Best Waterfront Hotels
Few vacation spots provide more-entrancing views than those situated on the water. From gentle rivers and placid lakes to vast oceans, these hotels provide stunning views of adjacent waterways and easy access to coastal recreation. They offer plenty of the finer amenities as well with regional cuisine, award-winning golf courses, and relaxing lounges, pools and spas.
These 10 waterfront hotels were selected by our featured panelists and contributors and voted on by readers as the best of the best.
1. The Coeur d'Alene Golf & Spa Resort | Coeur d' Alene, ID
Indulge in lakeside luxury at this stunning golf and spa resort with locally sourced Northwestern cuisine, a full-service spa and gorgeous waterfront views. Golfers can swing their way through an award-winning 18-hole course with a floating green, and outdoor enthusiasts can access nearly every water sport imaginable as well as outdoor land adventures from snowmobiling to cycling with complimentary bike rentals.
2. The Lodge at Gulf State Park | Gulf Shores, AL
As the only beach hotel at Alabama's Gulf State Park, The Lodge provides VIP access to the pristine white sands as well as Southern hospitality and coastal charm. Rooms feature soothing views of the Gulf and Lake Shelby, and picturesque waterfront views are also on the menu at the hotel's several dining establishments. A year-round infinity pool faces the coast and includes a poolside bar, family-friendly games and multiple lounging options.
3. The Betsy Hotel South Beach | Miami Beach, FL
One of the historical gems on Miami Beach's Ocean Drive, The Betsy Hotel offers the perfect oceanfront setting for fun in the sand and water. Full of yesteryear's charm and grace, this beach resort also embraces a contemporary ethos for the best of both worlds. From cultural aspects like art exhibits and chamber concerts to relaxing vibes poolside or on the beach, The Betsy is one multifaceted lady.
4. Edgewood Tahoe Resort | Stateline, NV
Edgewood Tahoe Resort invites you to indulge in lakeside luxury along the shoreline of America's most beautiful and largest alpine lake. Season to season, the resort offers activities and special celebrations to fill your days, from Mountain Morning Yoga to evening s'mores. The Bistro offers all-day dining with a Tahoe-inspired seasonal menu and a setting filled with natural light and inspiring views.
5. Headlands Coastal Lodge & Spa | Pacific City, OR
Headlands Coastal Lodge & Spa invites you to explore the northern Oregon coastline with surfing, dory boating and hiking in the towering dunes and forest. Of course, this semi-secluded, casual lodge also offers inviting amenities to help you relax after your adventures, whether dining on Northwestern cuisine in the laid-back Meridian restaurant or a therapeutic herbal remedy at Tidepools Spa.
6. Fairmont Orchid | Kona, HI
With its location on the Kohala Coast, stunning views are a given at Fairmont Orchid. Take in the turquoise Pacific waters from the resort's white sand beaches or venture out on a paddle board or snokeling adventure through Hui Holokai Beach Club. Looking for family fun? Make a lei together, learn to hula dance or enjoy other great cultural activities sure to create lasting memories.
7. Jekyll Ocean Club | Jekyll Island, GA
Less than 10 years old, Jekyll Ocean Club offers vacationers modern waterfront luxury on the opposite side of Jekyll Island from its historic counterpart, Jekyll Island Club Resort. This all-suite AAA Four Diamond resort overlooks a pristine beach bordering the Atlantic Ocean. Spacious, family-friendly accommodations boasting beach-chic interiors, open-air dining and beach- and poolside relaxation make this contemporary getaway a favorite.
8. Inn at Langley | Langley, WA
Private decks, cozy seating and stunning 180-degree views, the suites and cottages of this boutique island hotel provide a gorgeous vantage point for the Saratoga Passage and Cascade Mountains. A boardwalk spans the length of the hotel, separating it from the beach. Guests can savor Northwestern cuisine from award-winning Chef Matt Costello, relax in the picturesque front garden and unwind at the spa when not exploring Langley's waterfront attractions.
