A stylish getaway doesn’t have to be prohibitively pricey, as these chic boutique hotels under $200 a night (or thereabouts) prove. And they can be found in all 50 states too – so here’s our pick of purse-friendly properties that don’t compromise on aesthetics. Warning: may cause immediate wanderlust.
Click through this gallery to discover the best stylish and affordable hotel in every US state...
Recently voted 2024’s number one Boutique Hotel in America by USA Today, the GunRunner celebrates Northwest Alabama’s rich cultural heritage – with each of its 10 suites named after a local musician, designer, or outlaw. The rooms are individually decorated to reflect their namesake, down to the tiniest details (with one dedicated to architect Frank Lloyd Wright) while the hotel’s darkwood floors, exposed brickwork, and walls adorned with music memorabilia give it a distinctly rock ‘n’ roll vibe. You can even make use of the lobby’s electric guitars to have an impromptu jam session.
Accommodation in the northernmost state skews rustic – think cabins and ski lodges – rather than chichi. Which makes sense, considering Alaska’s beautiful wilderness and well-earned reputation as an outdoorsy destination. But nestled in the mountains above Anchorage is Bluewater Base Camp – with luxe chalets and cabins featuring cozy loft nooks, whitewashed walls, and floor-to-ceiling windows, all proving that secluded can also mean stylish.
This self-described ‘mid-century art hotel’ is vibrant, welcoming, and brimming with color and personality, not least due to the rainbow archway that greets you as you arrive. With every detail designed to showcase Tucson’s vibrant arts scene, guests enjoy locally-sourced wine and beer, local art in every room, and a lively lineup of events, from gigs to outdoor theater shows. Plus, it even boasts the world’s longest oatmeal bar. Sold.
Bill Clinton’s birthplace remains a popular tourist destination, with the prices to match. But few can boast the affordability (or incredible views) of Willow Beach Resort, one of Lake Hamilton’s last remaining lakefront hotels. The decor is clean, simple, and comfortable, with rooms offering stunning sun- and moonrise views. There’s even a private fishing deck reserved exclusively for hotel guests.
Road tripping down the iconic, cliff-hugging Pacific Coast Highway? Pitstop at the recently renovated Cambria Beach Lodge, quite possibly the chicest former motel in California. From monochrome-tiled fireplaces to sunbleached walls, details like ceiling basketry and complimentary binoculars for every guest elevate this affordable boutique gem to the next level. And it’s only a few sandy steps to the much-loved surfing spot, Moonstone Beach.
When a hotel claims it’s made for ‘mavericks, mavens, and mystics’, you know you’re in for a special stay. Built in 1902, this 128-room property has been recently renovated to showcase the building’s high ceilings, exposed brick, and picture windows, with stylish details like green-patterned-wallpaper, marble-topped vanities, and in-room art by Colorado Springs native, Emma Kelly.
This 14-room motel-rental-hybrid on Connecticut’s Gold Coast offers pure ocean vibes: with whitewashed walls, complimentary beach bags, and rattan furniture, it’s a seaside escape for couples and families alike (the hotel is family-owned and family-friendly too). While the décor skews minimalist, DUNE doesn’t skimp on comfort, with organic cotton bed linen and memory-foam mattresses for a dreamy night’s sleep. It’s just a bike ride away to lively downtown Fairfield – handy, as each room comes with complimentary cycles as standard.
Just two blocks from Rehoboth Beach’s famous boardwalk, it’s no surprise that The Bellmoor Inn’s interiors vibe is coastal chic: think a soothing pastel color palette, pops of blue, and light-filled spaces, including private sundecks – the perfect spot to sit and listen to the rolling waves with your morning espresso. Recently declared the Best Designed Hotel in Delaware by House Beautiful, it’s a homely blend of high-end hotel and cozy B&B.
