That’s why deciding where to stay on Oahu matters more than it might seem, as Honolulu’s traffic can eat up hours of your time. Here are my six suggestions for areas in and outside Honolulu, with hotels in several price ranges.

Where to Stay on Oahu: The Best Areas

• Waikiki - best area for a first trip to Honolulu
• Ala Moana & Kaka’ako - best area for shopping, food and slightly lower prices
• Diamond Head & Kahala - best area for peace and quiet close to the city
• Ko Olina - best area for a resort holiday with children
• North Shore - best area for surfing and a village feel
• Kailua & Kaneohe - best area for white beaches and a more local side of Oahu

I go through the areas one at a time, from Honolulu via the west coast and the North Shore to the east side. The prices come from a search for a week in March for two people, and many hotels add a daily resort fee and parking on top, so check the total price before you book. If you’re combining Oahu with other islands, you can see them all in my guide to where to stay in Hawaii.

If you’re staying in Waikiki or Ala Moana, you can easily manage without a car for the first few days. If you’re staying outside Honolulu, you’ll need a hire car, which you can pick up from the rental companies at Honolulu Airport, and you can compare prices on car hire at Booking.com before you travel. Hotel parking in Honolulu typically costs 30 to 70 dollars (around £20 to £50) a night, so only hire the car for the days you actually need it.

1. Waikiki - the best area for your first trip to Honolulu 🌴

• 📍 Distance to the centre: Waikiki is Honolulu’s beach and hotel district. It’s around 5 km to Downtown Honolulu and 2 to 3 km to the foot of Diamond Head.
• 🚌 Transport: You can walk to the beach, restaurants and shops. TheBus runs to the rest of the city and around the island, and you only need a car for longer trips.
• ✈️ Time from Honolulu Airport: Around 25 to 40 minutes by car or taxi, depending on traffic.
• 💰 Price level: $$ to $$$$. The three hotels below cost around 180 to 550 dollars (roughly £135 to £410) per night when I searched for a week in March.
• 👮 Safety: Safe, but with the usual big-city petty crime. Don’t leave bags unattended on the beach, and don’t leave anything visible in a parked car.

Waikiki is the classic choice, and for good reason. You stay in the middle of Honolulu’s biggest hotel area, with a sandy beach that is shallow and calm for most of the year, surf schools right on the sand and Kalakaua Avenue, lined with restaurants and shops, just behind the hotels. After a long flight, it’s nice to be able to walk everywhere and hold off on the hire car.

The district has three parts. The western end by Fort DeRussy and Hilton Hawaiian Village has a wider beach and large resorts. The middle around Royal Hawaiian Center and Kuhio Beach is the busiest, while the eastern end by Kapiolani Park is quieter. TheBus runs from Kuhio Avenue to Ala Moana, Downtown and Hanauma Bay, so you can get a long way without a car.

See hotels in Waikiki here.

The downside is that Waikiki is a dense, built-up area with high-rises, traffic and lots of tourists, and prices rise the closer you get to the water. The hotels a few streets back along Kuhio Avenue and Ala Wai Boulevard are usually quite a bit cheaper, and they’re no more than a five-minute walk from the beach. If you want to see the rest of the island without driving yourself, you can take a full-day small-group tour around Oahu for around 185 dollars (around £140) with hotel pick-up.

I would stay in Waikiki if it’s your first trip to Oahu, if you’re travelling without a car, or if you want restaurants and nightlife right on your doorstep. Many people combine three or four nights here with a couple of nights on the North Shore or in Ko Olina, so they get both the city and the quieter side of Oahu.

Hotels in Waikiki

The Royal Hawaiian, A Luxury Collection Resort, Waikiki - the pink palace right on the beach

The Royal Hawaiian opened in 1927 and is known for its pink facade and palm-filled garden in the heart of Waikiki. The hotel sits right on the beach and has a pool, a spa and the Mai Tai Bar by the water. A daily resort fee is added on top, and according to Booking.com, parking costs 65 dollars (around £50) a day.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “The facilities and location are fantastic. Beautiful hotel.”

See photos and book The Royal Hawaiian here.

Wayfinder Waikiki - relaxed design hotel with a pool

Wayfinder Waikiki is on Ala Wai Boulevard in the northern part of Waikiki, around a ten-minute walk from the beach. There’s a saltwater pool, a café and a bar, and the décor is bright and modern. The resort fee is 30 dollars (around £22) a day, and one guest mentions that parking at the hotel is expensive.

From a review: “Beautiful décor and location.”

See photos and book Wayfinder Waikiki here.

Shoreline Hotel Waikiki - the cheapest option in the middle of the district

Shoreline Hotel is on Seaside Avenue in the middle of Waikiki, a few minutes’ walk from the beach and Kalakaua Avenue. There’s a small pool and a bar, and the style is colourful and youthful. The rooms are small, and a daily fee of 30 dollars (around £22) is added on top.

One guest highlights: “Friendly staff, the location is fantastic, and the hotel is good value for money.”

See photos and book Shoreline Hotel Waikiki here.

2. Ala Moana & Kaka’ako - best area for shopping, food and slightly lower prices 🛍️

• 📍 Distance to the centre: Ala Moana lies just west of Waikiki, about 2 km from Kalakaua Avenue. Kaka’ako lies further west, and from here it’s 2 km to Downtown Honolulu.
• 🚌 Transport: Ala Moana Center is the hub for TheBus, so you have buses to Waikiki, Downtown and the rest of the island. You can walk or cycle between the two neighbourhoods.
• ✈️ Time from Honolulu Airport: Around 15 to 25 minutes by car or taxi.
• 💰 Price level: $$ to $$$. The three hotels below cost roughly $140 to $400 (around £105 to £300) per night when I searched for a week in March.
• 👮 Safety: Safe during the day. In the evening the parks are quieter, and homeless people sleep in a few spots, so take a taxi if you’re heading back late.

Ala Moana is where the locals go to swim. Ala Moana Beach Park has a long, calm beach sheltered by a reef, lawns with barbecues and the man-made peninsula of Magic Island, where families have picnics and where the sunset is one of the most beautiful in Honolulu. Just across the road is Ala Moana Center, a huge open-air shopping centre with everything from department stores to cheap places to eat.

Kaka’ako was once a district of warehouses and workshops. Today it’s Honolulu’s new neighbourhood, with high-rises, huge murals, breweries and eateries clustered around Salt at Our Kaka’ako and Ward Village. Staying here puts you close to the city’s best food scene, and you’ll usually pay less than for a similar hotel in Waikiki.

See hotels in Ala Moana and Kaka’ako here.

From here it’s also a short trip to Downtown and Chinatown. Downtown is home to Iolani Palace, the only royal palace in the USA, and Chinatown has markets, dim sum and bars. They make great outings, but Downtown has few hotels and goes quiet when the offices close, so I would stay in Ala Moana and head in during the day.

Pearl Harbor is only half an hour’s drive away. If you’d rather not drive yourself, you can take a Pearl Harbor and USS Arizona Memorial tour with pick-up for around $51 (about £40). The downside of Ala Moana is that you’re staying in a big city with wide roads and traffic. The beach life and palm trees are there, but it feels less like a holiday resort than Waikiki. On the other hand, this is where you’ll see how people in Honolulu actually live, shop and eat.

Hotels in Ala Moana & Kaka’ako

Prince Waikiki - modern hotel with an infinity pool by the marina

Prince Waikiki sits by the marina between Waikiki and Ala Moana, around ten minutes’ walk from both Ala Moana Beach Park and the shopping centre. Every room faces the sea, and there’s an infinity pool and several restaurants. On the other hand, there’s a resort fee of $42 (around £30) and parking at $45 (around £35) per day on top, and one guest feels breakfast ought to be included at that price.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “The staff were friendly and helpful.”

See photos and book Prince Waikiki here.

Ala Moana Honolulu by Mantra - large hotel with direct access to the shopping centre

Ala Moana Honolulu by Mantra is right next door to Ala Moana Center and about 800 metres from the beach. The hotel has a pool, spa, gym and several places to eat, and some rooms have a kitchen. The rooms are small, and there’s a daily fee of $30 (around £22) on top.

From one review: “Fantastic location right next to the Ala Moana shopping centre.”

See photos and book Ala Moana Honolulu by Mantra here.

Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Waikiki - the cheapest option with no resort fee

Ramada Plaza is on Ala Moana Boulevard between Ala Moana and Waikiki, around ten minutes’ walk from the shopping centre and a quarter of an hour from Ala Moana Beach Park. There’s a pool and a restaurant, and there’s no resort fee, while parking costs $28 (around £21) per day according to Booking.com. The hotel is basic, and one guest missed having cutlery and plates in the room.

One guest highlights: “Convenient location close to the beach, the buses and Ala Moana.”

See photos and book Ramada Plaza Waikiki here.

3. Diamond Head & Kahala - best area for peace and quiet close to the city 🌋

• 📍 Distance to the centre: The area stretches from the eastern end of Waikiki at Kapiolani Park around Diamond Head to the residential neighbourhood of Kahala, around 6 km from the middle of Waikiki.
• 🚌 Transport: From Kapiolani Park you can walk to Waikiki. From Kahala it’s a long walk, so here you’ll need a car, a taxi or the hotel’s shuttle bus.
• ✈️ Time from Honolulu Airport: Around 25 to 40 minutes by car or taxi.
• 💰 Price level: $$ to $$$$. The three hotels below cost around 255 to 615 dollars (roughly £190 to £460) per night when I searched for a week in March.
• 👮 Safety: Very safe and quiet. Kahala is one of Honolulu’s most expensive residential neighbourhoods.

Diamond Head is the old volcanic crater you see on every postcard from Waikiki, and around it lies Honolulu’s quietest corner. At the eastern end of Waikiki you’ll find Kapiolani Park with its lawns and banyan trees, Honolulu Zoo and the small Sans Souci beach, where locals swim in the morning. Here you’re still within walking distance of the restaurants, but without the high-rises right in front of your nose.

From the park it’s a short hop to the crater itself. The hike to the summit is around 1.3 km each way, with stairs and a tunnel, and according to the state parks authority, visitors who don’t live in Hawaii must book entry in advance. It costs 5 dollars (around £4) per person and 10 dollars (around £7.50) for parking, so arrive early before it gets hot.

See hotels at Diamond Head and in Kahala here.

On the other side of the crater lies Kahala, with large villas and a single classic luxury hotel on the beach. From here it’s about a quarter of an hour’s drive to Hanauma Bay, Oahu’s best-known snorkelling bay. Hanauma Bay is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, entry is 25 dollars (around £19) for tourists, and you should book a time slot, as visitor numbers are limited.

I’d stay here if you want Honolulu within reach but would rather wake up to birdsong than traffic. The downside is that Kahala is a rather lifeless residential area with no restaurants within walking distance, and the hotels by Kapiolani Park have few rooms, so they sell out quickly in high season. So book well ahead, especially around Christmas, New Year and Easter.

Hotels at Diamond Head & Kahala

The Kahala Hotel and Resort - classic luxury resort with a dolphin lagoon in Kahala

The Kahala sits right on the beach in Kahala, with a lagoon that’s home to dolphins, several restaurants, a spa and a kids’ club. It’s a classic 1960s resort with a quiet beach out front. There’s no resort fee, but parking costs 40 dollars (around £30) a day, and one guest wasn’t happy with the service.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “I love the atmosphere of the place. A bit retro, but so elegant.”

See photos and book The Kahala here.

Kaimana Beach Hotel - small hotel right on Sans Souci Beach

Kaimana Beach Hotel sits right on Sans Souci Beach at the foot of Diamond Head, with Kapiolani Park across the road. There’s a restaurant and bar under a large hau tree by the beach, but no pool. On top of the rate comes a resort fee of 40 dollars (around £30) and parking of 55 dollars (around £40) a day, and one guest writes that the resort fee came as a surprise at check-out.

From a review: “Fantastic hotel, great staff, excellent service and beautiful views.”

See photos and book Kaimana Beach Hotel here.

Queen Kapiolani Hotel - high-rise hotel with views of Diamond Head

Queen Kapiolani is on Kapahulu Avenue opposite Kapiolani Park and Honolulu Zoo, a couple of minutes’ walk from Kuhio Beach. There’s a pool with a view, a restaurant and a bar, and from the upper floors you look straight out at Diamond Head. A daily fee of 40 dollars (around £30) is added on top, and rooms on the lower floors have less of a view.

One guest highlights: “Great location. The room high up on the 16th floor with views of Diamond Head, Honolulu Zoo and a partial ocean view was fantastic.”

See photos and book Queen Kapiolani Hotel here.

4. Ko Olina - best area for a resort holiday with children 🏖️

• 📍 Distance to the centre: Ko Olina is on Oahu’s west coast, about 40 km from Waikiki. The town of Kapolei, with shopping centres and supermarkets, is 5 to 10 km inland.
• 🚗 Transport: Hire car. Within the resort area you can walk along the path by the lagoons, but for everything else you’ll need to drive.
• ✈️ Time from Honolulu Airport: About 30 to 45 minutes by car. Getting to Waikiki takes 45 minutes without traffic and up to an hour and a half at rush hour.
• 💰 Price level: $$ to $$$$. The three hotels below cost around $240 to $1,120 (roughly £180 to £840) a night when I searched for a week in March.
• 👮 Safety: Very safe. The lagoons are protected by rock breakwaters, but there can be currents at the openings out to the sea.

Ko Olina is a self-contained resort area built around four man-made lagoons with white sand and calm, shallow water. That makes it the easiest choice on Oahu for families with young children, as the waves from the open ocean don’t reach into the lagoons. A path runs along the water, so you can walk from one lagoon to the next, and the sunset over the sea is one of the island’s most beautiful.

This is home to the Four Seasons, Disney’s large family resort Aulani and several timeshare resorts with apartments. The west coast is also the driest part of Oahu, so you get more sun than on the North Shore and in Kailua. Pearl Harbor is about half an hour’s drive away on the road towards Honolulu, and according to the National Park Service entry is free, while parking costs $7 (around £5).

See hotels in Ko Olina here.

The downside is the distance. Ko Olina is a long way from Waikiki’s restaurants and from the North Shore, and the road into Honolulu is one of the busiest on the island in the morning and afternoon. The resort area itself only has the hotels’ own restaurants and a small shopping centre, so dinner gets expensive unless you have a kitchen and do your shopping in Kapolei.

I’d stay in Ko Olina if you’re a family who wants a week of pools, lagoons and sunshine and only plan to drive out on a couple of days. If you want to see a lot of the island, it’s a poor base, and Waikiki or Kailua would be better. Aulani isn’t sold through Booking.com, but you can see the other resorts in the area below.

Hotels in Ko Olina

Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina - Oahu’s most luxurious resort on the first lagoon

The Four Seasons sits on the northernmost lagoon and has several pools, an adults-only pool, a spa, tennis courts and restaurants. Many of the rooms have ocean views. It’s the most expensive hotel in this guide, and one guest writes that the food let the experience down.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “We had a wonderful stay at Four Seasons Resort Oʻahu at Ko Olina and felt very welcome from the moment we arrived.”

See photos and book Four Seasons Ko Olina here.

Marriott’s Ko Olina Beach Club - apartments with full kitchens by the lagoons

Marriott’s Ko Olina Beach Club is a large timeshare resort with apartments that all have a fully equipped kitchen. There are several pools with a water slide, a spa and a gym, and the lagoon is right below. Parking costs $48 (around £35) a day, the resort has few reviews on Booking.com, and you may be offered a timeshare sales presentation.

From a review: “We liked that the pools were open late.”

See photos and book Marriott’s Ko Olina Beach Club here.

Embassy Suites by Hilton Oahu Kapolei - the budget alternative with free breakfast in Kapolei

Embassy Suites is in Kapolei, about a ten-minute drive from the lagoons at Ko Olina. All rooms are suites with a living room, breakfast is included, and there’s a pool and a restaurant. You’re staying in an ordinary suburb with no beach, and parking costs $40 (around £30) a day.

One guest highlights: “The location was excellent.”

See photos and book Embassy Suites Oahu Kapolei here.

5. North Shore - best area for surfing and a laid-back village feel 🏄

• 📍 Distance to the centre: The North Shore is the stretch of coast from Haleiwa to Turtle Bay on the north side of Oahu, about 55 km from Waikiki. It’s just over 20 km from one end to the other.
• 🚗 Getting around: Hire car. Buses run along the coast, but not often, and the beaches, food trucks and shops are spread out.
• ✈️ Time from Honolulu Airport: About 45 to 60 minutes to Haleiwa and an hour to Turtle Bay.
• 💰 Price level: $$ to $$$$. The three places to stay below cost around $270 to $1,190 (roughly £200 to £890) per night when I searched for a week in March.
• 👮 Safety: Safe on land. In winter the waves are extremely dangerous, so only swim where the lifeguards say it’s safe.

The North Shore is Oahu’s surfing coast and the complete opposite of Honolulu. There are no high-rises here, just a two-lane coastal road, palm trees and beaches such as Waimea Bay, Ehukai with the famous Pipeline surf break, and Sunset Beach. Haleiwa is the coast’s little main town, with surf shops, shave ice, coffee bars and shrimp food trucks, and many people drive up for the day but end up staying an extra night.

From November to March the big winter swells roll in, and surfers from all over the world come to compete while you sit on the beach and watch. In summer the sea is usually calm enough for snorkelling at Shark’s Cove and Three Tables. Right by Waimea Bay is Waimea Valley, a botanical garden in a valley where you can walk to a waterfall and swim beneath it. Entry starts at $26 (around £20) for adults.

See places to stay on the North Shore here.

The downside is the limited choice. Apart from the resort at Turtle Bay, the North Shore is mostly holiday homes and small apartments, and restaurants are few and far between in the evening. Oahu has strict rules on short-term rentals of private homes outside the resort areas, so it’s best to book somewhere with lots of reviews and an established host. You’ll find the Ritz-Carlton at Turtle Bay and a few other places on this coast in my complete guide to Hawaii.

I’d stay here for two to four nights at the end of a trip to Oahu, once you’ve seen Honolulu. Come up in winter to watch the surf and in summer to swim, and bear in mind that traffic through Haleiwa can grind to a halt at weekends.

Places to stay on the North Shore

Ocean Villas at Turtle Bay - seaside apartments in the Turtle Bay resort area

Ocean Villas is in the Turtle Bay resort area, with a golf course, a beach and the resort’s restaurants close by. The units have kitchenettes, and there’s a pool and tennis courts. For some, the name promises more than it delivers: one guest writes that they had booked a villa but got a small studio in a large apartment complex, so read the room description carefully.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “The location was fantastic. Excellent for our small family.”

See photos and book Ocean Villas at Turtle Bay here.

Beach Studio by Shark’s Cove - small studio close to snorkelling and surf beaches

Beach Studio is on Ke Iki Road between Shark’s Cove and Ehukai Beach, so you can walk to the beach in a few minutes. The studio has a kitchenette, air conditioning and free parking, but no reception or shared facilities. One guest missed having a hairdryer.

From a review: “Lovely studio close to the beach and with good parking.”

See photos and book Beach Studio by Shark’s Cove here.

North Shore Studio - quiet studio in Mokuleia, west of Haleiwa

North Shore Studio is in Mokuleia, about a ten-minute drive west of Haleiwa, where the coast is even quieter. The studio has a kitchenette and free parking, and the beach is within walking distance. It only has a few reviews so far, and one guest wasn’t keen on the shower being outdoors.

One guest highlights: “Peaceful, lovely to walk to the beach. Pure paradise.”

See photos and book North Shore Studio here.

6. Kailua & Kaneohe - best area for white beaches and a local side of Oahu 🌺

• 📍 Distance to the centre: Kailua sits on Oahu’s east coast, known as the Windward Coast, around 20 km from Waikiki on the other side of the Koolau Mountains. Kaneohe is 10 km further north.
• 🚗 Transport: Hire car. Within Kailua itself you can cycle between the town and the beach, but you’ll need to drive to get around the rest of the island.
• ✈️ Time from Honolulu Airport: Around 25 to 35 minutes by car over the mountains.
• 💰 Price level: $$$. The two places below were around 340 to 465 dollars (around £255 to £350) per night when I searched for a week in March.
• 👮 Safety: Safe and quiet. The trade winds make the sea choppier than in Waikiki, so keep an eye on the flags.

Kailua is an ordinary small American town with detached houses, cafés and supermarkets, but its beach is among the most beautiful in Hawaii. Kailua Beach and Lanikai Beach have fine white sand and turquoise water, with the two small Na Mokulua islands out in the bay. It’s a popular spot for kayaking and kitesurfing, and in the mornings lots of people walk up the trail to the old bunkers above Lanikai to watch the sunrise.

From here, the rest of the east coast is close by. Kaneohe Bay has reefs and sandbars, and further north you’ll find Kualoa Ranch, a large ranch in a green valley where films such as Jurassic Park were shot. The ranch runs tours by bus, on horseback and in off-road vehicles, and the popular tours sell out, so book well in advance.

See places to stay in Kailua here.

The downside is that there are hardly any hotels. Kailua is made up of residential neighbourhoods, and accommodation is mostly private houses and flats, which are tightly regulated, so the choice on Booking.com is small and you’ll need to book early. The east coast also gets more rain than Honolulu and the west coast.

I’d stay in Kailua if you’ve been to Waikiki before, or if you’d rather have a local beach town than a hotel beach. Parking at Lanikai is very limited, so take a bike or walk from Kailua Beach Park. If you want even more peace and quiet, Paradise Bay on Kaneohe Bay is an alternative with the mountains right behind you. None of the places here are right on the beach, so expect to drive or cycle down there every day.

Places to stay in Kailua & Kaneohe

Modern Luxury Beach House Kailua - modern holiday home with a kitchen in Kailua

Modern Luxury Beach House is in a residential area of Kailua and has two types of unit sleeping up to six people. There’s a kitchen, air conditioning and free parking, so it suits families or two couples well. One guest writes that the walls are paper-thin, so you can hear the neighbours.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “A very nice and cosy place.”

See photos and book Modern Luxury Beach House Kailua here.

Paradise Bay Resort - small waterfront resort on Kaneohe Bay

Paradise Bay Resort sits right on Kaneohe Bay with views of the mountains, a pool, a hot tub and water sports equipment, and every unit has a kitchen or kitchenette. There’s no swimming beach at the resort, so you’ll have to drive to Kailua Beach. A resort fee is added on top, and one guest writes that the rooms and service don’t live up to the beautiful location.

From a review: “Paradise Bay is definitely a paradise!”

See photos and book Paradise Bay Resort here.

Where not to stay on Oahu?

I wouldn’t stay near the airport or in the Kalihi and Iwilei neighbourhoods west of Downtown unless you have a very early flight. You’ll save a little on the room, but you’ll be among motorways and warehouses with no beach. Downtown Honolulu isn’t a good place to stay on holiday either, as it’s dead in the evenings and further from the beach than Ala Moana.

The Waianae Coast north of Ko Olina has beautiful beaches but few places to stay and a long way to everything, so it’s better for a day trip than as a base. Also be wary of cheap holiday homes in the middle of the island around Wahiawa and Mililani if you’re dreaming of walking to the beach.

If it’s your first trip to Oahu, I’d stay in Waikiki, and if you have time, spend two or three nights on the North Shore at the end. If you’re travelling with young children, Ko Olina is the easiest choice, while Ala Moana and Kaka’ako suit you if you want city life and good food for a bit less money. Kailua is for you if you’d rather have a local beach town than a hotel beach, and Kahala is for you if you want luxury and peace with the city close by.

Many people combine Oahu with one of the other islands. If you want long resort beaches and the Haleakala volcano, you can read my guide to where to stay on Maui, and if you want rainforest and the Na Pali Coast, see the guide to where to stay on Kauai. Medical treatment in the USA is very expensive, so check your travel insurance before you go.

If you’re flying via the US West Coast, a night in California can make the long journey easier, and my guide to where to stay in Los Angeles will help you there. If Hawaii is part of a longer trip, you’ll find the rest of the country in my guide to where to stay in the USA.

The post Where to Stay on Oahu? The 6 Best Areas in & Outside Honolulu & Places to Stay appeared first on Destination Well Known.

If you land late, there are several of you with lots of luggage, or you’re heading straight to a cruise ship, a taxi, Uber or Lyft can be worth the money, and they all pick up in the car park opposite the terminal. Here you’ll find every option with prices, journey times and exactly where to find them: light rail, the ORCA card, buses, taxis, Uber and Lyft, shuttle buses, transfers and hire cars. I also explain how to get on to the cruise terminals at Pier 66 and Pier 91 and to the Amtrak trains at King Street Station.

Quick overview: Seattle Airport to the city centre

• Link light rail (1 Line): $3 (around £2.25), about 40 minutes to Westlake, departures every 8 to 15 minutes from around 5am to 1am Monday to Saturday and from 6am to midnight on Sundays.
• ORCA card: $3 (around £2.25) for the card itself, but you can also simply pay with your contactless bank card or phone at the card reader.
• Buses: $3 (around £2.25), but none of them run directly to Downtown. They’re only useful if you’re going to Bellevue, Renton or south of the airport.
• Taxi: $50 to $70 (around £35 to £50) to Downtown, 25 to 40 minutes without traffic, from the 3rd floor of the car park.
• Uber and Lyft: about $40 to $70 (around £30 to £50) depending on demand, pick-up in the middle of the 3rd floor of the car park.
• Shuttle and transfer: shared shuttle buses from about $30 (around £22) per person and private transfers from about $37 (around £28) per person.
• Hire car: all the rental companies are based in a shared Rental Car Facility, which you reach on free shuttle buses around the clock. Great for Mount Rainier and Olympic, unnecessary in the centre.

How to find the transport at the airport

Sea-Tac has one large main terminal where all flights arrive, and whether you’re coming off a domestic flight or from Europe, you’ll end up in the baggage hall on the lowest level. The most important thing to understand is that almost all transport doesn’t stop in front of the terminal but in the big car park directly opposite. You get there via the skybridges, which are one floor above the baggage hall and one floor below check-in, and from there you just follow the signs.

If you’re taking the train, go up to the 4th floor, cross the skybridge to the car park and follow the Link light rail signs through the northern end of the building to SeaTac/Airport station. Allow 5 to 10 minutes’ walk with your suitcase, and if you’d rather ride, a free Train-to-Plane shuttle runs between the station and the middle of the car park from 5am to midnight. Taxis wait on the 3rd floor of the car park at the north and south kerbs, Uber and Lyft pick up in the middle of the same floor, and the hotels’ free shuttle buses stop at Islands 1 and 2 on the 3rd floor. The shuttle buses to the car hire facility, however, stop just outside the baggage hall at the north and south ends of the terminal. Step-by-step directions to the station are available from Port of Seattle, which runs the airport.

1. Link light rail (1 Line) to Westlake and Downtown

The light rail is the easiest and cheapest way to get from Seattle Airport to the city centre. The train is called Link and is run by Sound Transit, and the line from the airport is the 1 Line. From SeaTac/Airport station you head north through Tukwila, Rainier Valley and SODO, and after Stadium the train enters the tunnel under Downtown, calling at International District/Chinatown, Pioneer Square, Symphony and Westlake. The journey to Westlake takes about 40 minutes, and the train then continues to Capitol Hill, University of Washington, U District and on towards Lynnwood.

According to Visit Seattle, trains run every 8 to 15 minutes depending on the time of day, from 5am to 1am Monday to Saturday and from 6am to midnight on Sundays and public holidays. During engineering works, trains may run on a single track for a while or be replaced by buses on parts of the route, so check Sound Transit’s service alerts if you land late. There’s plenty of room for suitcases on board, and you can stand with your luggage by the doors if it’s busy.

Fares and tickets

A ride on Link costs 3 dollars (around £2.25) for adults, however far you travel, and children and young people aged 18 and under ride free. You pay before going up to the platform, and you don’t need to tap out when you get off. There are three ways to pay. The easiest for tourists is to hold your contactless Visa, Mastercard or American Express card, or your phone with Apple Pay or Google Pay, against one of the round ORCA-card readers at the entrance to the platform. Each person needs their own card or phone, and if you use the same card for your next journey within two hours, the transfer is free. It’s all explained in ORCA’s questions and answers about Tap to Pay.

The second option is the ORCA-card itself, the shared travel card for light rail, buses, streetcars and ferries across the whole Seattle-area. The card costs 3 dollars (around £2.25), and you buy and top it up at the ticket machines on the station mezzanine, which take cash, Visa and Mastercard. It makes most sense if you’re staying several days and will also be using the ferries or buses. The third option is Sound Transit’s Transit GO Ticket app, where you buy your ticket on your phone and show it if there’s an inspection. The machines also sell ordinary paper tickets for a single or return journey. Fares and payment methods are listed on Sound Transit.

Where should you get off?

International District/Chinatown: The first stop under Downtown and the station for you if you’re continuing on Amtrak from King Street Station, just a few minutes’ walk away. It’s also the easiest place to change to the 2 Line towards Bellevue and Redmond on the other side of Lake Washington. If you’re staying by the stadiums or want to sleep close to the railway station, you can see prices for Silver Cloud Hotel Seattle Stadium here, which is by the stadiums about a 10-minute walk from the station and has a rooftop pool.

Pioneer Square: The city’s oldest neighbourhood, with brick buildings, galleries and Smith Tower. From here it’s a short walk down to the waterfront and the ferries at Colman Dock. The area is pleasant during the day, but there are many homeless people on the streets around the station, so bear that in mind if you’re walking back alone late at night.

Symphony: The station in the middle of Downtown by the Benaroya Hall concert venue and Seattle Art Museum. From here it’s about a 5-minute walk down to the waterfront and Pike Place Market, so it’s a good stop if your hotel is on 1st, 2nd or 3rd Avenue between University Street and Pike Street.

Westlake: The stop most tourists need. You come up by the Westlake Center shopping centre and Westlake Park square in the heart of the shopping district, and from here it’s about a 5-minute walk to Pike Place Market. This is also where the monorail runs from Westlake Center to Seattle Center and the Space Needle for 4 dollars (around £3). Hotel Theodore is a few minutes’ walk from the station, and you can see prices for Hotel Theodore here. If you’re unsure which part of the city suits you best, read my guide to where to stay in Seattle, where I go through the areas and hotels in several price ranges.

Capitol Hill and U District: If you’re staying in Capitol Hill, with its cafés and bars, or near the University of Washington, just stay on the train. Capitol Hill is one stop after Westlake, and U District is about 50 minutes from the airport.

2. Buses from Seattle Airport

Let me say it straight away: there’s no regular bus from the airport directly to Downtown Seattle, as the light rail has taken over that role. The buses from the airport are regional routes that only make sense if you’re heading somewhere other than the centre. Most stop on International Blvd and S 176th St right by the light rail-station, so you take the same route through the car park and on down to the street.

King County Metro’s RapidRide A Line express bus runs south along International Blvd to Federal Way, and Sound Transit’s ST Express 560 runs via Renton to Bellevue. Alternatively, you can take the light rail into the city and change to the 2 Line towards Bellevue. If you’re going to Tacoma, take the 1 Line south to Federal Way and change to a bus there. Like the train, the buses cost 3 dollars (around £2.25) for adults, and you pay with an ORCA-card, contactless bank card, Transit GO Ticket or the exact amount in cash, as the driver doesn’t give change. If you’re not sure of the route, ask at the Ground Transportation-desk on the 3rd floor of the car park.

3. Taxi from Seattle Airport

Taxis wait on the 3rd floor of the car park at the north and south kerbs, and you get there by crossing the skybridge and going down one floor. Staff at the rank will direct you to a car, and there are nearly always enough taxis, even at night. Never accept offers from people who approach you inside the terminal, as they are unlicensed drivers.

Seattle has two types of airport taxi. Metered taxis have a three-digit vehicle number and are a single colour, and they charge by distance and time. Flat-rate taxis have a four-digit vehicle number and are two colours, and they charge a fixed fare based on the postcode you’re going to. So ask about the price before you set off. According to Visit Seattle, a ride between the airport and Downtown costs 50 to 70 dollars (around £35 to £50), plus a tip of 15 to 20 per cent, which is entirely normal in the USA. The journey takes 25 to 40 minutes without traffic, but in rush hour on I-5 it can easily take an hour.

