Image courtesy of Casa Cipriani New York
From New England’s Gilded Age mansions to sun-drenched hideaways in the Keys, the East Coast’s hotel scene is as varied as the coastline itself. This year’s Michelin Key properties capture that spirit—historic, design-driven, and deeply rooted in their surroundings. Whether it’s a townhouse in SoHo, a Southern resort with live oaks, or an island escape only reachable by boat, these are the stays that define East Coast hospitality now
Our Three Key picks
The East Coast’s Three Michelin Key hotels capture the region at its most exceptional—where heritage meets high design and every detail feels intentional. From a SoHo landmark of art and color to a Florida island reachable only by boat, these are the places that turn great stays into stories.
Crosby Street Hotel, New York City
Image courtesy of Crosby Street Hotel
Firmdale’s downtown flagship captures everything great about SoHo—creative, polished, and just a little playful. Inside, Kit Kemp’s signature mix of bold color, pattern, and modern British design brings warmth to the industrial bones of a converted warehouse. Rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking cobblestone streets, while the hotel’s sculpture garden and screening room add a touch of cinematic glamour. The Crosby Bar hums from breakfast through late-night cocktails, drawing locals and guests alike. Stylish without being serious, this is New York boutique hospitality at its most confident.
Fora Perks include a $100 hotel credit, a welcome amenity, daily breakfast, and an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Little Palm Island Resort & Spa, Florida Keys
Image courtesy of Little Palm Island Resort & Spa
Reachable only by seaplane or boat, Little Palm Island is a private-island escape that feels worlds away from mainland Florida. Thatched-roof bungalows peek through palms, each with outdoor showers and ocean views framed by the Gulf breeze. Days unfold slowly—morning kayaking, beachside massages, sunset cocktails at the Shore Bar. The Dining Room’s menu celebrates island ingredients (fresh-caught snapper, Key lime pie), while the staff seem to know your next wish before you do. It’s refined but barefoot, romantic but relaxed—a perfect balance that defines modern island luxury.
Fora Perks include a $100 hotel credit, daily breakfast, and an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Aman New York
Images courtesy of Aman New York
Set within the storied Crown Building on Fifth Avenue, Aman New York brings the brand’s signature sense of stillness to the heart of Midtown. Designed by Jean-Michel Gathy, its interiors pair Japanese minimalism with the building’s Art Deco heritage—paper screens, dark woods, and flickering fireplaces in nearly every suite. The vast Aman Spa includes a marble hammam and 25-meter pool, while Arva and Nama serve elegant takes on Italian and Japanese classics. Upstairs, landscaped terraces look out over the city, offering a rare pocket of calm above it all. It’s sophisticated, private, and unmistakably Aman. Read more reasons why we love it in our hotel spotlight.
If you’re planning a trip to NYC, explore Fora’s Ultimate New York Itinerary and our picks for the best boutique hotels in the city.
Fora Perks include a $100 hotel credit, daily breakfast, and an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Other Three Key winners
Casa Cipriani New York
The Whitby Hotel, Firmdale Hotels, New York
Our Two Key picks
Images courtesy of Montage Palmetto Bluff & Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach
Stretching from Boston to the Lowcountry, the Two Key hotels combine classic American charm with a fresh, contemporary edge. They’re the ones that make tradition feel new again—grand old inns with standout restaurants, seaside icons refreshed for today, and resorts defined by ease, style, and a strong sense of place.
Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach, Florida
Four Seasons Palm Beach brings laid-back sophistication to the island’s widest stretch of sand. The look is timeless Florida chic—soft pistachio and rose tones, rattan accents, and a breezy mix of coastal art and texture. Days unfold at an easy pace: beach yoga at sunrise, spritzes by the adults-only pool, or ceviche-making classes with the chef. Florie’s, the Mediterranean-inspired restaurant by chef Mauro Colagreco, is a standout for elegant seaside dining. Families love the two-pool setup and kids’ program, while couples come for the oceanfront calm and flawless service (frozen fruit skewers appear the moment you think of them). Read more in our hotel spotlight.
