply rooted in heritage and the majesty of the interior.
The Vanderbilt, Auberge Resorts Collection, Rhode Island
Reader Score: 94.75 | Price Tier: $$$$ | Best For: Gilded Age glamour and romantic luxury
Newport’s The Vanderbilt is the quintessential choice for romantic luxury hotels in Rhode Island and Connecticut. This former mansion of Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt has been reimagined as a sophisticated social club. The interiors are moody and opulent, featuring velvet-draped corners and hidden speakeasies.
The service here is peerless, characterized by that signature Auberge touch where no request is too small. Whether you are sipping a martini on the roof deck overlooking Newport Harbor or enjoying a game of billiards in the library, the property exudes an aura of exclusive, timeless romance.
- Insider Activity Pairings:
- Stroll the Cliff Walk for dramatic views of Newport’s famous mansions.
- Book a sailing excursion on a restored America’s Cup yacht.
- Indulge in a cocktail tasting at the hotel’s hidden "honesty bar."
Woodstock Inn & Resort, Vermont
Reader Score: 93.80 | Price Tier: $$$ | Best For: Green Mountain scenery and heritage luxury
Founded by Laurance Rockefeller, the Woodstock Inn & Resort is the beating heart of one of America’s most beautiful villages. It is a premier choice among best Vermont mountain resorts for outdoor enthusiasts, offering its own ski area (Saskadena Six), a championship golf course, and an extensive falconry program.
The resort’s farm-to-table dining is led by ingredients from its own 3-acre Kelly Way Gardens, ensuring that every meal tastes of the Vermont earth. The aesthetic is one of "Vermont chic"—think wood-burning fireplaces, hand-hooked rugs, and a sprawling front porch that invites guests to linger over a morning coffee.
Delamar Southport, Connecticut
Reader Score: 93.12 | Price Tier: $$$ | Best For: Boutique intimacy and Fairfield County charm
For those seeking a more understated, intimate experience, the Delamar Southport offers a refined boutique atmosphere. This property feels like a well-kept secret, catering to guests who appreciate Michelin Key designation levels of detail and a quiet, residential feel. It is a sanctuary of calm, with waterfront accommodations nearby and a spa that is widely considered the best in the area.
Methodology: How the 2025 World's Best Were Chosen
The selection of these iconic properties is no small feat. The Travel + Leisure World's Best Awards represent one of the most respected accolades in the travel industry. The 2025 results were determined by a reader survey that included nearly 180,000 participants and more than 657,000 total votes across approximately 8,700 properties.
Readers were asked to evaluate hotels based on five key criteria:
- Rooms/Facilities: The design, comfort, and upkeep of the accommodations.
- Location: The property’s setting and accessibility to local attractions.
- Service: The attentiveness, professionalism, and warmth of the staff.
- Food: The quality of on-site dining and culinary creativity.
- Value: The overall experience relative to the price of the stay.
These scores reflect the collective voice of frequent travelers who demand nothing less than excellence. Those properties that made the 2025 list have demonstrated a consistent ability to exceed expectations, often pairing historic charm with the most modern and refined luxuries.
FAQ
What are the top-rated luxury hotels in New England?
The highest-rated hotel in the 2025 rankings is Quisisana Resort in Maine, followed closely by The Norumbega Inn. Other top-tier options include Winnetu Oceanside Resort in Massachusetts, The Vanderbilt in Rhode Island, and the Woodstock Inn & Resort in Vermont. These properties are recognized for their superior reader scores and commitment to high-end service and regional authenticity.
Which New England state has the best coastal resorts?
Maine consistently dominates the coastal luxury category, securing five of the top ten spots in the 2025 World's Best Awards. Properties like Inn by the Sea and Hidden Pond offer premier oceanfront or near-ocean settings. However, Massachusetts is a strong contender for island-specific luxury with its renowned resorts on Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket.
What are the most romantic hotels in New England for couples?
The Vanderbilt in Newport, Rhode Island, is frequently cited as the most romantic destination due to its Gilded Age history and moody, intimate atmosphere. For those seeking coastal romance, The Norumbega Inn in Camden, Maine, provides a "castle by the sea" experience that is perfect for honeymoons or anniversaries.
Are there historic hotels in New England that are worth visiting?
Absolutely. The Nantucket Hotel & Resort and the Woodstock Inn & Resort are both historic institutions that have been updated with modern luxuries while preserving their heritage. The Vanderbilt in Rhode Island also provides a look into the extravagant lifestyle of the early 20th century, making it a favorite for history lovers.
What are the best family-friendly hotels in New England?
Winnetu Oceanside Resort on Martha’s Vineyard is widely considered the best choice for families, offering extensive programming for children and multi-bedroom accommodations. Quisisana Resort is also excellent for families who enjoy a traditional, communal lakeside environment where evening entertainment and waterfront activities are central to the stay.
As we look toward the 2025 and 2026 travel seasons, these winners represent more than just a place to sleep. They are custodians of the New England spirit—vessels for memory-making against a backdrop of rocky shores and emerald forests. Whether you seek the quietude of a Maine lake or the social buzz of a Nantucket beach club, the best New England hotels are waiting to welcome you home.
