IL Hotel Among Best In U.S.: Rankings

CHICAGO, IL — An Illinois hotel has earned the top spot in a prestigious ranking of the best hotels in the United States.

The St. Regis Chicago was named the No. 1 hotel in the country outside New York City in Condé Nast Traveller's 2026 Readers' Choice Awards, released Monday. The downtown Chicago luxury hotel received a score of 99.08, putting it ahead of properties in Miami Beach, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica and Charleston.

The awards, now in their 29th year, are based entirely on votes from Condé Nast Traveller's United Kingdom readers. The annual survey asks travelers to weigh in on their favorite hotels, resorts, destinations, airlines, cruises and other travel experiences around the world.

The St. Regis Chicago wasn't the only Illinois hotel to receive high marks.

The Langham, Chicago, ranked fifth among hotels outside New York City with a score of 98.21, while 21c Museum Hotel Chicago came in ninth with a score of 97.34.

The St. Regis Chicago edged out 1 Hotel South Beach in Miami Beach, which ranked second with a score of 99.00. The Maybourne Beverly Hills was third at 98.73, followed by Shutters on the Beach in Santa Monica at 98.60.

Condé Nast Traveller separated New York City hotels into their own category, where The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel, took the top spot.

The magazine's Readers' Choice Awards span the globe and include rankings for hotels, resorts, cities, countries, beaches, islands, spas, airlines and cruise lines. This year's winners also included Bangkok as the world's best city, Greece as the world's best country and Italy as the world's best country for food.

You can check out the complete list of 2026 Readers' Choice Award winners at Condé Nast Traveller.