Miami’s hotel scene is dominated by big brands, bachelor parties, and an up-all-night crowd. But the vibe is very different at the Esmé, a stylish oasis away from the hubbub of Española Way. With romantic jewel-toned decor – think emerald green, rose, and burgundy – it’s both welcoming and super-Instagrammable. Head up to the rooftop to swim, drink, dine or just chill out in the cozy striped cabanas.
Hotel Clermont just exudes cool. And with a past guest list that includes Al Capone and – in their own words – ‘many colorful characters and events’, it’s not hard to see why. The white, six-story, century-old building is still an iconic part of the vibrant Poncey-Highland neighborhood, and the Hotel Clermont is now a landmark in its own right. Unsurprisingly, food plays a big part in its success, from the rooftop taco truck to restaurant Tiny Lou’s, which has recently been recommended by the Michelin Guide.
Hawaii is the land of honeymoons and luxury vacations, so it’s no surprise that its hotels can be seriously pricey. But not so at The Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club, which takes guests back to the 1960s with its Beach Boys-inspired vibe. Despite the vintage exterior, The Surfjack has a very modern approach to hospitality: there’s no amenity fees, dogs of all sizes can stay for free, and there’s sustainable sunscreen dispensers dotted around.
The Teton Valley is one of the most beautiful places in the United States, where people flock to hike, bike, and explore. This is why the Teton Valley Resort is a self-described ‘basecamp for your adventures’, providing an array of cabins, lodges, villas, and even parking for RVs. While the accommodation isn’t ultra-fancy, it still feels thoughtful and luxurious, with reading nooks, hot tubs, and couches to sink into after a long day in the mountains. The hotel’s events calendar is lively, too, with evening bike rides, board game nights, and even bingo brunches.
As its name suggests, The Publishing House Bed & Breakfast was once the Free Methodist Publishing House, built in 1909 – and its bookish spirit lives on through the names of each of the hotel’s 11 rooms, named after historic Chicago literary figures. This handsome brick building is now one of the Windy City’s most-loved B&Bs, and with home-cooked breakfasts served daily, warm cookies in the pantry, and even two resident pugs, it’s easy to see why.
The Bradley Hotel is Fort Wayne’s first boutique hotel, and its independent spirit is a welcome addition to a city dominated by big chains. We love the embroidered headboards, individually designed rooms, and Birdie’s, the hotel’s rooftop terrace, while the wallpapered elevators and bathrooms add unexpected flair.
Rescued from dereliction in 2019, The Highlander has experienced something of a renaissance since its renovation. The only independent hotel in Iowa City, it once played host to celebrities like Mickey Mantle, Joan Baez, and Arnold Palmer, and it’s rock ‘n’ roll history still comes through loud and clear: irreverent details include a games arcade, giant outdoor chess board, circular bathtubs, and an outrageously-named cocktail list.
A self-described ‘downtown refuge with high-end style’, the Cyrus Hotel has only been open for five years, but has already picked up a slew of prestigious awards. And with luxe details like yellow velvet headboards, private in-room bars, and floor-to-ceiling views of downtown Topeka, that's not surprising.
Louisville is famous for three things: bourbon, the derby, and bluegrass music. But the stunning Hotel Genevieve gives travelers another reason to visit. Every detail of this 122-room, French-inspired hotel is carefully considered, from the arched doorways to the upcycled furniture and their mini supermarket, selling curated, locally-sourced provisions. It even has its own on-site speakeasy, Lucky Penny, which is hidden for guests to find. It’s no wonder Hotel Genevieve was awarded a Michelin Key in 2024, given for the world’s most remarkable stays.
It might be attached to one of the biggest brands on the planet, but Virgin Hotels NOLA has a personality all of its own. Tucked away on a side street in the central Warehouse District, it’s an achingly cool base from which to explore the Big Easy, offering supremely comfortable and stylish rooms, velvet beds with curved edges, and selfie-friendly lighting (important). After hours, guests can head up to the rooftop for a dip in the small but beautiful pool and the best view of the city at sunset.