Taxis accept cash, bank cards and most mobile payments. There are also vans seating 11 people and wheelchair-accessible vehicles. Honestly, a taxi is expensive compared with the 3-dollar train, so it makes most sense if there are three or four of you with lots of luggage, if you land after the last train, or if you’re going somewhere the light rail doesn’t come near.

4. Uber and Lyft

Uber and Lyft are popular in Seattle and often a little cheaper than a taxi. Pick-up is in the middle of the 3rd floor of the car park, the same floor as the taxis, and you follow the App Based Ride Share signs from baggage claim and across the skybridge. Only book once you have your luggage and are on your way across the skybridge, and wait until your car has stopped before you walk out to it. Only Uber Black picks up at a door outside baggage claim, which you choose in the app.

The fare depends on demand, so expect to pay around 40 to 70 dollars (around £30 to £50) to Downtown, and more late in the evening when lots of flights land at once, or if there’s a game on at the stadiums. Between 8 pm and midnight the arrivals area is often very crowded. The advantage is that you know the price before you get in, and you don’t have to explain the address. You tip in the app afterwards.

5. Shuttle and private transfer

A shared shuttle is a halfway house between the train and a taxi, where you share a minibus with other travellers heading to hotels in the same area. According to Visit Seattle, Premier Airport Shuttle runs to the hotels in Downtown from around 30 dollars (around £22) per person, and the company also runs scheduled transfers to the cruise ships. If you’re staying at one of the airport hotels, most run free shuttle buses, which stop at Islands 1 and 2 on the 3rd floor of the car park.

If you’re travelling further afield, Airporter Shuttle runs from Arrivals Drive at door 02 at the southern end of baggage claim north to places such as Bellingham and Anacortes, where the ferries to the San Juan-Islands depart, and east to Ellensburg and Yakima. The desk is at door 00. You’ll find an overview of the shuttle companies on the Port of Seattle website.

A private transfer is a pre-booked car with a driver who meets you at the airport and drives you straight to your hotel door for a fixed price. It’s a nice option if you’re travelling with children, landing in the middle of the night or simply don’t want to find your own way after a long flight from Europe. On GetYourGuide, prices start from around 37 dollars (around £28) per person to the city centre.

Book a private transfer from Seattle Airport here.

The transfer must be booked at least 10 hours in advance. Enter your flight number when you book so the driver can keep track of any delays, and remember that getting through passport control can take a long time when you land from Europe.

6. Car hire from Seattle Airport

All the car hire companies at Sea-Tac are based in a shared Rental Car Facility at 3150 S 160th St north of the airport, so you don’t collect the car at the terminal. Free shuttle buses run round the clock from two stops just outside baggage claim at the northern and southern ends of the terminal, and it’s a short ride. In summer and late in the evening, when lots of flights land, there can be queues both for the bus and at the desks, so allow plenty of time. You can compare prices on car hire at Booking.com, and remember to check whether an additional driver and insurance are included in the price, as they often aren’t in the USA.

From the rental facility, you take SR 518 to I-5 and continue north to Downtown in 25 to 40 minutes without traffic. A car is excellent if you want to see Mount Rainier, the rainforest and coast in Olympic National Park, North Cascades or drive on down the West Coast, and if you want to combine Seattle with other places, I’ve rounded up the best cities and parks in my guide to where to stay in the USA. Inside Seattle, though, a car is more of a hindrance. Parking in Downtown often costs around 40 to 60 dollars (around £30 to £45) a day at the hotels, and traffic on I-5 is heavy for most of the day. My recommendation is therefore to stay in the city without a car and only pick it up on the day you leave town. To return the car, follow the Rental Car Return signs as you approach the airport.

Onwards to the cruise terminals at Pier 66 and Pier 91

Seattle is one of the biggest ports for Alaska cruises, and ships sail from two terminals. Bell Street Cruise Terminal on Pier 66 sits right on the Downtown waterfront close to Pike Place Market, and this is where Norwegian Cruise Line and Oceania, among others, sail from. Smith Cove Cruise Terminal on Pier 91 lies north of the centre near Magnolia, and here you’ll find Holland America, Princess, Carnival, Celebrity, Royal Caribbean and Cunard, among others. Always check your ticket to see which terminal your ship departs from, as they are not within walking distance of each other.

If you’ve booked a transfer through the cruise line, head to baggage claim and follow the signs for the cruise bus, where the cruise line’s staff will direct you to the right coach. Otherwise, a taxi, Uber or Lyft from the 3rd floor of the car park is the easiest option, and according to Port of Seattle the journey from the airport to the terminals takes 30 to 45 minutes depending on traffic. The fare is usually a little higher than the trip to Downtown, especially to Pier 91.

The cheapest option is the light rail to Westlake and onwards from there. To Pier 66 it’s around a 20-minute walk downhill through Pike Place Market or about 6 minutes by car, and Pier 91 is roughly 15 minutes by car from Westlake. With large suitcases, I’d take a taxi or Uber for the last stretch. At Pier 91, taxis drop you at the terminal entrance, while Uber and Lyft stop about a 10-minute walk away, where a free shuttle runs.

If you land the day before departure, which I strongly recommend so you don’t risk missing the ship because of a delay, the easiest thing is to stay close to the terminal. Seattle Marriott Waterfront is right opposite Pier 66, and you can see prices for Seattle Marriott Waterfront here. Both terminals offer same-day luggage storage for $5 (around £4) per suitcase if you have a late flight home after your cruise, and bags must be collected by 3pm. If you’re flying home with Alaska, Delta, Southwest or United, you can sign up on board for the free Port Valet scheme and send your suitcases straight from the ship to the plane.

Onwards by Amtrak from King Street Station

Seattle’s long-distance trains depart from the beautiful old King Street Station with its clock tower on the southern edge of Downtown, right by Pioneer Square and the stadiums. From the airport, take the 1 Line to International District/Chinatown and walk a couple of minutes across the street to the station, so the whole journey takes under an hour. A taxi straight from the airport costs roughly the same as to the rest of Downtown. The station has a large waiting hall, and the Sounder commuter train to Tacoma and Everett also runs from here.

The most popular train for tourists is Amtrak Cascades, which runs north to Vancouver in Canada in about 4 hours and south to Portland in about 3.5 hours and on to Eugene. The route to Vancouver follows the coast for much of the way and is a lovely journey, and you go through passport control at the border, so have your passport ready. You’ll find timetables and tickets at Amtrak Cascades, and fares rise closer to departure, so book well in advance. If you’re heading across the border, I have a guide to where to stay in Vancouver.

The long-distance Amtrak trains also depart from King Street. The Coast Starlight runs all the way down the West Coast to Los Angeles, and the Empire Builder crosses the Rocky Mountains to Chicago, and both journeys take more than a day. See the routes and station opening hours at Amtrak. If you’re continuing south, you can read my guide to where to stay in San Francisco, and one on where to stay in Los Angeles.

Getting back to the airport

From Downtown, take the 1 Line southbound towards Federal Way from Westlake, Symphony, Pioneer Square or International District/Chinatown. Be careful not to board a 2 Line train towards Bellevue and Redmond, which runs from the same stations, so look for 1 Line and Federal Way on the sign. Get off at SeaTac/Airport after about 40 minutes and walk through the car park and across the footbridge to check-in. Allow an hour from your hotel in Downtown until you’re standing in the terminal.

The first train runs at around 5am on weekdays and 6am on Sundays, so if you have a very early flight, a taxi, Uber or Lyft is the safe option. Both can be booked in advance, and you’ll be dropped at the departures level. In the morning between 6am and 8am there’s often a queue at the drop-off, so give yourself extra time. If you’re returning a hire car, follow the Rental Car Return signs and then take the shuttle bus to the terminal, which can easily add 15 to 20 minutes.

Security at Sea-Tac can have long queues in the mornings and during the summer months, so arrive at least 2 hours before a domestic flight and 3 hours before a flight to Europe. If your flight is before 6am, it can be worth staying by the airport on your last night. Cedarbrook Lodge is set in a green area a few minutes from the terminal and has a free airport shuttle, and you can see prices for Cedarbrook Lodge here.

Seattle Airport to the city centre: which option should you choose?

Here’s my recommendation based on where you’re staying and when you land:

Downtown, Pike Place Market and Belltown: Take the light rail to Westlake or Symphony for $3 (around £2). You’ll be there in about 40 minutes and can walk to most hotels. Belltown is a 10 to 15-minute walk from Westlake.

Pioneer Square and the stadiums: Light rail to Pioneer Square or International District/Chinatown in about 35 minutes, and you’re there.

Capitol Hill and U District: Stay on the 1 Line after Westlake. It’s far cheaper than a taxi, which can easily cost around $60 to $80 (around £45 to £60) that far north.

Cruise from Pier 66 or Pier 91: With lots of luggage, a taxi or Uber straight from the airport is easiest. If you’re travelling light, the light rail to Westlake followed by a short taxi ride or the walk to Pier 66 is the cheapest.

Onwards by Amtrak: Light rail to International District/Chinatown and a couple of minutes’ walk to King Street Station.

If you land at night: The last train runs at around 1am Monday to Saturday and around midnight on Sundays. If you land later, a taxi, Uber or Lyft from the 3rd floor of the car park are your realistic options.

3 to 4 people with lots of luggage: Here a taxi at $50 to $70 (around £35 to £50) can easily pay off compared with four train tickets, and you won’t have to drag your suitcases through the car park.

Road trip: Take the shuttle bus to the Rental Car Facility and drive straight out of the city, or wait to pick up the car until you’ve finished with Seattle.

Practical tips for getting from Seattle Airport to the city centre

Pay for the train with your bank card. You don’t need to buy an ORCA card for a short holiday. Tap your contactless card or your phone on the card reader before you go up to the platform, and use the same card throughout your trip to get free transfers within two hours. If you have problems with a UK card, buy a ticket from the machine instead.

Think car park, not terminal. Taxis, Uber, Lyft, hotel shuttles and the route to the train all go through the car park opposite the terminal. The only exception is the shuttle buses to the car hire centre, which stop just outside baggage claim.

Expect queues at passport control. If you’re landing from Europe, you’ll have to go through US passport control, and that can take anything from 15 minutes to over an hour. So don’t book a tight onward connection with Amtrak or a cruise the same afternoon, and remember that you need an approved ESTA before you fly.

Remember to tip. In the US, people tip taxi drivers and shuttle drivers 15 to 20 per cent, and with Uber and Lyft you tip in the app. This isn’t included in the prices you see on the taxi meter.

Don’t go with strangers. People offering you a ride inside baggage claim are not authorised drivers. Head to the pick-up area on the 3rd floor, and only get into the Uber or Lyft whose number plate matches the one in the app.

Check for match days. If there’s a game or concert at Lumen Field or T-Mobile Park, the trains and roads around Stadium and International District/Chinatown fill up, and Uber prices go up. If you have a flight the same evening, set off in good time.

The post Seattle Airport to the City Centre – Transport Guide appeared first on Destination Well Known.

The city is hilly and broken up by lakes, so where you stay in Seattle matters a lot. Do you want to walk everywhere, have a view of the water or stay where the locals go out? Here are my six suggested areas and three hotels in each, from luxury to budget.

Where to Stay in Seattle: The Best Areas

• Downtown - best area for first-time visitors and shopping
• Pike Place Market & Waterfront - best area for foodies and views over the water
• Belltown - best area for nightlife and couples
• Queen Anne & Seattle Center - best area for families and the Space Needle
• South Lake Union - best area for modern hotels and quiet nights
• Capitol Hill & First Hill - best area for young travellers, cafés and LGBTQ+

Below, I go through the areas one at a time with a map, transport, price level and three hotels in each. The prices come from a search for a weekend in April for two people, and from May to September they rise noticeably, because the cruise ships to Alaska sail from Seattle. $1 is roughly £0.75.

1. Downtown - best area for first-time visitors and shopping

• Distance to the centre: You’re right in the centre. From Westlake Center it’s about a 10-minute walk to Pike Place Market and 20 minutes to Pioneer Square.
• Transport: The Link 1 Line light rail stops at Westlake, Symphony and Pioneer Square, and the monorail runs from Westlake Center to Seattle Center.
• Time from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport: About 40 minutes on the Link directly from the airport to Westlake, and 25 to 40 minutes by taxi depending on traffic.
• Price level: $$ to $$$$. The three hotels below cost around $170 to $310 (around £125 to £230) per night when I searched for a weekend in April.
• Safety: Safe during the day, with plenty of people on the streets. Third Avenue around Pike Street and Pine Street has a lot of homeless people and drug users, so it’s better to walk along Fourth or Fifth Avenue in the evening.

Downtown is Seattle’s business and shopping centre, between Pike Place Market and the I-5 motorway. Around Westlake Center and Pine Street you’ll find the big department stores and chain shops, and on First Avenue stands Seattle Art Museum, with the large black figure Hammering Man outside the entrance. If you want to see the city from above, the observation deck at Columbia Center is the highest in the city, and a ticket to Sky View Observatory costs from around $28 (around £21).

South of the tall office buildings lies Pioneer Square, the city’s oldest neighbourhood, with brick buildings from the period after the Great Fire of 1889. This is also where you’ll find Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, where the National Park Service tells the story of the gold rush that made Seattle rich. A little further south, the Seahawks and the Mariners play at Lumen Field and T-Mobile Park.

See hotels in Downtown here.

I’d stay here if it’s your first trip to Seattle and you don’t have a car. The light rail runs directly from the airport, and a journey costs $3 (around £2.25) for adults, however far you travel. Also see my guide on how to get from Seattle Airport to the city centre if you land late or have a lot of luggage.

The downside is that Downtown goes quiet once the shops and offices close, and a few streets feel unsafe in the evening. Parking costs $50 to $70 (around £35 to £50) per night at the big hotels, so only pick up your hire car on the day you leave the city. Many of the big hotels also add a daily fee on top of the price, so check the total cost before you book.

Hotels in Downtown

Fairmont Olympic Hotel - five-star grand hotel with an indoor pool

Fairmont Olympic is on University Street in the middle of Downtown, about a 10-minute walk from Pike Place Market and Seattle Art Museum. It’s a classic grand hotel with an indoor pool, spa and restaurant, and one of the few five-star hotels in the centre. The hotel adds a daily fee on top of the price, which several guests are unhappy about, and parking costs $50 (around £35) per night or $70 (around £50) with valet.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “Lovely hotel. The bedroom and living area in the suite were excellent.”

See photos and book Fairmont Olympic here.

Crowne Plaza Seattle - renovated hotel with no resort fee

Crowne Plaza is on Sixth Avenue in the eastern part of Downtown, about a 10-minute walk from Westlake Center and a few minutes from the Convention Center. The hotel has been renovated, there’s a restaurant and gym, and it has no resort fee, which is rare in the centre. On the other hand, there’s only valet parking at $63 (around £45) per night, and that’s the biggest complaint among guests.

From one review: “The location was perfect.”

See photos and book Crowne Plaza Seattle here.

Coast Seattle Downtown Hotel by APA - simple hotel within easy reach of everything

Coast Seattle Downtown is on Sixth Avenue by Union Street, about a 5 to 10-minute walk from Westlake Center. There’s a restaurant and gym, no resort fee, and it was the cheapest of my three suggestions in Downtown when I searched. The rooms are simple, and parking costs $56 (around £40) per night.

One guest highlights: “The hotel is central, and lots of places are within walking distance.”

See photos and book Coast Seattle Downtown here.

2. Pike Place Market & Waterfront - best area for foodies and views over the water

• Distance to the centre: Pike Place Market sits on the western edge of Downtown. It’s around a 10-minute walk to Westlake Center and 5 minutes down to the waterfront.
• Transport: The nearest Link stations are Westlake and Symphony, around a 10-minute walk uphill. Ferries to Bainbridge Island leave from Colman Dock further south.
• Time from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport: Around 40 minutes on the Link to Westlake followed by a 10-minute walk, or 25 to 40 minutes by taxi.
• Price level: $ to $$$$. The three hotels below cost around $95 to $390 (around £70 to £290) per night when I searched for a weekend in April.
• Safety: Safe and bustling during the day. In the evening it goes quiet once the market closes, and there may be homeless people around First Avenue and Third Avenue.

Pike Place Market is the heart of Seattle. The market opened in 1907 and has since been one of the oldest public markets in the USA, with fishmongers, farmers, bakeries and small restaurants spread over several levels down the hillside. At Pike Place Fish Market they throw salmon through the air, in Post Alley the walls are covered in chewing gum, and on Pike Place you’ll find the original Starbucks, where the queue often stretches out into the street. If you want to taste your way through it all, you can join a food tour of Pike Place Market with a chef from around $75 (around £55).

Below the market, the waterfront has been transformed into a long park since the old elevated motorway was torn down. The new Waterfront Park has a promenade along Elliott Bay, and the Overlook Walk takes you straight from the market down to the water and Seattle Aquarium. This is also where the boats leave for a harbour cruise with a local guide from around $43 (around £30).

See hotels in Pike Place Market here.

I’d stay here if you’re travelling for the food, or if you want to wake up to views over Elliott Bay and the Olympic Mountains. You have the market for your morning coffee before the cruise passengers arrive, and you can walk to both Downtown and Belltown. In the evening, the restaurants in Post Alley and along First Avenue are good places to end the day.

The downsides are the prices and the crowds. The hotels close to the market are among the most expensive in the city, and the streets are packed during the day. The hills are steep, so if you’re dragging a heavy suitcase from Westlake, your legs will feel it.

Hotels in Pike Place Market & Waterfront

Inn at the Market - boutique hotel with a roof terrace right in the market

Inn at the Market is on Pine Street just above the market, and several of the rooms look out over Elliott Bay. There’s a roof terrace with views and a restaurant, and it has the highest rating of all the hotels in this guide. Guests find the price high, and parking costs $59 (around £50) per night.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “Perfect location.”

See photos and book Inn at the Market here.

The State Hotel - design hotel one block from the market

The State Hotel is on the corner of Second Avenue and Pike Street, one block from the entrance to Pike Place Market. There’s a restaurant and bar on the ground floor, and the rooms are modern. The hotel charges a daily amenity fee of $25 (around £19), and there’s no on-site parking, only a nearby car park at $28.50 (around £21) per 24 hours.

From one review: “The location close to Pike Place Market. The choice was limited, but the food was very good.”

See photos and book The State Hotel here.

Green Tortoise Hostel Seattle - popular hostel right opposite the market

Green Tortoise is on Pike Street right opposite the market’s main entrance, and it’s by far the cheapest place in this guide. It’s a hostel with shared bathrooms, a communal kitchen and breakfast, and there are events in the evenings. The biggest complaint is noise from other guests, and parking costs $26 (around £19) in a car park away from the hostel.

One guest highlights: “Incredible location, great atmosphere and fantastic staff.”

See photos and book Green Tortoise Hostel here.

3. Belltown - best area for nightlife and couples

• Distance to the centre: Belltown lies just north of Pike Place Market. It’s about a 10-minute walk to the market and 15 minutes to the Space Needle.
• Transport: Buses run along First, Second, Third and Fourth Avenue, and Westlake Link station is a 10 to 15-minute walk away.
• Time from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport: Around 25 to 40 minutes by taxi, or 40 minutes on the Link to Westlake followed by a bus or a walk.
• Price level: $$ to $$$. The three hotels below cost roughly 175 to 245 dollars (around £130 to £185) per night when I searched for a weekend in April.
• Safety: Lively and mostly safe in the streets where the bars are. Around Third Avenue there can be trouble late at night, so take a taxi back if you’ve got a long way to go.

Belltown is the old harbour district between Pike Place Market and Seattle Center, and today it’s the city’s busiest neighbourhood for cocktail bars, restaurants and small music venues. Most places are on First Avenue and Second Avenue, and the streets are full of people in the evening. If you’re wondering where to stay in Seattle for a good night out, this is also where you’ll find some of the city’s best seafood restaurants serving fish and shellfish from Puget Sound, and it’s easier to get a table than near the market.

Down by the water is Olympic Sculpture Park, a free sculpture park with large artworks and views across Elliott Bay towards the Olympic Mountains. The park belongs to the Seattle Art Museum, and from here the waterfront path continues north to Myrtle Edwards Park. From Belltown you can walk to the Space Needle and the museums at Seattle Center in about a quarter of an hour, so you have both the market and Seattle Center within walking distance.

See hotels in Belltown here.

I’d stay here if you’re a couple who want to go out for dinner and have a drink afterwards without needing a taxi back. The hotels are also slightly cheaper than near the market, and you’re still close to most things. For a three or four-day trip without a car, Belltown is one of my favourite choices. If you’re arriving by cruise ship, the terminal at Pier 66 is at the end of Bell Street.

The downside is the noise. On Fridays and Saturdays the bars can be loud until late into the night, so ask for a room on a high floor or away from the street. The streets near Third Avenue are also more run-down than the rest of the area.

Hotels in Belltown

Ändra Hotel Seattle, MGallery Collection - Scandinavian design hotel with a high rating

Ändra Hotel is on Fourth Avenue in the southern part of Belltown, about a 10-minute walk from both Pike Place Market and Westlake Center. The décor is Nordic with pale wood and wool, there’s a restaurant and a gym, and its rating is one of the highest in this guide. Valet parking costs 65 dollars (around £50) per night, and some guests complain about fees they hadn’t expected.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “Perfect location for everything, and very comfortable.”

See photos and book Ändra Hotel here.

Warwick Seattle - large hotel with an indoor pool

Warwick is on Lenora Street between Belltown and Downtown and has an indoor pool and hot tub, which is rare in the area. There’s also a restaurant and a bar. The hotel charges a daily resort fee of about 29 dollars (around £22), parking costs 39 dollars (around £29), and its rating is lower than the other two suggestions.

From a review: “Warwick Seattle offers an excellent stay in the Emerald City.”

See photos and book Warwick Seattle here.

Belltown Inn - simple hotel with a roof terrace and free bikes

Belltown Inn is on Third Avenue at Bell Street in the middle of the neighbourhood, about a 10-minute walk from Pike Place Market. There’s a roof terrace and you can borrow bikes for free, and it was the cheapest of my three Belltown suggestions when I searched. Parking costs 35 dollars (around £26), and guests mention noise at night and disturbances on the street outside.

One guest highlights: “Fantastic location and a lovely hotel.”

See photos and book Belltown Inn here.

4. Queen Anne & Seattle Center - best area for families and the Space Needle

• Distance to the centre: Seattle Center is about 2 km north of Downtown. It’s a 20 to 25-minute walk to Pike Place Market.
• Transport: The monorail runs from Seattle Center to Westlake Center in just a few minutes, and several buses run along Queen Anne Avenue and Fifth Avenue North.
• Time from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport: Around 30 to 45 minutes by taxi, or take the Link to Westlake and then the monorail.
• Price level: $$ to $$$. The three hotels below cost around $195 to $285 (roughly £145 to £215) a night when I searched for a weekend in April.
• Safety: One of the safer areas close to the centre. Lower Queen Anne is lively in the evening, and up on the hill it’s completely quiet.

Seattle Center was built for the 1962 World’s Fair, and the Space Needle stands in the middle of the park. From the observation deck 605 feet (184 metres) above the city you look out over Puget Sound, Lake Union and Mount Rainier, and The Loupe has a glass floor that rotates. Right next door is Chihuly Garden and Glass, with glass art in huge, colourful sculptures, and a combined ticket for the Space Needle and Chihuly Garden and Glass costs from around $78 (about £60). You’ll also find the music museum MoPOP, the children’s museum and Climate Pledge Arena here.

Queen Anne is the neighbourhood on the hill north of Seattle Center. Lower Queen Anne, at the foot of the hill, has cafés, bars and restaurants, while the residential area of Upper Queen Anne sits up on top. From little Kerry Park on West Highland Drive you get the classic postcard view of the Space Needle with the skyscrapers and Mount Rainier behind it, and it’s worth heading up there at sunset.

See hotels in Queen Anne here.

This is where I’d stay with children. Seattle Center has playgrounds, fountains and museums, and you can walk back to the hotel when the little ones are tired. The monorail from 1962 is an experience in itself, and a single ticket costs $4 (around £3) for adults, so you’re in Downtown in no time. In summer there are concerts and festivals in the park, and the Artists at Play playground is right by the Space Needle.

The downside is the distance to Pike Place Market and the hills up to Upper Queen Anne. When there are concerts or games at Climate Pledge Arena, hotel prices go up and the streets get packed.

Hotels in Queen Anne & Seattle Center

MarQueen Hotel - historic hotel in Lower Queen Anne

The MarQueen is on Queen Anne Avenue North in Lower Queen Anne, about five minutes’ walk from Seattle Center and Climate Pledge Arena. The hotel has a restaurant, a bar and a small spa with a hairdresser and beauty treatments, and the rooms have recently been renovated. There’s no pool, and parking costs $40 (around £30) plus tax per night, valet only.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “Beautifully decorated hotel, and very comfortable.”

See photos and book the MarQueen Hotel here.

Staypineapple, The Maxwell Hotel - colourful hotel with an indoor pool

The Maxwell is on Roy Street just north of Seattle Center, and it has the highest rating of the hotels in the area. There’s an indoor pool, a restaurant, a bar and family rooms. The hotel charges an amenity fee of around $30 (about £22) plus tax per night, parking costs $42 (around £31), and several guests were surprised by the fees at check-in.

From one review: “Perfect central location. Helpful, cheerful staff and comfortable beds.”

See photos and book The Maxwell here.

Hampton Inn & Suites Seattle-Downtown - chain hotel with free breakfast by Seattle Center

The Hampton Inn is on Fifth Avenue North on the east side of Seattle Center, about 10 minutes’ walk from the Space Needle. Breakfast is included in the price, some rooms have a kitchen, and parking costs only $25 (around £19) a night. There’s no restaurant or pool, and guests find the breakfast selection limited.

One guest highlights: “Good location within easy walking distance of the main sights.”

See photos and book the Hampton Inn here.

5. South Lake Union - best area for modern hotels and quiet nights

• Distance to the centre: South Lake Union sits between Downtown and Lake Union. From Lake Union Park it’s about a 25-minute walk to Westlake Center.
• Transport: The South Lake Union Streetcar runs along Westlake Avenue to Westlake Center, and buses continue on to Fremont and Queen Anne.
• Time from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport: About 30 to 45 minutes by taxi, or take the Link to Westlake and the streetcar from there.
• Price level: $$ to $$$. The three hotels below cost around $160 to $190 (roughly £120 to £140) per night when I searched for a weekend in April.
• Safety: Safe and tidy, with new buildings and lots of offices. In the evenings and at weekends there are few people on the streets.

South Lake Union was once an area of warehouses and workshops. Today it’s Amazon’s home turf, full of glass buildings and new apartment blocks, and just south of the neighbourhood stand Amazon’s round greenhouses, The Spheres. It’s the newest neighbourhood in Seattle, and you notice it in the hotels, which have almost all been built in recent years and come with modern rooms and gyms.

At the end of the neighbourhood lies Lake Union, with houseboats, sailing boats and seaplanes taking off and landing in the middle of the city. In Lake Union Park you can hire a kayak or paddleboard, and the old naval building by the water houses the city’s history museum, MOHAI, with exhibitions on Seattle’s history from the first settlers and the gold rush to the present day. A path runs along the water around the lake, and on the far side is Gas Works Park, with views back towards the skyline. Kenmore Air seaplanes take off from the lake for the San Juan Islands and Victoria in Canada.

See hotels in South Lake Union here.

I’d stay here if you want a new hotel at a lower price than in Downtown, or if you’re in the city for work. The hotels often have cheaper parking, so it’s also a good choice if you have a hire car, and it’s a short trip to both Seattle Center and the I-5 out of the city.

The downside is that the neighbourhood is built for office workers. In the evenings and at weekends many of the lunch spots close, and it’s a long way to the market and the bars. You end up taking the streetcar or a taxi every evening.

Hotels in South Lake Union

Astra Hotel Seattle, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel - new four-star hotel with a rooftop bar

Astra is on Terry Avenue North in the heart of South Lake Union, about a 10-minute walk from Lake Union Park. The hotel has a rooftop bar, a restaurant and a gym, and its rating is the highest of the three hotels in the neighbourhood. Breakfast isn’t included, valet parking costs $65 (around £50) per night, and a few guests complain about the staff in the rooftop bar.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “Everything was perfect.”

See photos and book Astra Hotel here.

Staybridge Suites Seattle Downtown, Lake Union - suite hotel with kitchens and breakfast

Staybridge Suites is on Mercer Street in the northern part of the neighbourhood, a few minutes’ walk from Lake Union. All rooms have a kitchen and breakfast is included in the price, making it a good choice for families and longer stays. Parking costs $45 (around £35) per night, and guests complain that there are too few spaces.

From one review: “The location is good, and everything we wanted to see was within walking distance.”

See photos and book Staybridge Suites here.

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Seattle Downtown, Lake Union - affordable chain hotel with breakfast

Holiday Inn Express is on Dexter Avenue North in the western part of South Lake Union, about a 10-minute walk from the Space Needle. Breakfast is included, parking costs just $25 (around £20) per night, and it was the cheapest of my three suggestions here when I searched. The rooms are simple, and its rating is the lowest of the three hotels in the neighbourhood.

One guest highlights: “The hotel had the perfect location for the transfer to our cruise.”

See photos and book Holiday Inn Express here.

6. Capitol Hill & First Hill - best area for young travellers, cafés and LGBTQ+

• Distance to the centre: Capitol Hill sits on the hill east of Downtown. From Pike/Pine it’s about a 20-minute walk down to Westlake Center.
• Transport: The Link 1 Line stops at Capitol Hill Station on Broadway, and it’s just one stop to Westlake. The First Hill Streetcar runs along Broadway to Pioneer Square.
• Time from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport: About 45 minutes on the Link straight to Capitol Hill Station with no changes, or 25 to 40 minutes by taxi.
• Price level: $$ to $$$$. The three hotels below cost around $180 to $380 (around £135 to £285) per night when I searched for a weekend in April.
• Safety: Lively and mostly safe around Broadway and Pike/Pine. Cal Anderson Park can feel unsafe at night, so avoid the park after dark.

Capitol Hill is Seattle’s neighbourhood for young people, students and creatives, and Visit Seattle calls it the city’s LGBTQ+ hub. Around Pike Street and Pine Street you’ll find bars, music venues, vintage shops and some of the city’s best coffee shops, while Broadway is lined with cheap places to eat that stay open late. Elliott Bay Book Company is one of the largest independent bookshops in the US and a great place to hide when it rains.

At the northern end of the hill lies Volunteer Park, designed by the Olmsted brothers, home to the Volunteer Park Conservatory glasshouse and the Seattle Asian Art Museum. South of Capitol Hill is First Hill, with hospitals, Seattle University and a few historic hotels, and from here it’s a slightly shorter walk down to Downtown. Both neighbourhoods sit high up, so you often get views over the city between the buildings. On Sundays there’s a farmers’ market on Broadway by Seattle Central College.

See hotels in Capitol Hill here.

I’d stay here if you’re young, travelling for the nightlife, or if you’d like to stay where the locals live. The light rail runs directly from the airport to Capitol Hill Station, so there are no changes, and it’s only one stop to Westlake. The hotels in First Hill are quieter and a good compromise if you want the nightlife close by without sleeping right in the middle of it.

The downside is that there are few hotels on Capitol Hill itself, and many places to stay are apartments or small bed and breakfasts. The hill is steep, and on Fridays and Saturdays it can be noisy until late around Pike/Pine.

Hotels in Capitol Hill & First Hill

Hotel Sorrento - historic luxury hotel on First Hill

Hotel Sorrento is on Madison Street on First Hill, about a 15-minute walk from both Pike/Pine and Downtown. It’s an old Italian-style hotel with the Dunbar Room restaurant, a bar and room service, and there’s regularly live music in the evenings. Valet parking costs $65 (around £50) plus tax per night, and some guests feel the hotel is a little worn and not always clean enough.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “Beautiful historic hotel! Friendly staff and lovely facilities.”

