Map the actual commute
Two hotels on the same avenue can have wildly different commutes. Look at the nearest subway entrance, not just the neighbourhood name, and check weekend service changes.
Country hubNorth America
Where to stay in the United States
Big cities, big distances. The right block matters more than the right hotel.
American cities can be wonderful on foot and brutal on the wrong commute. Treat the neighbourhood as the product: the exact subway line, the block you walk home on and the cost of getting to the airport matter more than a hotel's gym. In New York, the subway runs all night; in most other cities, plan around the last train and parking.
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United States
04
4 city guides
Country hub
- City guide
- New York · Los Angeles · San Francisco · Chicago
- Country hub
- North America
- On the desk
- Miami · Boston · Seattle
City guide
4 city guidesCity guides in the United States
One city, deeply mapped — more are being researched.
North America01United States6
New York
In New York, the neighbourhood is the personality. Choose yours.
SoHoMidtown+4
$220–$700 per night
North America02United States3
Los Angeles
A city of separate worlds — pick one base and stop commuting across the map.
Santa MonicaWest Hollywood+1
$150–$600 per night
North America03United States3
San Francisco
Forty-nine square miles of hills, fog and very different neighbourhoods.
Union Square & Nob HillNorth Beach+1
$180–$700 per night
North America04United States3
Chicago
A lakefront city of big architecture and honest food, with real winters.
The LoopRiver North+1
$140–$550 per nightBefore you book
The country-level things that change the stay.
United States · Country hub
Add tax and tips
Displayed hotel and restaurant prices often exclude taxes and service. In New York, hotel taxes alone can add around 15%. Tip at restaurants and bars as normal, and check whether service is already included.
Choose walkability over stars
A three-star hotel on a useful block usually beats a five-star hotel that requires a cab for coffee. Book the area first; then spend the difference on a better room if you still want it.
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Not sure which city to start with?
Tell me how long you have and what you want from the trip. I’ll help you choose the city and the base.
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Ask about your routeA note from the editor
“I’d rather tell you which area to skip than sell you another list of ‘best hotels’.”
The guides are independent. Booking links may earn a commission; they never change the shortlist.
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