Five words: all-you-can-eat bagels. This small (17-room) but perfectly formed bed and breakfast is a hidden gem you’ll want to keep all to yourself – it's that picture-perfect. Choose to stay in a cozy cabin or the main Melville Walker House, the home of a former Maine sea captain. Just steps from one of the state’s prime surfing spots, Gooch’s Beach, the AWOL has no on-site restaurant, but does offer the aforementioned breakfast buffet – and is handily located near to Kennebunkport’s many waterfront eateries.
One of the most unique hotels on this list, Baltimore’s Ulysses Hotel boasts dramatic, Gothic-inspired décor, three onsite bars and eateries, and a vibe that falls somewhere between the Roaring Twenties and the Art-Deco glam of the 1970s. With nods to Baltimore icon, director John Waters, room details include wall-to-wall leopard print carpet, bathroom tiles handmade in India, and colorful embroidered bedspreads. It shouldn’t work, but it really, really does.
The Berkshires are among the most beautiful rural highlands in the United States – and Life House brings the outside in, with an Appalachian-inspired color palette of greens, browns, and oranges. Managing to make the humble motel impossibly cool and cozy, each room is stocked with Le Labo products, premium bedding, and even writing desks, so you can follow in the footsteps of Herman Melville, who wrote Moby Dick just three miles (5km) away.
It’s rare that a hotel smells as good as it looks, but The Neighborhood Hotel promises just that. Its signature scents? Wood paneled walls, aromatic pine trees, and smoky embers, courtesy of the hotel’s outdoor-indoor aesthetic and location in a former summer camp, deep in the Michigan woods. Choose from 14 suites, including two chic-but-cozy cabins, and marvel at the in-room amenities: from yoga mats to steamers. You can even toast s’mores by the campfire for a real summer camp throwback.
Sonder is a fairly new brand on the hospitality scene, but is already making serious waves with its ‘aparthotels’, combining the ease of an Airbnb with the amenities you’d expect from a luxury hotel, all controlled via an app. In the heart of Saint Paul’s entertainment district, The Fitz’s rooms are small but perfectly formed, with private terraces, fully-stocked kitchenettes, and stylish touches like mid-century furniture and luxe bathroom products.
Clarksdale is the birthplace of blues, and still draws music lovers from around the world who flock to walk the same streets as musicians like Muddy Waters once did. It’s also home to The Travelers Hotel, a truly independent boutique gem run by a co-op of creatives, and proceeds from the business go towards funding programs and events to revitalize the Mississippi Delta region. Each of its 10 rooms are thoughtfully designed and decorated, from the hand-painted room numbers to desk succulents; the colorful handmade quilts on the beds to the locally-roasted coffee served in the kitchen. Southern hospitality indeed.
Housed in a former colonial mansion once described as ‘the most attractive town in the city’, The Truitt is a meticulously designed hotel owned by a couple with clearly impeccable taste. Interior details include dark paneling, checkerboard flooring, and rattan furniture, while lucky guests can sleep in luxe Matouk bed linen before wandering down the house’s original 1916 staircase for their morning coffee, served alongside bouquets of fresh flowers.
Ski resorts are often prohibitively expensive and (whisper it) not particularly stylish. Not so at Après Whitefish, where every last detail is curated and community-led, from the touches of texture and sumptuously soft linens to the custom-designed artwork in each room. Located just 15 minutes from the popular Glacier National Park and Whitefish Mountain Resort, the vibe feels elevated but accessible. The lobby espresso bar – serving Montana Coffee Traders beans and Liege waffles – is also a nice touch.
The Magnolia is one of Omaha’s only boutique hotels, and has a particularly storied history. Formerly the Aquila Court Building, built in 1923 (and on the National Register of Historic Places since 1974) it was designed to resemble a palace in Florence, Italy, and still feels suitably romantic, with high ceilings, intricate chandeliers, and light-filled spaces. The hotel’s outdoor terrace, strewn with fairy lights and foliage, is particularly lovely in summer, and it’s a popular wedding venue too.