9. The Cannery Pier Hotel & Spa | Astoria, OR
The Cannery Pier Hotel & Spa offers unrivaled waterfront views from its unique pier location. Built on a former cannery, this luxury boutique hotel boasts stunning design that pays homage to its roots. Outfitted with Pendleton blankets and binoculars, its spacious rooms feature spectacular views of the Columbia River and Astoria-Megler Bridge. Relax in the mineral hot tub, Finnish sauna or Aveda spa.
10. 'Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach | Honolulu, HI
With 839 rooms spread across 39 floors, 'Alohilani Resort offers a more spacious feel than many hotels in the heart of Waikiki Beach. Rooms provide stunning waterfront and island views, and Swell Restaurant serves up Pacific Ocean views alongside the lively atmosphere of the adjacent infinity pool. The exclusive Longboard Club elevates your stay with private cabanas and special dining options, including daily fresh acai bowls and made-to-order pasta.
About Newsweek Readers' Choice Awards
Our nominees are editorially driven with contributions from a panel of travel experts. The final list is determined by Newsweek editors. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For more details, read our terms and conditions. For any questions, please see our FAQs or email us at readerschoice@newsweek.com.
Our Featured Panelists
Jan Schroder is an Atlanta-based travel writer and Editor-in-Chief of The Travel 100, a monthly digital publication. She also publishes the Girl on the Go blog. An award-winning journalist, Jan is a former newspaper columnist and author of several books. During her freelance career she contributed to Fodor's, Orbitz, ShermansTravel, WestJet Magazine and Global Traveler magazine. Dancing the tango in Argentina and hiking in the Azores are at the top of her bucket list. Follow her @janschroder.
Debbra Dunning Brouillette has always been a tropical girl. Like a fish out of water, she was born and raised in the Midwest, but Florida vacations opened her world to sun, sand and turquoise water. On her first Caribbean trip, a snorkeling excursion introduced her to the incredible world that exists below the surface of the sea. The fish out of water was hooked. As a certified scuba diver, she enjoys exploring the reefs but also loves visiting aquariums. She is also a self-described "foodie" and enjoys savoring the food and wine wherever her travels take her. Follow her at tropicaltravelgirl.com.
Tracy Ellen Beard is a freelance writer, photographer and editor based in Longview, Washington. Tracy is the "Out and About" columnist for the Columbia River Reader and writes regularly for Upscale Living Magazine and Wander With Wonder. She also contributes to LuxeGetaways, Northwest Travel & Life, Country, Country Extra and several other magazines. Her stories focus on luxury and adventure travel, fine dining, wine, libations, road trips and recipes. Her twenty years of experience writing in various genres, her travels as the founder and past president of an international children's nonprofit, and her culinary training in San Francisco, California, add to her expertise. Learn more about her travels at tracybeardwrites.com.
Gavin Booth of coupleinthekitchen.com specializes in recipe development, all things grilling, food- and wine-based travel and romantic destinations of the world. He has extensive travel experience, visiting all 50 U.S. states and over 40 countries. He's a full-time recipe developer, photographer, videographer and writer.
Nancy Zaffaro is a writer, editor and photographer. She covers arts, culture, travel and the outdoors and also writes fiction. She is the Editor of ConfettiTravelCafe.com, and her work has appeared in print and online for numerous publications and media outlets. She travels locally throughout the Pacific Northwest, nationally and to far-flung international locales. When not traveling, she's active in her community and enjoys hiking, kayaking, yoga and spending time with friends and family. Originally from Chicago, she's also lived in Vancouver, British Columbia and Bellingham, Washington. She's currently based in Portland, Oregon.
Susan Lanier-Graham is founder and publisher of Wander With Wonder, an award-winning online travel journalism magazine. She has authored more than 75 books and hundreds of magazine articles while traveling the world over the past three decades. Susan's work has appeared in a variety of publications, including various AAA publications, TravelandLeisure.com, Hotels.com, Modern Luxury, WHERE publications, Fairmont.com, Marriott.com and more. Susan is a member of Society of American Travel Writers, International Food, Wine and Travel Writers Association, and North American Travel Journalists Association. She is also a Certified California Wine Appellation Specialist.
Newsweek contributors speak from a variety of backgrounds and offer expertise in a wide range of subject areas.