See photos and book Hotel Sorrento here.

Silver Cloud Hotel Seattle Broadway - mid-range hotel with large rooms on Broadway

Silver Cloud is on Broadway on the border between First Hill and Capitol Hill, right opposite Seattle University and by the First Hill Streetcar. The rooms are large, and there’s a restaurant, bar and gym. Parking costs $40 (around £30) before tax per night, and that’s what guests complain about most.

From one review: “Large room and great housekeeping staff.”

See photos and book Silver Cloud Broadway here.

The Boylston Hotel Capitol Hill - small hotel in the heart of the nightlife

The Boylston is on Boylston Avenue, a few minutes’ walk from Pike/Pine and about 10 minutes from Capitol Hill Station. It’s a small hotel with a lounge, quick check-in and check-out and luggage storage, and it was the cheapest of my three suggestions here when I searched. There’s no lift, and Booking.com doesn’t mention any parking, so it suits you best if you’re travelling light and without a car.

One guest highlights: “Such a lovely hotel on Capitol Hill, and the room was super clean.”

See photos and book The Boylston here.

Where not to stay in Seattle?

I wouldn’t stay by the airport in SeaTac to save money. The hotels along International Boulevard are about 40 minutes from the centre, and there’s nothing to walk out to in the evening, so they only make sense before a very early flight. The same goes for the motels along Aurora Avenue North, which are cheap but sit on a noisy main road, and in several places the area feels bleak and unsafe at night.

In Downtown you need to look at the exact address. The cheapest hotels around Third Avenue between Pike Street and Pine Street are where the city has the most problems with drugs and disorder, and it’s not pleasant walking back in the evening. Bellevue, on the other side of Lake Washington, is fine for business trips, but for a tourist it’s a long way from everything you’ve come for.

If it’s your first trip to Seattle, I’d stay in Downtown or by Pike Place Market and walk to most things. Belltown is for couples who want to go out for dinner and drinks, Queen Anne and Seattle Center are my choice for families, and South Lake Union gives you the newest hotels for your money. Capitol Hill is for you if you want to stay among the locals and enjoy the nightlife.

If you want to head out to Mount Rainier or Olympic National Park, a car is the easiest option, and you can compare prices on car hire at Booking.com. Many people combine Seattle with Vancouver, about 230 km to the north, and here you can read where to stay in Vancouver. If you’re carrying on south along the West Coast, I’ve also written about where to stay in San Francisco, and if you’re planning a bigger road trip, you’ll find the best places across the whole country in my guide to where to stay in the USA.

The post Where to Stay in Seattle? The 6 Best Areas & Places to Stay appeared first on Destination Well Known.

That’s why it’s a good idea to pick your area before you pick your hotel. Here are my six suggestions for where to stay on Maui, with maps, driving times from the airport and hotels in several price ranges.

Where to Stay on Maui: The Best Areas

• Ka’anapali - best area for a classic resort holiday with children
• Kapalua & Napili - best area for peace and quiet and snorkelling
• Kihei - best area for sunshine and value for money
• Wailea & Makena - best area for luxury and honeymoons
• Pa’ia & Upcountry - best area for surfing, Haleakala and a more local Maui
• Hana - best area for rainforest and tranquillity at the end of the road

Below, I go through the areas one at a time, from the west coast via the south coast to the north coast and Hana. The prices come from a search for a week in March for two people, and many resorts add a resort fee and parking on top, so check the total price before you book. If you’re combining Maui with Oahu, Big Island or Kauai, you can find the other islands in my guide to where to stay in Hawaii.

You’ll need a car in all six areas. You pick it up at Kahului Airport, where the rental companies are all based together, and you can compare prices on car hire at Booking.com before you travel. Book early in high season, as the cars can sell out.

1. Ka’anapali - the best area for a classic resort holiday with kids 🏖️

• 📍 Distance to the centre: Ka’anapali is on Maui’s west coast, about 40 km from Kahului, the island’s largest town. Lahaina is a couple of kilometres to the south.
• 🚗 Transport: A hire car for trips around the island. Within the resort area, you can walk along the beach path between the hotels, restaurants and the Whalers Village shopping centre.
• ✈️ Time from Kahului Airport: About 45 to 60 minutes by car via the Honoapiilani Highway, longer when traffic is heavy.
• 💰 Price level: $$$ to $$$$. The three hotels below cost around $285 to $750 (roughly £215 to £560) per night when I searched for a week in March.
• 👮 Safety: Safe and peaceful. The current around Black Rock can be strong when the waves are big, so swim where others are swimming and respect the red flags.

Ka’anapali was built as a purpose-planned resort area in the 1960s, and you can still tell. The hotels sit in a row along the beach, linked by a beach path, and you can walk from the pool to the beach, the restaurants and the shops at Whalers Village without getting in the car. That makes it the easiest choice if you’re travelling with children or simply want everything within walking distance.

At the northern end of the main beach, the lava headland Black Rock juts out into the sea. There’s good snorkelling along the rocks with fish and sea turtles, and at sunset a diver leaps from the top as part of an old tradition. Further north are Kahekili Beach and North Ka’anapali, home to the newer apartment hotels. The restaurants are further away here, but the beach is quieter.

See hotels in Ka’anapali here.

In winter, you can watch humpback whales breaching in the channel towards Lanai straight from your sun lounger, and in the evening the sun sets behind the island. The downsides are the price and the crowds. Resort fees and parking can together add up to around $70 (about £50) a day on top of the room rate, and the main beach in front of the big hotels is packed from mid-morning.

Just to the south lies Lahaina, the old royal capital and whaling port, which was destroyed by a wildfire in August 2023 in which more than 100 people lost their lives. The town is being rebuilt, and several streets and businesses have reopened, but some areas may still be cordoned off. Check Maui County’s Maui Recovers page before you drive in, and stay away from fenced-off sites. I wouldn’t stay in Lahaina, but in Ka’anapali, and I’d happily spend my money in the Lahaina businesses that have reopened.

Hotels in Ka’anapali

OUTRIGGER Honua Kai Resort and Spa - large apartments with kitchens in North Ka’anapali

Honua Kai sits right on the beach in North Ka’anapali, about 3 km north of the central part of the beach. Every suite has a fully equipped kitchen, and there are several pools, an infinity pool, a waterslide and barbecues, making it an obvious choice for families who want space. The resort is big, some guests find it feels impersonal, and it’s the most expensive of the three here.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “The beach is magical and easy to get to.”

See photos and book Honua Kai here.

OUTRIGGER Kāʻanapali Beach Resort - a classic beach hotel in the middle of Ka’anapali Beach

Outrigger Kāʻanapali Beach Resort is in the middle of the main beach close to Whalers Village, and the hotel runs daily activities about Hawaiian culture. There’s a pool, restaurant, bar and family rooms, and you can walk straight down onto the sand. On the other hand, there’s a resort fee of $45 (around £35) a day plus parking on top, and some guests feel the price is high for the rooms.

From one review: “The clean, modern rooms (premium ocean-view room) with fantastic views.”

See photos and book Outrigger Kāʻanapali Beach Resort here.

Aston Kaanapali Shores - the cheapest option right on the beach

Aston Kaanapali Shores is on the beach in the northern part of Ka’anapali, a little north of Honua Kai. There’s a pool, spa, gym and tennis courts, and many of the rooms have a kitchenette or full kitchen. The resort fee is lower than at the big hotels, but you pay for parking here too, and one guest writes that the carpets need replacing.

One guest sums it up briefly: “What a lovely resort.”

See photos and book Aston Kaanapali Shores here.

2. Kapalua & Napili - best area for peace and quiet and snorkelling 🐢

• 📍 Distance to the centre: Kapalua and Napili sit on the far north-western tip of Maui, about 10 km north of Ka’anapali and about 55 km from Kahului.
• 🚗 Transport: You’ll need a hire car. From the hotels on Napili Bay you can walk to the beach and a few places to eat, but you’ll have to drive for everything else.
• ✈️ Time from Kahului Airport: About 60 to 75 minutes by car along the same main road as to Ka’anapali.
• 💰 Price level: $$$ to $$$$. The three hotels below cost around $385 to $1,050 (roughly £290 to £785) per night when I searched for a week in March.
• 👮 Safety: Very safe and quiet in the evenings. In winter, big waves hit the north-west coast, so snorkel in the sheltered bays and only when the sea is calm.

Kapalua and Napili are the quiet corner of Maui, and a great answer to where to stay on Maui if you want to unwind. Napili is a small crescent-shaped bay with low-rise apartment hotels right down to the sand, calm water for most of the year and sea turtles grazing on the reef just a few metres from the shore. Kapalua, just to the north, is more upmarket, with golf courses, the Ritz-Carlton and Kapalua Bay, where you can follow the coastal path along the lava cliffs to D.T. Fleming Beach.

Ten minutes’ drive further north is Honolua Bay, which has been a protected marine area since 1978. You’re not allowed to fish or take anything out of the water, and the snorkelling is among the best on the island in summer. According to Hawaii’s marine environment authority, you should stay away from the bay in winter when the waves are big.

See hotels in Kapalua and Napili here.

I’d stay here if you want a relaxing holiday with a morning swim in the bay, snorkelling and sunsets from the terrace, and if you don’t need nightlife. Many of the places on Napili Bay have kitchens, so you can do your own shopping and eat in, which brings the cost down, as the restaurants on the west coast are expensive. Napili also suits couples who have been to Maui before and now want a quieter holiday.

The downside is the distance. It’s a long way from here to Haleakala, Hana and the beaches on the south coast, and when the Honoapiilani Highway is closed because of an accident, the traffic grinds to a halt. Kapalua also gets more rain and wind than Ka’anapali, especially in winter. The stretch between Ka’anapali and Napili, with Honokowai and Kahana, has cheaper apartments if you want to stay on the west coast for less.

Hotels in Kapalua & Napili

The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua - five-star resort above D.T. Fleming Beach

The Ritz-Carlton sits on the slope above D.T. Fleming Beach with direct beach access, a spa, a kids’ club and golf courses right next door. Some suites have kitchens, and the coastal path to Kapalua Bay starts just outside. There’s a daily resort fee and paid valet parking on top, and some guests feel the bars and restaurants close too early.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “Gorgeous views from the hotel and a lovely walk to the beaches.”

See photos and book The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua here.

Nāpili Surf Beach Resort by Castle - apartments with kitchens right on Napili Bay

Nāpili Surf sits right on Napili Bay, and every unit has a fully equipped kitchen. There’s a heated pool, barbecues, a garden and free parking, and guests give it one of the highest scores in this whole guide. There’s no restaurant on site, so you’ll need to cook for yourself or drive out to eat.

From one review: “Excellent location, helpful staff, spacious room and a wonderful view from our room.”

See photos and book Nāpili Surf Beach Resort here.

The Mauian Hotel - simple, cosy hotel on the same bay

The Mauian is also on Napili Bay and is a small three-star hotel with a pool, barbecues and free parking. The studios have fully equipped kitchens, so it’s a good choice if you want to stay on this beautiful bay for less. The rooms are basic, and one guest complains about the shower.

One guest highlights: “We loved the location on one of Maui’s most beautiful bays.”

See photos and book The Mauian Hotel here.

3. Kihei - best area for sunshine and value for money 🐋

• 📍 Distance to the centre: Kihei stretches for around 10 km along Maui’s south-west coast and lies 15 to 20 km from Kahului.
• 🚗 Transport: Hire car. South Kihei Road runs the full length of the coast, and in the southern part you can walk between beach parks, places to eat and shops.
• ✈️ Time from Kahului Airport: Around 20 to 30 minutes by car.
• 💰 Price level: $$ to $$$. The three hotels below cost around 305 to 635 dollars (around £230 to £475) per night when I searched for a week in March.
• 👮 Safety: Safe, but never leave anything visible in the car at the beach parks. The wind often picks up in the afternoon, especially in the northern part of town.

Kihei is Maui’s most ordinary town, and that’s exactly its strength. Many of the island’s residents live here, and along South Kihei Road you’ll find condo hotels, small shopping centres, food trucks and bars side by side with the beach parks. It’s not the prettiest place on the island, but you get more for your money than in Wailea and on the west coast, and it’s where you’ll find Maui’s most reliable sunshine. If you’re weighing up where to stay on Maui on a budget, Kihei is well worth a look.

The best beaches are the three Kamaole Beach Parks in the southern part of town, as the map shows. They have lifeguards, toilets and showers, and you can snorkel by the rocks between them. The northern part of Kihei has a long, flat beach where it’s windier, and where you’ll often have the sand almost to yourself in the morning.

See hotels in Kihei here.

From November to April, humpback whales arrive in the waters around Maui, and according to the US humpback whale marine sanctuary programme you can spot them both from land and from a boat. The south coast is one of the best places to see them. Boats to the crater island of Molokini leave from Kihei and the nearby harbour at Maalaea, and you can, for example, take a snorkelling trip to Molokini and Turtle Town from Kihei for around 195 dollars (around £145).

The location is practical too. It’s a short drive to the airport, to the road up Haleakala and to the beaches of Wailea and Makena. The downside is that the town is long and spread out with plenty of traffic, and many apartments are on the other side of the road from the water. So check the map before you book, and choose the southern part around Kamaole if you want to walk to the beach and eat out in the evening.

Hotels in Kihei

Hilton Grand Vacations Club Maui Bay Villas - apartments with a pool and kids’ club in the northern part

Maui Bay Villas is in the northern part of Kihei, a three-minute walk from Kalepolepo Beach Park. The apartments have kitchens, and there’s a pool, a children’s pool, a kids’ club, a gym and free parking, so it suits families on a longer stay. A daily resort fee is added on top, and one guest was disappointed that the restaurant wasn’t open.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “Lovely staff and great facilities.”

See photos and book Maui Bay Villas here.

Maui Coast Hotel - hotel with an infinity pool opposite Kamaole Beach

Maui Coast Hotel is on South Kihei Road directly opposite Kamaole Beach Park, and it has the highest rating of the three here. There’s an infinity pool with a pool bar, a restaurant and a gym, but the rooms only have a microwave and fridge, not a proper kitchen. The resort fee and parking cost extra, and one guest didn’t find the staff particularly friendly.

From a review: “Exceptional value for money, and you stay in a really great spot.”

See photos and book Maui Coast Hotel here.

Nona Lani Cottages - small cottages in a lush garden by the beach

Nona Lani Cottages are small cottages with kitchenettes set in a garden in the northern part of Kihei, just a few steps from the beach at Mai Poina ‘Oe Ia’u Beach Park. There’s free parking, a barbecue and beach chairs, but no pool. It’s a simple place, but guests give it a very high rating, and it was the cheapest of the three when I searched.

One guest writes: “We absolutely loved the place, with beautiful lush greenery everywhere.”

See photos and book Nona Lani Cottages here.

4. Wailea & Makena - best area for luxury and honeymoons 🥂

• 📍 Distance to the centre: Wailea lies just south of Kihei, about 27 km from Kahului. Makena and Big Beach are 5 to 6 km further south.
• 🚗 Transport: A hire car for day trips. Within Wailea, you can walk the coastal path between the beaches, the resorts and The Shops at Wailea.
• ✈️ Time from Kahului Airport: About 30 to 35 minutes by car.
• 💰 Price level: $$$ to $$$$. The three hotels below cost roughly $550 to $1,910 (around £410 to £1,430) per night when I searched for a week in March.
• 👮 Safety: Very safe. At Big Beach in Makena, the waves can break hard right at the shoreline, so keep children in the shallows and don’t go in when the sea is rough.

Wailea is Maui’s luxury address. The area is built around five crescent-shaped beaches, Ulua, Mokapu, Wailea, Polo and Palauea, with golf courses on the slopes behind and a paved coastal path linking the resorts. You can take a morning stroll along the water from beach to beach and finish with a coffee at The Shops at Wailea. The weather is just as dry and sunny as in Kihei, but everything is smarter, quieter and pricier.

Further south lies Makena with Big Beach, a long, wide stretch of sand that’s considered one of the island’s best. Offshore between Wailea and Makena is Turtle Town, where you’ll almost always see sea turtles, and even further on, the road ends in the lava fields at La Perouse Bay. There are no shops or restaurants at Big Beach, so bring water, sun cream and a packed lunch with you.

See hotels in Wailea and Makena here.

I’d choose Wailea for a honeymoon, a milestone birthday or a holiday where the hotel and pool are a big part of the experience. The resorts on the waterfront have direct beach access, while the newer hotels up on the slope are cheaper but need a car or the hotel shuttle to get down to the sea.

The downside is that everything comes at resort prices. The resort fee can be over $50 (around £40) a day, parking costs about $40 (around £30) a day at several of the hotels, and a simple lunch by the pool soon adds up. Drive to Kihei to do your shopping and eat more cheaply, it only takes ten minutes. And don’t expect any nightlife, as Wailea goes to bed early.

Hotels in Wailea & Makena

Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea - one of Hawaii’s best-known luxury resorts

The Four Seasons sits on Wailea Beach with pools, an adults-only infinity pool, a spa, a kids’ club and several restaurants. It’s the most expensive hotel in this guide, and on top of that comes a resort fee of $55 (around £45) a day plus paid parking. Breakfast isn’t included, which several guests mention.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “Wonderful hotel in a fantastic area.”

See photos and book Four Seasons Resort Maui here.

Hotel Wailea Maui - small adults-only luxury hotel

Hotel Wailea is a five-star, adults-only boutique hotel on the slope above Wailea with views over the ocean. There’s a pool, spa, yoga and a shuttle down to the beach, which is about 2 km away. Parking costs around $40 (around £30) a day, and some guests feel the hotel restaurant is too expensive for the food you get.

From one review: “The service was absolutely incredible.”

See photos and book Hotel Wailea Maui here.

AC Hotel by Marriott Maui Wailea - modern hotel with an infinity pool up in Wailea

The AC Hotel is up in Wailea, about 1 km from Wailea Beach, and is the cheapest of the three here. There’s an outdoor infinity pool, a gym and family rooms, but no beach shuttle. Parking costs around $40 (around £30) a day, and that’s exactly the expense guests complain about most.

One guest sums it up briefly: “Beautiful infinity pool.”

See photos and book AC Hotel Maui Wailea here.

5. Pa’ia & Upcountry - best area for surfing, Haleakala and a local side of Maui 🏄

• 📍 Distance to the centre: Pa’ia is on the north coast, around 11 km east of Kahului. Makawao and Kula are a 20 to 40-minute drive up the slopes of Haleakala.
• 🚗 Getting around: A hire car is essential. The places are spread out, and there’s no beachfront promenade to stroll along.
• ✈️ Time from Kahului Airport: Around 15 minutes to Pa’ia and 30 to 40 minutes to Kula.
• 💰 Price level: $$ to $$$$. The three places to stay below cost around $275 to $870 (around £205 to £650) per night when I searched for a week in March.
• 👮 Safety: Safe. The sea on the north coast is often rough and only for experienced surfers, and you should keep at least three metres away from the turtles on the beach at Ho’okipa.

Pa’ia is an old sugar town that became the base for surfers and windsurfers on Maui. The main street is lined with colourful wooden buildings housing cafés, surf shops and fish restaurants, and in the afternoon you can watch windsurfers and kitesurfers flying above Ho’okipa Beach Park just east of town. This is where sea turtles haul themselves up onto the sand to rest late in the day, and Baldwin Beach west of town is the long beach where you can go for a walk.

Pa’ia is also the start of the Road to Hana. If you stay here, you’ve already done the first hour of the drive while others are still in the car from Ka’anapali or Wailea. Up the mountain lies Upcountry, with the cowboy town of Makawao, farms and lavender fields in Kula, and air that’s noticeably cooler than on the coast, so pack a jumper for the evenings.

See places to stay in Pa’ia and Upcountry here.

The big draw is Haleakala. From Kula you can reach the summit in about an hour, and if you want to see the sunrise, you need to book in advance. According to the national park, the reservation costs $1 (around £1) and entry is $30 (around £22) per car, valid for three days. The ticket also covers the Kipahulu section of the park near Hana, so keep your receipt.

I’d stay here if you’d rather experience a local Maui than a resort, or if you want to go up the volcano more than once. The downside is that there are hardly any hotels. You’re choosing between a few small inns, bed and breakfasts and holiday homes, and the north coast beaches are rarely good for swimming. So it’s worth combining a few nights here with Kihei or Wailea.

Places to stay in Pa’ia & Upcountry

Paia Inn - boutique hotel in the heart of Pa’ia with a path to the beach

Paia Inn is on the Hana Highway in the middle of Pa’ia, and a path leads from the hotel down to the beach at Paia Bay. You have cafés and restaurants right on your doorstep and free parking, but there’s no breakfast. The price is high for a three-star hotel, and one guest writes that the place isn’t maintained well enough.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “Beautiful location in a beautiful town, and we got a surprise upgrade!”

See photos and book Paia Inn here.

Ha’le Kiana - peaceful adults-only bed and breakfast in Kula

Ha’le Kiana is in Kula on the western slope of Haleakala, a small adults-only place with a terrace, views and free parking. It’s a good base if you want to head up for sunrise on the volcano, and guests give it a very high score. There’s no kitchen, and it’s quite a drive to both the beach and the restaurants.

From a review: “Beautiful place. Perfect location for visiting the national parks.”

See photos and book Ha’le Kiana here.

Puu Koa Palms - studios with kitchens in leafy Haiku

Puu Koa Palms is in Haiku, between Pa’ia and the rainforest, and has studios with fully equipped kitchens and free parking. It’s the cheapest of the three and good for a longer stay where you cook for yourself. One guest writes that some of the furniture needs replacing.

One guest writes: “Fantastic studio, even for a longer stay on Maui.”

See photos and book Puu Koa Palms here.

6. Hana - best area for rainforest and peace at the end of the road 🌿

• 📍 Distance to the centre: Hana is on Maui’s east coast, around 84 km from Kahului along the Hana Highway.
• 🚗 Transport: Hire car or guided tour. There are only a few places to eat and shop, so fill up with petrol and buy groceries in Pa’ia.
• ✈️ Time from Kahului Airport: At least three hours by car along the Road to Hana, and much longer with stops along the way.
• 💰 Price level: $$$ to $$$$. The two places to stay below were around $590 to $775 (around £440 to £580) per night when I searched for a week in March.
• 👮 Safety: Safe and very quiet. The road is narrow with single-lane bridges, so pull over for locals behind you, and don’t drive the road for the first time in the dark.

The Road to Hana is Maui’s most famous drive. According to Hawaii’s official tourism website, it winds 52 miles, around 84 km, along the north coast with more than 600 bends and 50 bridges, through rainforest and past waterfalls. Most people drive out and back in a single day and spend most of that time in the car.

That’s why I would spend one or two nights in Hana. You can drive out at your own pace, see the popular spots early in the morning before the day-trippers arrive, and drive back without having to make it before dark. Just north of town is Wai’anapanapa State Park with the black sand beach Pailoa and lava caves, and as a visitor you need to book entry and parking in advance.

See places to stay in Hana here.

Hana itself is a small town with a bay, a church, a few food trucks and a shop, and the atmosphere is a world away from the resorts on the west coast. Around a quarter of an hour’s drive south is the Kipahulu section of Haleakala National Park, with the pools at ‘Ohe’o and the Pipiwai Trail through a bamboo forest, and on the way you’ll pass Hamoa Beach, one of the island’s most beautiful beaches. In the evening it’s completely quiet and most places close early, so buy food for dinner before you drive out.

The downside is that Hana has very few places to stay, and it rains a lot on the east coast. So I only have two suggestions here, and you need to book early. If you don’t want to drive yourself, you can take a small-group guided tour along the Road to Hana for around $280 (around £210) including pick-up.

Places to stay in Hana

Hana-Maui Resort, a Destination by Hyatt Residence - the island’s most secluded resort by Hana Bay

Hana-Maui Resort is around 400 metres from Hana Bay Beach Park and has a pool, spa, restaurant and bar, and some of the suites have a kitchen. There’s no seafront promenade or shopping street, just gardens, sea views and peace. Some guests say a few rooms need maintenance, and the price is high because there are hardly any alternatives.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “The whole resort feels so peaceful.”

See photos and book Hana-Maui Resort here.

Hana Kai Maui #201 Honokalani - apartment with sea views over the bay

Hana Kai is a small apartment complex by Hana Bay, and #201 is a one-bedroom apartment with a fully equipped kitchen and views of the sea. There’s free parking and a barbecue, but no pool and no restaurant, and one guest says the apartment is a little worn. Hana Kai has several apartments on Booking.com, so check the others too if this one is taken.

From one review: “The view was amazing.”

See photos and book Hana Kai Maui #201 here.

Where not to stay on Maui?

Kahului and Wailuku are the island’s practical hub, with the airport, shopping centres and offices, but there’s no swimming beach and no holiday feel. I would only stay here on the first or last night if you have a very early morning flight. Lahaina isn’t a place to stay either while the town is being rebuilt, as there are almost no places to stay, and many of the houses are people’s homes that are being rebuilt.

Maalaea, between the west and south, is a small harbour town with the boat trips to Molokini, but it’s almost always windy and the beach isn’t good for swimming. Also be wary of cheap holiday homes in the middle of the island or high up in Upcountry if you dream of walking to the beach, and don’t stay a whole week in Hana, or you’ll spend all your days in the car.

If it’s your first trip to Maui, I would stay in Ka’anapali if you’re a family who wants everything within walking distance, and in Kihei if you want the most sunshine and the best value for money. If you want peace and snorkelling straight from the beach, choose Napili, and if it’s a honeymoon, Wailea is hard to beat. Pa’ia and Upcountry are for you if you’d rather have cafés, surfers and the volcano than a resort.

With a week on the island, I would split the stay in two: four or five nights on the west or south coast and one or two nights in Hana or Upcountry, so you don’t have to drive back and forth. Medical treatment in the USA is very expensive, so check your travel insurance before you go.

If you’re flying to Hawaii via the West Coast, a night in California can make the long journey easier, and you can use my guide to where to stay in Los Angeles. If Maui is the end of a longer trip, you’ll find the rest of the country in my guide to where to stay in the USA.

The post Where to Stay on Maui? The 6 Best Areas & Places to Stay appeared first on Destination Well Known.

That’s why the question of where to stay on Kauai matters more than it might seem. There’s no road around Na Pali, so the north coast and the west coast are a couple of hours’ drive apart. Here are my five picks for areas and hotels in several price ranges.

Where to Stay on Kauai: The Best Areas

• Poipu - best area for sunshine and a beach holiday
• Princeville & Hanalei - best area for nature and the Na Pali Coast
• Kapa’a & Wailua - best area for a central and cheaper base
• Lihue & Kalapaki Bay - best area for short stays and easy logistics
• Waimea - best area for Waimea Canyon and the west coast

Below, I go through the areas one at a time, from the south coast via the north and east coasts to the west side. The prices come from a search for a weekend in March for two people, and $1 is roughly £0.75. Many resorts in Hawaii add taxes and a daily resort fee on top of the price, so check the total before you book.

1. Poipu - best area for sunshine and a beach holiday ☀️

• 📍 Distance to the centre: Poipu is on the south coast, about 25 km south-west of Lihue, the island’s main town. The hotels are spread along Poipu Road and Pe’e Road, and from Poipu Beach Park it’s around a five-minute drive to Old Koloa Town.
• 🚗 Transport: You’ll need a hire car. Within Poipu you can walk between several of the beaches and restaurants, but the island’s buses run too infrequently for a holiday.
• ✈️ Time from Lihue Airport: About 25 to 30 minutes by car.
• 💰 Price level: $$$ to $$$$. The three places below came to roughly $430 to $1,410 (around £320 to £1,055) per night when I searched for a weekend in March.
• 👮 Safety: A safe resort area. Swim at beaches with lifeguards, such as Poipu Beach Park, and never leave valuables on show in the hire car at the beaches.

Poipu is Kauai’s classic holiday area, and if you want sunshine, a pool and a beach within walking distance, this is where I’d stay. The south coast is sheltered from the moist trade winds, so you usually get more sun and less rain than on the north coast, especially in winter. The centrepiece is Poipu Beach Park, where a shallow pool behind the reef is ideal for children, and where sea turtles and Hawaiian monk seals often haul out to rest on the sand.

The monk seal is an endangered species, and according to NOAA there are only around 1,600 left. Keep at least 15 metres away and respect the cordons around the seals. A little west of the beach, the sea shoots up through the lava rock at Spouting Horn, and nearby is Allerton Garden, which you can only enter on a guided tour booked in advance from the visitor centre in Lawai.

See hotels in Poipu here.

I’d choose Poipu for a honeymoon, a family holiday with plenty of pool time, or a week when you mostly want to relax. Old Koloa Town, just inland, has places to eat and small shops in wooden buildings from the sugar era, and it’s under half an hour to the airport, so you don’t waste your holiday in the car on the first and last day.

The downside is the price. Poipu and Princeville are the most expensive areas on the island, and food at the resorts costs the same as in a big American city. Several of the condo complexes are older and, according to guests, in need of a refresh, and it’s around two hours by car to Ke’e Beach on the north coast, where the Na Pali Coast begins. If you want to both sunbathe and hike on the north coast, split your stay in two.

Hotels in Poipu

Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa - large luxury resort with a saltwater pool and waterslide

The Grand Hyatt sits on the seafront at the eastern end of Poipu, about 1.5 km from Poipu Beach Park. The resort has several saltwater pools, a waterslide, a kids’ club, a spa and several restaurants, and guests give it top marks. It’s the most expensive hotel in this guide, and one guest complains that room service took two hours to bring dinner.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “The pools are the most wonderful I’ve ever swum in. Magical, relaxing and fun.”

See photos and book the Grand Hyatt Kauai here.

Kiahuna Plantation Resort Kauai by OUTRIGGER - apartments in a large garden right by the beach

Kiahuna Plantation is a beachfront apartment complex on Poipu Road, less than a kilometre from Poipu Beach Park. The apartments are set in a large, green garden with barbecues, a tennis court and free parking, and there are restaurants right by the complex. Several guests write that the apartments are worn and in need of renovation, so choose a newly refurbished one if that matters to you.

From a review: “Fantastic location, lovely rooms, friendly staff, and two of the island’s well-known restaurants are at the hotel.”

See photos and book Kiahuna Plantation here.

Poipu Plantation Vacation Rentals - simple apartments with air conditioning and free parking

Poipu Plantation is on Pe’e Road, just under a kilometre east of Poipu Beach Park, and has apartments with air conditioning, a garden, barbecues and free parking. It was the cheapest of my three suggestions in Poipu when I searched, and you can walk to the beach. There’s no pool, and one guest writes that the apartment was clean but worn.

One guest highlights: “The location suited our needs perfectly. Plenty of parking and lots of space for two people.”

See photos and book Poipu Plantation here.

2. Princeville & Hanalei - best area for nature and the Na Pali Coast 🌿

• 📍 Distance to the centre: Princeville is on the north shore, about 50 km north of Lihue. Hanalei is a few minutes’ drive west of Princeville, and from there it’s about 13 km to Ke’e Beach at the end of the road.
• 🚗 Transport: Hire car. The road towards Hanalei and Ha’ena crosses several narrow one-lane bridges that only fit one car at a time, so take it slowly.
• ✈️ Time from Lihue Airport: About 50 minutes to an hour by car, longer when there’s traffic through Kapa’a.
• 💰 Price level: $$ to $$$$. The three places below cost about $290 to $1,320 (around £215 to £990) per night when I searched for a weekend in March.
• 👮 Safety: In winter, the waves on the north shore can be deadly. Stay away from the Queen’s Bath rock pool and other lava ledges when the sea is rough, and only swim at calm beaches.

The north shore is the Kauai you’ve seen on postcards: green mountains with waterfalls, taro fields in Hanalei Valley and Hanalei Bay with its old pier from 1892. Princeville is a planned resort area on the cliffs east of the bay, with golf courses, condo complexes and the island’s most luxurious hotel, while Hanalei is a small surf town with places to eat, galleries and food trucks. Hanalei has almost nothing but holiday homes, so most people stay in Princeville and drive the five minutes down to town.