Finding a chic boutique hotel in Nevada is a little like trying to win the jackpot at one of its (plentiful) casinos: almost impossible. The state’s hotel scene is dominated by big chains and identikit resorts, but the Belvada, in the quirky resort city of Tonopah, is a stylish breath of fresh air. Only opened in 2020, it’s easy to see why the hotel was named as one of '2022’s Hottest New Hotels in the World' by Tripadvisor. Let us count the ways: the hotel’s café features artwork by Robert Morris, 100 beautiful portraits of modern Native Americans; each room includes handmade toiletries; and the lobby is a designer’s dream, with touches of fringing, velvet, and green.
Bluebird Sunapee might be aimed at nature-lovers, adventure-seekers, and outdoorsy travelers, but that doesn’t mean it skimps on interior design. With its olive-green paneling, chic patterned bedspreads, and real wood burning-stove, you could be forgiven for thinking you’d entered an upscale retreat. And while most guests will be heading for the great outdoors, if you want to hunker down, the Bluebird’s indoor salt pool, arcade games room, and communal record player with stacks of vinyl are more than enough to keep you entertained.
You might not expect one of the most design-led hotels on this list to be on the Jersey Shore, but banish all your preconceptions: this minimalist, 17-room property is ultra-refined. Just footsteps from the beach and boardwalk, it was renovated and opened by construction manager George DiStefano in 2022, who worked with interior designer Sebastian Zuchowicki to create this serene space. Unique touches include a substantial collection of art; custom Turkish rugs; bed linens sewn in nearby Asbury Park; and wooden bedside lamps carved by DiStefano himself.
Taos is the only living Native American community that’s both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a National Historic Landmark. Most famous for its adobe architecture, people have lived in Taos for over 1,000 years – making it the oldest continuously habited city in the US. Such a unique city deserves an equally special stay, and the Adobe & Pines Inn – with its surrounding orchards and vegetable gardens, private saunas, and resident chickens, who provide fresh eggs for the hearty breakfast – more than fits the brief. Housed in a 19th-century hacienda, it’s no surprise that it’s been named one of the ‘Top Ten Most Romantic B&Bs’ by American Historic Inns.
Affordable and New York aren’t two words that are frequently heard together, especially when you add ‘boutique’ into the mix. But staying in the Big Apple on a budget is possible – thanks to a new generation of hotel-hostel hybrids that are as chic as they are reasonably priced. Enter the Freehand, an ultra-Instagrammable hotspot designed by acclaimed architects Roman & Williams, featuring custom artwork by students at nearby Bard College (your typical backpacking hostel this isn’t). The Freehand even has its own rooftop bar, Broken Shaker, which serves inventive cocktails alongside cheese boards and ice cream.
The Longleaf Hotel started life as a 1960s motor lodge, before becoming a Days Inn and a Travelodge. Safe to say, it’s thrown off these previous identities. While it retains its charming mid-century aesthetic, with plenty of solid wood details, it’s also a decidedly modern motel, with Bluetooth speakers, pillowtop Kingsdown mattresses, and Malin & Goetz toiletries in each of its 56 rooms. Its lovingly restored, moodily lit Longleaf Lounge bar is the perfect place to sip a glass of world-class wine.
In the heart of revitalized downtown Fargo, Hotel Donaldson has been a much-loved part of the city since 2003. Each of its 17 rooms are designed around, and feature, the work of a single artist, and guests are given information on their respective artist at check-in – alongside complimentary wine and cheese. Décor wise, the rooms are minimalist yet warm, with exposed brick walls, pops of colorful furniture, and marble-topped bathrooms.
