I'm a Travel Journalist. Twin Farms Is My Pick for the Best Hotel in America
The best hotels come and go, but a few manage to stay ahead of the curve. Twin Farms continues to lead the pack. Spread across hundreds of acres of Vermont countryside, this adults-only retreat pairs rustic New England charm with serious luxury—think individually designed cottages, private ski access, and all-inclusive dining with fine wines and craft cocktails.
Located in Barnard, VT, it's about a 90-minute drive from Burlington, three hours from Boston, and five hours from New York City. It’s the kind of place that encourages you to slow down. Every detail feels intentional. If you're looking for your next stateside vacation, this is it.
Why Twin Farms Is My Pick for the Best Hotel of 2026 Overall
Twin Farms has quietly held the title of America’s most coveted hideaway since it first opened in 1993 on a 1795 farmhouse estate in pastoral Barnard, VT. The estate was formerly owned by none other than Nobel Prize-winning novelist Sinclair Lewis and journalist Dorothy Thompson. Now, the sprawling resort and spa is spread across its 300 acres of meadows, birch forest, and a private fishing pond. A Relais & Châteaux property, Twin Farms’ philosophy is all about making guests feel at home, like they're staying at their own private estate, rather than at a hotel.
Besides the Main House rooms, eight unique Japanese-inspired tree houses were recently revealed, providing guests with a totally private experience. Amenities include porches with forest views, freestanding fireplaces, outdoor baths, and more. Twin Farms is an all-inclusive stay: meals, fine wines, spirits, and all activities are included. So, once guests touch down on the property, they need only worry about which restaurant they plan on dining at. Twiggs offers an elevated-yet-rustic seasonal experience or coursed out fine dining in the Main House dining room. Guests can even opt to take their meals into nature, with the staff setting up a picnic of their choosing at a number of al fresco locations.
Each guest party is provided with a golf cart for the duration of their stay to move freely and participate in various recreational activities, from archery in the summer to snowshoeing in the winter. New this season, a partnership with Volvo USA puts two luxurious XC90 hybrids at guests' disposal for countryside explorations, complete with a chef-created picnic. For adults only and with a maximum of roughly 50 to 60 guests at any time, Twin Farms is one of the most exclusive retreats in the country.
How I Chose the Best Hotels
In selecting the best hotels I considered a multitude of factors, taking into account the location, services, amenities, cost, reputation and overall atmosphere of any given property. As a travel writer, I've traveled the country, personally stayed at many of the exceptional places featured here, and can attest to the experience first-hand as a guest. In addition, fellow travel writers and industry insiders were consulted to gain added insight and broader recommendations beyond a single traveler's scope—which has its limitations, regardless of how many standout spots an individual has checked into. Ultimately, in curating this list, we researched extensively and pored over multiple reviews to ensure only the top hotels appear here.
Why You Should Trust Me
As a travel journalist with nearly a decade of experience, I’ve stayed at hotels of all kinds, from intimate boutique inns to expansive resorts run by major hotel brands. Along the way, I’ve developed a keen eye for what makes a hotel stand out—and what makes one fall short.