From here you’re closest to the Na Pali Coast. Ke’e Beach and the start of the Kalalau Trail are in Ha’ena State Park, where visitors who don’t live in Hawaii must book entry for $5 (around £4) per person and parking for $10 (around £7.50). Reservations open 30 days ahead and sell out quickly, so book as soon as you know your date. If the parking has gone, you can take a shuttle bus from Hanalei with entry included.

See hotels in Princeville and Hanalei here.

I’d stay here if you’re coming to hike, snorkel in summer and watch the sunset over Hanalei Bay. Anini Beach, between Princeville and Kilauea, is protected by a long reef and is one of the calmest swimming spots on the coast. The lighthouse at Kilauea Point is in a nature reserve with seabirds and, in winter, whales, and you need to book a ticket in advance.

The downsides are the weather and the distance. The north shore is the wettest part of the island, and from November to March you can get several days in a row of rain and big waves. It’s also a long way to Waimea Canyon, so if you’re only booking one hotel for the whole trip, Princeville is a poor choice for the west coast.

Hotels in Princeville & Hanalei

1 Hotel Hanalei Bay - five-star resort on the cliff above Hanalei Bay

1 Hotel Hanalei Bay is a five-star resort on the bluff at the western end of Princeville, with views over the bay and the mountains behind Hanalei. There’s a spa with a sauna and steam room, a heated pool with a pool bar and a kids’ club, and the beach is right below the hotel. Prices are high, and one guest felt the pool area was very crowded.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “A truly unreal location and setting. The view is incredible.”

See photos and book 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay here.

The Cliffs at Princeville - spacious apartments on the clifftop with sea views

The Cliffs is on Edward Road in the northern part of Princeville, where the apartments look out over the ocean. There’s a heated pool with a children’s pool, tennis courts, mini golf and a playground, and the apartments have kitchens, so you can save on eating out. One guest found the morning receptionist a bit cool, while the evening staff gave good tips on places to eat.

From one review: “Beautiful location with ocean views. The apartments were very well equipped.”

See photos and book The Cliffs at Princeville here.

Makai Club Resort - apartment hotel by the golf course at a reasonable price

Makai Club Resort sits by the Makai golf course in the middle of Princeville, with a pool, hot tub, barbecue and free parking. It was the cheapest of my three north shore suggestions when I searched, and its Booking.com score is high. You’re not on the water, and one guest missed having cutlery in the apartment, so ask what the kitchen includes if you plan to cook.

One guest highlights: “The hotel grounds are beautiful and well kept.”

See photos and book Makai Club Resort here.

3. Kapa’a & Wailua - best area for a central, cheaper base 🥥

• 📍 Distance to the centre: Kapa’a is on the east coast, about 15 km north of Lihue. Wailua and Waipouli continue on from the town to the south, and the hotels are spread out along Kuhio Highway.
• 🚗 Getting around: A hire car for trips around the island. Along the coast, you can walk or cycle the Ke Ala Hele Makalae path.
• ✈️ Time from Lihue Airport: About 15 to 25 minutes by car, depending on traffic.
• 💰 Price level: $$ to $$$. The three hotels below cost about $240 to $570 (around £180 to £425) per night when I searched for a weekend in March.
• 👮 Safety: Safe, but the sea on the east coast can be rough with strong currents. Only swim at sheltered beaches and keep an eye on the signs.

Kapa’a is Kauai’s largest town and the most practical base if you want to see both the north and the south from the same hotel. In my guide to where to stay in Hawaii, I’ve included three hotels at Coconut Marketplace, so here I’ve picked three others in Kapa’a itself and in Waipouli just to the south. The town has a small main street with wooden buildings, cafés, shave ice and food trucks, and it feels more local than the resort areas.

The Ke Ala Hele Makalae path runs along the sea, and you can walk or cycle it from Kapa’a north past Kealia Beach. You can hire bikes in town, and in the mornings the path is full of locals out running. Behind the town rises Nounou, known as the Sleeping Giant, with a short, steep hiking trail and views over the whole east coast.

See hotels in Kapa’a and Wailua here.

I’d choose Kapa’a if you have a week or more and plan to use the car, as it’s the same distance to Princeville and Poipu. The Wailua River south of town is popular for kayaking, and a guided kayak and hiking tour to Secret Falls costs from about $119 (around £90) per person.

The downsides are the traffic and the beaches. Kuhio Highway through Kapa’a is the island’s bottleneck, and at rush hour it can take a long time to get through. Many of the beaches are better for looking at than swimming from, and you won’t get the resort feel of Poipu. On the other hand, the hotels here are usually cheaper than in Poipu and Princeville, and you have supermarkets and places to eat at normal prices.

Hotels in Kapa’a & Wailua

Waipouli Beach Resort and Spa Kauai by OUTRIGGER - apartment resort with a saltwater pool and waterslide

Waipouli Beach Resort sits on the beach in Waipouli between Kapa’a and Wailua and is the most comfortable choice on this stretch of coast. The apartments have kitchens, and there’s a large saltwater pool with a waterslide, a spa, a gym and free parking. Cleaning only happens at check-out, so you’ll need to keep the apartment tidy yourself during your stay.

One guest writes briefly on Booking.com: “Fantastic. Highly recommended.”

See photos and book Waipouli Beach Resort here.

Hotel Coral Reef - older beachfront hotel in the middle of Kapa’a

Hotel Coral Reef is on the waterfront in the southern part of Kapa’a, so you can walk to the town’s restaurants and the coastal path. There’s a pool, a lift, free parking and soundproofed rooms. The building is older, which is also why the price is lower than at most other beachfront hotels.

From a review: “All the staff are friendly, helpful and efficient. They made us feel very welcome.”

See photos and book Hotel Coral Reef here.

THE ISO HOTEL, Trademark Collection by Wyndham - cheapest beachfront hotel on the east coast

The ISO is on the beach in Waipouli, right next to Waipouli Beach Resort, and has a pool, restaurant, bar and free parking. It was the cheapest of my three suggestions here when I searched, and it has over 1,200 reviews. Its score is a little lower than the other two, and one guest writes that the beach in front of the hotel is better for looking at than swimming from.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “We chose the hotel to celebrate our anniversary, and it turned out to be the perfect getaway.”

See photos and book THE ISO HOTEL here.

4. Lihue & Kalapaki Bay - best area for short stays and easy logistics ✈️

• 📍 Distance to the centre: You’re staying in Lihue, Kauai’s main town. Kalapaki Beach is by the harbour in Nawiliwili, around 3 km from the airport, and the town’s shops and museum are just a few minutes’ drive inland.
• 🚗 Transport: Hire car. The airport and the big rental companies are right next to town, so you can pick up the car on your way to the hotel.
• ✈️ Time from Lihue Airport: Around 5 to 10 minutes by car.
• 💰 Price level: $ to $$$. The three hotels below cost around $190 to $720 (roughly £140 to £540) per night when I searched for a weekend in March.
• 👮 Safety: Safe. It’s an ordinary town, so don’t leave valuables in the car, and choose a hotel at Kalapaki Bay rather than by the main roads if you want a holiday atmosphere.

Lihue isn’t the area you dream of when you think of Kauai, but it’s the most practical. Lihue Airport is just outside town, and it’s where almost every flight to the island lands. That makes Lihue a good choice for your first and last night if you land late or have an early flight, or if you only have two or three days on the island.

The best place to stay is Kalapaki Bay by the harbour in Nawiliwili. The bay is sheltered, so the water is usually calm enough for swimming and having a go at surfing, and the beach is surrounded by restaurants and shops. In town, Kauai Museum tells the story of the island’s history and the Hawaiian royal family, and admission costs $15 (around £11) for adults. The museum is closed on Sundays.

See hotels in Lihue and at Kalapaki Bay here.

Wailua Falls is only a quarter of an hour’s drive north of town, and the island’s sightseeing flights take off from the airport. A scenic flight over the Na Pali Coast and Waimea Canyon costs from around $155 (around £115) per person, and it’s the easiest way to see the parts of Na Pali you can’t drive to.

The downside is that Lihue is a working town with shopping centres, traffic and a harbour where cruise ships dock. Outside Kalapaki Bay you’ll be staying by the main roads, and there isn’t much going on in the evenings. On the other hand, you’ll find the island’s cheapest hotels here and the shortest trip to the airport, so I’d stay here for one or two nights.

Hotels in Lihue & Kalapaki Bay

The Royal Sonesta Kauai Resort Lihue - large resort right on Kalapaki Beach

Royal Sonesta sits right on Kalapaki Beach and has a large pool, a spa, several restaurants and a golf course right next door. The hotel runs a free airport shuttle, which is handy if you’re not picking up your hire car until the next day. One guest writes that the rooms aren’t cleaned every day, so ask at check-in how housekeeping works.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “The place is fantastic.”

See photos and book Royal Sonesta Kauai here.

Banyan Harbor Resort - large apartments with kitchens close to Kalapaki Beach

Banyan Harbor is on Wilcox Road above the harbour in Nawiliwili, around 500 metres from Kalapaki Beach. The apartments are large and have kitchens, and there’s a heated saltwater pool, a tennis court and barbecues. Several guests write that the complex is old and in need of renovation, and wi-fi may cost extra.

About the apartment, one guest writes: “Our apartment was huge! It has everything we needed.”

See photos and book Banyan Harbor Resort here.

Kauai Palms Hotel - simple, cheap motel in the middle of Lihue

Kauai Palms is a small motel-style hotel on Kalena Street in the middle of Lihue, around 2 km from Kalapaki Beach and a few minutes from the airport. There’s free parking and family rooms, but no pool. It’s the cheapest hotel in this guide and works well for a single night before or after your flight, but the rooms are small.

One guest highlights on Booking.com: “I love the hotel’s retro vibe. So clean.”

See photos and book Kauai Palms Hotel here.

5. Waimea - best area for Waimea Canyon and the west coast ⛰️

• 📍 Distance to the centre: Waimea is on the west coast, about 37 km west of Lihue. From here, Waimea Canyon Drive climbs up to the canyon, and to the west you’ll find Kekaha and the long beach at Polihale.
• 🚗 Transport: A hire car is essential. The town is small, and everything you’re coming for is up in the mountains or along the coast.
• ✈️ Time from Lihue Airport: About 45 to 60 minutes by car.
• 💰 Price level: $$ to $$$. The two places below cost around $340 to $650 (roughly £255 to £485) per night when I searched for a weekend in March.
• 👮 Safety: Quiet and safe. The road up to the canyon is steep and winding, so drive in daylight and fill up with fuel in town before you head up.

Waimea is a small, dusty town on the dry west side, and this is where you should stay if Waimea Canyon is the main reason for your trip. The canyon is known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific and, according to the Hawaii Tourism Authority, it’s about 22 km long and more than 1,000 metres deep. From Waimea you drive up Waimea Canyon Drive and reach the viewpoints before the day-trippers from Poipu and Kapa’a arrive.

Visitors who don’t live in Hawaii pay $5 (around £4) per person and $10 (around £7.50) for parking, and the ticket is also valid in Koke’e State Park further up. On clear days you can see all the way to the neighbouring island of Niihau from the canyon. Roads and viewpoints can be closed at times, so check the park’s website before you drive up. The town itself is historic, as it was at Waimea that Captain James Cook came ashore in 1778 as the first European in Hawaii.

See hotels in Waimea here.

The west coast is also the place for boat trips along the Na Pali Coast, as the boats leave from here or from Port Allen a little further east. A raft trip into the sea caves on the Na Pali Coast costs from about $225 (around £170) per person. On Fridays there’s an art night in the neighbouring town of Hanapepe, and Salt Pond Beach Park is a calm place for a swim.

The downside is the limited choice. Booking.com has only two proper hotels in Waimea, and few restaurants stay open in the evening. The north shore is around two hours away, so Waimea works best for two or three nights combined with another area. On the plus side, the evenings are quiet and prices are usually lower than in Poipu.

Hotels in Waimea

Waimea Plantation Cottages, a Coast Resort - old plantation cottages in a palm grove by the beach

Waimea Plantation Cottages is made up of old plantation houses with verandas, scattered through a coconut palm grove right by the beach at the western end of town. There’s a pool, restaurant, bar, barbecue and free parking. It’s a place with character rather than luxury, and one guest writes that some of the appliances are old and ought to be replaced.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “The staff were very helpful … they did everything to make sure we had the best possible stay.”

See photos and book Waimea Plantation Cottages here.

The West Inn Kauai - simple, clean hotel in the middle of Waimea

The West Inn is on the main road in the middle of Waimea, about 500 metres from Plantation Cottages, and has air conditioning, a barbecue and free parking. It’s a simple hotel without a pool, but guests give it a high score for cleanliness. The cockerels on the west coast crow early, so bring earplugs.

From a review: “The place was clean and had everything you need.”

See photos and book The West Inn Kauai here.

Where not to stay on Kauai?

I wouldn’t book a hotel on price alone without looking at the map. There’s no road around the Na Pali Coast, so it’s about two hours by car from Princeville to Waimea without traffic, and a cheap hotel at the wrong end of the island can quickly cost you a whole day of your holiday. Also avoid staying on the north shore from November to March if sunshine and swimming are your priority, as that’s the wettest season with the biggest waves.

In Lihue I’d avoid the motels along the main roads if you’re staying more than one night, and out in the far west, Kekaha and Polihale are too remote for a first trip. Holiday homes in Hanalei and Ha’ena can be a dream, but check that the owner has a permit for short-term rentals before you pay.

If you have a week, I’d split your stay in two: three nights in Princeville for Na Pali and Hanalei, and four nights in Poipu for sun and beaches, with a day trip to Waimea Canyon from the south coast. If you only want one hotel, choose Kapa’a, and if you’re travelling with children, the apartments in Poipu give you the most space for your money. Waimea is for those who want to hike and see the west coast, and Lihue is for your first and last night.

The car is the most important thing to book after the hotel, because without it you won’t get anywhere. Find a hire car in Lihue here, and book well ahead, as cars can sell out in high season. If you’re combining Kauai with one of the other islands, see my guide to where to stay in the USA, and if you’re coming via the West Coast, I also have a guide to where to stay in Los Angeles. Remember travel insurance that covers illness in the USA too, as medical bills are expensive over there.

The post Where to Stay on Kauai? The 5 Best Areas & Places to Stay appeared first on Destination Well Known.

That’s why choosing where to stay in San Diego matters so much. Do you want to go out in the evening, hit the beach in the morning or have peace and quiet for the kids? Here are my six suggestions for areas and three hotels in each, from luxury to budget.

Where to Stay in San Diego: The Best Areas

• Gaslamp Quarter & Downtown - best area for first-time visitors and nightlife
• Little Italy - best area for food-loving couples
• La Jolla - best area for luxury and seaside nature
• Pacific Beach & Mission Beach - best area for young travellers, surfing and beach life
• Coronado - best area for families and beach holidays
• Old Town - best area for history and good prices

Below, I go through the areas one by one with a map, transport, price level and three hotels in each. The prices come from a search for a weekend in April for two people, and they rise noticeably during the summer holidays and the big conventions at the Convention Center. $1 is roughly 75p.

1. Gaslamp Quarter & Downtown - best area for first-time visitors and nightlife

• Distance to the centre: You’re right in the middle of Downtown. It’s about a 15-minute walk to the waterfront at Seaport Village and 10 minutes to Petco Park.
• Transport: The trolley stops at Gaslamp Quarter and Fifth Avenue, and from here you can reach Old Town, Little Italy and the border at San Ysidro without a car.
• Time from San Diego International Airport: About 10 minutes by taxi. Bus 992 takes about 20 minutes to Broadway & Kettner, and then you walk the rest.
• Price level: $$ to $$$$. The three hotels below cost around $210 to $390 (around £155 to £290) per night when I searched for a weekend in April.
• Safety: Gaslamp is lively and feels safe in the evening, but there are a lot of homeless people in Downtown, especially in East Village east of Petco Park. Stick to well-lit streets late at night.

The Gaslamp Quarter is Downtown’s historic district, with Victorian buildings from the late 1800s, and today it’s around 16 blocks of restaurants, rooftop bars and nightclubs on Fifth Avenue and Fourth Avenue. At the southern end is Petco Park, home of the San Diego Padres baseball team, and behind the stadium the waterfront begins with the Convention Center and the promenade along the water.

Staying here, you can walk to almost everything in the city centre. Follow the harbour north past Seaport Village and you’ll reach the aircraft carrier USS Midway, and if you want to see the city from the water, you can take a harbour cruise on San Diego Bay from around $37 (around £28). Balboa Park lies about 2.5 km north-east of the district and, at 1,200 acres (just under 500 hectares), is the city’s great green space with museums, gardens and San Diego Zoo.

See hotels in the Gaslamp Quarter here.

I’d stay here if it’s your first trip to San Diego, if you’re coming without a car, or if you want to go out in the evenings. A single ticket for the trolley and bus costs $3 (around £2.25), and if you pay by card or phone, the fare is capped at $7 (around £5.25) a day. The downside is the noise. On Fridays and Saturdays, Fifth Avenue is packed with stag dos, hen parties and celebrations, so choose a hotel a little away from the main street or a room high up if you want to sleep.

Also bear in mind that parking costs $45 to $70 (around £35 to £50) per night at Downtown hotels, and that many of the big hotels add a daily destination fee on top of the price. If you have a hire car, wait to pick it up until the day you leave the city.

Hotels in the Gaslamp Quarter & Downtown

Omni San Diego Hotel at the Ballpark - luxury hotel with a rooftop pool right by Petco Park

The Omni is on L Street at the southern end of the Gaslamp Quarter, a five-minute walk from Petco Park, and it had the highest rating of the hotels in the area in my search. There’s a rooftop pool with double sun loungers and private cabanas, a spa, a gym and a restaurant. On the other hand, you pay a destination fee of $28 (around £21) per night and $70 (around £52) for parking.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “Fantastic hotel with friendly and helpful staff.”

See photos and book the Omni San Diego here.

Gaslamp Plaza Suites - historic hotel from 1913 in the heart of the district

Gaslamp Plaza Suites is on E Street in a building from 1913 with marble walls and the original staircases, and there’s a roof terrace. You’re right in the middle of Gaslamp, and the price is reasonable for the location. There’s no pool, and several guests mention that the building is old and in need of an update.

From one review: “The staff were amazing.”

See photos and book Gaslamp Plaza Suites here.

Comfort Inn Gaslamp Convention Center - simple chain hotel with breakfast in the eastern part

The Comfort Inn is on G Street on the eastern edge of the Gaslamp Quarter, a few minutes’ walk from Fifth Avenue. Breakfast is included, and it was the cheapest of my three picks in the area when I searched. The rooms are small, and parking costs $50 (around £37) per night, so it makes most sense if you’re coming without a car.

One guest highlights: “The location is very convenient, breakfast was good, and there are plenty of restaurants and bars around.”

See photos and book the Comfort Inn Gaslamp here.

2. Little Italy - best area for food-loving couples

• Distance to the centre: Little Italy sits in the north-western part of Downtown. It’s about a 20-minute walk to the Gaslamp Quarter and 10 minutes to the waterfront.
• Transport: The trolley stops at County Center/Little Italy, and Santa Fe Depot, with trains to Los Angeles, is at the southern end of the neighbourhood.
• Time from San Diego International Airport: Around 5 to 10 minutes by taxi. The airport is just across the bay.
• Price level: $$ to $$$$. The three hotels below cost around $220 to $405 (roughly £165 to £305) per night when I searched for a weekend in April.
• Safety: One of the safest neighbourhoods in Downtown, with lots of people out on the streets until late. You may see homeless people around the trolley station and along the motorway to the east.

Little Italy was once home to San Diego’s Italian tuna fishermen, and today it’s the city’s best neighbourhood for food. India Street and Kettner Boulevard are packed with pizzerias, pasta restaurants, wine bars and gelato shops, and in the evenings people sit by the fountain on Piazza della Famiglia. On Saturdays the Mercato market spreads across several blocks with fruit, flowers and street food, and it’s worth getting up for.

The neighbourhood is also close to the water. Head down Grape Street and you’ll reach Waterfront Park and the harbour promenade, and from here it’s about a 15-minute walk south to the USS Midway. The aircraft carrier is now a museum, and an adult ticket costs $39 (around £30) online. The museum itself recommends setting aside four to five hours, and it’s open daily from 10am to 5pm.

See hotels in Little Italy here.

I’d stay here if you’re a couple travelling for the food, or if you have an early flight, as no other area in this guide is as close to the airport. If you’re arriving by train from Los Angeles, you’ll also get off just a few minutes’ walk from your hotel. The trolley is right on your doorstep, and if you want to go to Gaslamp in the evening, a taxi is cheap, or you can walk along the harbour in half an hour.

The downside is the planes. Little Italy lies directly under the approach to the airport, so planes fly low over the neighbourhood throughout the day, which surprises a lot of people. Prices are also high and parking is expensive, so ideally come without a car and only hire one when you’re heading out of the city.

Hotels in Little Italy

Carte Hotel San Diego Downtown, Curio Collection by Hilton - modern hotel with a rooftop pool and bar

Carte Hotel is on West Ash Street at the southern edge of Little Italy, with a heated saltwater pool on the roof. There’s also a spa, sauna and gym, and the rooms are new and bright. Expect a destination fee of $30 (around £22) per night and $65 (around £50) for valet parking, and some guests find the beds too soft.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “The location was excellent. The hotel is clean and modern with good facilities and great staff.”

See photos and book Carte Hotel here.

Best Western Plus Bayside Inn - highly rated hotel with cheap parking

Best Western Plus Bayside Inn is on West Ash Street between Little Italy and the waterfront, and it had the highest rating of the three hotels in the neighbourhood in my search. There’s a heated outdoor pool, hot tub and gym, and parking costs just $20 (around £15) per night. A few guests complain that the hotel puts a large deposit hold on your card at check-in.

From one review: “Great location (close to the harbour and Downtown).”

See photos and book Bayside Inn here.

Little Italy Inn - simple aparthotel in the heart of the neighbourhood

Little Italy Inn is on State Street in the middle of Little Italy. It’s an aparthotel with limited service, a 24-hour reception and a gym. It was the cheapest of my three suggestions here when I searched. There’s no restaurant or pool, and parking costs $35 (around £25) per night and must be booked in advance.

One guest highlights: “It had everything I needed for a short, no-frills stay.”

See photos and book Little Italy Inn here.

3. La Jolla - best area for luxury and seaside nature

• Distance to the centre: La Jolla is about 20 km north of Downtown. By car it takes 25 to 30 minutes outside rush hour.
• Transport: A car is by far the easiest option out here. Bus 30 runs to Old Town and Pacific Beach, but it takes a while, and parking in La Jolla Village is hard to find.
• Time from San Diego International Airport: About 25 minutes by car or taxi.
• Price level: $$ to $$$$$. The three hotels below cost roughly $220 to $770 (around £165 to £575) per night when I searched for a weekend in April.
• Safety: One of the safest and most attractive areas in the whole of San Diego. Watch out for the slippery rocks by the water, and keep your distance from the sea lions.

La Jolla is San Diego’s upmarket coastal town, with villas on the hills, galleries and restaurants along Prospect Street and Girard Avenue, and a coastline that ranks among the most beautiful in California. La Jolla Cove is a small beach tucked between sandstone cliffs and part of a protected marine reserve, so fishing is banned and the water is popular with snorkellers and divers. In summer, according to the city’s lifeguards, visibility can exceed 9 metres.

Sea lions bask on the rocks around Point La Jolla, and a little further south the seals have taken over Children’s Pool. If you want to get really close to the coast, you can join a kayak tour to the seven sea caves at La Jolla from about $79 (around £60) for two people. North of the town lies La Jolla Shores, with a wide sandy beach that is better for children and beginner surfers.

See hotels in La Jolla here.

I would stay here if you are a couple who want to treat yourselves, or if your trip to San Diego is mainly about the coast, the beach and good dinners. You should have a car, and you can compare prices on car hire at Booking.com, which also lets you drive north to Torrey Pines or further up the coast towards Los Angeles. Without a car, you will end up spending a lot on taxis to Downtown.

The downside is the price, as La Jolla is the most expensive area in this guide, and even simple hotels cost more than in Downtown. Then there is the smell. The rocks at La Jolla Cove are covered in droppings from sea lions and seabirds, so on hot days there can be a strong smell down by the water.

Hotels in La Jolla

Pantai Inn - five-star boutique hotel with sea views on Coast Boulevard

Pantai Inn is on Coast Boulevard close to Children’s Pool, a few minutes’ walk from La Jolla Cove and the town’s restaurants. The rooms and cottages are decorated in Balinese style, many have a kitchen and views over the Pacific, and breakfast is included. There is no pool, and parking costs $30 (around £22) per night.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “The location is fantastic. Breakfast included and friendly staff.”

See photos and book Pantai Inn here.

Inn by the Sea, La Jolla - mid-range hotel with a pool in the heart of La Jolla Village

Inn by the Sea is on Fay Avenue in the middle of La Jolla Village, about a ten-minute walk down to La Jolla Cove. There is an outdoor pool and a 24-hour reception, and the rating is high for the price. Parking costs $20 (around £15) per night, and parking is exactly what several guests are unhappy about.

From one review: “Nice, clean hotel with very helpful and polite staff, and the location was fantastic.”

See photos and book Inn by the Sea here.

Sands of La Jolla - budget motel with free parking in the southern part

Sands of La Jolla is on La Jolla Boulevard at the southern end of La Jolla towards Pacific Beach, about 4 km from La Jolla Cove. There is a pool and free parking, and it was the cheapest of my three suggestions here when I searched. You will need a car or the bus to get around, and a few guests complain about poor soundproofing between the floors.

One guest highlights: “Fantastic location, spacious room with parking.”

See photos and book Sands of La Jolla here.

4. Pacific Beach & Mission Beach - best area for young travellers, surfing and beach life

• Distance to the centre: Pacific Beach is around 15 km north-west of Downtown, and Mission Beach is just to the south. It takes about 20 minutes by car.
• Transport: Buses 8 and 30 run to Old Town Transit Center, where you change to the trolley. Along the beach you can get around on foot, by bike or by scooter.
• Time from San Diego International Airport: About 15 to 20 minutes by car or taxi.
• Price level: $$ to $$$$. The three hotels below cost around $230 to $460 (around £170 to £345) per night when I searched for a weekend in April.
• Safety: Safe during the day, but Garnet Avenue can get drunken and rowdy at night. Lock up bikes and surfboards, and never leave anything visible in the car.

Pacific Beach, which everyone calls PB, is San Diego’s classic beach town, with surfers, students and a nightlife that kicks off as early as the afternoon. In the middle of the beach, Crystal Pier stretches out into the ocean with little white cottages on the pier itself, and from there you can watch the surfers from above. Along the water runs Ocean Front Walk, a promenade for cyclists, walkers and rollerskaters, which carries on south to Mission Beach. In the mornings there are surf schools on the beach by the pier, and the waves here are good for beginners.

Mission Beach is a narrow peninsula between the Pacific Ocean and Mission Bay, with beach houses right down to the sand. This is where you’ll find the Belmont Park amusement park with its old wooden rollercoaster, the Giant Dipper, and on the bay side the water is calm and good for kayaking, paddleboarding and small children. SeaWorld is on the other side of Mission Bay, about ten minutes away by car.

See hotels in Pacific Beach here.

I would stay here if you’re young, want to learn to surf or simply want the beach right outside the door and a bar within walking distance. It’s also a good choice for a week in the summer holidays with older children, if you pick a hotel at the quieter end by Mission Bay. Many hotels have free or cheap parking, so it’s easier to have a car here than in Downtown.

The downside is the partying. On Fridays and Saturdays Garnet Avenue fills up with young people bar-hopping, and hotels nearby can get noisy. Also remember that alcohol is banned on the beaches and in the parks along the coast, so the drinks belong in the bars and on the terraces.

Hotels in Pacific Beach & Mission Beach

Pacific Terrace Hotel - luxury hotel right on the beach with a pool and ocean views

Pacific Terrace is on Diamond Street, right on the beach and promenade in the northern part of Pacific Beach, and it has the highest rating of all the hotels in this guide. There’s a pool and hot tub just above the sand, and some of the rooms have ocean views. Breakfast isn’t included, parking costs $45 (around £35) per night, and some guests find the service at the pool and at breakfast a bit chaotic.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “The location is excellent. Exceptionally helpful and friendly staff.”

See photos and book Pacific Terrace here.

Beach Haven - simple hotel with a pool one block from the beach

Beach Haven is on Mission Boulevard, just one block from the beach and a few minutes’ walk from Crystal Pier and Garnet Avenue. There’s a heated pool and hot tub, and parking costs just $10 (around £7.50) a day. The soundproofing is poor, and several guests mention noise from the street and neighbouring rooms.

From one review: “Excellent location in Pacific Beach, and the staff are so friendly and helpful.”

See photos and book Beach Haven here.

Pacific Shores Inn - budget motel with free parking close to the beach

Pacific Shores Inn is on Mission Boulevard in the northern part of Pacific Beach, about a two-minute walk from the beach. There’s a pool and free parking, and it was the cheapest of my three suggestions here when I searched. It’s a simple motel with no restaurant, and several guests say there was no breakfast, even though they had expected it.

One guest highlights: “Nice, clean rooms and a comfy bed.”

See photos and book Pacific Shores Inn here.

5. Coronado - best area for families and beach holidays

• Distance to the centre: Coronado sits on a peninsula directly opposite Downtown. Over the Coronado Bridge, it’s around 15 minutes by car to the Gaslamp Quarter.
• Transport: The ferry runs from Coronado Ferry Landing to Broadway Pier and the Convention Center in 15 minutes, and bus 901 crosses the bridge to Downtown.
• Time from San Diego International Airport: Around 15 to 20 minutes by car or taxi.
• Price level: $$ to $$$$$. The three hotels below cost around $220 to $790 (roughly £165 to £590) per night when I searched for a weekend in April.
• Safety: Very safe. Coronado is a small, affluent town with a naval base, and the streets are quiet in the evening.

Coronado feels like a little American holiday town straight out of a film. Orange Avenue is the main street, lined with cafés, ice cream shops and restaurants, and at the end of it lies Coronado Beach, a wide sandy beach where the sand sparkles with tiny flecks of mica. Towering over the beach is the white and red Hotel del Coronado from 1888, and even if you’re not staying there, you can pop in to see the lobby or have a drink on the terrace.

The best way to get to Downtown is by ferry. Coronado Ferry sails from Ferry Landing on the bay side to Broadway Pier every hour and to the Convention Center every half hour, and a single ticket costs from $9 (around £7). The crossing takes 15 minutes, and you get the city skyline thrown in for free. On Coronado, you can hire a bike and ride around the flat streets and the paths along the bay.

See hotels in Coronado here.

I’d stay here if you’re a family with younger children who want a big, safe beach and a quiet place to come back to in the evening. It’s also a good choice for the last few days of a road trip, when you just want to relax. If you’re planning to visit San Diego Zoo or SeaWorld, a car is easiest, but for Downtown the ferry does the job perfectly.

The downsides are the price and the distance. Coronado is expensive and there isn’t much nightlife, so if you want to go out in the evening, you’ll need to take the ferry or a taxi back to the city. Naval Air Station North Island is on the northern tip, so you’ll hear jets and helicopters during the day.

Hotels in Coronado

Hotel del Coronado, Curio Collection by Hilton - the famous Victorian beach hotel from 1888

Hotel del Coronado sits right on Coronado Beach and is one of the best-known hotels in the USA, with red roofs, turrets and a pool facing the ocean. There’s a spa, several restaurants and a kids’ club, and many rooms have sea views. It’s the most expensive hotel in this guide, parking costs $59 (around £45) per night or $79 (around £60) with valet, and guests mention that eating at the hotel is also very pricey.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “A wonderful hotel and a wonderful experience all round.”

See photos and book Hotel del Coronado here.