When you book Four Seasons with a Fora advisor, you will enjoy exclusive Four Seasons Preferred Partner amenities.
The Newbury Boston, Massachusetts
Occupying one of Boston’s most historic corners, The Newbury brings old Boston glamour into the present. Reopened in 2021, this 1927 landmark was reimagined by Alexandra Champalimaud, who layered herringbone floors, marble fireplaces, and a palette of deep navy and sage to striking effect. The rooftop restaurant, Contessa, has become one of the city’s most coveted tables, pairing Italian classics with skyline views. Downstairs, martinis by the fire in the Street Bar feel like a Boston ritual. It’s sophisticated, central, and effortlessly chic. Also featured in our favorite hotels under $500 in Boston.
Fora Perks include a $100 hotel credit, daily breakfast, and an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Montage Palmetto Bluff, South Carolina
Spanning 20,000 acres of Lowcountry forest and waterways, Montage Palmetto Bluff is more like a small village than a resort. Guests bike between oak-lined paths, kayak through tidal creeks, or linger over sweet tea on wide porches. Cottages and residences channel Southern charm with high ceilings, screened verandas, and rocking chairs made for watching the light change. River House and Octagon showcase the best of Carolina cuisine, while the spa and Jack Nicklaus–designed golf course make unwinding easy. Polished but unpretentious, it’s Southern hospitality on its grandest scale. Discover more of our best vacation spots in South Carolina.
Fora Perks include a $100 hotel credit, a $30 daily breakfast credit per person, and an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Castle Hill Inn, Newport, Rhode Island
Castle Hill Inn’s shingled cottages and wide green lawns sit on a windswept peninsula at the edge of Narragansett Bay. Once a Gilded Age summer estate, this Relais & Châteaux retreat marries period grace with easy New England comfort—clawfoot tubs, sailcloth hues, and sea views from nearly every room. Days here move to a coastal rhythm: champagne brunches on the lawn, afternoon sails, and sunset dinners of local oysters and lobster. A few minutes from Newport’s grand mansions, it feels quietly timeless, the kind of place that never goes out of style.
Fora Perks include a $25 hotel credit, a complimentary bottle of wine, a welcome amenity, and an upgrade whenever possible.
Other Two Key winners
Twin Farms, Barnard, Vermont
Inn at Thorn Hill, Jackson Village, New Hampshire
TOURISTS, North Adams, Massachusetts
Canyon Ranch Lenox, Lenox, Massachusetts
Raffles Boston, Boston, Massachusetts
The Langham, Boston, Boston, Massachusetts
The Whitney Hotel, Boston, Massachusetts
The Chanler at Cliff Walk, Newport, Rhode Island
Hotel Barrière Fouquet’s New York, New York City, New York
Nine Orchard, New York City, New York
Pendry Manhattan West, New York City, New York
The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel, New York City, New York
The Fifth Avenue Hotel, New York City, New York
The Mark Hotel, New York City, New York
Warren Street Hotel, New York City, New York
Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia at Comcast Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
The Ivy Hotel, Baltimore, Maryland
Rosewood Washington, D.C., Washington, D.C.
The Jefferson, Washington, D.C.
The Inn at Little Washington, Washington, Virginia
The Loutrel, Charleston, South Carolina
The Marquesa Hotel, Key West, Florida
Mayfair House Hotel & Garden, Miami, Florida
Faena Hotel Miami Beach, Miami Beach, Florida
Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club, Miami Beach, Florida
The Setai, Miami Beach, Miami Beach, Florida
Our One Key picks
Images courtesy of Troutbeck & Esmé Miami Beach
The East Coast’s One Michelin Key hotels may be smaller in scale, but each reflects the region’s signature craftsmanship, character, and style. From historic inns to reimagined mansions and boutique hideaways, these are the places that define the quiet luxury of East Coast hospitality.
