The Best Design-Forward Bed & Breakfasts in the U.S.

If you've ever planned a trip to another city, you've likely discovered that the lodging you choose can impact your vacation as much as the destination itself. While we love the conveniences of modern hotels, the right bed and breakfast can provide a unique experience that combines beautiful interior design with a personal touch. So when it comes to the perfect trip, is it possible to stay somewhere that offers the best of both worlds? We set out to discover the most charming places to stay in the U.S.

Along with immersing its visitors into the local lifestyle, a bed and breakfast can blend the coziness of home with the excitement and wanderlust of traveling somewhere new. The best part: Staying at a B&B doesn't have to mean sacrificing necessities like free parking, modern amenities, and close proximity to major attractions. The next time you book a trip, opt for an experience that skips the hotel vibes in favor of unique architecture, stunning landscapes, and the comforts of feeling right at home. If we have the choice to wake up to fresh-squeezed orange juice and a gourmet hot breakfast, we'll always say yes.

Below, discover our favorite design-forward bed and breakfast destinations to make your next stay unforgettable.

01 of 09

The George

Step into The George to be greeted with the view of an elegant imperial staircase winding around the entryway. Makeup mogul Bobbi Brown is behind this retreat in Montclair, NJ. It’s beloved by Anglophiles, celebrities (Steven Spielberg was a recent guest), and beauty devotees alike. Amenities include Dyson hairdryers, Peloton gym equipment, and EO bath products—need we say more?

With 31 rooms, The George features family suites, a private gym, pet-friendly stays, and even personal kitchens with a variety of options to accommodate guests. Located in the historic neighborhood of downtown Montclair, you'll be a short walk from restaurants, local shopping, and the city's beloved indie cinema.

02 of 09

Bridal Veil Lodge

Thirty minutes from Portland, this little oasis is tucked between some of Oregon's best forests and waterfalls. Bridal Veil Lodge is affectionately named after its historic town of Bridal Veil, and the lodge itself was originally built in 1927. This destination defines wanderlust for lovers of rustic charm, cabin-style architecture, and views of the forest.

Enjoy farm-to-table breakfast on your private deck or gaze up at the stars through the building's built-in skylights. Minutes from Multnomah Falls, Bridal Veil Lodge is all about the landscape with creeks and heavy tree coverage on the property along with a short walking distance to several different waterfalls.

03 of 09

Carr Mansion

This bed and breakfast in Galveston, TX has all of the charm that comes with a 150-year-old building (but none of the dated décor). Each room at Carr Mansion is different, but there’s a nautical theme carried throughout that complements its location on an island in the Gulf Coast of Texas. A few blocks from the shore, the extravagant B&B is perfect for beach lovers searching for a comfortable stay with unique architecture and modern amenities.

Described by its owners as a "historic treasure wrapped in modern luxury," this 19th-century Greek revival mansion is a popular destination for luxury getaways, weddings, and even corporate gatherings. Don’t miss the gallery wall of ship paintings in the upstairs corridor or the delicious complimentary breakfast each morning—traveler favorites include truffle hashbrowns and pecan pancakes.

04 of 09

Kenwood Inn & Spa

Unwind in wine country at this Sonoma, CA hotspot. Located on over two acres of vineyards, orchards, and oak trees, Kenwood Inn & Spa is a unique gem in California's Valley of the Moon. Along with its beautiful landscape, we can't get enough of the Mediterranean-inspired architecture and interior design of this stunning space.

Private poolside cabanas are paired with a hot tub, complimentary wine and cheese tastings, and a fireplace in every room. And while the stone floors and marble luxury bathtubs in the spa are enough to make us book our trip, we're swooning over the historic building itself with vintage features and climbing vines.

05 of 09

The Silver Lake Lodge

Fondly named the highest B&B in the world, Colorado's Silver Lake Lodge is a luxury cabin-style lodge poised at 10,500 feet above sea level in Idaho Springs. Guests come for the extravagant 360-degree views of the region's snow-capped mountain range in the Rockies, but they stay for the charming rustic design and luxurious amenities.

Along with stargazing under the Colorado sky, this destination offers all the cozy comforts expected of a massive log cabin with weathered wood and grand fireplaces. Only 20 minutes from the town's famed restaurants, shopping, and outdoor activities, guests of the lodge can enjoy dinner and entertainment after a day of hiking or river rafting.

06 of 09

The Squire Tarbox Inn

An interior designer partnered with her long-time client to transform this historic inn into a refined rustic retreat in Wiscasset, ME (just an hour from Portland). Originally built in 1763, The Squire Tarbox Inn was restored in 2018 and styled with modern furnishings that effortlessly blend together with touches of historic character. With 11 private rooms available, guests can choose between spaces with vintage décor, natural wood accents, and cozy fireplaces.

The inn is also a popular wedding destination with a restored barn perfect for rustic themes. Explore the surrounding farmland, home to chickens and pygmy goats, or ask to be set up with a guided kayak excursion. The region is home to shopping, dining, and entertainment along with its beautiful coastlines and quaint villages.

07 of 09

Akwaaba Inns

best bed and breakfast destinations - akwaaba — Photo: Akwaaba

The couple behind Akwaaba first fell in love with the bed and breakfast concept in the early ’90s and were inspired to open their first location in Brooklyn, NY. Today, they own four other inns, including the first bed and breakfast they ever stayed at.

Each location represents a different style, from traditional to glam and minimalist designs. At the Akwaaba Mansion in New York, guests can enjoy a restored Italianate villa that features private jacuzzis, a secluded garden, and Southern meals just 15 minutes from Manhattan. On the other end of the spectrum, Akwaaba also operates inns like an estate in Pennsylvania's Poconos Lake region. Set on 22 acres, it's a far cry from New York—but a welcomed escape for travelers from the city.

08 of 09

Hoffman Haus

Set in the hill country town of Fredericksburg, TX, Hoffman Haus is a bucolic inn within driving distance of a number of wineries. The space also boasts a cooking school on-site and offers a variety of lodging options. Inside, its owners describe the design as "the essence of rustic simplicity and sophistication."

Along with its landscaped garden and extraordinary stargazing, guests can also enjoy the mix of vintage furniture, plush bedding, and modern accommodations at Hoffman Haus. The property features a compound of several buildings to stay in, including private houses and luxury suites. Bonus: Breakfast is delivered each morning in a basket, and it doesn’t get much cuter than that.

09 of 09

The Inn at Middleton Place

This Charleston, SC retreat is fit for royalty. The Inn at Middleton Place is a riverside estate that boasts hiking, kayaking, horseback riding, and a luxury pool with river views on its 110 acres of stunning landscapes. As if its outdoor activities aren't enough, the inn also features modern minimalist architecture blended with earthy décor and floor-to-ceiling windows.

More than half of the property is dedicated to the greenery, as it's home to America's oldest landscaped gardens. While you'll be located in the historic city of Charleston, you may not even want to leave the inn—we won't blame you if you don't.

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