‘Rest easy and stay breezy’ is South Wind Motel’s motto. Family run, staunchly independent, and locally sourced, this mid-century motel (originally built in 1959) prioritizes sustainability, with rooftop solar panels, electric vehicle charging points, and energy efficient HVAC. More glamorously, its 22 rooms boast sumptuous Parachute bedding, bold and beautiful wallpaper, Smeg fridges, and green skincare products. It’s also a property with firm roots in Columbus, with its walnut furniture handmade in the city, and was originally designed by prominent local architect Harold Schofield.
These days, boutique hotels often opt for a minimalist vibe. Not so at Bradford House, a meticulously curated, 36-room gem that’s part of the prestigious Design Hotels collective. Pops of turquoise, rose pink, and mustard yellow sit pretty alongside Marshall radios, velvet headboards, and handpicked heirlooms from all around the world. Elsewhere, guests can while away the hours in the hotel’s all-day bar, kitchen and patisserie, and even sample small-batch wines curated by the in-house sommelier.
Portland may be the epicenter of West Coast cool, but Sentinel is more historic luxe than hipster joint. That doesn’t mean it’s not got a strong personality: its halls are adorned with black and white photography of creative icons like Jackie Robinson and Coco Chanel; there’s a VC (virtual concierge) on-call; Peloton bikes in the gym; and, coolest of all, a secret lounge stocked with snacks, coffee, and cozy furnishings, there for whenever you need to take a minute. Its 100 rooms are unfussy and classic, as is the in-house restaurant, Jake’s Grill, which dishes up hearty American fare from 7am.
Step behind the unassuming red door of The Franklin on Rittenhouse and discover 20 individually designed rooms, each inspired by a different time, place or personality, from old Hollywood glamor to Dandyism. Guests enjoy Molton Brown products in their bathroom and can even bring their furry friends along for the trip – with the historic Rittenhouse Square district right on their doorstep. And if you need a nightcap, the Franklin Mortgage & Investment Company – the hotel’s speakeasy-style bar – is on call for vibrant and varied cocktails.
Inspired by history, community, and design, Dye House is a former textile mill-turned-furniture-warehouse-turned hotel and event space. One of the smallest hotels on this list, this bijoux boutique has just three rooms and one loft. But what it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in creativity and style. Working with local artisans from their neighborhood, Olneyville, and the rest of Rhode Island, design details include mulberry-hued headboards, custom-made desks and side tables, bold checkerboard rugs, and a Pierre Frey wall mural.
In 1998, the city of Charleston passed an ordinance restricting new hotels on the lower peninsula to just 50 rooms or less, which is why visitors are spoilt for choice when it comes to boutique B&Bs. A hotel dedicated to, in their words, ‘good art, not hotel art’, The Vendue is made up of two historic warehouses, dating back to 1780, and the building’s old bones are reflected in the fact that no two rooms have quite the same layout. Featuring over 200 works of original art, The Vendue is as colorful as it is quirky, and we love the tiny details, like ruby red showers and doorknobs shaped like French bulldogs.
Under Canvas is camping, but not as you know it. Without a doubt the coolest place to stay if you’re visiting one of America’s most iconic landmarks, Mount Rushmore, this is glamping taken to a whole new level. The spacious tents are decked out with West Elm furniture, with organic toiletries in the ensuite, while guests can fuel up for their day of exploring with bottomless coffee and wind down with complimentary fireside s’mores every evening. Oh, and yoga classes are offered in-house.
In their own words, The Dwell Hotel is where ‘high class meets high comfort’. And it’s true – despite the opulent details, it feels delightfully unpretentious and warm, with each of its 16 rooms utterly unique in design. With a retro-meets-modern aesthetic, we love The Dwell’s use of bold pattern and color – from flamingo-print wallpaper to lime leather armchairs, it feels about as far from a cookie-cutter chain hotel as you can get. Plus, every room comes complete with a soaking tub, tea kettle, and plush bathrobes. You may want to move in…
Texas may not be near the coast, but the lucky guests at Austin’s The LINE are still blessed with a stunning waterfront view – of the city’s Lady Bird Lake. It’s not the only perk of staying at this boutique gem, which opened in 2018 and has been delighting locals and out-of-towners ever since. Its 100+ rooms are chic and capacious, with huge floor-to-ceiling windows so you can take in the view; they also come with walk-in rain showers and lush Cowshed bath products. The LINE’s food and beverage offering is impressive too: with Arlo Grey, the in-house restaurant, the brainchild of Top Chef winner Kristin Kish.