Mayflower Inn & Spa, Washington, Connecticut
Surrounded by woodlands and wildflower gardens, Mayflower Inn & Spa feels like a storybook version of New England. A century-old retreat reimagined by designer Celerie Kemble, its interiors are timeless yet playful—floral prints, four-poster beds, and flickering fireplaces set the scene. The spa, created in partnership with The Well, offers everything from forest bathing to lunar sound baths and energy work, while chef April Bloomfield’s seasonal menus celebrate the best of Connecticut’s farms. Between garden strolls, afternoon teas, and evenings by the fire pit, this is country hospitality at its most graceful.
Fora Perks include a $100 hotel credit, daily breakfast, and an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Troutbeck, Amenia, New York
Once a gathering place for literary greats like Mark Twain and Ralph Waldo Emerson, Troutbeck has evolved into one of the Hudson Valley’s most soulful retreats. Set on 250 acres of meadows, creeks, and gardens, the estate revolves around a 1919 manor house reimagined by designer Alexandra Champalimaud. Inside, it’s quietly luxurious, with stone hearths, worn leather chairs, and sunlight pouring through leaded windows. Seasonal menus showcase local farms, and weekends bring wine tastings, writing workshops, and fireside conversation. With a pool, tennis courts, riverside hammocks, and a modern wellness barn, this is luxe country living with an artistic streak. Featured in our Top 10 Hidden Gems for Long Weekends in the US.
Fora Perks include a $100 hotel credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Esmé Miami Beach, Florida
Tucked along South Beach’s Española Way, Esme Miami Beach is a world apart from the see-and-be-seen hotel strip. Spread across eight restored 1920s buildings, it channels the spirit of a bohemian artist enclave through its Spanish-Mediterranean architecture and jewel-toned interiors—crimson carpets, brass accents, and patterned tile underfoot. Rooms are eclectic and intimate, with vintage details and a hint of tropical glamour. The vibe is buzzy yet relaxed, centered around The Roof, where striped daybeds and a small saltwater pool make for the perfect afternoon perch. Dining spans Mediterranean plates at The Drexel to gin and tapas at Tropezón, with speakeasy-style cocktails at El Salón after dark. Complimentary bikes and beach chairs make it easy to slip into the rhythm of South Beach. For more insider tips, read our Definitive Guide: Miami.
Fora Perks include a $40 hotel credit, a welcome amenity, an extended check-out, and an upgrade whenever possible.
Hotel Bardo, Savannah, Georgia
Overlooking Forsyth Park’s moss-draped oaks, Hotel Bardo reimagines Savannah’s signature charm with a modern, Mediterranean twist. Housed in a restored 19th-century red-brick mansion, the hotel walks the line between resort and private club—complete with a pool courtyard, member-style social spaces, and an in-house spa. Inside, the design blends retro romance with Southern polish: rattan wardrobes, brass fixtures, and peach-hued tones that feel both fresh and familiar. Saint Bibiana, the hotel’s coastal Italian restaurant, has quickly become a local favorite, pairing handmade pasta with garden views. Days here drift easily between bootcamp classes in the carriage house, slow strolls under the live oaks, and Negronis at the bar come sundown. It’s Savannah at its most stylish.
