Elevate your travel experience with these six best-kept secret hotels. From unexpected encounters to exceptional accommodations, make memories that last.
THE CHATWAL LODGE (Sullivan Catskills, New York)
The Chatwal New York City, opened in 1905 in the heart of Manhattan, is iconic, graced by the likes of Cecil B. DeMille and Charlie Chaplin. But the legendary hotel has a secret sister property opened in the Sullivan Catskills in 2023. Just about a two hour drive from Manhattan, the newest Chatwal is situated in the lower Hudson Valley near Bethel Woods (where Woodstock took place) is a 100-acre, self-enclosed sanctuary deep in the forest.
Considering Chatwal’s highbrow reputation, the Catskills escape is surprisingly private. The main lodge is flamboyantly rustic chic, with a softness to a traditionally masculine “cabin in the woods” aesthetic, with hanging chandeliers and taxidermy, as well as beautiful rugs, vaulted ceiling, a stone fireplace, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a patio overlooking a sprawling lawn with reflection pond.
Some lodgings feature luxurious wrap around terraces, fireplaces, claw-foot tubs and rain showers, oversized windows, Malin & Goetz toiletries and other amenities. The Chatwal is a great place for mindfulness and immersing in nature. Homemade meals, serene waterside location, and a Shinrin Yoku (forest bathing) trail all make this the optimal relaxation getaway. The Chatwal Lodge – The Unbound Collection by Hyatt, 338 Chapin Trail, White Lake, New York. Rooms from $675. thechatwallodge.com
7744 RANCH (Austin, Texas)
Vacation rentals have become more creative in order to stand out from the crowd, and 7744 Ranch has true star quality. That’s because this unique glamping retreat comprises $2-million dollar, bi-level “mobile units” that were formerly owned by celebrities, including Vin Diesel, Jennifer Lopez and Simon Cowell (which the star used for his American Idol tours).
The 10-acre glamping park is outside downtown Austin (the 10th largest city in the US) in a self-contained, gated oasis. It feels like a well groomed, whimsical playground for adults, complete with outdoor sauna, firepit, and cinema, as well as a tranquility pond and plenty of games (such as human chess) and other surprises that keep guests busy and are also visually compelling.
The experience is quite surreal and playful, and it may be the only time you have a chance to sleep in a mobile once owned by a celebrity. 7744 Ranch, 7744 N TX 130, Austin, Texas. Rates from $295. 7744ranch.com
MAYFLOWER INN (Washington, Connecticut)
California-based Auberge Resorts has been expanding on the East Coast, and one such standout property, the Mayflower Inn is a gorgeous gem of a boutique hotel in the most unassuming location of Washington, Connecticut. The sprawling 58 acres is home to a former 1800s school house turned hotel in the 1920s. The design is cheerful and colorful with eclectic design schemes and patterns, from wall-painted murals with butterflies to horticulture inspired artwork, as well as wallpapered ceilings and the carefully spaced antiques.
The entire hotel feels like a museum, including the rooms, which are furnished with one-of-a-kind pieces, including artwork, colorful curtains and rugs, and some of the most comfortable beds.
The Mayflower Inn packs a punch for a bite-size hotel. On site amenities and offerings include a secret ground-floor parlor, carefully curated gift shop, beautiful gardens framed with green archways and sprawling lawns, alongside an award-winning spa with an indoor pool. Farm-fresh food and beverage is curated based on seasonal produce and is served in an intimate light-filled garden room or on a breezy outdoor patio. Mayflower Inn & Spa, Auberge Resorts Collection, 118 Woodbury Road, Washington, Connecticut. Rooms from $632/night. aubergeresorts.com/mayflower
FAIRMONT (Washington, D.C.)
Washington D.C. is home to many famous and historic luxury hotels and Fairmont D.C. is sophisticated, visually compelling, and just as pampering as the top D.C. competitors like Four Seasons, Rosewood, and The Dupont Circle.
Fairmont is the kind of decades-old hotel that evolves with the times, elevating the atmosphere and character of guest experiences with contemporary designs and modern amenities without compromising the “soul” of the hotel. In fact, the spacious, two tiered lobby glints with marble and bold columns, beautiful fresh floral pieces, and hanging sculptures, and modern artwork and paintings.
Not only do the lobby’s skylights create natural warmth, the gorgeous inner courtyard with tucked-away, quiet seating areas and full-service is a welcome perk and what many luxury hotels lack in D.C. There’s also something to be said about a large, 413-room hotel that feels incredibly intimate, including memorable, professional service from buttoned-up staff.
Since Fairmont Washington D.C. is in the West End, it straddles Georgetown (a short stroll to the famed M Street), and Dupont Circle, the thrilling “gayborhood,” a lovely walk (or scooter ride, which my friend and I tried for the first time), to the central hub of lively LGBTQ bars, cafes, and restaurants. Fairmont Washington D.C., 2401 M Street NW. Rooms from $299/night. fairmont-washington-dc.com
CASITA MIA DE MITA (Punta Mita, Mexico)
Formerly a hacienda, the beachfront, 8-suite Casita Mia de Mita is truly one of a kind. It’s quite intimate. You feel like you have the entire property to yourself, and the wonderful staff who address you like a friend rather than a guest elevates the experience. All suites offer balconies facing the sea, and the thatch-roof and colorful textiles and carefully selected antiques and furnishings, including whimsical Botello paintings, offer a no-frills, Mexican flair. It doesn’t hurt to have four post beds, oversized bathrooms with tiled sinks and rain showers, a fitness center, and an all-glass wine tasting room.
Mere steps from the ocean, the crashing waves lull you to sleep at night and give an enormous sense of peace during the day. The intimate heated pool (with swim up bar) in the heart of the property is surrounded by swaying palms and beautiful flora, with a handful of private cabanas snuggling the beach. Casita Mia de Mita, Playa Careyeros, 63734 Punta Mita, Nayarita, Mexico. Rooms from $945/night (all inclusive). casitamiademita.com
EDGEWATER BEACH HOTEL (Naples, Florida)
For those who enjoy small community-minded LGBTQ scenes, or off-the-radar, gay-friendly hotels, the all-suite beachfront Edgewater Beach Hotel, part of Opal Collection, in Naples may suit your fancy. Not only is Edgewater directly on the beach, but in a small number of suites here, a sliding glass door is all that separates guests from the sugary white sand—a rarity in Florida.
A one-bedroom King Suite with Lanai was equipped with a full kitchen, living area, and a separate bedroom. It feels more residential than a hotel, and though oceanfront suites are the cream of the crop here, tower suites are also worth noting with their expansive views.
Edgewater Beach was a rare find since Opal Collection isn’t nationally known, and it’s more casual than some higher brow location. So let your hair down and lounge in the private beach chairs, enjoy the delicious shrimp tacos, and fully relax by doing nothing at all. Edgewater Beach Hotel, 1901 Gulf Shore Boulevard, Naples, Florida. Rooms from $410/night. opalcollection.com/edgewater