Glorietta Bay Inn - quiet mid-range hotel right opposite the Hotel del

Glorietta Bay Inn is on Glorietta Boulevard by Glorietta Bay, directly opposite Hotel del Coronado, and costs less than half the price of its neighbour. There’s a heated pool and a hot tub, and it’s a few minutes’ walk to the beach and Orange Avenue. Some guests feel the rooms could do with an update.

From one review: “The staff were superb, very friendly and helpful.”

See photos and book Glorietta Bay Inn here.

Cherokee Lodge - small, personal bed and breakfast in Coronado Village

Cherokee Lodge is on D Avenue in a residential area in the middle of Coronado, a few minutes’ walk from Orange Avenue and around ten minutes from the beach. It’s a small place with a shared lounge and beach chairs you can borrow, and it was the cheapest of my three suggestions here when I searched. The rooms are small, and there’s only street parking.

One guest highlights: “The place feels like staying in someone’s home.”

See photos and book Cherokee Lodge here.

6. Old Town - best area for history and good prices

• Distance to the centre: Old Town is about 5 km north of Downtown. By trolley it takes about 10 minutes to Little Italy and 20 minutes to the Gaslamp Quarter.
• Transport: Old Town Transit Center brings together the trolley, buses, the Coaster commuter train and the Pacific Surfliner from Los Angeles. The I-5 and I-8 motorways cross right next to it.
• Time from San Diego International Airport: About 10 minutes by car. The free San Diego Flyer bus runs from both terminals straight to Old Town Transit Center.
• Price level: $ to $$$. The three hotels below cost about 190 to 310 dollars (around £140 to £230) per night when I searched for a weekend in April.
• Safety: Safe and quiet. It goes quiet in the evening once the restaurants close, and you may see the odd homeless person around the station.

Old Town is where San Diego, and with it California, began. The Spanish founded the first mission and the first fort in California here in 1769, and today Old Town San Diego State Historic Park has five original adobe houses and a number of reconstructed buildings from the Mexican and early American periods. The museums are open from 10am to 5pm, and parking is free for up to four hours.

Around the park you’ll find Mexican restaurants, margarita bars and shops selling ceramics and rugs, and in the evening there’s often mariachi music on the terraces. It’s easy to get around from here, as the free San Diego Flyer runs between the airport and Old Town Transit Center, and you can take the trolley into Downtown or the bus out to Pacific Beach. Mission Bay and SeaWorld are about ten minutes away by car, and in Mission Valley, a little further inland, is Mission San Diego de Alcalá, California’s first mission, which was moved here from the hill above Old Town in 1774.

See hotels in Old Town here.

I’d stay here if you have a car and want the most for your money, or if you’re on a road trip and only staying a night or two. The hotels are cheaper than on the coast and in Downtown, and parking typically costs half as much. Families also get a lot out of being close to SeaWorld, San Diego Zoo and the beaches.

The downside is that Old Town is small, and once you’ve seen the park and eaten at a Mexican restaurant, there isn’t much more. The hotels are close to the motorways, so choose a room away from the I-5 if you’re a light sleeper.

Hotels in Old Town

Best Western Plus Hacienda Hotel Old Town - Spanish-style hotel with a free airport shuttle

Hacienda Hotel is on Harney Street right next to the State Historic Park and is built in Spanish style on the slope above the park, with a pool, restaurant and bar. There’s a free shuttle to and from the airport, and parking costs just 15 dollars (around £11) per night. The rooms are dated, and because the hotel sits on a hill with lots of stairs, it isn’t easy for everyone to get around.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “I liked the location and the atmosphere of the hotel.”

See photos and book Hacienda Hotel Old Town here.

Courtyard San Diego Old Town - modern chain hotel close to the trolley

Courtyard is on Jefferson Street, a few minutes’ walk from Old Town Transit Center and the park. There’s an outdoor pool, restaurant and bar, and guests praise the size of the rooms. Parking costs 32 dollars (around £24) per night, and a few guests have complained about a bad smell in the corridors.

From one review: “Good-sized room and bathroom, good location, and the room is clean.”

See photos and book Courtyard Old Town here.

Old Town Western Inn - cheap, clean motel by the State Historic Park

Old Town Western Inn is on Arista Street right by the park and the restaurants, and is a simple motel with breakfast and parking for 15 dollars (around £11) per night. It was the cheapest hotel in the whole guide when I searched, and guests particularly praise the cleaning. The breakfast room is small, so you’ll often have to wait for a seat in the morning.

One guest highlights: “The cleanest hotel ever. Fantastic, and a really good location.”

See photos and book Old Town Western Inn here.

Where not to stay in San Diego?

Hotel Circle in Mission Valley is packed with cheap chain hotels along the I-8 motorway, but there’s no reason to step outside, and you’ll need a car for everything. The same goes for the Midway District on Sports Arena Boulevard, where the motels are cheap but the area is dreary with nothing to see. In Downtown, avoid the cheapest hotels in the eastern part of East Village, where many homeless people live on the pavements and the streets can feel unsafe after dark.

Don’t stay far inland in suburbs such as Mira Mesa or El Cajon to save money either. What you’ve come for is the ocean, the harbour and the beaches, and you’ll spend what you save on petrol, parking and time in traffic.

If it’s your first trip to San Diego and you don’t have a car, I’d stay in the Gaslamp Quarter or Little Italy and take the ferry, trolley and bus out to everything else. If you’re a couple with money to treat yourselves, choose La Jolla, and if you’re travelling with young children, Coronado is the easiest choice. Pacific Beach is for those who want surf, sand and bars, and Old Town is for those who have a car and want to save money.

Many people combine San Diego with Los Angeles. The Pacific Surfliner train runs along the coast to Santa Fe Depot by Little Italy in about three hours, and my guide to where to stay in Los Angeles and my suggestions for things to do in Los Angeles will help you with that part of the trip. If you’re carrying on north, I’ve also written about where to stay in San Francisco, and about where to stay in Las Vegas if you’re driving out into the desert. And if you’re planning a bigger road trip, you’ll find the best places across the whole country in my guide to where to stay in the USA.

The post Where to Stay in San Diego? The 6 Best Areas & Places to Stay appeared first on Destination Well Known.

Here are my recommendations for 15 places to stay in the United States, from the big cities on the East Coast through the Deep South and the national parks of the Southwest to California and Hawaii. For each place I’ve picked three hotels in different price ranges, so you can put together your own route.

Where to Stay in the United States: The Best Places

• New York - best city for first-timers and big-city life
• Boston - best city for history and a calmer big city
• Washington D.C. - best city for free museums and monuments
• Chicago - best city for architecture and a lakeside big city
• Nashville - best city for live music and a country vibe
• New Orleans - best city for jazz, food and Southern atmosphere
• Miami - best city for beaches and art deco
• Orlando - best base for theme parks and families
• Las Vegas - best city for shows, casinos and starting a road trip
• Grand Canyon - best base for the most famous canyon
• Zion National Park - best base for hiking in Utah
• Los Angeles - best area for beaches and Hollywood
• San Diego - best city for a laid-back seaside city break
• San Francisco - best city for hills, cable cars and the Golden Gate
• Hawaii - best place for a beach holiday and volcanic islands

I go through the places in the order many people travel: first the East Coast, then the South and Florida, then the desert and national parks of the Southwest, and finally the West Coast and Hawaii. For each place you get a map, transport from the airport and three places to stay: the most expensive first, then a mid-range option and finally one for a smaller budget. Where I’ve worked out a driving time myself, I’ve noted that it’s an estimate.

Pick one or two parts of the country per trip. On the East Coast you can easily manage without a car, as New York, Boston and Washington D.C. are linked by train and the cities have metro systems. In the Southwest it’s the other way round. There’s almost no public transport between Las Vegas, the Grand Canyon and Zion, so here you’ll need to hire a car. Between regions you fly domestically, which is often both cheaper and quicker than driving.

Two practical points apply wherever you go. As a British traveller you need an approved travel authorisation before you fly, and you apply for it on the official ESTA website in good time. Only use the official site, as there are lots of private sites that charge extra for the same thing. Also note that many American hotels add a mandatory resort fee or destination fee on top of the room rate. It’s often paid at the hotel, so factor it in when you compare prices. One dollar is roughly £0.75.

1. New York - best city for first-time visitors and big-city life

• Distance to the centre: The map shows Times Square in the middle of Manhattan. All three hotels are in Midtown, no more than about a kilometre from the square.
• Transport: The subway and your own two feet. The subway runs around the clock, and you pay by tapping your bank card or phone on the reader at the entrance.
• Time from the airport: About an hour from JFK to Midtown by AirTrain and subway or train. From Newark and LaGuardia it’s roughly the same. That’s an estimate, and if you take a taxi the time depends heavily on the traffic.
• Price level: $$$ to $$$$. New York is one of the most expensive cities in the United States to stay in, and rooms in the cheaper categories are small.
• Safety: Midtown is busy and feels safe. Watch out for pickpockets in the crowds on Times Square, and remember that the costumed characters on the square expect a tip for a photo.

Most trips to the United States begin in New York, and the city is enough for a whole holiday on its own. On a first visit I’d give it four to five nights. That way you’ll get to Central Park, Brooklyn Bridge, a Broadway show and a trip up one of the skyscrapers without rushing around, and you’ll get over the jet lag before the rest of your trip begins.

I’ve picked three hotels in Midtown, because it’s the most practical place to stay the first time. From here you can walk to Times Square, Fifth Avenue and Rockefeller Center, and almost every subway line stops nearby. If you’d rather stay on the Lower East Side, in SoHo or in Brooklyn, I’ve written a full guide on where to stay in New York, as well as a guide to things to see in New York.

See hotels in New York here.

New York has three major airports. From JFK you take the AirTrain to Jamaica and change to the subway or a commuter train, and you’ll find the best way to do it in my guide to getting from JFK Airport to Manhattan. If you land at Newark or LaGuardia, you can read about getting from Newark and LaGuardia to Manhattan.

Expect small rooms and high prices, especially at weekends and in December, when the city is packed with Christmas visitors. Book well ahead and check the room size in the description. If there are two of you with large suitcases, 18-20 square metres is the smallest I’d go for.

Hotels in New York

The Langham, New York, Fifth Avenue - five-star hotel with large rooms on Fifth Avenue

The Langham is on Fifth Avenue, a few blocks from the Empire State Building and Bryant Park. It’s a five-star hotel with a restaurant, bar, gym and 24-hour concierge, and the rooms are large by New York standards. The smallest are 39 square metres, and many are 46.

This is my pick if you want space and peace in the middle of Manhattan. Breakfast is only included in the rates that say so, and guests mention that the lobby is small with few places to sit. The price is high, but you get almost twice as much space as at most hotels around Times Square.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “The hotel is perfectly located, and the staff are exceptionally well trained.”

See photos and book The Langham, New York, Fifth Avenue here.

The Mayfair Hotel Times Square - four-star hotel in the Theater District just north of Times Square

The Mayfair Hotel is on 49th Street in the Theater District, a few minutes’ walk from Times Square and close to the subway. It’s a four-star hotel with a 24-hour reception and concierge, but no restaurant.

Here you’re paying for the location. The smallest rooms are just 10 square metres, and a standard double with a king-size bed is just under 19, so choose the larger category if there are two of you. Breakfast isn’t included, and a destination fee of just under 30 dollars (around £22) per night is added on top of the price. Guests praise the location and the cleanliness, but many mention the small rooms.

One guest says on Booking.com: “The location was perfect, very close to Times Square and just a short way down the street from a subway station.”

See photos and book The Mayfair Hotel Times Square here.

Pod Times Square - three-star hotel with small, clever rooms and a rooftop terrace

Pod Times Square is on 42nd Street at Ninth Avenue, about 600 metres west of Times Square. It’s a three-star hotel with a bar and terrace, and the rooms are designed as small cabins that make clever use of the space.

A Queen Pod is 12 square metres, and there are also rooms with bunk beds. It suits you if you’re out all day and just need a clean bed close to the subway. Breakfast isn’t included, and there’s a small facility fee per night. Guests praise the cleanliness and the helpful staff, but also mention that the rooms are very small.

One guest writes about their stay on Booking.com: “The location was fantastic, close to Times Square and the subway station and to local shops and restaurants.”

See photos and book Pod Times Square here.

2. Boston - best city for history and a calmer big-city break

• Distance to the centre: The map shows Boston Common, the city’s big park and the start of the Freedom Trail. The three hotels are no more than about a kilometre away.
• Transport: The city is small enough to explore on foot, and the metro, known as the T, takes care of the rest. For Cambridge and Harvard, take the Red Line.
• Time from the airport: Logan Airport is close to the centre. The Silver Line SL1 is free from the airport and runs to South Station. Allow 20-30 minutes. That’s an estimate.
• Price level: $$$ to $$$$. Boston is expensive, especially at weekends and in the autumn half-term holidays.
• Safety: A safe city. The centre and the harbour are lively in the evening, and Boston Common is best crossed while it’s still light.

Boston is one of the oldest cities in the United States and one of the easiest to visit. You’ll find red-brick houses, a harbour and plenty of history from the time when the American colonies rebelled against the British. The Freedom Trail is a red line in the pavement that leads you about four kilometres through the city, past churches, burial grounds and meeting houses from that era.

The city makes a good stop between New York and Washington D.C., or works as the first or last city on an East Coast trip. Two to three nights is enough for most people. With an extra day, you can cross the river to Cambridge to see Harvard and MIT, or take a trip out to Cape Cod in the summer.

See hotels in Boston here.

Getting in from the airport is easy. According to the city’s transport authority, the Silver Line SL1 is always free from Logan Airport, and the bus stops at every terminal. Between New York and Boston, take the train, which is far more relaxing than driving yourself. Allow about four hours, but check the timetable, as the fastest trains cost more.

I’ve picked hotels in Downtown and by the harbour, because from here you can walk to most things. If you’d rather stay in Back Bay, in Seaport or near Fenway Park, I’ve written a whole guide on where to stay in Boston. Book early if you’re coming in September or October, when the many autumn visitors push prices up.

Hotels in Boston

Boston Harbor Hotel - five-star hotel with a pool and harbour views

Boston Harbor Hotel sits on Rowes Wharf right by the water, and it’s the big arch facing the harbour that you see in so many photos of Boston. It’s a five-star hotel with a restaurant, bar, indoor pool, sauna and spa.

The rooms are large, with the smallest measuring 46 square metres. This is my pick if you’re celebrating something or simply want to stay with a view over the harbour. Breakfast isn’t included in most rates, and guests mention that room service is expensive.

One delighted guest writes on Booking.com: “The hospitality was absolutely top-notch. The food was fantastic, and the view was breathtaking.”

See photos and book Boston Harbor Hotel here.

Omni Parker House - historic four-star hotel on the Freedom Trail

Omni Parker House is on School Street in Downtown, about 300 metres from Boston Common and right on the Freedom Trail. It’s one of the oldest hotels in the United States and has a restaurant, bar and gym.

This is the hotel for you if you want to stay somewhere historic and walk everywhere. Room sizes vary a lot, from a small single room of 8 square metres to large rooms of over 40, so read the description before you book. Breakfast costs extra, and a resort fee of about $35 (around £25) per night is added on top of the price. Some guests feel the rooms are small for the price.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “The hotel was ideal for everything there is to see and do in Boston.”

See photos and book Omni Parker House here.

HI Boston Hostel - large, modern hostel with private rooms and free breakfast

HI Boston Hostel is on Stuart Street between Chinatown and the Theatre District, about 400 metres from Boston Common. There are both dorms and private rooms, plus a shared kitchen, a lounge and a lift.

It’s the cheapest of my three suggestions and a good choice in an expensive city. Breakfast is free, and the hostel organises walking tours and other group activities. Go for a private room if there are two of you and you want some peace and quiet. Guests mention that the facilities could do with an update.

One guest writes on Booking.com after their stay: “Very pleasantly surprised by how good this place is. Definitely recommended.”

See photos and book HI Boston Hostel here.

3. Washington D.C. - best city for free museums and monuments

• Distance to the centre: The map shows the National Mall, the long lawn between the Capitol and the Lincoln Memorial. The three hotels are around one to two kilometres north of it.
• Transport: The Metro and your own two feet. The monuments are spread over several kilometres, so wear comfortable shoes or hire a bike.
• Time from the airport: From Reagan National Airport (DCA), the Metro takes around 20 minutes into the city. From Dulles (IAD), the Metro takes about an hour. Both times are estimates.
• Price level: $$ to $$$$. Hotels are most expensive on weekdays, when politicians and business travellers are in town.
• Safety: The central neighbourhoods are safe and busy during the day. In the evening the National Mall is quiet, so walk with others or take a taxi back.

Washington D.C. is the perfect city if you love museums, because most of the big ones are free. According to the Smithsonian Institution, there is free admission to the Smithsonian museums, which include the Air and Space Museum, the Natural History Museum and the Museum of African American History and Culture. On top of that, there’s the White House, the Capitol and the monuments along the National Mall.

Three nights is a good amount for a first visit. The city is easy to combine with New York and Boston, as trains run between all three. The train from New York to Washington D.C. takes around three hours, so you avoid airports and traffic. That’s an estimate, and the fastest trains are the most expensive.

See hotels in Washington D.C. here.

I’ve chosen three hotels close to the White House and Downtown, so you can walk to the National Mall. If you’d rather stay in the charming rowhouse neighbourhoods of Georgetown or Capitol Hill, or in the area around The Wharf, I’ve written a full guide on where to stay in Washington D.C., with six areas to choose from.

Spring or autumn is the best time to visit. Summer is hot and humid, and around the cherry blossom season in early spring the city is packed with tourists, so book well ahead if you want to see the trees in bloom.

Hotels in Washington D.C.

The Hay-Adams - classic five-star hotel opposite the White House

The Hay-Adams sits on Lafayette Square, right opposite the White House. It’s one of the city’s best-known hotels, with a restaurant, bar, gym and 24-hour concierge.

The smallest room is a single of just under 23 square metres, and a deluxe room is 32. It’s my pick if you want to stay somewhere grand and walk to both the White House and the museums. Prices are high, and one guest mentions that it can be hard to get an extra bed.

Asked what was best, one guest on Booking.com answers simply: “The staff, the room, the atmosphere and the location.”

See photos and book The Hay-Adams here.

Hamilton Hotel - four-star hotel on Franklin Square in Downtown

Hamilton Hotel is on leafy Franklin Square in Downtown, around 900 metres from the White House and close to the Metro. The hotel has a restaurant, bar and gym, and the lobby is stunning.

Rooms are around 22 square metres. Breakfast costs extra, and there’s a destination fee of 25 dollars (around £19) plus tax per night. It’s a good choice if you want a central location at a more moderate price than the big luxury hotels. Some guests find the rooms small and a little basic.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “Liked the location and the staff.”

See photos and book Hamilton Hotel here.

Hotel Hive - three-star hotel with micro rooms in Foggy Bottom

Hotel Hive is on F Street in Foggy Bottom, close to George Washington University and just over a kilometre from the Lincoln Memorial. It’s a three-star hotel with a restaurant, bar and terrace.

The rooms are small: a room with a queen-size bed is around 13 square metres, and there are bunk rooms too. On the plus side, it’s one of the cheapest ways to stay centrally in Washington D.C. Breakfast isn’t included. The hotel suits you best if you travel light and are out all day.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “The minimalist design was charming, and the location was ideal for sightseeing.”

See photos and book Hotel Hive here.

4. Chicago - best city for architecture and a big city by the lake

• Distance to the centre: The map shows Millennium Park on the edge of The Loop. The hotels are no more than about a kilometre from the park.
• Transport: The elevated railway, known as The L, and buses. You can get around The Loop and the area along the Chicago River on foot.
• Time from the airport: From O'Hare, the Blue Line runs directly to The Loop in about 45 minutes, and from Midway the Orange Line takes around 25 minutes. Both times are estimates.
• Price level: $$ to $$$$. Prices rise sharply when big trade fairs are in town, so check the dates.
• Safety: The Loop and River North are busy and safe during the day. Stick to the central neighbourhoods in the evening, and take a taxi if you’re going far.

Chicago is the city where the skyscraper was invented, and the architecture is the reason to come here. Take a boat out on the Chicago River with an architecture guide on board. It’s the best way to see the city, and in an hour or an hour and a half the trip shows you why Chicago has so many famous buildings.

The city sits on Lake Michigan, which is so big it looks like a sea, and in summer there are beaches right next to the centre. In Millennium Park you’ll find the shiny sculpture Cloud Gate, which everyone calls The Bean, and the Art Institute of Chicago is right next door. Three nights is a good length for a first visit.

See hotels in Chicago here.

I’ve chosen hotels in The Loop and just north of the river, because this is where you can walk to the parks, the museums and the boats. If you’d rather stay in River North, Streeterville or West Loop, I’ve written a whole guide on where to stay in Chicago.

The winters are long and cold, and the wind off the lake makes it even colder. Travel between May and October if you want to get the most out of the city. Chicago lies between the East Coast and the West, and from O'Hare there are direct flights to almost every major city in the United States, so it’s easy to fit into a longer trip.

Hotels in Chicago

The Langham Chicago - five-star hotel with a pool and spa on the Chicago River

The Langham Chicago is on Wabash Avenue right by the Chicago River, in a black skyscraper designed by the architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. It’s a five-star hotel with a restaurant, bar, indoor pool and spa.

The rooms are large, with the smallest just under 48 square metres. This is my pick if you want to stay in luxury with views over the river and be able to walk to both Millennium Park and River North. Breakfast costs extra, and some guests weren’t entirely happy with the restaurant.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “Everything about my stay at this hotel was absolutely perfect.”

See photos and book The Langham Chicago here.

Kimpton Gray Hotel - four-star boutique hotel in the heart of The Loop

Kimpton Gray Hotel is on Monroe Street in the middle of The Loop, about a kilometre from Millennium Park. It’s a four-star hotel in a historic building with a restaurant, bar and gym.

The rooms are a good size for a big city, from 26 square metres upwards. It’s a good choice if you want to stay centrally with a bit more style than the chain hotels. Breakfast costs extra, and some guests mention that the service at breakfast could be better.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “The staff were incredibly attentive, friendly and always willing to help.”

See photos and book Kimpton Gray Hotel here.

HI Chicago Hostel - large hostel with private rooms and breakfast in The Loop

HI Chicago Hostel is in The Loop close to Grant Park and the Art Institute of Chicago. It has dorms and private rooms, a shared kitchen, a games room and a 24-hour reception.

It’s by far the cheapest of my three suggestions and has a location many expensive hotels would envy. Breakfast is included in the price, but guests are divided on it. The smallest private rooms are about 20 square metres with a bunk bed. Some guests mention that the bathrooms could be better.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “The staff were lovely, and the hostel was clean and comfortable.”

See photos and book HI Chicago Hostel here.

5. Nashville - best city for live music and country vibes

• Distance to the centre: The map shows Ryman Auditorium right by Broadway, where the honky tonk bars are. Two of the hotels are a few minutes’ walk away, and the third is about one and a half kilometres away.
• Getting around: You can get around Downtown on foot. For the Grand Ole Opry and the neighbourhoods outside the centre, you’ll need a taxi or a car.
• Time from the airport: From Nashville International Airport (BNA), it takes about 15-20 minutes by taxi to Downtown outside rush hour. This is an estimate.
• Price level: $$ to $$$$. Weekends are expensive because the city is popular for stag and hen dos and parties.
• Safety: Broadway feels safe and is full of people until late at night. It can get very crowded and noisy, so choose a hotel a little further away if you want an early night.

Nashville is called Music City, and not without reason. On Broadway, there’s live music in the bars from late morning until well into the night, and usually with no cover charge. Ryman Auditorium is an old church that became one of the country’s most famous concert halls, and the Country Music Hall of Fame is a couple of streets away.

Two to three nights is enough for most people. The city makes a good stop on a trip through the Southern states, as Memphis is about a three-hour drive west, and you can fly to New Orleans. Drive or take a taxi out to the Grand Ole Opry one evening, as it’s the classic country show that has been broadcast on the radio for over a hundred years.

See hotels in Nashville here.

I’ve picked two hotels close to Broadway and one by Music Row, where the record labels are based. If you’d rather stay in The Gulch, by Centennial Park or out by Opryland, I’ve written a whole guide on where to stay in Nashville.

If you’re arriving on a Friday or Saturday, book early and expect higher prices. Weekdays are both cheaper and quieter, and the music still plays every night. Parking costs extra at almost all hotels in Downtown, so consider whether you need a car while you’re in the city.

Hotels in Nashville

The Hermitage Hotel - historic five-star hotel by the state capitol

The Hermitage Hotel is on Sixth Avenue close to the Tennessee State Capitol and a couple of streets from Broadway. It’s a historic five-star hotel with a restaurant, bar and gym, and the lobby is one of the most beautiful in the city.

The rooms are large, with the smallest at about 45 square metres. This is my suggestion if you want to stay somewhere classic and elegant and still walk to the music. Breakfast isn’t included in the standard rates, and one guest mentions that there’s a bit too little space for clothes and luggage.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “Everything. The hotel has loads of charm and character.”

See photos and book The Hermitage Hotel here.

Holston House Nashville - four-star hotel with a rooftop pool close to Broadway

Holston House is on Seventh Avenue in Downtown, a few minutes’ walk from Broadway. The hotel has a restaurant, bar, gym and a rooftop pool that’s open in season.

Rooms start at about 28 square metres. Breakfast costs extra, and there’s a destination fee of 25 dollars (around £19) plus tax per night. Guests praise the location and the staff, but some find the parking expensive.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “The location is fantastic, right by Broadway, but still very quiet and safe.”

See photos and book Holston House Nashville here.

Best Western Downtown PLUS Music Row - three-star hotel with large rooms and breakfast

Best Western Downtown PLUS Music Row is on Division Street by Music Row, about one and a half kilometres from Broadway. The hotel has an outdoor pool in summer, a gym and a 24-hour reception.

It’s the cheapest of my three suggestions, and the rooms are large with space for two queen-size beds. A hot breakfast is included in the price, but parking costs extra. You can walk to Broadway in about 20 minutes or take a short taxi ride. Some guests mention noise from other guests in the evening.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “The hotel room is big. Loved the large, comfortable bed and the soft pillows.”

See photos and book Best Western Downtown PLUS Music Row here.

6. New Orleans - best city for jazz, food and Deep South atmosphere

• Distance to the centre: The map shows Jackson Square in the middle of the French Quarter. Two of the hotels are in the neighbourhood, and the third is on Canal Street right on its edge.
• Transport: You can get around the French Quarter on foot. The streetcar on St. Charles Avenue runs out to the Garden District.
• Time from the airport: Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) is about 25 kilometres west of the centre. Allow half an hour by taxi. That’s an estimate.
• Price level: $$ to $$$$. During Mardi Gras and the big music festivals, prices rise sharply.
• Safety: The French Quarter is lively and packed with people in the evening. Stick to the busy streets after dark, and take a taxi back if you’re leaving the neighbourhood late.

New Orleans is unlike any other city in the United States. You’ll find French and Spanish architecture with wrought-iron balconies, jazz on every other street corner and a cuisine you won’t find anywhere else, with gumbo, jambalaya and beignets dusted with icing sugar. The French Quarter is the centre of it all, and Jackson Square with St. Louis Cathedral is the heart of the neighbourhood.

Three nights is about right. Bourbon Street is loud and full of bars, and it’s fun to walk along, but I wouldn’t stay right on it if I wanted to sleep. Head to Frenchmen Street in the Marigny neighbourhood in the evening instead, where the jazz clubs are packed close together.

See hotels in New Orleans here.

I’ve picked three hotels in and around the French Quarter, because that’s where most people want to stay on their first visit. If you’d rather stay in the Garden District with its old mansions, in the more laid-back Marigny or in the Warehouse District near the war museum, I’ve written a full guide on where to stay in New Orleans.

Summers are very hot and humid, and according to the US National Hurricane Center, the hurricane season in the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic runs from June to November. The best weather is from February to May and again in late autumn. Book well ahead if you want to experience Mardi Gras.

Hotels in New Orleans

The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans - five-star hotel with a spa on Canal Street

The Ritz-Carlton is on Canal Street on the edge of the French Quarter, in a former department store building. It’s a five-star hotel with a restaurant, bar, spa and live jazz in the bar in the evening.

Rooms start at about 32 square metres, and a resort fee of around $57 (around £45) per night is added to the price. Breakfast costs extra. This is my pick if you want a large, quiet room and a spa to come back to. Some guests feel the service doesn’t quite live up to the price.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “Our room was beautiful. It was spacious, modern and spotlessly clean.”

See photos and book The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans here.

Hotel Monteleone - historic four-star hotel on Royal Street with a revolving bar

Hotel Monteleone is on Royal Street in the middle of the French Quarter. It’s a historic family-run hotel with a restaurant, spa, rooftop pool and the famous Carousel Bar, where the bar slowly turns round.

The rooms aren’t large, and the smallest are about 22 square metres. Breakfast costs extra, and valet parking is around $48 (around £35) a day. Even so, it’s my favourite in the French Quarter, because the location and atmosphere are hard to beat. Some guests mention that the rooms are smaller than expected.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “The hotel had a fantastic location and loads of character, and the staff were very friendly and helpful.”

See photos and book Hotel Monteleone here.

Homewood Suites by Hilton New Orleans French Quarter - three-star hotel with suites and breakfast included

Homewood Suites is on North Rampart Street on the northern edge of the French Quarter, about a kilometre from Jackson Square. There’s an outdoor pool, a gym and a 24-hour reception.

All rooms are suites of about 32 square metres, so there’s plenty of space for families. The breakfast buffet is included in the price, though some guests feel the choice could be wider. It’s a good option if you want to stay close to everything for less than in the heart of the neighbourhood.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “The hotel had a brilliant location, the staff were very friendly, the rooms were very clean and modern, and the breakfast was lovely.”

See photos and book Homewood Suites by Hilton New Orleans French Quarter here.

7. Miami - best city for beaches and art deco

• Distance to the centre: The map shows Lummus Park and Ocean Drive in South Beach. Two of the hotels are in South Beach, and the third is in Mid-Beach, about four kilometres further north.
• Getting around: You can get around South Beach on foot or by bike. For Downtown Miami, Brickell and Wynwood on the mainland, you’ll need a bus, taxi or car.
• Time from the airport: From Miami International Airport (MIA), it takes about 25-30 minutes by taxi to South Beach outside rush hour. This is an estimate.
• Price level: $$$ to $$$$. Winter and spring are high season, and there’s almost always a resort fee on top of the price.
• Safety: South Beach is safe and lively. Ocean Drive can get wild at night at weekends, so choose a hotel a street back if you want to sleep.

Miami Beach is a long, narrow island with the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the city of Miami on the other. South Beach is what most people picture: a wide sandy beach with pastel-coloured lifeguard huts and Ocean Drive, lined with art deco hotels from the 1930s and 1940s. A great many of them are gathered in one area here, and in the evening the neon signs light up along the street.

Four to five nights is ideal if you want to combine city and beach. Head over to the mainland to see the street art in Wynwood and Cuban Little Havana. If you have a car, you can drive down through the Florida Keys to Key West, but expect a long day, as the road is narrow and the traffic heavy.

See hotels in Miami Beach here.

I’ve chosen hotels in South Beach and Mid-Beach, because the beach is the reason to stay here. If you’d rather stay in Brickell, Downtown or Wynwood, I’ve written a whole guide on where to stay in Miami.

The best weather is from November to April. Summers are hot and humid with heavy afternoon thunderstorms, and Miami also lies in the hurricane belt. If you’re travelling in late summer, keep an eye on the forecast and choose a booking you can change.

Hotels in Miami

The Betsy Hotel, South Beach - five-star boutique hotel on Ocean Drive with a rooftop pool

The Betsy is on Ocean Drive, right across from the beach in South Beach. It’s a five-star boutique hotel with a restaurant, bar, rooftop pool, spa and beach service.

The smallest rooms are about 23 square metres and the suites 37. Breakfast for two is included, and the resort fee is included in the price. This is my pick if you want to stay in style with the beach just across the road. Some guests mention that the rooms can be small.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “The hotel is very cosy with a lovely atmosphere, beautiful architecture and an excellent location.”

