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Travel + Leisure

The Top Resort in the Western U.S. Has Stunning Oceanfront Views and Fireplaces in Every Room—See All Winners

As the popularity of slow travel continues to grow, T+L readers are seeking out resorts that help them connect more deeply to a destination—and to themselves. The Western United States excels in unhurried days and unspoiled landscapes that invite just this kind of travel. This year, readers loved lingering at resorts whose settings stretch from the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in New Mexico to the Alaskan wilderness, but hotels in one Pacific Northwest state reigned supreme. The sun setting at Stephanie Inn. Bryan Daugherty/Stephanie Inn Every year for our World's Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Nearly 180,000 T+L readers completed the 2025 survey. A total of more than 657,000 votes were cast across over 8,700 properties (hotels, cities, cruise lines, etc.). Hotels were classified as either resort hotel, city hotel, inn, or safari lodge based on their location and amenities, and they were specifically rated on the criteria below: Rooms/facilities Location Service Food Value For each characteristic, respondents could choose a rating of excellent, above average, average, below average, or poor. The final scores are averages of these responses. T+L readers' favorite resorts in the Western U.S. prove that laid-back doesn't mean lazy. Several properties on this year's list pride themselves on facilitating outdoor adventures in pristine settings. Idaho's four honorees are well-situated for guests who want to explore the state's varied mountains and waterways. Take Sun Valley Resort (No. 9), a vacation hub that's known as much for its down-to-earth vibes as it is its all-season terrain. Snow bunnies of all skill levels are spoiled for choice between Bald and Dollar mountains; kayakers might spend an afternoon on Sun Valley Lake; and bikers can hit up more than 400 dirt singletrack trails or more than 30 miles of paved paths. Over in McCall, guests of Shore Lodge (No. 15) appreciate the hotel's proximity to both nature and modern conveniences. 'Right in town so you can walk to all the shops, and it's on the lake,' says one WBA voter. The three resorts in Washington State exhibit a similar ability to blend active pursuits with pure R&R. Located in the Snoqualmie Valley, Salish Lodge & Spa (No. 3) impresses with the area's iconic waterfall and hiking trails, as well as its culinary offerings. 'As a lifelong Twin Peaks fan, I've always dreamt of staying at the Salish,' writes one T+L reader. 'The valet and restaurant staff were incredibly helpful and kind. It was a quiet, relaxing trip despite staying during a wedding weekend. I still think about the tomato risotto! We are counting down the days until we can come back.' But the most honorees, including this year's winner, can be found in the state of Oregon, which snagged five spots on the 2025 list. Stephanie Inn: Cannon Beach, Oregon A look into the Ocean Front Carriage House. Gregor Halenda/Stephanie Inn It takes a truly special hotel to make you feel right at home and yet miles away from your ordinary life. But according to T+L readers, this oceanfront escape—which finally tops the category after coming in No. 2 in 2023 and 2022—nails that sense of elevated hospitality. 'Feels like you're at your family's beach house,' shares one voter. 'Highlights are the extremely thoughtful service, a stunning location directly on Cannon Beach, and a nightly happy hour. The restaurant is outstanding, and every room has a fireplace.' Whether visiting for a romantic getaway or a weekend with friends, guests can order a picnic lunch to enjoy on the beach or during a day hike along Cape Falcon Trail. Regardless of how you spend your time, readers agree that the experience is nothing short of magnificent. Highlights are the extremely thoughtful service, a stunning location directly on Cannon Beach, and a nightly happy hour. The restaurant is outstanding, and every room has a fireplace. — T+L Reader 1. Stephanie Inn: Cannon Beach, Oregon Reader Score: 95.82 2. Bishop's Lodge, Auberge Resorts Collection: Santa Fe, New Mexico Reader Score: 93.50 3. Salish Lodge & Spa: Snoqualmie, Washington Reader Score: 92.91 4. Tu Tu' Tun Lodge: Gold Beach, Oregon Reader Score: 92.42 5. Brasada Ranch: Bend, Oregon Reader Score: 92.00 6. Sunriver Resort: Sunriver, Oregon Reader Score: 91.00 7. Allison Inn & Spa: Newberg, Oregon Reader Score: 90.83 8. Coeur d'Alene Resort: Coeur D'Alene, Idaho Reader Score: 88.69 9. Sun Valley Lodge: Sun Valley, Idaho Reader Score: 88.63 10. Cedarbrook Lodge: SeaTac, Washington Reader Score: 88.44 11. Suncadia Resort, Destination by Hyatt: Cle Elum, Washington Reader Score: 86.44 12. Tamarack Resort: Tamarack, Idaho Reader Score: 86.13 13. Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge: Denali State Park, Alaska Reader Score: 84.70 14. Alyeska Resort: Girdwood, Alaska Reader Score: 84.35 15. Shore Lodge: McCall, Idaho Reader Score: 83.56