Fora Reserve perks include a $100 food and beverage credit, daily breakfast, and an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Other One Key winners
Blind Tiger Burlington, Burlington, Vermont
The Woodstock Inn & Resort, Woodstock, Vermont
Cliff House, Cape Neddick, Maine
The Lincoln Hotel, Biddeford, Maine
Camden Harbour Inn, Camden, Maine
The Norumbega Inn, Camden, Maine
Cliff House Maine, Cape Neddick, Maine
AWOL Kennebunkport, Kennebunkport, Maine
Kennebunkport Captains Collection, Kennebunkport, Maine
White Barn Inn & Spa, Auberge Resorts Collection, Kennebunkport, Maine
Blind Tiger Portland – Carleton Street, Portland, Maine
Blind Tiger Portland – Danforth Street, Portland, Maine
Granville House, Great Barrington, Massachusetts
The Inn at Hastings Park, Lexington, Massachusetts
Four Seasons Hotel Boston, Boston, Massachusetts
Four Seasons Hotel One Dalton Street, Boston, Boston, Massachusetts
Mandarin Oriental, Boston, Boston, Massachusetts
Faraway Martha’s Vineyard, Edgartown, Massachusetts
Hob Knob, Edgartown, Massachusetts
The Brant, Nantucket, Massachusetts
The Wauwinet, Nantucket, Massachusetts
Nobnocket Boutique Inn, Vineyard Haven, Massachusetts
Belden House & Mews, Litchfield, Connecticut
The Quoin, Wilmington, Delaware
Inns of Aurora, Aurora, New Yor Seminary Hill Orchard & Cidery, Callicoon, New York
Inness, Catskills & Hudson Valley, New York
The Maker Hotel, Catskills & Hudson Valley, New York
Wildflower Farms, Auberge Collection, Gardiner, New York
Six Bells Countryside Inn, Rosendale, New York
The Adelphi Hotel, Saratoga Springs, New York
Eastwind – Hotel & Bar, Windham, New York
The Menhaden, Greenport, New York
The Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa, Lake Placid, New York
The Whiteface Lodge, Lake Placid, New York
1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, Brooklyn, New York
Ace Hotel Brooklyn, Brooklyn, New York
Wythe Hotel, Brooklyn, New York
1 Hotel Central Park, New York City, New York
Baccarat Hotel & Residences, New York City, New Yor
Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park, New York City, New York
Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad, New York City, New York
The Beekman – A Thompson Hotel, New York City, New York
The Bowery Hotel, New York City, New York
The Greenwich Hotel, New York City, New York
The Hotel Chelsea, New York City, New York
The Lowell, New York City, New York
The Ludlow Hotel, New York City, New York
The Mercer, New York City, New York
The Peninsula New York, New York City, New York
The Surrey, A Corinthia Hotel, New York City, New York
The Twenty Two New York, New York City, New York
The Wall Street Hotel, New York City, New York
Hotel Fauchere, Milford, Pennsylvania
Anna and Bel, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Guild House Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
The Rittenhouse Hotel, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Asbury Ocean Club Hotel, Asbury Park, New Jersey
Beach Plum Farm Cottages, Cape May, New Jersey
Pendry Natirar, Peapack, New Jersey
ARRIVE Wilmington, Wilmington, North Carolina
Dreamers Welcome, Wilmington, North Carolina
Proximity Hotel, Greensboro, North Carolina
The Ivey’s Hotel, Charlotte, North Carolina
Blind Tiger Asheville, Asheville, North Carolina
Bellwether House, Savannah, Georgia
Perry Lane Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Savannah, Savannah, Georgia
Forth Hotel Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia
Hotel Clermont, Atlanta, Georgia
Stonehurst Place Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia
The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee, Greensboro, Georgia
86 Cannon Charleston, Charleston, South Carolina
HarbourView Inn, Charleston, South Carolin
Hotel Bennett Charleston, Charleston, South Carolina
Post House, Charleston, South Carolina
The Dewberry, Charleston, South Carolina
The Pinch Charleston, Charleston, South Carolina
The Spectator Hotel, Charleston, South Carolina
The Dunlin, Auberge Resorts Collection, Johns Island, South Carolina
Salamander Middleburg, Middleburg, Virginia
Tower at The Boca Raton, Boca Raton, Florida
Mr. C Miami – Coconut Grove, Miami, Florid
The Moore, Miami, Florida
1 Hotel South Beach, Miami Beach, Florida
Hotel Greystone – Adults Only, Miami Beach, Florida
The Betsy – South Beach, Miami Beach, Florida
Ette Hotel, Orlando, Florida
Lake Nona Wave Hotel, Orlando, Florida
The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes, Orlando, Florida
Palm House, Palm Beach, Florida
The Breakers, Palm Beach, Florida
The White Elephant Palm Beach, Palm Beach, Florida
The Collector – Luxury Inn & Gardens, St. Augustine, Florida
Palihouse Hyde Park Village, Tampa, Florida