Looking for the most romantic hotels in the us? Start with the kind of setting you’d love to share.
An ocean-facing balcony, a candlelit bath or a little cottage by the water gives you very different ways to plan a getaway.
These 20 pictures offer plenty of inspiration, though they don’t establish every property’s name or US location. Treat them as a visual wishlist rather than a verified hotel ranking.
Some show cabin-style stays instead of traditional hotels.
Romantic stay inspiration worth saving
ocean views and a pink sky
We’re starting off strong with this gorgeous hillside setting. I love the low buildings tucked among the trees and that pink sky above the ocean.
The little terrace puts the view right in front of you.
If this is your kind of getaway, look for a room with an ocean-facing outdoor space.
a bedroom beside the vines
How pretty is this? Cream curtains frame a bed looking straight toward rows of vines.
The dark overhead beams and patterned rug make the room just as lovely as the view.
For a similar stay, ask how the open-looking bedroom closes up at night. That’s a detail worth checking before you book.
breakfast by the balcony
If you are looking for a little breakfast-date inspiration, this one is for you. There’s a tray beside the balcony doorway, patterned curtains and blue water beyond the railing.
I’d choose the balcony seat for a morning coffee. Check whether breakfast delivery is available rather than assuming the tray is part of the stay.
a pool above the beach
I am obsessed with this view. The blue pool sits above a curved beach with tall palms between the water and the shore.
You get so many shades of blue in one picture!
Read also: 20 Places to Visit in the USA for Your Next Travel Wish List
Save this one if you’re choosing between a pool-focused trip and a beach getaway.
red cliffs and glowing windows
The red cliffs are absolutely gorgeous here. Low reddish buildings sit among the greenery below, with glowing windows tucked beneath those huge rock formations.
If you want scenery to be a big part of your trip, use this as inspiration for a red-rock getaway. I’d ask which rooms actually face the cliffs.
a candlelit bath in the trees
This bath may just be one of my favorite settings here. I love the candles around the curved edge and the hanging chair beyond the railing.
There’s greenery almost everywhere you look.
For a similar booking, confirm whether the bathing area is private. The photo alone can’t tell you that.
flowers and courtyard tables
Don’t want your whole trip to revolve around a big view? This little courtyard is lovely inspiration instead.
The decorative black railings, hanging flowers and brick paving give you plenty to admire.
I especially love the small round tables beneath the string lights.
lanterns below snowy peaks
If you are looking for dramatic scenery, then this one is for you. There’s a snowy peak beyond the terrace and rows of lanterns beside dark outdoor seating. The tall windows glow against all that blue.
The location isn’t established by the image, so keep this as mountain-stay inspiration rather than a confirmed US recommendation.
robes and a balcony toast
Sometimes the room itself is enough inspiration. This pair sits on the edge of the bed with drinks, while an open balcony doorway reveals palms outside.
The white bedding and ocean artwork keep the setting simple. If you’d like a similar arrival toast, ask what you can arrange separately.
a fountain-filled courtyard
How gorgeous is this courtyard? The fountain, leafy plants and blue umbrellas give you so much to look at.
I love the pale blue-gray buildings surrounding the different terrace levels.
This is a lovely reference if you prefer a hotel with outdoor corners to sit together rather than one big open lawn.
a waterside cottage at sunset
Want something smaller than a large hotel? This cottage-style scene is so pretty, with pink flowers in the foreground and peach-colored light over the water.
The image labels the stay as an Airbnb, so it belongs on the rental side of your wishlist. I especially love the little upper deck.
sunset through a dome window
I love this view from the bed. The triangular window sections frame the trees and low sun, with a deck just outside.
If you want something a little different from a standard hotel room, a dome-style stay is worth exploring. Check the bathroom setup and curtains before choosing yours.
a pool facing the mountains
The snowy mountains are the star of this picture. A bather rests at the pool edge while mist rises across the water.
Save this for mountain-pool inspiration, but check the actual location and pool details before adding a property to your US shortlist.
blue water and a city skyline
Who says a romantic getaway has to be somewhere remote? This pool sits among tall city buildings, with palms and loungers around its curved edge.
I love the bright turquoise water against the skyline. You might choose a setting like this if you want pool time alongside your city plans.
a yellow umbrella and terrace fireplace
This terrace is such a pretty change from the pool scenes. The yellow umbrella sits beside an outdoor fireplace, with potted trees and hills in the distance.
The curved stairs are my favorite detail. I’d look for a similar outdoor sitting area if sharing a quiet afternoon is high on your wishlist.
firelight beside the water
Don’t want an elaborate evening plan? This is lovely inspiration for keeping things simple.
A fire glows behind a rounded decorative guard, with chairs facing the water and a little crescent moon above.
Ask about fire-pit access if this is the detail you’re booking for.
a fireplace behind tall windows
I am obsessed with this fireside setting. The chandelier and large fireplace look so pretty through the dark window frames.
There’s a small table visible inside too. If you’re hoping for a fireside dinner, check the dining arrangements rather than assuming this exact spot can be reserved.
palms against a pink sunset
This is another ocean setting, but the sunset gives it a completely different look. I love the tall palm silhouettes and the pink sky reflected in the pool.
The canopied seating beside the water is worth saving as inspiration too. Just remember that a photo captures one evening, not a promised sunset.
a round soaking tub in the forest
If you’d choose trees over a skyline, this one is for you. A couple sits in a round outdoor tub surrounded by dense greenery, with a dark overhang above.
There’s no need for lots of decoration here. The forest is the detail I’d keep at the top of the wishlist.
a boat outside nantucket inn
Last but definitely not least, we have this charming inn entrance. The sign reads Nantucket Inn, with a boat displayed beside the gray exterior and potted shrubs along the brick walkway.
I love that little nautical touch. Use the visible name as a starting point to check current rooms and amenities before deciding whether it’s your kind of romantic stay.
Just a little note - some of the links on here may be affiliate links, which means I might earn a small commission if you decide to shop through them (at no extra cost to you!). I only post content which I'm truly enthusiastic about and would suggest to others.
And as you know, I seriously love seeing your takes on the looks and ideas on here - that means the world to me! If you recreate something, please share it here in the comments or feel free to send me a pic. I'm always excited to meet y'all! ✨🤍
Xoxo Emily