See photos and book The Betsy Hotel, South Beach here.

Esme Miami Beach - four-star hotel with a rooftop pool by Española Way

Esme is on Washington Avenue by Española Way, a small Spanish-style street, about two blocks from the beach. The hotel has a restaurant, bar and rooftop pool.

Rooms start at about 21 square metres, and breakfast is included in the price. On the other hand, there’s a resort fee of about $46 (around £35) per night. Guests praise the style and atmosphere, but some find the pool small and the breakfast limited.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “The hotel’s style and atmosphere were good. The location was good.”

See photos and book Esme Miami Beach here.

Hotel Croydon - four-star hotel in Mid-Beach a block from the beach

Hotel Croydon is on Collins Avenue in Mid-Beach, about four kilometres north of South Beach and a block from the beach. The hotel has a restaurant, bar, outdoor pool, gym and spa.

It’s usually the cheapest of my three suggestions, and the rooms are about 25-27 square metres. Breakfast costs around $25 (around £19) per person, and there’s a resort fee of about $30 (around £22) plus tax per night. Mid-Beach is quieter than South Beach, but you’ll need a bus or taxi to Ocean Drive. Some guests mention that the rooms are small and that the cleaning could be better.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “The hotel’s location is excellent, just a block from the beach, which was very convenient.”

See photos and book Hotel Croydon here.

8. Orlando - best base for theme parks and families with children

• Distance to the centre: Orlando is spread out over a large area. The map shows Disney Springs at Walt Disney World. Two of the hotels are in the area around Disney, and the third is at Universal Orlando, about 15 kilometres further north.
• Transport: A car or the hotels’ free buses to the parks. There isn’t much public transport, so check which parks your hotel runs buses to.
• Time from the airport: From Orlando International Airport (MCO), it takes about 30-40 minutes by car to the Disney area and a little less to Universal. This is an estimate.
• Price level: $$ to $$$$. Prices follow the school holidays in the United States, and resort fees are common.
• Safety: The areas around the parks are safe and built for families. Watch out for the strong sun and the thunderstorms in summer.

Orlando is the theme park capital of the world. Walt Disney World has four big parks and two water parks, and Universal Orlando has three parks, including Epic Universe. On top of that, there’s SeaWorld and Kennedy Space Center, which is about an hour’s drive east on the coast.

Choose your base according to which parks you’ll spend the most days in. If you’re mainly doing Disney, stay in Lake Buena Vista or in one of Disney’s own areas. If you’re mainly doing Universal, stay at Universal, where several hotels give you access to the parks before other guests. With five to seven nights, you’ll have time for the main parks plus a day by the pool in between.

See hotels in Orlando here.

I’d recommend that you hire a car in Orlando if you’re going to visit several parks or head out to the coast. On the other hand, you can easily manage without one if your hotel has free buses to the parks you want to visit. If you’d like to know more about the areas around International Drive, Disney and Universal, I’ve written a whole guide on where to stay in Orlando.

Book your park tickets in advance and check the opening hours for your dates. Tickets are often cheaper online, and in busy periods some ticket types can sell out.

Hotels in Orlando

Waldorf Astoria Orlando - five-star resort with a pool, spa and free bus to Disney

Waldorf Astoria Orlando is in Bonnet Creek, right in the middle of the Disney area, and is an official Walt Disney World hotel. There are several restaurants, pools, a spa, a golf course nearby and a kids’ club.

The rooms are large, with the smallest at around 42 square metres. Free buses run to the Disney parks, although one guest felt they could run more often. Breakfast costs extra, and a daily resort fee is added to the price. This is my pick if you want to combine park days with luxury and peace and quiet.

One guest puts it bluntly on Booking.com: “Lovely hotel, would recommend it if you have the budget. It’s expensive!”

See photos and book Waldorf Astoria Orlando here.

Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress - four-star resort with large grounds and a free bus to Disney

Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress is in Lake Buena Vista, close to Disney Springs. The resort has large grounds with a lake, a pool with a water slide, golf and several restaurants.

The rooms start at around 33 square metres with two double beds, so there’s plenty of space for a family. Free buses run to the Disney parks. Breakfast costs extra, and there’s a resort fee of $50 (around £35) plus tax per day. Some guests feel the fees and the parking are expensive.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “The resort is very big, and the grounds and the view are very beautiful and quiet.”

See photos and book Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress here.

Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort - Universal’s cheapest hotel with a lazy river and free bus to the parks

Cabana Bay Beach Resort is at Universal Orlando and is one of Universal’s own hotels, decorated in retro style. There are large pools, a lazy river, bowling and a games room.

It’s usually the cheapest of my three suggestions, and the standard rooms are around 28 square metres, while the family suites are 40. Free buses run to the Universal parks, and hotel guests can get into the parks early. Breakfast isn’t included, and guests mention that the food at the hotel is expensive and that there are few places to eat.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “The pools and lazy river were wonderful. The facilities on site were fantastic.”

See photos and book Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort here.

9. Las Vegas - best city for shows, casinos and the start of a road trip

• Distance to the centre: The map shows the fountains at the Bellagio in the middle of The Strip. All three hotels are on The Strip, no more than about a kilometre away.
• Transport: You can get around The Strip on foot, but the distances are longer than they look. Buses, taxis and the monorail cover the rest.
• Time from the airport: Harry Reid International Airport is close to The Strip. Allow 10-20 minutes by taxi. This is an estimate.
• Price level: $$ to $$$$. Room rates vary a lot between weekdays and weekends, and a resort fee is almost always added.
• Safety: The Strip feels safe and is packed with people round the clock. Keep an eye on your belongings in the crowds, and don’t walk alone down the dark side streets at night.

Las Vegas is a city you have to experience at least once. The hotels on The Strip are enormous, with casinos, pools, restaurants and shows all under one roof, and in the evening the whole street is lit up. The fountain show in front of the Bellagio is free and runs at regular intervals every day.

Two to three nights is enough for most people. The city is also the obvious place to start a road trip to the national parks, as Zion is about two and a half hours’ drive to the north-east and the Grand Canyon about four and a half hours to the east. Both times are estimates. Pick up your hire car in Las Vegas on the day you leave the city, as you have to pay for parking on The Strip.

See hotels in Las Vegas here.

I’ve chosen three hotels in the middle of The Strip, because that way you can walk between the best-known hotels and shows. If you’d rather stay Downtown by Fremont Street or away from The Strip, I’ve written a whole guide on where to stay in Las Vegas.

Always compare the total price including the resort fee. A room that looks cheap can end up costing quite a bit more once the fee of 40-60 dollars (around £30-45) per night is added. It’s very hot in summer, so plan outdoor activities for the morning and evening.

Hotels in Las Vegas

Bellagio - five-star casino hotel with the famous fountains

The Bellagio sits in the middle of The Strip with the fountain lake in front of the entrance. The hotel has a casino, pools, a spa, lots of restaurants and an indoor botanical garden in the lobby.

The rooms are large, with the smallest measuring about 47 square metres. Breakfast isn’t included, and there’s a resort fee of about 51 dollars (around £40) plus tax per night. This is my pick if you want to stay right in the thick of it with views of the fountains. Guests mention long queues at check-in and expensive food.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “The location is good and central to everything.”

See photos and book the Bellagio here.

Paris Las Vegas - four-star casino hotel with an Eiffel Tower right opposite the Bellagio

Paris Las Vegas is right opposite the Bellagio, with a replica of the Eiffel Tower in front of the hotel. There’s a casino, a pool, a spa and several restaurants.

The rooms are about 36 square metres. Breakfast isn’t included, and the resort fee is about 55 dollars (around £40) plus tax per night. Guests mention that there’s no coffee maker in the room and that the many fees come as a surprise. On the plus side, you get one of the best locations on The Strip at a mid-range price.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “Good hotel, and the location is perfect. Fantastic value for money.”

See photos and book Paris Las Vegas here.

The LINQ Hotel & Casino - four-star casino hotel by the High Roller observation wheel

The LINQ is in the middle of The Strip by the pedestrianised LINQ Promenade, home to the High Roller observation wheel. The hotel has a casino, a pool, a spa and a gym.

It’s usually the cheapest of my three suggestions, and rooms start at about 26 square metres. The resort fee is around 50 dollars (around £35) plus tax per night, and breakfast isn’t included. Guests praise the location, but some feel the rooms are worn and the breakfast options are poor.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “Good location right on The Strip, so it’s easy to get around.”

See photos and book The LINQ Hotel & Casino here.

10. Grand Canyon - the best base for the most famous canyon

• Distance to the centre: The map shows Tusayan, the small town just south of the park entrance on the South Rim. All three hotels are in the town, and it’s about 11 kilometres to the Grand Canyon Visitor Center.
• Transport: Car. Inside the park, free buses run along the rim, and in summer a free bus runs between Tusayan and the park.
• Time from the airport: There’s no major airport nearby. From Las Vegas it’s roughly a four and a half hour drive, and from Phoenix about three and a half hours. Both times are estimates.
• Price level: $$ to $$$. The hotels in Tusayan are expensive for the standard you get, because they’re so close to the park.
• Safety: A safe little town. Drive carefully after dark, as deer cross the road, and keep well back from the edge when you’re standing at the canyon.

The Grand Canyon is the canyon everyone knows from photos, and it’s still a shock to stand at the edge and look down. The South Rim is the side most people visit, as it’s open all year round and has the most viewpoints. Come at sunrise or sunset, when the light paints the rocks red and orange.

I’d stay at least one night, so you can see the canyon in both the evening and the morning. There are hotels inside the park too, but they’re often booked up well in advance. Tusayan is the alternative. From here, it’s a quarter of an hour’s drive to the park, and there are restaurants, a petrol station and a supermarket.

See hotels near the Grand Canyon here.

According to the national park, free shuttle buses run in the park and, in summer, also from Tusayan, so you can leave the car at the hotel. You’ll need to pay an entrance fee to the park or have a valid national park pass. If you’re visiting several parks on the same trip, an annual pass for the US national parks can quickly pay for itself.

The Grand Canyon fits perfectly into a road trip from Las Vegas. Many people drive Las Vegas, Zion, Page with Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon, then the Grand Canyon and back again, which takes a week or more. In winter there can be snow at the rim, as the South Rim sits more than 2,000 metres above sea level, so check the weather before you set off.

Hotels near the Grand Canyon

The Grand Hotel at the Grand Canyon - large hotel with an indoor pool in Tusayan

The Grand Hotel is in the middle of Tusayan on the main road into the park. It’s a large lodge-style hotel with a restaurant, bar, indoor pool, hot tub and gym.

The rooms are around 28 square metres, and the breakfast buffet costs extra. In summer, a shuttle bus runs to the park. This is my pick if you want the most comfortable hotel in Tusayan. One guest mentions that the room was small for a family of five, and another feels the breakfast choice is limited.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “The location is perfect for visiting the Grand Canyon, just a short drive away.”

See photos and book The Grand Hotel at the Grand Canyon here.

Grand Canyon Plaza Hotel - three-star hotel with a pool and restaurant

Grand Canyon Plaza Hotel is in the northern part of Tusayan, close to the road to the park. The hotel has a restaurant, bar, outdoor pool in summer, hot tub and free parking.

The rooms are around 27 square metres, and there are family rooms. The breakfast buffet costs extra, and some guests find it expensive. It’s a good mid-range choice if you want a restaurant on site and don’t fancy driving out after a long day at the canyon.

One guest writes briefly on Booking.com: “Very good hotel.”

See photos and book Grand Canyon Plaza Hotel here.

Red Feather Lodge - simple motel-style hotel with a pool and free parking

Red Feather Lodge is in Tusayan, a few hundred metres from The Grand Hotel. It’s a simple hotel with an outdoor pool in summer, a gym and free parking, but no restaurant.

It’s the cheapest of my three suggestions, and the rooms range from around 21 square metres to 31 for a room with two queen-size beds. Breakfast isn’t included, but there are restaurants within walking distance. Guests praise the cleanliness and the friendly staff.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “A very convenient place to stay when you want to see the Grand Canyon.”

See photos and book Red Feather Lodge here.

11. Zion National Park - the best base for hiking in Utah

• Distance to the centre: The map shows Springdale, the small town just outside the park’s south entrance. All three hotels are in the town, and the closest is a couple of minutes’ walk from the entrance.
• Transport: Free shuttle buses. One line runs through Springdale to the park entrance, and another runs up through Zion Canyon.
• Time from the airport: There’s no major airport nearby. From Las Vegas it’s roughly a two and a half hour drive. That’s an estimate.
• Price level: $$ to $$$. The town is small, and the best hotels get booked up early in spring and autumn.
• Safety: A very safe town. Take the hikes seriously: bring plenty of water and keep an eye on the weather forecast, as heavy rain can cause flash floods in the narrow canyons.

Zion is the most visited national park in Utah, and it’s completely different from the Grand Canyon. Here you stand down in the canyon looking up at cliffs of red and white sandstone, with the Virgin River flowing along the bottom. The two best-known hikes are Angels Landing, which requires a permit from the park for the final section, and The Narrows, where you wade upriver between sheer rock walls.

Stay two to three nights so you have time for a few hikes. Springdale sits right by the entrance, and that’s the big advantage: you can walk or take the free bus into the park and avoid hunting for a parking space.

See hotels in Springdale here.

For most of the year, you can’t drive your own car up through Zion Canyon. According to the national park, the shuttle buses through Zion Canyon run from March to November in most years, and they’re free. You still have to pay the park entrance fee. The Springdale line stops at nine places in town and runs to the pedestrian entrance by the visitor centre.

Zion is easy to combine with Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon. If you have more time, Bryce Canyon with its orange rock spires is about a two-hour drive to the north-east. That’s an estimate. In summer it gets very hot in the canyon, so start your hikes early in the morning.

Hotels in Springdale

Cliffrose Springdale - four-star hotel with a garden and pool by the park entrance

Cliffrose Springdale is on Zion Park Boulevard, about 400 metres from the visitor centre and the park entrance. The hotel has a large garden running down to the river, an outdoor pool, a hot tub, a restaurant and a bar.

Rooms start at around 30 square metres, and there are rooms with two queen-size beds and a sofa bed. Breakfast is included. This is my pick if you want to stay closest to the park with the most comfort. Some guests find the rooms small and a little dated.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “The hotel is a two-minute walk from the park entrance.”

See photos and book Cliffrose Springdale here.

Cable Mountain Lodge - lodge with large rooms right by the park entrance

Cable Mountain Lodge is at Zion Canyon Village just outside the park entrance, only a couple of hundred metres from the shuttle bus. There’s an outdoor pool, a hot tub, a spa and a small café.

The rooms are large. The smallest studios are around 32 square metres, and there are suites with room for families. Breakfast isn’t included, but you can buy a bit of food in the café. Guests love the views and the space, but mention that there are few places to eat nearby.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “The best location in Springdale, so you avoid the shuttle buses and the hassle of parking at the Zion visitor centre.”

See photos and book Cable Mountain Lodge here.

Bumbleberry Inn - three-star hotel with breakfast and a bus stop at the door

Bumbleberry Inn is a bit further into Springdale, about two kilometres from the park entrance, but with a Springdale line stop right outside. The hotel has an outdoor pool in summer, a hot tub and free parking.

It’s the cheapest of my three suggestions. Rooms are around 25-32 square metres, and breakfast is included and served in the Porters restaurant. Guests praise the breakfast and the peace and quiet, but some mention that you can hear the neighbours in the ground-floor rooms.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “Breakfast at Porters was excellent and cooked to order.”

See photos and book Bumbleberry Inn here.

12. Los Angeles - best area for the beach and Hollywood

• Distance to the centre: Los Angeles is huge and doesn’t have a single centre. The map shows Santa Monica Pier by the beach. Two of the hotels are in Santa Monica, and the third is by the beach in Venice, about three kilometres to the south.
• Transport: Car or taxi for most things. The Metro’s E Line runs from Santa Monica to Downtown Los Angeles.
• Time from the airport: From Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) it takes about 30-45 minutes by car to Santa Monica. That’s an estimate, and traffic can make it much longer.
• Price level: $$$ to $$$$. The beachfront hotels are expensive, especially in summer.
• Safety: Santa Monica feels safe and lively. There are a lot of homeless people in parts of the city, and Venice Beach can be a bit rough in the evening, so stick to well-lit streets.

Los Angeles is the film city with the Hollywood Sign, the Walk of Fame and the film studios, but it’s so big that it takes some planning. I’d stay by the beach in Santa Monica on a first visit. From here you can walk to the beach, the pier and the Third Street Promenade shopping street, and you have the ocean right on your doorstep when you get back from a day in the city.

Three to four nights is a good amount. Spend one day in Hollywood and at Griffith Observatory, one in Downtown and Beverly Hills and one at the beach in Santa Monica and Venice. You’ll find what to see in my guide to things to do in Los Angeles.

See hotels in Santa Monica here.

If you’d rather stay in Hollywood, Downtown or Beverly Hills, I’ve written a whole guide on where to stay in Los Angeles. From Santa Monica you can hire a car and drive up the coast along Highway 1 towards San Francisco or down to San Diego.

Parking costs extra at almost every beachfront hotel, and it can be pricey. Plan your days so you don’t have to drive back and forth across the city in rush hour.

Hotels in Los Angeles

Shutters on the Beach - five-star beach hotel right on the sand in Santa Monica

Shutters on the Beach sits directly on the beach a few hundred metres south of Santa Monica Pier. It’s a five-star hotel with restaurants, a bar, an outdoor pool and a spa.

Rooms start at about 37 square metres, and there’s a resort fee of about $40 (around £30) per day. Breakfast costs extra. This is my pick if you want to stay in luxury with the ocean right below your balcony. Some guests feel the price is high for the facilities.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “Fantastic location right by the ocean. The staff were so friendly and helpful.”

See photos and book Shutters on the Beach here.

Hotel Erwin Venice Beach - four-star hotel with a rooftop terrace on the Venice boardwalk

Hotel Erwin is right on the boardwalk in Venice Beach. The hotel has a restaurant, a bar and a rooftop terrace, and you can borrow bikes for free.

The ocean-view rooms are about 32 square metres. Valet parking costs around $60 (around £45) per night. Guests praise the location and the cleanliness, but many mention noise from nearby bars and clubs, so it’s not the place if you want an early night.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “Fantastic hotel. I recommend borrowing the free bikes for a day, it’s a great way to get around.”

See photos and book Hotel Erwin Venice Beach here.

HI Los Angeles Santa Monica Hostel - large hostel with private rooms close to the beach

HI Los Angeles Santa Monica is on Second Street by the Third Street Promenade, about 450 metres from the beach. There are dorms and private rooms, common rooms and a 24-hour reception.

It’s by far the cheapest of my three suggestions in a city where the beachfront hotels are expensive. The private double rooms are about 14 square metres, and a simple breakfast is included. Some guests mention street noise and a limited breakfast selection.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “Good location. Friendly staff, and the facilities are clean.”

See photos and book HI Los Angeles Santa Monica Hostel here.

13. San Diego - best city for a relaxed city break by the sea

• Distance to the centre: The map shows the Gaslamp Quarter in Downtown. All three hotels are in or right next to the neighbourhood.
• Transport: Trolley, buses and on foot. For the beaches and La Jolla, a car or taxi is easiest.
• Time from the airport: San Diego International Airport is very close to Downtown. Allow around ten minutes by taxi. This is an estimate.
• Price level: $$ to $$$$. Prices go up in summer and during big conventions in the city.
• Safety: The Gaslamp Quarter is lively and feels safe in the evening. There are lots of bars and nightclubs, so it can be noisy at weekends.

San Diego is California at a gentler pace. The city has a mild climate all year round, long sandy beaches and one of the largest parks in the United States, Balboa Park, with museums and gardens. The aircraft carrier USS Midway is moored in the harbour as a museum, and Mexico is only half an hour’s drive away.

The Gaslamp Quarter is Downtown’s historic district, with restaurants and bars in 19th-century buildings, and from here you can walk to the harbour and the Petco Park baseball stadium. Stay three nights and spend a day on the beach in Coronado or La Jolla, where the seals lounge on the rocks.

See hotels in San Diego here.

San Diego is the natural place to finish a trip down the California coast. From Los Angeles it’s around a two-hour drive if the traffic is on your side, and the coastal train is a good alternative. Both times are estimates.

If you’re travelling with children, San Diego Zoo and SeaWorld are two good reasons to visit the city. Book tickets in advance during the summer holidays, and choose a hotel with parking if you have a car, as parking in Downtown is expensive.

Hotels in San Diego

Pendry San Diego - five-star hotel with a rooftop pool in the Gaslamp Quarter

Pendry San Diego is on J Street in the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter, a few minutes’ walk from Petco Park and the harbour. The hotel has several restaurants and bars, a rooftop pool and a spa.

Rooms start at around 32 square metres, and a daily fee is added to the price. This is my pick if you want to stay somewhere stylish right in the middle of the nightlife. Guests mention that the rooftop pool can get crowded, and some have experienced noise and patchy service.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “The atmosphere was lively, and the staff were incredibly attentive.”

See photos and book Pendry San Diego here.

Hotel Indigo San Diego Gaslamp Quarter - four-star hotel with breakfast in the eastern part of the Gaslamp

Hotel Indigo is on Ninth Avenue on the eastern edge of the Gaslamp Quarter, close to Petco Park. The hotel has a restaurant, a bar, a roof terrace and a gym.

Rooms start at around 32 square metres, and breakfast for two is included in the price. A fee of 25 dollars (around £19) per night is added on top. Guests praise the location and the beds, but some are unhappy with the breakfast and the street noise.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “The location is fantastic. The room was so cool, and the bed was so comfortable.”

See photos and book Hotel Indigo San Diego Gaslamp Quarter here.

HI San Diego Downtown Hostel - hostel with private rooms in the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter

HI San Diego Downtown is on Market Street in the middle of the Gaslamp Quarter. There are dorms and small private rooms, a shared kitchen, a games room and a 24-hour reception.

This is the cheapest of my three suggestions. The private double rooms are only around 9 square metres, so it’s for you if you mainly need somewhere to sleep. Guests praise the cleanliness and the price, but mention noise from the clubs in the area at night, so bring earplugs.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “The location was excellent!”

See photos and book HI San Diego Downtown Hostel here.

14. San Francisco - best city for hills, cable cars and the Golden Gate

• Distance to the centre: The map shows Union Square in the middle of the city. One of the hotels is on Nob Hill, about 700 metres north of the square, and the other two are by the harbour at Fisherman's Wharf.
• Transport: Cable cars, trams, buses and BART. The hills are steep, so take the tram up and walk down.
• Time from the airport: From San Francisco International Airport (SFO), BART runs to Downtown in about 30 minutes, according to the transport operator.
• Price level: $$$ to $$$$. San Francisco is expensive, and there’s often a resort fee on top of the price.
• Safety: The touristy neighbourhoods are safe during the day. Avoid walking through the Tenderloin west of Union Square, especially in the evening, and never leave anything visible in a parked car.

San Francisco is all hills, Victorian wooden houses and fog rolling in over the Golden Gate Bridge. The city is compact, and you can reach most of it by the old cable cars, trams and on foot. Take the boat to the prison island of Alcatraz, walk or cycle across the Golden Gate Bridge, and eat in Chinatown, one of the oldest in the United States.

Three to four nights is ideal. Union Square is the most central place to stay, and from here the cable car lines run up over the hills to the harbour. Fisherman's Wharf is more touristy, but handy if you want to visit Alcatraz or cycle across the bridge.

See hotels in San Francisco here.

Getting in from the airport is easy. According to the transport operator, the BART station is in the International Terminal, and you reach Downtown in about 30 minutes. If you’d rather stay in the Marina District, on Nob Hill or in the Financial District, I’ve written a full guide on where to stay in San Francisco.

Pack a warm jumper, even in summer. The fog and the wind off the sea make July and August chilly, and the city often has its warmest weather in September and October.

Hotels in San Francisco

Fairmont San Francisco - classic five-star hotel at the top of Nob Hill

Fairmont San Francisco sits at the top of Nob Hill with the cable car lines right outside the door. It’s a classic five-star hotel with restaurants, bars and a spa, plus views over the city from the highest floors.

Rooms start at about 30 square metres. There’s a resort fee of 45 dollars (around £35) plus tax per night, and breakfast costs extra. Guests praise the location and the size of the rooms, but several feel the hotel is a little old-fashioned and that everything is expensive.

One guest writes honestly on Booking.com: “Comfortable but old-fashioned hotel.”

See photos and book Fairmont San Francisco here.

Hotel Zephyr - four-star hotel with a play area and games at Fisherman's Wharf

Hotel Zephyr is on Beach Street at Fisherman's Wharf, close to Pier 39 and the boats to Alcatraz. The hotel has a large courtyard with games such as table tennis and pool, and it’s popular with families.

Rooms start at about 23 square metres, and there’s a resort fee of 30 dollars (around £22) plus tax per night. Breakfast isn’t included. Guests praise the location and the staff, but some feel the price is high for what you get.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “Good location and comfortable beds.”

See photos and book Hotel Zephyr here.

HI San Francisco Fisherman's Wharf Hostel - hostel with free parking and views towards the Golden Gate

HI San Francisco Fisherman's Wharf is in Fort Mason park, between Fisherman's Wharf and the Marina District. There are dorms and small private rooms, a shared kitchen, a terrace and free parking, which is rare in San Francisco.

It’s by far the cheapest of my three suggestions, and breakfast is included in the price. The private rooms are small, about 9-11 square metres. Guests praise the location and the communal areas, but some mention that the bathrooms could do with an update.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “Lovely quiet hostel with a perfect location for watching the sunset over the Golden Gate Bridge.”

See photos and book HI San Francisco Fisherman's Wharf Hostel here.

15. Hawaii - best place for a beach holiday and volcanic islands

• Distance to the centre: The map shows Waikiki in Honolulu on the island of Oahu. All three hotels are in Waikiki, no more than about 150 metres from the beach.
• Transport: You can get around Waikiki on foot. Buses run around the island, but if you want to see the North Shore and the east coast, a hire car is easiest.
• Time from the airport: From Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL), it takes about 25-30 minutes by taxi to Waikiki. That’s an estimate.
• Price level: $$$ to $$$$. Hawaii is expensive, and resort fees are common.
• Safety: Waikiki is safe. Respect the beach flags and the lifeguards, as the currents can be strong, especially on the North Shore in winter.

Hawaii is a holiday in its own right. The islands lie in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, about a five-hour flight from California, and most people land in Honolulu on Oahu. Waikiki is the classic place to stay on a first visit, with a long sandy beach, surfers and the Diamond Head volcanic crater in the background.

According to Hawaii’s official tourism website, Go Hawaii, you can hike up Diamond Head for the views and visit Pearl Harbor and Iolani Palace if you’re interested in history. Give Oahu four to five nights, and ideally add one or two of the other islands.

See hotels in Waikiki here.

Maui has the beaches and the Road to Hana, Kauai has the Na Pali Coast, and on the Big Island you can see active volcanoes. Flights between the islands take half an hour to an hour. I’ve written a full guide on where to stay in Hawaii, with the best areas on all the main islands.

Hawaii has beach weather all year round. Winter brings the biggest waves on the north shores, and summer is a little warmer and drier. If you’re flying from Europe, save Hawaii for the end of a West Coast trip, so you avoid an extra-long flight.

Hotels in Waikiki

Halekulani - five-star beach hotel with no resort fee

Halekulani sits right on the beach in Waikiki and is one of the best-known hotels in Hawaii. The hotel has restaurants, bars, an outdoor pool, a spa and a gym.

Rooms start at about 39 square metres with ocean views, and there’s no resort fee. Breakfast costs extra unless you choose a package that includes it. This is my pick if you want to celebrate something or simply want the best service in Waikiki. The price is high.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “The service, quality and atmosphere are impeccable.”

See photos and book Halekulani here.

Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort - four-star beach hotel with Hawaiian culture

Outrigger Reef is on the beach in the western part of Waikiki, close to Fort DeRussy Beach. The hotel has a restaurant, a bar, an outdoor pool and a kids’ club, and it organises activities about Hawaiian culture.

Rooms start at about 32 square metres, and there’s a resort fee of about $53 (around £40) including tax per day. Breakfast isn’t included. Guests praise the location and the cultural activities, but some find the parking expensive.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “Fantastic location. You can walk to Waikiki Beach in ten minutes.”

See photos and book Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort here.

Hotel Renew - boutique hotel near the beach in the quiet end of Waikiki

Hotel Renew is on Paoakalani Avenue in the eastern, quieter end of Waikiki, about 150 metres from the beach and close to Kapiolani Park and Diamond Head. It’s a small hotel with a 24-hour reception but no restaurant.

It’s usually the cheapest of my three suggestions. Rooms are about 22-30 square metres, and breakfast isn’t served. There’s a resort fee of $30 (around £22) plus tax per night. Guests praise the staff and the location, but some feel the cleaning could be better.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “The staff were very friendly and accommodating.”

See photos and book Hotel Renew here.

Where not to stay in the United States?

I wouldn’t book a hotel on price alone. Many cheap hotels and motels are by the motorways or airports, far from everything you want to see, and then your holiday is spent driving or paying for taxis. Always check the distance to the area where you’ll spend your days, and add the resort fee and parking to the price before you compare.

I also wouldn’t stay in Downtown Los Angeles or the Tenderloin in San Francisco on a first trip, as both areas can feel unsafe in the evening. And don’t stay outside The Strip in Las Vegas or far from the parks in Orlando if you don’t have a car. You rarely save money once you add the cost of transport.

If I had to pick a first trip, it would be the East Coast with New York, Boston and Washington D.C. The cities are close together, you can travel between them by train, and you don’t need a car. If you’d rather have nature and a road trip, start in Las Vegas, drive to Zion and the Grand Canyon, and carry on to Los Angeles and up the coast to San Francisco.

If you’re travelling with children, Orlando is the obvious choice, and it’s easy to combine with a few days on the beach in Miami. If you’d rather have music and food, head to the Southern states and split your trip between Nashville and New Orleans. And if you fancy a far-flung beach holiday, finish in Hawaii.

If you’re considering a stopover in Iceland on the way to New York, you can read about what it’s like to fly to New York with Icelandair via Iceland. Book flights and hotels well in advance, especially in the summer holidays and around the major public holidays when Americans travel themselves. That way you’ll have the widest choice and the best prices.

The post Where to Stay in the United States? The 15 Best Places & Good Hotels appeared first on Destination Well Known.

That’s why your choice of island and area matters more here than on most trips. You’ll have to fly between the islands, and on a single island it can take an hour to drive from one coast to another. Here are my six recommendations for where to stay in Hawaii, with hotels in several price ranges.

The Best Areas in Hawaii

• Waikiki - best area for a first trip to Hawaii
• North Shore - best area for surfing and a quieter Oahu
• Ka’anapali - best area for a classic beach holiday on Maui
• Wailea & Kihei - best area for sunshine and beach days on Maui’s south coast
• Kailua-Kona - best area for volcanoes and snorkelling on the Big Island
• Kapa’a & Coconut Coast - best area for a central base on Kauai

Below, I’ll take you through the areas island by island, from Oahu via Maui and the Big Island to Kauai. For each area, I suggest three hotels, from the most luxurious to the simplest.

1. Waikiki - best area for a first trip to Hawaii 🌴

• 📍 Distance from the centre: Waikiki is Honolulu’s beach and hotel district on the south coast of Oahu. None of the hotels here is more than just over a kilometre from the middle of the district, and it’s 2 to 3 km to Diamond Head.
• 🚌 Transport: Walk around the district, and use TheBus, the city buses, for the rest of Honolulu. You’ll only need a car for trips around the island.
• ✈️ Time from the airport: Allow around 25 to 40 minutes by car from Honolulu Airport (HNL), depending on the traffic. TheBus also runs directly to Waikiki.
• 💰 Price range: $$ to $$$$. Oahu’s biggest hotel area, with everything from simple three-star hotels to classic luxury hotels on the beach.
• 👮 Safety: Don’t leave valuables unattended on the beach or visible in a hire car, and follow the lifeguards’ signs when you swim.

