When most people think of hotels, they think of the industry giants that can be found all over the country. However, there’s another option that has been on the rise for years: boutique hotels. These unique hotel establishments are renowned for their intimate capacities, personalized experiences, and exquisite decorations.
Maybe it’s the hospitable charm, the offbeat design, or the fact that you’re not sleeping under the same beige comforter found in thousands of chain locations across the country, but boutique hotels are truly in. As travelers increasingly crave something more local, personal, or aesthetically pleasing, boutique hotels are the way to go.
Curious to see which boutique hotels are generating the most interest, we analyzed Google Trends search data from December 2024 to January 2026. The goal: identify the top-searched local boutique hotel in every state. We began by compiling a list of 450+ standout boutique hotels (sourced primarily from TripAdvisor’s best-of lists by state), and then tracked which one each state Googled the most over the past year.
The results paint a fascinating picture of what travelers are drawn to, from historic mansions and art-forward escapes to castles and luxurious pieces of Americana. Read on to explore each region’s best boutique hotels.
The Northeastern U.S.’s Most Popular Boutique Hotels
The Northeast brought the charm with boutique hotels that lean heavily on history, design, and coastal flair. A few standouts:
- The Lenox Hotel in Boston, Massachusetts, topped searches in the state, proving that timeless elegance still draws a crowd. The hotel dates back to 1900 and has hosted everyone from Judy Garland to U.S. presidents.
- In Portland, Maine, locals and tourists alike are drawn to The Press Hotel, Autograph Collection, housed in the former home of the Portland Press Herald. Typewriters, printing presses, and newsroom themes run throughout the design.
- The Madison Beach Hotel in Madison, Connecticut, part of Hilton’s Curio Collection, stood out for its unbeatable waterfront views and upscale coastal vibe. It’s an ideal escape that still feels grounded in local charm.
- The Asbury Hotel in Asbury Park, New Jersey, continues to be a local favorite. With rooftop views, live music, and a bold design, it mirrors the artistic spirit of the city itself.
Even smaller states had strong contenders. In Rhode Island, The LOOM Hotel in Warwick grabbed the top spot, while The Bellmoor Inn & Spa in Rehoboth Beach earned the title for Delaware, combining comfort with a polished spa experience.
The Southern U.S.’s Most Popular Boutique Hotels
In the South, travelers seem to be after distinctive charm, quirky design, and a healthy dose of character.
- Hotel Clermont Atlanta, by Oliver in Atlanta, Georgia, leads the pack in the state with its neon sign, rooftop bar, and rich backstory. Once home to a 1920s motor hotel, this hotel is now a local landmark.
- The Pontchartrain Hotel in New Orleans, Louisiana, also made a splash, known for its vintage decor and the iconic Hot Tin rooftop bar overlooking the city skyline.
- The Kentucky Castle in Versailles, Kentucky, was the most searched in the state, offering a literal fairytale stay. It’s one of the more unique winners on the list—a boutique castle nestled in bluegrass country.
- Noelle in Nashville, Tennessee, blends Art Deco glam with local artistry and has become a favorite for those skipping the chains along Broadway.
- Hotel ZaZa Houston Museum District in Houston, Texas, isn’t just a hotel—it’s an experience. With themed suites and a prime location near museums, it’s a consistent favorite in the state.
Other top picks include The Ivey’s Hotel in Charlotte, North Carolina, and The Vendue in Charleston, South Carolina, both known for their chic Southern charm.
The Midwestern U.S.’s Most Popular Boutique Hotels
In the Midwest, the winning hotels range from swanky downtown hubs to riverside retreats.
- Shinola Hotel in Detroit, Michigan, is as sleek as you’d expect from a brand known for craftsmanship. It’s a strong symbol of Detroit’s design-forward revival.
- Bottleworks Hotel in Indianapolis, Indiana, repurposed from a former Coca-Cola bottling plant, stands out for its blend of industrial heritage and modern flair.
- Hotel LeVeque, Autograph Collection in Columbus, Ohio, brings celestial themes and skyline views to the city’s historic LeVeque Tower.
- In Chicago, Illinois, The Godfrey Hotel captured the most interest thanks to its rooftop lounge and striking cube-like facade.
Other regional favorites include The Charmant Hotel in La Crosse, Wisconsin, set in a former candy factory, and Hotel Julien Dubuque in Iowa, which balances history and elegance in a scenic riverfront setting.
The Western U.S.’s Most Popular Boutique Hotels
The West is where boutique hotels go bold. From desert cool to mountain retreats, the most searched properties here are as varied as the landscape.
- The Lafayette Hotel And Club in San Diego, California, is a classic reborn, recently reopened with a splashy renovation that includes a Wes Anderson-esque pool and lush, maximalist interiors.
- Hotel Valley Ho in Scottsdale, Arizona, brings retro mid-century swagger to the desert and continues to be one of the most iconic stays in the region.
- The Cromwell in Las Vegas, Nevada, is the only boutique hotel on the Strip, and its search popularity reflects the appeal of a more intimate Vegas experience without sacrificing the fun.
- In Portland, Oregon, The Nines delivers luxe vibes in a converted department store. It’s central, stylish, and packed with Pacific Northwest flair.
- Up north in Jackson, Wyoming, The Wort Hotel was the top pick, where classic Western elegance meets cozy mountain lodge.
Colorado’s top spot went to Hotel Boulderado in Boulder, a century-old gem with stained glass ceilings and a vintage lift. Meanwhile, Snowpine Lodge in Alta, Utah, blends ski access with spa-level relaxation.
The Most Popular Boutique Hotel in the Top 10 Most-Visited U.S. States
Specifically looking at the most popular boutique hotels in the U.S. states that receive the most visitors reveals a bucket list of boutique hotels to stay at when checking out some of the best tourism the U.S. has to offer:
- California: The Lafayette Hotel And Club in San Diego
- Florida: The Colony Hotel in Palm Beach
- Georgia: Hotel Clermont Atlanta, by Oliver in Atlanta
- Michigan: Shinola Hotel in Detroit
- New Jersey: The Asbury Hotel in Asbury Park
- New York: PUBLIC Hotel in New York City
- Ohio: Hotel LeVeque, Autograph Collection in Columbus
- Pennsylvania: Kimpton Hotel Monaco Philadelphia in Philadelphia
- Tennessee: Noelle in Nashville
- Texas: Hotel ZaZa Houston Museum District in Houston
These establishments span from ultra-modern to comfortably vintage, but each stands out for offering a point of view anchored in the character of its respective city.
The Full List of the Most Popular Boutique Hotels in Every U.S. State
Closing Thoughts
Boutique hotels are booming for a reason—they make the stay as much of a destination as the trip itself. Whether you’re drawn to castles, candy factories, or rooftop lounges, there’s a one-of-a-kind stay waiting nearby to give you a stay so nice you’ll never want to leave.
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Methodology
To determine the top-searched local boutique hotel in each state, we compiled a list of the top 5-10 boutique hotels in each state (450+ total), primarily according to TripAdvisor’s lists of the best boutique hotels by state.
Then, we analyzed Google Trends search data from December 2024 to January 2026 to determine which local boutique hotel each state searched for the most over the past year.
Fair Use
You are welcome to use, reference, and share non-commercial excerpts of this study with proper attribution. If you cite or cover our findings, please link back to this page so readers can view the full methodology, charts, and context.