Springville is the creative capital of Utah – it’s also known as ‘The Art City’. Its namesake, the Art City Inn, follows suite, with 11 pristinely decorated yet understated rooms and apartments. The building has been an inn for over 130 years, and this history-steeped hotel is perfectly placed to explore the fascinating city of Springville. Our favorite suite? No.3, with its dreamy baby blue walls, high ceilings, and a plush tangerine sofa to sink into after a long day.
Nestled in the heart of New England, Field Guide Lodge is like the grown-up version of a summer camp: complete with bucolic views, a hot tub, and poolside cabanas. Located in Stowe, one of Vermont’s prettiest small towns, it’s the perfect basecamp for leaf-peeping in fall, skiing in winter or exploring the state at any time of year. The vibe is rustic yet luxe, with plenty of texture – think tactile faux-fur throws and plush poufs – and irresistibly cozy, with gas fireplaces to warm the cockles on chilly nights.
Quirky by name and by nature, Quirk Hotel puts art front and center – not unusual for a boutique property, but it even has its own in-house gallery, showcasing works by local and regional artists. Housed in Richmond’s hippest neighborhood, this dog-friendly hotspot offers custom-made furniture, plenty of natural light and, of course, art in every room. The hotel's color of choice? Pink, in all its forms, from magenta to watermelon. And if you book one of the nine Mural Rooms, a percentage of the booking price goes to VisArt's Make Space, a nonprofit that pairs young girls with female artists for a year of mentoring.
For decades after its construction in 1929, Hotel Theodore – then The Roosevelt – was Seattle’s tallest building, standing 18 stories high. And to this day, it’s a hotel with a serious independent streak, playing homage to the Emerald City’s many creative talents; it has even partnered with Seattle’s Museum of History and Industry on a permanent art collection, which houses a curated selection of art and artifacts. Rooms are classy and on the traditional side of boutique, with antique clawfoot tubs, organic bathroom products, and details inspired by the landscapes of the Puget Sound.
Serving the visitors to Morgantown, a college town home to the University of West Virginia, since 1925, Hotel Morgan is a breath of contemporary air in an area dominated by uninspiring chains. Renovated and reimagined in 2020, it’s a popular wedding and event destination, boasting a ballroom and two event spaces. Décor wise, Hotel Morgan is 1920s-grandeur-meets-modern-luxe, with sky-high ceilings, ample natural light, and even a chandelier or two. The green tasseled room keys are an unexpectedly lovely touch.
A boutique hotel, restaurant and social lounge, St. James Social is a modern revitalization of Bayfield’s original main street hotel, which dated back to 1884. Each of the six rooms are sumptuously cozy, filled with natural light, and come equipped with vinyl record players, perfect for setting the vacation mood. Climb up to the hotel’s rooftop and be rewarded with a spectacular view over Lake Superior, then segue into a session in the Lakeview Sauna.
If it’s your first rodeo in cowboy country, you could do worse than this sensationally stylish mountain motel. With 50 rooms, each designed by Brooklyn-based firm, Studio Tack, it’s both gloriously cozy (Wyoming winters are no joke) and unapologetically chic, with touchably soft woolen blankets by Woolrich and overhead rain showers. Anvil’s in-house restaurant, Glorietta Trattoria, is just what the doctor ordered after a long day spent hiking, fishing or skiing: a seasonal menu of Italian comfort classics, like elk bolognese or steaming bowls of yukon gold potatoes, served in brown butter.