Waikiki is my first choice for a first trip to Hawaii. You’ll be staying in the middle of Honolulu’s biggest hotel area, with the beach and the restaurants and shops on Kalakaua Avenue within walking distance. According to Hawaii’s official tourism site on Waikiki, the hotel rooms here are no more than two or three blocks from the sea.

That makes Waikiki the easiest place to land after a long flight. You don’t need to hire a car for the first few days, because TheBus runs from the airport to Waikiki, and you’re allowed to bring a medium-sized suitcase and a smaller bag. If you have more luggage, a taxi or a pre-booked transfer is easier.

See hotels in Waikiki here.

Diamond Head is the classic morning outing from Waikiki. Visitors who don’t live in Hawaii need to reserve entry and parking in advance with the state parks division, so book it before you travel. From the hotels at the eastern end of Waikiki, it’s only a couple of kilometres to the crater.

The downside is that Waikiki is a city. You get tall hotels, traffic and lots of people on the beach, and it isn’t the quiet Hawaii of the postcards. The hotels right on the beach cost the most, while the ones a couple of streets further back are usually cheaper. That’s why I’d combine a few nights here with a quieter area on Oahu or another island.

Many people fly to Honolulu via the US West Coast, and a stopover on the way can make the long journey easier. If you’re spending a night in California, my guide to where to stay in Los Angeles will help you choose an area for a night or two.

Places to Stay in Waikiki

Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa - classic luxury hotel right on the beach

Moana Surfrider is my suggestion if you want to stay right by the sand in the middle of Waikiki Beach. The hotel has its own beach, an outdoor pool, a spa, a restaurant and a bar, and it’s only around 400 metres to the middle of Waikiki.

The hotel is best suited to a honeymoon or a special trip where the location matters more than the price. It’s one of the most expensive hotels in this guide, so choose your room category carefully if a sea view is the reason you’re booking.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “Fantastic location. Fantastic staff. Fantastic atmosphere.”

See photos and book Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa here.

Park Shore Waikiki - mid-range hotel at the quiet end by Diamond Head

Park Shore is at the eastern end of Waikiki, just over a kilometre from the middle of the district and around 2 km from Diamond Head. The hotel has a pool with a view, a restaurant, a bar, a café and a gym, and the beach is just across the road.

I’d choose it if you want a little more peace than in the middle of Waikiki and still want to walk to the beach and restaurants. If you have a hire car, check the parking rules in advance, as the hotel uses valet parking.

On Booking.com, one guest writes: “Perfect location, good beds, and the pool and facilities are included.”

See photos and book Park Shore Waikiki here.

Coconut Waikiki Hotel - simpler hotel with a pool a couple of streets from the beach

Coconut Waikiki is my budget pick in Waikiki. It’s a three-star hotel on Lewers Street with an outdoor pool, a gym and barbecue facilities, and it’s around 400 metres to the middle of the district.

You won’t be staying by the water, but you can walk to the beach in a few minutes. It makes sense if you spend your days out and about and would rather spend your money on experiences than on a sea view. There are also family rooms, so it can suit a small family.

One guest particularly praises the location on Booking.com: “Great location, easy to walk to the main street.”

See photos and book Coconut Waikiki Hotel here.

2. North Shore - best area for surfing and a quieter Oahu 🏄

• 📍 Distance from the centre: The North Shore is a stretch of coast on the north side of Oahu. From Sunset Beach on the map, it’s just over 11 km to the surf town of Haleiwa, and the hotels are spread out between Waimea Bay and Laie.
• 🚗 Transport: A hire car gives you the most freedom, because the beaches, the hotels and Haleiwa are spread out along the coast.
• ✈️ Time from the airport: Allow around an hour by car from Honolulu Airport (HNL), and longer when there’s heavy traffic.
• 💰 Price range: $ to $$$$. There are only a few hotels, so you’ll be choosing between a big luxury resort, a mid-range hotel in Laie and some very simple places.
• 👮 Safety: In winter, the waves can be dangerously big. Always follow the warning signs, and only go in the water when the sea is calm.

The North Shore is Oahu’s surf coast and a completely different Oahu from Waikiki. There are no high-rises here, just long beaches, food trucks and the small surf town of Haleiwa with shave ice and local places to eat. According to Hawaii’s tourism authority, it’s around an hour’s drive from Waikiki, so the coast works best as a stay in its own right.

The season matters a lot. In winter, the big waves arrive and draw professional surfers and spectators to beaches such as Waimea Bay and Ehukai, and the sea can be life-threatening. The tourism authority mentions waves of up to around nine metres at the most powerful times. In summer, the water is usually calmer, and the coast is better suited to snorkelling and ordinary swimming. I’d come here in winter to watch the surfing and in summer to swim.

See hotels on the North Shore here.

The downside is the small choice of hotels. In practice, you’re choosing between the big resort at Turtle Bay, the hotel in Laie and a few very simple places by Waimea Bay. The rest of what’s on offer is mainly holiday homes and apartments, where you’ll need to check the location extra carefully.

I’d stay here at the end of a trip to Oahu, once you’ve seen Honolulu, and use a hire car to drive along the coast. The evenings are quiet compared with Waikiki, so the North Shore suits you best if you like to get up early and head for the beach. Laie to the east is close to the Polynesian Cultural Center, while Waimea Bay and Haleiwa are on the western part of the coast. Haleiwa is the natural centre of the coast, with places to eat, shops and food trucks, so if you’re staying further east, you’ll usually drive there to eat.

Places to Stay on the North Shore

The Ritz-Carlton O’ahu, Turtle Bay - luxury resort with a beach and several pools

The Ritz-Carlton at Turtle Bay is on the north-eastern part of the coast, around 5.5 km from Sunset Beach. There’s a spa, an infinity pool, a children’s pool, a water slide, tennis courts and a beach, and there’s a golf course within a few kilometres.

The resort suits you if you want your whole holiday in one place and only drive out on shorter trips. It’s the most expensive of the three here, and it’s just over 16 km to Haleiwa, so expect to use a car.

One former guest sums up their stay like this on Booking.com: “Very luxurious. Good location. The staff were fantastic. The beds were very comfortable.”

See photos and book The Ritz-Carlton O’ahu, Turtle Bay here.

Courtyard by Marriott Oahu North Shore - mid-range hotel with a pool in Laie

The Courtyard is in Laie at the eastern end of the North Shore, only around 150 metres from the Polynesian Cultural Center. The hotel has a heated pool, a hot tub, a restaurant, a gym and family rooms.

It’s a good choice for families and for anyone who’d rather have an ordinary hotel with a pool than a resort or a holiday home. It’s just under 13 km to Sunset Beach and even further to Haleiwa, so you’ll need a car to get to the surf beaches.

One guest points out on Booking.com: “The room was a really good size, and the pool area is fantastic.”

See photos and book Courtyard by Marriott Oahu North Shore here.

Backpackers Vacation Inn and Plantation Village - simple hostel and cabins by Waimea Bay

Backpackers Vacation Inn is a hostel with dormitories, private rooms with a shared bathroom and cabins for up to four people. It’s around 550 metres from Waimea Bay, and there’s a shared kitchen, a garden and free parking.

I’d only choose it if budget and location matter most. The place has only one star on Booking.com, and one guest calls it run-down. On the plus side, you’ll be staying in the middle of the surf coast and can walk to one of the best-known beaches.

One guest comments on Booking.com: “Good location, very clean and very helpful staff.”

See photos and book Backpackers Vacation Inn and Plantation Village here.

3. Ka’anapali - best area for a classic beach holiday on Maui 🌅

• 📍 Distance from the centre: Ka’anapali is a resort area on Maui’s west coast. The town of Lahaina is just over 4 km to the south, and none of the hotels here is more than just under 4 km from the middle of the beach.
• 🚗 Transport: A hire car is the easiest option on Maui. Within the resort area itself, you can walk along the beach between hotels, restaurants and shops.
• ✈️ Time from the airport: Allow around 45 to 60 minutes by car from Kahului Airport (OGG).
• 💰 Price range: $$$ to $$$$. West Maui is expensive, and even the cheapest hotels here cost more than budget hotels in most other places.
• 👮 Safety: Waves and currents change with the weather. Check the conditions before you go in the water, and never snorkel alone.

Ka’anapali is my suggestion for a classic beach holiday on Maui. Hawaii’s tourism authority describes the beach as just under five kilometres of white sand and clear water, and the hotels line up along a beachfront walkway. You can walk between hotels, restaurants and shops without getting in the car.

In the evening, lots of people gather by the water to watch the sun set over the channel towards the islands of Lanai and Molokai. It’s the kind of place where your days quickly settle into a routine of beach, pool and dinner close to the hotel. Kapalua further north is a quieter and more exclusive alternative.

I’d choose between two types of stay here: a resort with restaurants, a spa and service on site, or an apartment with a kitchen where you’re in charge of your own meals. The apartments make the most sense for families and for longer stays, because eating out on the west coast quickly gets expensive.

See hotels in Ka’anapali here.

The historic town of Lahaina just to the south was hit hard by the fire in 2023. According to the tourism authority, the town is being rebuilt, and several businesses have reopened. The hotels in Ka’anapali are open and can be booked, so this is where I’d stay on the west coast.

The downside is the price and the distance. West Maui is one of the most expensive places in this guide, and it’s a long drive from the airport in Kahului. If you want to drive up the Haleakala volcano or head east, Wailea and Kihei are better placed. The hotels in the northern part of Ka’anapali are usually a little cheaper than those on the central beach, but then you’ll also be some way from the restaurants.

Places to Stay in Ka’anapali

Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa - luxury resort at the northern end of the beach

Sheraton Maui is at the northern end of Ka’anapali Beach, around 1 km from the middle of the beach. The hotel has a pool, a spa, a restaurant, a gym and a tennis court, and you can walk straight down onto the sand.

This is a good place to stay if you want to snorkel close to the hotel and have a full resort around you. Several guests mention turtles and fish just off the beach. It’s the most expensive of the three here, especially in high season.

One guest describes the resort like this on Booking.com: “Excellent location close to the beach and the facilities. The food was excellent, and the staff were welcoming and helpful.”

See photos and book Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa here.

Aston at The Whaler on Kaanapali Beach - apartments with a kitchen in the middle of the beach

The Whaler is in the middle of Ka’anapali Beach, around 700 metres from the centre point of the map. The apartments have a fully equipped kitchen and a balcony, and there’s a heated pool, a gym, a sauna, a tennis court and a barbecue.

It’s my suggestion for families or couples who want to stay on the beach and make their own breakfast and some of their dinners. The price is close to the resorts’, but you get more space, and restaurants and shops are within walking distance.

One guest writes about the location on Booking.com: “Fantastic beach. Convenient location close to shops and restaurants.”

See photos and book Aston at The Whaler on Kaanapali Beach here.

Aston at Papakea Resort - the cheapest option in the northern part of Ka’anapali

Papakea is in the northern part of Ka’anapali, just under 3 km from the Sheraton and just under 4 km from the middle of the beach. The suites have a fully equipped kitchen and a balcony, and there’s a heated pool, a hot tub, a tennis court, a barbecue and free parking.

I’d choose it if you have a car anyway and want to keep costs down on the west coast. It isn’t cheap, but it’s usually the cheapest of the three, and with your own kitchen you can save on eating out.

One guest mentions on Booking.com: “Fantastic view and good service!”

See photos and book Aston at Papakea Resort here.

4. Wailea & Kihei - best area for sunshine and beach days on Maui’s south coast ☀️

• 📍 Distance from the centre: Wailea and Kihei run into each other on Maui’s south-west coast. From Keawakapu Beach on the map, it’s just under 2 km to the resort in Wailea, and the two hotels in Kihei are less than 600 metres from the beach.
• 🚗 Transport: A hire car is the easiest option. Kihei is long and spread out, so check the distance to the beach and places to eat before you book.
• ✈️ Time from the airport: Allow around 25 to 35 minutes by car from Kahului Airport (OGG).
• 💰 Price range: $$ to $$$$. Wailea is luxury, while Kihei has more simple hotels and apartments.
• 👮 Safety: The sun is strong on the dry south coast. Wear sunscreen, drink plenty of water, and check the waves before you go in the water.

Wailea and Kihei are joined together on Maui’s south coast, but they offer two different holidays. Wailea is a resort area with golf courses and five crescent-shaped beaches, while Kihei is a long, spread-out town with apartments, smaller hotels and beach parks. Hawaii’s tourism authority calls Kihei the sunniest and driest end of the island.

That makes the area my suggestion if the weather matters most to you. I’d choose Wailea for a honeymoon or a holiday where the hotel is a big part of the experience, and Kihei if you want more for your money and plan to spend your days on trips around the island. In both places, you’ll have several sandy beaches a short distance away.

Keawakapu Beach, which the map shows, is right where Kihei turns into Wailea. From the south coast, you can see the small crater island of Molokini and the islands of Kahoolawe and Lanai, and the Maui Ocean Center aquarium by Maalaea Bay is also a short drive away.

See hotels in Wailea and Kihei here.

The location is also practical for the island’s big excursions. From the south coast, it’s closer to the airport and to the road up towards Haleakala than from Ka’anapali. If you want to see the sunrise from the top of the volcano, you’ll need to reserve in advance with the national park, and the spots can sell out.

The downside of Kihei is that the town is long and spread out, and there’s a big difference between staying by the beach and staying some way inland. Wailea, on the other hand, is quiet and expensive, and the places to eat at the resorts usually charge resort prices. I’d choose a hotel at the southern end of Kihei, close to Wailea, if you want a bit of both.

Places to Stay in Wailea & Kihei

Wailea Beach Resort Marriott - luxury resort by the water in Wailea

Wailea Beach Resort is on the coast in the northern part of Wailea, less than a kilometre from Wailea Beach. There’s an outdoor pool, a water slide, a kids’ club, a spa, restaurants and a gym.

The resort is best for a family holiday with lots of time at the hotel or for a couple who want resort life. It’s one of the most expensive hotels in this guide, and one guest felt that the service didn’t quite live up to the price.

One reviewer writes on Booking.com: “The location and the outdoor atmosphere at Wailea Beach Resort are really beautiful.”

See photos and book Wailea Beach Resort Marriott here.

Aston Maui Hill - large apartments with a kitchen in the southern part of Kihei

Aston Maui Hill is on South Kihei Road at the southern end of Kihei, around 600 metres from Keawakapu Beach. The suites have a full kitchen and a balcony, and there’s a heated pool, a hot tub, a tennis court, a barbecue and free parking.

The apartments are a good fit for a family or two couples travelling together who want plenty of space. It’s a short walk to the beach, so it works best if you have a hire car anyway.

One delighted guest writes on Booking.com: “We loved our room. It was beyond our expectations and very big.”

See photos and book Aston Maui Hill here.

Days Inn by Wyndham Maui Oceanfront - simple hotel right by Keawakapu Beach

Days Inn is right by Keawakapu Beach at the southern end of Kihei. It’s a two-star hotel with air conditioning, a gym, a barbecue and free parking.

It’s my budget pick on Maui, but remember that budget on Maui is still expensive compared with many other destinations. The hotel is simple, but on the plus side, the beach is right outside the door.

On Booking.com, one guest highlights: “Beautiful location close to the beach and a nice, compact room with a comfortable bed and shower.”

See photos and book Days Inn by Wyndham Maui Oceanfront here.

5. Kailua-Kona - best area for volcanoes and snorkelling on the Big Island 🌋

• 📍 Distance from the centre: You’ll be staying in Kailua-Kona on the west coast of the Big Island. Two of the hotels are less than 600 metres from Kailua Pier, and the third is around 3 km south along Ali’i Drive.
• 🚗 Transport: A hire car is essential for trips on the Big Island, but in the town itself you can walk along the sea on Ali’i Drive.
• ✈️ Time from the airport: Allow around 15 to 20 minutes by car from Kona Airport (KOA).
• 💰 Price range: $$ to $$$. Mostly mid-range hotels and apartments in the town itself.
• 👮 Safety: Much of the coast is lava rock. Swim at beaches and in calm bays, and keep your distance from the waves by the rocks.

Kailua-Kona is where I’d stay on the Big Island if you want to see the island and still stay in a town with restaurants within walking distance. The historic part of town runs along the sea on Ali’i Drive, where you’ll also find Hulihe’e Palace. According to Hawaii’s tourism authority, King Kamehameha spent his last years in Kailua-Kona, and the palace gives you an insight into the Hawaiian monarchy.

The Kona coast is known for snorkelling, dolphins and trips out to see manta rays, especially from Keauhou south of the town. The coffee farms in the village of Holualoa on the slopes above the town are also close by if you want to taste the famous Kona coffee. In the evening, lots of people gather on Ali’i Drive, where the town’s restaurants, shops and bars are close together.

See hotels in Kailua-Kona here.

The Big Island is big, and that’s worth thinking about before you choose Kona as your only base. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, with the volcanoes Kilauea and Mauna Loa, is on the other side of the island, so the trip over there becomes a long day out by car. If you want to spend several days at the volcanoes, I’d split your stay and spend a couple of nights on the east side.

The town itself isn’t a beach town like Waikiki, and much of the coast is made up of lava. In return, you get a more local town, a short trip to the airport and hotel prices that are usually below those of the most expensive resort areas on the islands. I’d stay close to the pier if you want to walk out to eat in the evening. Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park just south of the airport is a good stop on the way into town.

Places to Stay in Kailua-Kona

Aston Kona By The Sea - apartments by the sea along Ali’i Drive

Aston Kona By The Sea is by the water on Ali’i Drive, around 3 km south of Kailua Pier. The suites have a full kitchen and a balcony, and there’s a pool with a view, a hot tub and a barbecue.

It’s the most expensive of the three here and my suggestion if you want space and a sea view from your apartment. You’ll have to drive or walk quite a way into the centre, and Wi-Fi may cost extra.

One guest writes about the apartment on Booking.com: “The apartment we stayed in was incredible and had a fantastic view!”

See photos and book Aston Kona By The Sea here.

Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel - hotel by the pier in the middle of town

King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel is right by Kailua Pier, so you’ll have Ali’i Drive, restaurants and boat trips close by. There’s a pool, a bar, a restaurant, a spa and a gym.

Choose it if a location in the middle of town matters most. Its score on Booking.com is a little lower than those of the other two hotels here, so it’s the location you’re paying for more than the rooms themselves.

One guest describes the atmosphere like this on Booking.com: “We loved the location, the whole holiday atmosphere and the pool area with a bar for drinks and snacks while we read.”

See photos and book Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel here.

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Kailua-Kona - simple hotel with breakfast close to the sea

Holiday Inn Express is around 550 metres from Kailua Pier. It’s a three-star hotel with an outdoor pool, a hot tub and a gym, and several guests highlight the included breakfast.

It’s a practical choice for an active holiday where you’re out all day and just need a clean room and an easy start to the day. The hotel isn’t on the water, but the sea and the town’s places to eat are close by.

One guest notes on Booking.com: “The location was good: in the middle of town, right across from the sea and with shops and restaurants close by.”

See photos and book Holiday Inn Express & Suites Kailua-Kona here.

6. Kapa’a & Coconut Coast - best area for a central base on Kauai 🌺

• 📍 Distance from the centre: You’ll be staying on Kauai’s east coast. From Coconut Marketplace on the map, it’s just over 4.5 km to Kapa’a town, and all three hotels are less than a kilometre from the marketplace.
• 🚗 Transport: A hire car is essential for trips around the island.
• ✈️ Time from the airport: Allow around 15 to 20 minutes by car from Lihue Airport (LIH).
• 💰 Price range: $$ to $$$. Usually more affordable than the Poipu resort area on the south coast.
• 👮 Safety: The sea on the east coast can be rough. Choose sheltered places to swim, such as the rock pools at Lydgate Beach Park, especially with children.

Kapa’a and the Coconut Coast are the most practical base if you want to see all of Kauai from one hotel. The east coast is the most populated part of the island, and from the hotels here it’s a short trip to the airport and roughly the same distance to the north coast and the south coast. According to Hawaii’s tourism authority, Kapa’a town has small shops, places to eat and local arts and crafts.

The Wailua River close to the hotels is one of Hawaii’s few navigable rivers and is popular for kayak trips. At Lydgate Beach Park, there are two pools enclosed by lava rock, which are ideal for families and for your first snorkelling trip. The boat trip to Fern Grotto and the Opaekaa Falls waterfall are also on the east coast, so you can fill a whole day without driving far. Coconut Marketplace by the hotels has shops and places to eat for the lazy evenings.

See hotels in Kapa’a and on the Coconut Coast here.

The big draw on Kauai is the Na Pali Coast. The Kalalau Trail starts in Ha’ena State Park on the north coast, and visitors who don’t live in Hawaii have to buy entry or parking in advance from the state parks division. Parks and trails can be closed at times, so check the page before you drive up there.

Poipu on the south coast is the other obvious area on Kauai, with several big resorts, but the hotels there are usually at the expensive end. I’d choose Kapa’a if you want to use the car a lot and see both the north and the south, and Poipu if you’d rather stay by the pool. The east coast isn’t the most exclusive place on the island, but it’s practical.

Places to Stay in Kapa’a & Coconut Coast

Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort - the most comfortable choice on the east coast

Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach is on the coast, around 800 metres from Coconut Marketplace. The hotel has an infinity pool, a children’s pool, a hot tub, a restaurant, a bar and a gym, and some rooms have a sea view.

It’s my pick for a couple or a family who want a modern resort as a base for trips around the island. Its score on Booking.com is lower than those of the other two hotels here, so don’t expect the same level as at the most expensive resorts in this guide.

Here’s what one guest writes on Booking.com: “The rooms are spacious and modern and feel fresh, not at all worn or dated.”

See photos and book Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort here.

Kauai Coast Resort at the Beach Boy - apartment resort by Coconut Marketplace

Kauai Coast Resort is around 200 metres from Coconut Marketplace. There’s a pool, a hot tub, a restaurant, a bar and free parking, and some of the units have a kitchenette and their own lanai, which is the Hawaiian word for a covered terrace.

I’d choose it if you want more space than in an ordinary hotel room and want to walk to shops and places to eat. One guest writes that parts of the property could do with a refresh, so don’t expect a brand-new place.

One guest sums it up briefly on Booking.com: “Comfortable and a really good location.”

See photos and book Kauai Coast Resort at the Beach Boy here.

Kauai Shores Hotel - simple, relaxed hotel by the beach

Kauai Shores is by the beach right next to Coconut Marketplace. It’s a three-star hotel with a pool, a restaurant, a bar and free parking.

It’s the simplest of the three and my suggestion if you want a relaxed hotel and plan to spend your days on trips. Prices vary, though, and on some dates it isn’t cheaper than Kauai Coast Resort, so compare both.

One guest writes about their room on Booking.com: “Our room was very clean. We really appreciated that parking and the water station were included in the price.”

See photos and book Kauai Shores Hotel here.

Where should you avoid staying in Hawaii?

I wouldn’t book a hotel based on the name of the island alone. In Hawaii, there can be an hour or more by car between two addresses on the same island, and a cheap hotel far from the beaches and restaurants quickly becomes expensive in time and fuel. On Maui, I also wouldn’t look for a hotel in Lahaina itself while the town is being rebuilt.

In Honolulu, I’d avoid staying by the airport or in the city’s business districts if you’re on holiday. You might save a little, but you lose the easy access to the beach, which is the whole point of Waikiki. On the North Shore and the Big Island, I wouldn’t choose an address far from the small towns without a hire car.

If it’s your first trip, I’d start in Waikiki and spend a couple of nights on the North Shore if you have time. If you want the classic beach holiday, Ka’anapali or Wailea and Kihei on Maui are the next step, and Maui is the island I’d choose if you only have room for one more besides Oahu.

Kailua-Kona suits you if you want volcanoes, snorkelling and a more local town, while Kapa’a is the practical base on Kauai if you want to see the Na Pali Coast without changing hotels. With two islands in two weeks, you’ll get a good feel for Hawaii without spending too many days in airports.

If you’re flying via the US mainland, a few nights in California can break up the long journey. For that, you can use my guide to the best areas in San Francisco. And if you’re based in Europe and want lush cliffs and hiking closer to home, read my guide to where to stay on Madeira, the island often called Europe’s answer to Hawaii.

The post Where to Stay in Hawaii? The 6 Best Areas & Places to Stay appeared first on Destination Well Known.

Where you stay decides how much time you spend on the Metro and on foot, and what your evenings will be like. Here are six good areas in Washington, D.C. and the hotels I’d choose in three price ranges.

The Best Areas in Washington, D.C.

• Downtown & Penn Quarter - best area for first-time visitors
• The Wharf - best area for restaurants and evenings by the water
• Georgetown & West End - best area for historic streets and shopping
• Dupont Circle - best area for restaurants, bars and local city life
• Capitol Hill & Navy Yard - best area for the Capitol, markets and baseball
• Rosslyn - best area for a cheaper base across the river

Below, I’ll take you through the areas one by one, with a map, practical facts and three hotels in each. I always start with the most expensive hotel and finish with the cheapest, so you can quickly find your price level.

1. Downtown & Penn Quarter - best area for first-time visitors

• Distance from the centre: You’ll be staying in the centre. From Penn Quarter, it’s around 1.3 km to the White House and just under 1.4 km to the Capitol.
• Metro: Gallery Place-Chinatown has the Red, Green and Yellow Lines, and several other stations are within walking distance.
• Time from the airport: The Yellow Line runs direct from Reagan National Airport to Gallery Place-Chinatown, and my estimate is around 20 minutes. From Dulles Airport, you take the Silver Line and should allow around an hour.
• Price range: High. There are lots of big chain and luxury hotels here, but also a few more affordable design hotels.
• Safety: There are lots of people on the streets during the day and in the evening. Late at night, I’d stick to the well-lit main streets, and as in any big city, keep an eye on your belongings.

Downtown and Penn Quarter are my first choice when you’re visiting Washington, D.C. for the first time. You’ll be staying right between the White House, the National Mall and the Capitol, and you can walk to most of what you’ll want to see. Penn Quarter is the part of Downtown around Chinatown and 7th Street, and there’s more life here in the evening than in the streets lined with nothing but offices.

From Penn Quarter, it’s less than 1 km to the Natural History Museum, which is one of the ten Smithsonian museums along the National Mall. According to the Smithsonian, admission is free everywhere except Cooper Hewitt in New York, so you can easily fit several museums into one day.

See hotels in Downtown & Penn Quarter here.

The National Mall itself is a long, green space with monuments and memorials, and the National Park Service calls it “America’s Front Yard”. It’s just over 3 km from the Lincoln Memorial to the Capitol, so wear good shoes, and feel free to split it over two days.

The downside is the price. The hotels here are usually among the most expensive in the city, and the streets closer to the White House go quiet when the offices close. That’s why I’d look for a hotel in Penn Quarter itself rather than somewhere among the office buildings. If you’re coming during cherry blossom season in the spring, book well ahead, because the city fills up quickly then.

The Metro is the easiest way to get around the rest of the city. According to WMATA, you can pay by tapping a contactless bank card on the fare gates, and a single journey costs between about $2.25 and $6.75 depending on the distance and the time of day.

Places to Stay in Downtown & Penn Quarter

Riggs Washington DC - five-star hotel in the heart of Penn Quarter

Riggs is my luxury pick in Downtown. The hotel has five stars and is on F Street, around 350 metres from Gallery Place-Chinatown and about 700 metres from the Natural History Museum. There’s a restaurant, a bar, room service and a gym, and the rooms are soundproofed.

I’d choose it for a couple’s getaway or a special occasion when the hotel should be part of the experience. The price is well above my other two suggestions in the area, so it’s the location and the style you’re paying for.

One guest writes briefly on Booking.com: “The location was excellent.”

See photos and book Riggs Washington DC here.

Arlo Washington DC - design hotel with a rooftop pool

Arlo is on G Street in the eastern part of Penn Quarter, around 500 metres from Gallery Place-Chinatown and just over 800 metres from Union Station. The hotel has four stars, a restaurant, a bar and a heated rooftop pool that’s open in season. It also has the highest guest rating of my three suggestions here.

I’d choose it if you want a modern hotel with a bit of atmosphere without paying luxury prices. It’s just over 1 km to the Capitol, so both the Capitol and the museums are within walking distance.

Here’s how one guest sums up their stay on Booking.com: “Super location, super service and atmosphere.”

See photos and book Arlo Washington DC here.

Motto by Hilton Washington DC City Center - compact rooms right by the Metro

Motto by Hilton is my budget pick in Penn Quarter. It’s on H Street in Chinatown, only around 60 metres from Gallery Place-Chinatown, where the Yellow Line from the airport stops. There’s a restaurant, a bar, a coffee bar and a gym.

The rooms are small, and that’s part of the concept, so the hotel is best for two people with light luggage or for a short trip. In return, you get an address where you can walk to most things and quickly get onward by Metro.

One guest describes it aptly on Booking.com: “It’s a very compact hotel, but everything has been thought through.”

See photos and book Motto by Hilton Washington DC City Center here.

2. The Wharf - best area for restaurants and evenings by the water

• Distance from the centre: Around 1.4 km to the Washington Monument and about 2 km to the Capitol from the waterfront itself.
• Metro: Waterfront station on the Green Line is around 800 metres from the waterfront.
• Time from the airport: Reagan National Airport is just under 3.5 km away as the crow flies, so a taxi is the easiest option here. My estimate is 10 to 20 minutes without traffic and around an hour from Dulles Airport.
• Price range: High by the water itself, where the newest hotels are. A little further into Southwest, there are cheaper options.
• Safety: The promenade is busy until late in the evening. Stick to the well-lit streets when you walk to the Metro late.

The Wharf is my suggestion if you’d like to end your days by the water. The area is in Southwest, and along the harbour there are restaurants, shops, hotels and apartments side by side. The atmosphere is more like a harbour town than the rest of Washington, D.C., where office buildings take up a lot of space.

According to The Wharf’s own website, there are four public piers and a water taxi, and a free shuttle bus runs in Southwest. The promenade makes it an obvious place for a stroll after dinner, even if you’re not eating by the water every evening.

See hotels at The Wharf here.

The location is better than many people expect. From the waterfront, it’s around 1.4 km to the Washington Monument, and the Smithsonian museums are a little further to the north-east. On many days, you can walk to the National Mall in the morning and back to the water in the evening.

The downside is that the hotels right by the water are rarely cheap, and getting to the Metro takes a walk. Waterfront station is around 800 metres away and only has the Green Line, so to get to Dupont Circle or Georgetown, you’ll need to change along the way or take a car.

Navy Yard and Nationals Park are just under 2 km to the east, so you can also walk to a game or a concert from here if you fancy a longer walk.

I’d choose The Wharf for two to four nights, especially in the warmer half of the year, when the promenade and the roof terraces get the most use. It’s also one of the places in the city where you can eat outdoors by the water once the museums have closed. If you’re in the city mainly for the museums, Penn Quarter is more practical.

Places to Stay at The Wharf

InterContinental Washington D.C. The Wharf - five-star hotel right on the waterfront

InterContinental is on Wharf Street right by the promenade, less than 200 metres from the middle of The Wharf. The hotel has five stars, a spa, a restaurant and a rooftop pool with a pool bar that’s open in season.

I’d choose it for a couple who want to treat themselves and spend their evenings by the water. The rooms are soundproofed, which is nice when the promenade is full of life. It’s also the most expensive of my suggestions here.

One guest highlights the location in particular on Booking.com: “Fantastic location right by the water, which was lovely after a day exploring the city.”

See photos and book InterContinental Washington D.C. The Wharf here.

Hyatt House Washington DC/The Wharf - suites with a kitchen for families

Hyatt House is a few steps from InterContinental on Wharf Street. The hotel has three stars, but it also has a roof terrace with a heated pool in season, a restaurant and a bar. Depending on the type, the rooms have either a kitchenette or a full kitchen, and the largest suites sleep six people.

That makes the hotel my pick for families or friends travelling together who’d like to make their own breakfast or a light dinner. Several room types have a view of the water, so choose one of them if the view matters to you.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “My family loved the hotel.”

See photos and book Hyatt House Washington DC/The Wharf here.

citizenM Washington DC Capitol - compact design hotel between the harbour and the National Mall

citizenM is on School Street in Southwest, around 850 metres from The Wharf and about 1 km from the Natural History Museum. The hotel has a restaurant, a 24-hour front desk, a gym and express check-in.

The rooms are small, and one guest calls them best suited to one person on a business trip, so for a family I’d choose something else. For a couple on a short trip, though, it’s a cheaper and practical choice between the water and the museums.

Another guest is happy with the beds and writes on Booking.com: “The beds and bedding were extremely comfortable, and the pillows were lovely and soft.”

See photos and book citizenM Washington DC Capitol here.

3. Georgetown & West End - best area for historic streets and shopping

• Distance from the centre: Georgetown is around 2.8 km west of the White House. West End is between Georgetown and Dupont Circle.
• Metro: The nearest station is Foggy Bottom-GWU on the Blue, Orange and Silver Lines, around 1 to 1.3 km from the hotels in Georgetown and closer to West End.
• Time from the airport: The Blue Line runs direct from Reagan National Airport to Foggy Bottom-GWU, and the Silver Line runs there from Dulles. My estimate is 20 to 25 minutes from Reagan National plus the walk. By taxi, it’s around 7 km as the crow flies.
• Price range: High in Georgetown itself, where there are few hotels. In West End, the choice is bigger, and prices are often lower.
• Safety: A calm and well-kept area. M Street can be very busy at weekends, and the small side streets call for good shoes.

Georgetown is my pick if you want to stay somewhere with more atmosphere than the rest of the city. The official tourism website Washington.org calls it the city’s oldest neighbourhood, and its heart is where M Street meets Wisconsin Avenue. Here, you’ll find shops, galleries, restaurants and beautiful row houses.

Down by the river is Georgetown Waterfront Park, which the same website highlights as one of the city’s most beautiful places for kayaking, running and cycling. The peaceful C&O Canal also runs through the neighbourhood, so there are good walks here when you need a break from the museums. Across Key Bridge, you can walk to Rosslyn on the other side of the Potomac.

See hotels in Georgetown & West End here.

The downside is getting around. The nearest Metro station is Foggy Bottom-GWU, around 1 to 1.3 km from the hotels in Georgetown. Getting to the National Mall therefore means a longer walk or a short bus or taxi ride, so try to group each day’s sights in the same part of the city.

That’s why I’ve included West End. It’s the neighbourhood between Georgetown and Dupont Circle, and the hotels here are closer to the Metro. You can walk to Georgetown in about 20 minutes and still take the train direct to both airports from Foggy Bottom-GWU.

I’d choose Georgetown for a couple or for a second visit to the city, when you don’t need to stay close to all the monuments. For a first trip with lots of museums, Penn Quarter is more practical, but the evenings here are cosier. Book well ahead, because there aren’t many hotels in Georgetown itself.

Places to Stay in Georgetown & West End

The Graham Georgetown - small boutique hotel in the heart of Georgetown

The Graham is on Thomas Jefferson Street between M Street and the water, around 500 metres from Georgetown Waterfront Park. The hotel has four stars, a restaurant, a bar and a sun terrace, and the rooms are soundproofed.

It’s my most expensive suggestion in the area and the one I’d choose for a romantic weekend. Guests particularly praise the size of the rooms. It’s just under 1 km to Foggy Bottom-GWU, so expect a walk before you reach the Metro.

One guest sums it up on Booking.com: “A charming little hotel with a fantastic location.”

See photos and book The Graham Georgetown here.

The Georgetown Inn - classic hotel on Wisconsin Avenue

The Georgetown Inn is on Wisconsin Avenue in the northern part of Georgetown, around 500 metres from the water. There’s a restaurant, a bar, a gym and room service.

I’d choose it if you want to stay right among Georgetown’s shops at a lower price than at the most exclusive addresses. Guests mention spacious rooms and good beds. The distance to the Metro is the biggest drawback, as it’s around 1.3 km to Foggy Bottom-GWU.

One guest praises the rooms on Booking.com: “Beautiful, spacious room.”

See photos and book The Georgetown Inn here.

Hilton Garden Inn Washington DC/Georgetown Area - practical West End hotel with a rooftop pool

Hilton Garden Inn is on M Street in West End, around 500 metres from Foggy Bottom-GWU and just over 700 metres from Dupont Circle station. The hotel has a restaurant, a bar, a gym and a heated rooftop pool that’s open in season.

The name promises a little more Georgetown than you get, as it’s around 1.5 km to the heart of the neighbourhood. On the other hand, it’s the cheapest of my three suggestions here and a good choice if you want to combine Georgetown with easy access to the Metro.

One guest praises most things on Booking.com: “All of it: the location, the staff, the room, the furniture and the pool.”

See photos and book Hilton Garden Inn Washington DC/Georgetown Area here.

4. Dupont Circle - best area for restaurants, bars and local city life

• Distance from the centre: Around 1.5 km north of the White House and just under 2 km from Georgetown.
• Metro: Dupont Circle station on the Red Line is right by the circle itself.
• Time from the airport: From Reagan National Airport, you take the Yellow Line to Gallery Place-Chinatown and change to the Red Line. My estimate is 30 to 35 minutes, and a taxi is often quicker outside rush hour.
• Price range: Medium to high, with a good choice of mid-range hotels.
• Safety: A busy and popular neighbourhood, also in the evening. As in the rest of the city, keep an eye on your belongings when you’re out at night.

Dupont Circle is my choice if you want to stay where lots of locals go out themselves. The neighbourhood is built around a round park with a fountain in the middle, and Connecticut Avenue and several other streets with restaurants, bars and shops lead off the circle.

According to Washington.org, both locals and visitors gather at the fountain to read, people-watch or meet friends. The neighbourhood is also known for the many embassies in the surrounding streets, and exploring among them is one of the reasons to come here. During the day, according to the same website, you can also see people doing yoga or playing chess by the fountain.

See hotels in Dupont Circle here.

The practical part is the Red Line. The station is right by the circle, and from here you can ride direct to Gallery Place-Chinatown in Penn Quarter and to Union Station by Capitol Hill. That makes it easy to stay here and still spend your days in the centre. If you’re heading to Georgetown, it’s just under 2 km, which is a nice walk to the west.

The downside is the distance to the National Mall. It’s around 1.5 km to the White House and further to the museums, so most days start with the Metro or a longer walk. In return, you often get more hotel for your money than in Downtown.

I’d choose Dupont Circle for a trip of four or five days when the evenings matter as much as the sights, or if you’ve already seen the monuments on an earlier trip. The neighbourhood is also well placed if you want to split your time between the centre, West End and Georgetown.

Places to Stay in Dupont Circle

The Dupont Circle Hotel - five-star hotel right on the circle

The Dupont Circle Hotel is on New Hampshire Avenue, right on the circle and less than 200 metres from the Metro. The hotel has five stars, a restaurant, a bar, a coffee bar, room service and a gym.

It’s my luxury pick in the neighbourhood and especially good if you want to be able to go out for dinner and be back at the hotel within minutes. Guests mention bright rooms and a very clean hotel.

One guest describes the room like this on Booking.com: “A lovely bright and airy room.”

See photos and book The Dupont Circle Hotel here.

Hotel Madera - boutique hotel with highly praised staff

Hotel Madera is on New Hampshire Avenue, around 300 metres south of the circle and just under 400 metres from the Metro. The hotel has four stars, a restaurant, a bar, a gym and a terrace, and pets are allowed.

I’d choose it for a couple who want to stay in Dupont Circle without paying for the most central address. One guest mentions that the hotel is a little outside the city centre, so expect to take the Metro or a taxi to the monuments. Wi-Fi may cost extra, so check if you need to work.

One guest praises the staff on Booking.com: “The staff were absolutely fantastic, and nothing was too much trouble.”

See photos and book Hotel Madera here.

Courtyard by Marriott Washington, DC Dupont Circle - simple, quiet mid-range hotel

Courtyard is on N Street, around 400 metres from the circle and just under 600 metres from the Metro. The hotel has a restaurant, a bar and a gym, and it’s the cheapest of my three suggestions in the neighbourhood.

I’d choose it when you mainly need a clean, quiet room and would rather spend your money in the neighbourhood’s restaurants. Guests call the hotel quiet, but don’t expect a big design experience.

One guest writes about the breakfast on Booking.com: “The breakfast was simple, but always hot and tasty.”

See photos and book Courtyard by Marriott Washington, DC Dupont Circle here.

5. Capitol Hill & Navy Yard - best area for the Capitol, markets and baseball

• Distance from the centre: The Capitol is around 900 metres from the centre of Capitol Hill, and Navy Yard is just over 1 km further south.
• Metro: Capitol South has the Blue, Orange and Silver Lines, Union Station has the Red Line, and Navy Yard-Ballpark is by Nationals Park.
• Time from the airport: The Blue Line runs direct from Reagan National Airport to Capitol South, and the Silver Line runs there from Dulles. My estimate is around 25 minutes from Reagan National and just over an hour from Dulles.
• Price range: Medium to high, with most hotels by Union Station and in Navy Yard.
• Safety: Quiet residential streets in the evening. During games and concerts at Nationals Park, Navy Yard is packed with people, so watch your belongings in the crowds.

Capitol Hill and Navy Yard are my pick if you want to stay close to the Capitol and still have an area with some life in the evening. Capitol Hill is the neighbourhood east of the Capitol, with row houses and small restaurants, while Navy Yard is by the river to the south, with Nationals Park, where the Washington Nationals play baseball.

A good place to start is Eastern Market, a market with fresh food indoors and stalls with fruit, vegetables and crafts outside at weekends. According to the market’s own website, both the indoor and outdoor markets are closed on Mondays, so plan your visit for another day. From the market, it’s around 1.2 km to the Capitol.

You can visit the Capitol itself on a guided tour. According to the Capitol Visitor Center, the visitor centre is open Monday to Saturday from 8.30am to 4.30pm, and you can book a tour on the same website.

See hotels in Capitol Hill & Navy Yard here.

Union Station is on the northern edge of the area. WMATA describes the station as a major hub for the Metro, Amtrak trains and buses. If you’re continuing by train to New York, my guide to where to stay in New York can help you with the next leg.

The downside is that the area is long. It’s around 1.7 km from Navy Yard to the Capitol, so base your choice on what you’ll spend most time on: the Capitol and the museums, or the restaurants and the games by the river.

I’d choose the northern part by Union Station for a short trip focused on the sights, and Navy Yard if you’re going to a game or would like newer hotels and restaurants right outside the door.

Places to Stay in Capitol Hill & Navy Yard

The Royal Sonesta Washington DC Capitol Hill - five-star hotel near Union Station

The Royal Sonesta is on Massachusetts Avenue, around 400 metres from Union Station and just under 900 metres from the Capitol. The hotel has five stars, a restaurant, a bar, room service and a gym, and pets are allowed.

I’d choose it if you want to be able to walk to the Capitol and still have the Red Line and the trains just around the corner. Guests mention spacious rooms and a good breakfast, but check whether breakfast is included in the rate you book.

One delighted guest writes on Booking.com: “Fantastic hotel! Highly recommended.”

See photos and book The Royal Sonesta Washington DC Capitol Hill here.

Hampton Inn & Suites Washington, D.C. Navy Yard - practical hotel right by Nationals Park

Hampton Inn & Suites is on 1st Street SE, around 250 metres from both Navy Yard-Ballpark station and Nationals Park. There’s a gym, a terrace and a 24-hour front desk, and guests mention a rooftop bar.

It’s my mid-range pick if you’re going to a game or a concert, or if you want the Metro close by. Some guests feel the hotel is a little worn around the edges, so expect a practical hotel rather than a design hotel.

One guest highlights the connections on Booking.com: “Good location with access to the Metro.”

See photos and book Hampton Inn & Suites Washington, D.C. Navy Yard here.

Coda on Half, a Placemakr Experience - apartments with a kitchenette and a washing machine

Coda on Half is an apartment hotel on L Street SE, around 300 metres from Navy Yard-Ballpark station. There are studios and apartments with up to three bedrooms, all with a kitchenette and a washing machine, and the front desk is staffed around the clock.

I’d choose it for families, groups of friends or a longer stay. The price is often lower than at the hotels around it, and the kitchenette makes it easy to sort out breakfast yourself. There’s also a gym and a terrace.

One guest writes about the staff on Booking.com: “The hotel’s staff are friendly and helpful.”

See photos and book Coda on Half, a Placemakr Experience here.

6. Rosslyn - best area for a cheaper base across the river

• Distance from the centre: Rosslyn is in Arlington, Virginia, just across the Potomac from Georgetown. It’s around 1 km to Key Bridge and just over 3 km to the White House.
• Metro: Rosslyn station has the Blue, Orange and Silver Lines, and the next station is Foggy Bottom-GWU on the other side of the river.
• Time from the airport: The Blue Line runs direct from Reagan National Airport to Rosslyn, and the Silver Line runs direct from Dulles. My estimate is around 20 minutes from Reagan National and just under an hour from Dulles.
• Price range: Often lower than in Washington, D.C. itself, but prices vary a lot from date to date.
• Safety: A quiet office and residential area. In the evening, there are fewer people on the streets than in Georgetown, so it’s a good idea to take the Metro or a taxi home late.

Rosslyn is my suggestion if you want to save a little and don’t mind taking the Metro into the city. The area is in Arlington, Virginia, on the other side of the Potomac, and it’s dominated by high-rises, offices and hotels. It isn’t the place for charming streets, but it’s a practical base.

The big advantage is Rosslyn station. From here, the Blue, Orange and Silver Lines run under the river, and you can ride direct to both airports, with the Blue Line to Reagan National and the Silver Line to Dulles. That’s handy on your arrival and departure days when you have suitcases.

See hotels in Rosslyn here.

You can also walk. Across Key Bridge, you’re in Georgetown in about a quarter of an hour, and from Rosslyn station, it’s around a 15-minute walk to one of the entrances to Arlington National Cemetery. According to its own website, the cemetery is open every day from 8am to 5pm. The Lincoln Memorial is just over 2 km from Rosslyn, so you can reach the western end of the National Mall on foot too.

The downside is the atmosphere in the evening. If you want to eat out on several evenings, you’ll often end up in Georgetown or in the city and have to get back by Metro or taxi. I’d choose Rosslyn for a trip where price comes first or for an early departure from Dulles, not for a romantic weekend.

Choose a hotel close to the station, because it saves you a lot of minutes every day. Two of my suggestions are on Wilson Boulevard and Fort Myer Drive, only a few minutes’ walk from the Metro.

Places to Stay in Rosslyn

Hilton Arlington Rosslyn The Key - modern hotel with views right by the Metro

Hilton Arlington Rosslyn The Key is on Fort Myer Drive, only around 130 metres from Rosslyn station and just under 600 metres from Key Bridge. The hotel has four stars, a restaurant, a bar, a coffee bar, room service and a gym, and it has the highest guest rating of all the hotels in this guide.

I’d choose it if you want a comfortable hotel with a good view and often pay less than for a similar hotel in Washington, D.C. itself.

One guest praises the view on Booking.com: “Very beautiful view from the windows and a clean and cosy room.”

See photos and book Hilton Arlington Rosslyn The Key here.

Hyatt Centric Arlington - four stars close to the Metro and Key Bridge

Hyatt Centric Arlington is on Wilson Boulevard, around 200 metres from Rosslyn station and just under 900 metres from Key Bridge. There’s a restaurant, a bar and a gym.

It’s my mid-range pick in Rosslyn and a good compromise between price and location. A few guests feel the rooms and common areas could do with an update, so choose it for the location rather than the decor.

One guest also mentions the Metro on Booking.com: “Close to the Metro, so it was easy to get around to all the major sights.”

See photos and book Hyatt Centric Arlington here.

Sonesta Select Arlington Rosslyn - simple hotel at a lower price

Sonesta Select is on Clarendon Boulevard, just under 500 metres from Rosslyn station. The hotel has three stars, a restaurant, a gym, a garden and a laundry, and it’s my simplest suggestion in Rosslyn.

The guest rating is 7.9, which is a little lower than for the other hotels in this guide. The price varies a lot, but it’s often at the low end for the area, so compare it with Hyatt Centric for your dates. You’ll have the Metro, Key Bridge and Georgetown within walking distance.

One guest writes about the service on Booking.com: “The reception and the service were excellent.”

See photos and book Sonesta Select Arlington Rosslyn here.

Where should you avoid staying in Washington, D.C.?

For a first trip, I wouldn’t stay far out in the suburbs to save on the hotel. The sights in Washington, D.C. are close together, and a long journey by Metro or car every morning and evening quickly eats up the savings. A hotel by Dulles Airport suits an early departure, but not the city break itself.

I also wouldn’t choose a hotel just because it has the word Washington in its name. Many hotels are in Virginia or Maryland, a good way from the Metro, so always check the address and the distance to the nearest station on the map before you book. If you choose an area outside D.C., stay close to a Metro station, as in Rosslyn.

If it’s your first trip, I’d choose Downtown and Penn Quarter, because you can walk to most things and have the Metro close by. The Wharf is the best alternative if evenings by the water matter a lot to you, and Capitol Hill and Navy Yard suit you well if you want to combine the Capitol with markets or baseball.

Georgetown and Dupont Circle are for you if you want more atmosphere and good restaurants in the evening, while Rosslyn is the practical and often cheaper base on the other side of the river.

If your trip also takes in other cities on the East Coast, you’ll find inspiration in my guide to the best things to do in New York, and if you’re heading further north, my guide to where to stay in Boston will help you choose an area there.

The post Where to Stay in Washington, D.C.? The 6 Best Areas & Places to Stay appeared first on Destination Well Known.

The right choice depends on where you’re staying, how much luggage you have and when you land. The train from Jamaica is the fastest way to Midtown, the subway is cheap and runs around the clock, and a taxi costs a flat fare to anywhere in Manhattan. Here you’ll find the fares, where to get off and what to do at night. For the rough conversions I’ve used about £0.75 per dollar.

If you’d rather drive yourself from the airport, you can compare prices on rental cars at Booking.com.

At a glance

• AirTrain and Long Island Rail Road: $14 (about £10.50) off-peak and $16 (about £12) at peak times, 20 minutes from Jamaica to Penn Station or Grand Central Madison, and the LIRR runs around the clock.
• AirTrain and subway: $11.75 (about £8.80), changing at Jamaica to the E or J line or at Howard Beach to the A line, and the subway runs around the clock.
• Q3 and Q10 buses: $3 (about £2.20) including the transfer to the subway. It’s the cheapest option, but it’s slow and involves several changes.
• Taxi: A flat fare of $70 (about £52) to anywhere in Manhattan plus surcharges, tolls and the tip, and around 55 minutes on average according to Uber.
• Uber, Lyft and Uber Shuttle: The app shows the price before you book, and Uber Shuttle is a shared minibus with fixed stops in Midtown and Downtown.

Finding your transport at the airport

JFK has several terminals, and the airport is in the middle of a major redevelopment, which means airlines can move to a different terminal. So check the terminal on your ticket before you fly.

The AirTrain is the airport’s own train, and you just follow the signs for the AirTrain from the arrivals hall. The ride between the terminals is free and takes less than ten minutes, and you only pay when you exit at Jamaica or Howard Beach. If you need help at the ticket machines, the airport has staff in red uniforms.

Licensed taxis wait at the official taxi rank outside each terminal. Uber and Lyft pick up at the signposted Ride App Pick-Up zones, which you’ll find by following the signs after baggage reclaim, and at some terminals the zone may have moved because of the construction work, so follow the directions in the app. In the arrivals hall of each terminal, the Port Authority has a Welcome Center where you can get official help with your onward journey. You can see it all on the airport’s transport page.

1. AirTrain and Long Island Rail Road to Penn Station and Grand Central

The fastest way by public transport is to take the AirTrain to Jamaica and change to the Long Island Rail Road, which everyone calls the LIRR. The airport itself calls it the best option, and from Jamaica the train takes around 20 minutes to Penn Station or Grand Central Madison in Manhattan. From Jamaica, the LIRR also runs to Atlantic Terminal in Brooklyn.

The AirTrain runs every 5 to 15 minutes, and the screens at the stations show any changes. The LIRR runs around the clock, but the timetable varies with the time of day, so check the next departure in the TrainTime app or on the screens at Jamaica. Suitcases, pushchairs and luggage trolleys are all allowed on the AirTrain.

The train suits you if you’re staying in Midtown or Chelsea and want to get there quickly. The catch is that you pay twice: first for the AirTrain when you go out through the gates at Jamaica, and then for the train ticket, which you need before you board. The MTA describes the route in its guide to JFK.

Fares and tickets

The AirTrain costs $8.75 (about £6.60), and children under 5 ride free. For the train, you buy a CityTicket, which is valid for LIRR journeys within New York City. It costs $5.25 (about £3.90) off-peak and $7.25 (about £5.40) at peak times, so the whole journey costs $14 or $16. Peak times cover weekday trains arriving at the New York stations between 06:00 and 10:00, or leaving them between 16:00 and 20:00.

Children under 5 ride the LIRR free, and up to four children aged 5 to 17 travel for $1 (about £0.75) each with a fare-paying adult. Buy your ticket in the TrainTime app or from a machine at the station. If you wait and buy it on the train, it costs $7.75 to $8.50 (about £5.80 to £6.40) extra. A CityTicket is valid until 04:00 the night after the day you bought it. The fares are listed by the MTA under CityTicket.

You pay for the AirTrain at the gates with a contactless card, Apple Pay, Google Pay or an OMNY card. If several of you are travelling together, the AirTrain has a group fare with OMNY, where the first person pays $8.75 and each person after that pays $4.50 (about £3.40), for up to five people and a maximum of $26.75 (about £20). Everyone has to tap within five minutes. The rules are on the airport’s AirTrain page.

Where to get off the train

Penn Station: The station is at 34th Street and 7th Avenue in Midtown, right on the edge of Chelsea. Here you can change to the A, C and E subway lines at 34 St-Penn Station, and the E runs one stop south to 23 St in Chelsea and one stop north to 42 St-Port Authority Bus Terminal by Times Square.

Grand Central Madison: The LIRR’s station at Grand Central in the eastern part of Midtown. Choose it if your hotel is on the east side of Midtown, and from there you can also continue out of the city on Metro-North.

Atlantic Terminal: The LIRR’s terminus in Brooklyn. If you’re staying in Brooklyn, you can ride direct from Jamaica without going via Manhattan, which saves you a change with your suitcases.

2. AirTrain and subway to Manhattan and Brooklyn

The subway is the cheap option, and it runs around the clock. Take the AirTrain to Jamaica and change at Sutphin Blvd-Archer Av-JFK Airport station to the E or J line. The E runs express through Queens for most of the day and continues through Midtown, Chelsea and SoHo to World Trade Center, while the J runs through Brooklyn to Williamsburg, the Lower East Side and the southern part of Manhattan.

The other route goes via Howard Beach, where you change to the A line. It runs through Brooklyn to Lower Manhattan and on up Manhattan’s west side to stations including 14 St, 34 St-Penn Station and 42 St-Port Authority Bus Terminal. The MTA charges the same fare for both routes, so choose the one that suits your hotel.

The subway suits you if you’re travelling light. There are lots of stops, and at night some lines run as local trains, so the journey takes longer. Both Jamaica and Howard Beach have wheelchair-accessible connections to the subway, and if you rely on lifts, the MTA advises you to check them before you travel. Take the E towards World Trade Center, because Jamaica Center is one stop in the wrong direction. You’ll find the timetable on the MTA’s E line page.

Fares and tickets

A subway ride costs $3 (about £2.20), however far you travel, and with the AirTrain that makes $11.75 (about £8.80) in total. Up to three children under 44 inches, around 112 centimetres, ride the subway free with a fare-paying adult, and children under 5 ride the AirTrain free. Weekly passes and other unlimited tickets aren’t valid on the AirTrain, so you always pay for that part separately. The fares are listed by the MTA.

Paying by card: OMNY

You pay by holding a contactless bank card, your phone or your watch against the reader. The system is called OMNY, and you don’t need to sign up or download an app. At Jamaica, you tap first at the AirTrain gates and then again when you enter the subway. If you’d rather have a card, you can buy an OMNY card from the machines at the subway stations at Jamaica and Howard Beach and pay in cash or by card. You can no longer buy a MetroCard.

If you use the same card or the same phone every time, you pay no more than $35 (about £26) over seven days on the subway and local buses, and a transfer between the subway and a bus within two hours is free. The cap covers the subway and buses, not the AirTrain. Read more about OMNY’s fare cap.

Where to get off

Midtown and Times Square: The E stops at Lexington Av/53 St, 5 Av/53 St and 7 Av and continues to 42 St-Port Authority Bus Terminal, where there’s a passageway to Times Sq-42 St. Many of the places I’ve gathered in my guide to things to do in New York are within walking distance of here.

Chelsea: Stay on the E to 23 St. If you’re staying in the northern part of Chelsea, you can also get off at 34 St-Penn Station.

SoHo: The E stops at Spring St in the middle of SoHo, which I call the best area in my guide to where to stay in New York. You ride from Jamaica without changing, and you can see hotels in SoHo here.

Lower East Side and East Village: Take the J to Delancey St-Essex St in the middle of the Lower East Side. The East Village is further north, so with big suitcases a taxi is the easiest way to cover the last stretch.

Williamsburg: The J stops at Marcy Av in Williamsburg before it crosses the bridge into Manhattan, so you stay on the same train all the way from Jamaica. You can see hotels in Williamsburg here.

Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn via Howard Beach: The A stops at Jay St-MetroTech in Brooklyn and at Fulton St, Chambers St and Canal St in Manhattan, among other stations. Take a train towards Manhattan, and get off at the stop closest to your hotel.

3. Q3 and Q10 buses: the cheapest option

If you want to avoid the AirTrain fee, you can take an ordinary MTA bus. The AirTrain between the terminals and Lefferts Blvd station is free and takes around eight minutes, and at Lefferts Blvd you’ll find the Q10, which runs towards Kew Gardens, where the MTA shows connections to the E and F subway lines, among others. The Q3 stops at Terminal 8 and at Lefferts Blvd and runs to Jamaica, where you can change to the F line at Jamaica-179 St.

The bus costs $3, the same as the subway, and if you change to the subway within two hours using the same card, the transfer is free. That means the whole journey costs just $3 (about £2.20). According to the MTA, the Q10 runs around the clock. You pay with a contactless card, your phone or an OMNY card, or with exact change in coins, but not with notes.

On the other hand, the journey takes a long time and it’s a hassle with big suitcases, so I’d only choose the bus if you’re travelling light and want to save money. You’ll find the timetable on the MTA’s Q10 page.

4. Taxis, Uber and Lyft

A yellow taxi from JFK to Manhattan costs a flat fare of $70, wherever you’re going in Manhattan, and the fare is per car. The meter and the receipt show the flat fare. If you have several stops in Manhattan, the flat fare only covers the first one, and after that the meter starts again. The taxis wait at the official taxi rank outside the terminal.

On top of that come the surcharges listed by the TLC, the city’s taxi regulator: $0.50 (about £0.37) in state tax, a $1 (about £0.75) improvement surcharge, a $2 (about £1.50) airport fee when you’re picked up at JFK, $2.50 (about £1.85) for trips to Manhattan south of 96th Street and $0.75 (about £0.56) in congestion charge south of 60th Street. On weekdays between 16:00 and 20:00, it costs $5 (about £3.70) extra. Bridge and tunnel tolls and the tip are also extra.

So for a hotel in SoHo at 17:00 on a weekday, it comes to $81.75 (about £61), before tolls and the tip. The airport estimates $80 (about £60) to Williamsburg and $90 (about £67) to Downtown Brooklyn. The rates are listed by the TLC, and you’ll find the estimates on the airport’s taxi page.

Uber and Lyft pick up at the signposted zones, and the app shows the price before you book. Uber puts the average journey time between New York City and JFK at 55 minutes, and the airport warns that the construction work can make pick-ups by car slower. Always check that the number plate matches the one in the app.

Uber Shuttle is a shared minibus that you book in the Uber app, with fixed routes to places including Times Square, Port Authority, Grand Central, Penn Station, Chelsea and Greenwich Village. You can bring one suitcase of up to 20.5 kg and a small bag, and the price is shown in the app. The airport also mentions the shared services Airlink New York and ETS Air Shuttle. See the routes at Uber Shuttle.

Private transfer

If you’re landing late with children, or there are several of you with a lot of luggage, you can book a private transfer from JFK to Manhattan here. The driver waits for you, the price is agreed in advance, and up to 105 minutes of waiting time is included if your flight is delayed. If there are up to nine of you, you can book a larger private transfer from JFK here.

Onward travel around the New York area straight from the airport

If you’re not heading into Manhattan, you can take the LIRR from Jamaica straight out to Long Island. The LIRR has 11 branches and runs around the clock, and you’ll find the routes at Long Island Rail Road. If you’re travelling on from New York later by Amtrak train to another city on the East Coast, you can buy your train ticket in advance from Omio.

If you’re catching a flight from another airport, JFK estimates a taxi at $60 (about £45) to LaGuardia and $160 (about £120) to Newark, before surcharges and tolls. To Nassau and Westchester, the taxi runs on the meter to the city limit and at double the rate from there, and for trips to New Jersey, Connecticut and Suffolk, you agree the fare with the driver before you set off. If you’re landing at Newark or LaGuardia instead, read my guide to getting from Newark and LaGuardia to Manhattan.

Getting back to the airport

By subway, take the E towards Jamaica Center to Sutphin Blvd-Archer Av-JFK Airport or the A towards Far Rockaway to Howard Beach-JFK Airport. Be careful with the A, because trains to Lefferts Blvd don’t go to the airport. From either station, take the AirTrain on to your terminal.

By LIRR, take a train that stops at Jamaica from Penn Station, Grand Central Madison or Atlantic Terminal, and buy your ticket before you board. The MTA advises you to sit at the front of the train, so you have a shorter walk to the AirTrain at Jamaica. The subway and the LIRR run around the clock, but at night some subway lines run as local trains and the LIRR runs to a different timetable, so allow plenty of time if you’re catching a very early flight.

A yellow taxi from Manhattan to JFK also costs the flat fare of $70 plus surcharges, but the airport fee only applies when you’re picked up at the airport. Taxis and cars normally drop off in front of the terminals. When there’s construction work at the terminals, the drive can take longer, and the airport then recommends public transport, so check the airport’s traffic and construction alerts before you set off. The airport doesn’t give a fixed time for when you should arrive, so follow your airline’s advice.

Which option should you choose?

Here’s what I’d recommend, depending on where you’re staying:

SoHo: Take the AirTrain to Jamaica and the E direct to Spring St. With a lot of luggage, a flat-fare taxi is the easiest option.

Lower East Side and East Village: Take the AirTrain to Jamaica and the J to Delancey St-Essex St, and take a taxi for the last stretch to the East Village if you have big suitcases.

Chelsea: Take the AirTrain and the LIRR to Penn Station, which is on the edge of the neighbourhood, or the E direct to 23 St.

Williamsburg: Take the AirTrain to Jamaica and the J to Marcy Av with no further changes.

Midtown near Times Square and Grand Central: The AirTrain and the LIRR to Penn Station or Grand Central Madison is the fastest option. The E to 42 St-Port Authority Bus Terminal is cheaper.

If you land at night: The subway and the LIRR run around the clock, but at night some subway lines run as local trains. After a long flight, a flat-fare taxi is the easiest option.

If there are three or four of you: Four people pay $43.25 (about £32.50) for the AirTrain at the group fare plus four CityTickets. A taxi to Midtown or SoHo off-peak costs $76.75 (about £58) before tolls and the tip, so roughly twice as much, but it takes you to the door without any changes.

Practical tips for getting from JFK Airport to Manhattan

Use the same card all the way. The fare cap on the subway and buses only works if you use the same card or the same phone every time. A physical card and the same card in your phone count as two different cards.

Buy your LIRR ticket before you board. On the train, it costs $7.75 to $8.50 extra, so download the TrainTime app while you’re waiting for your luggage.

Only take a taxi from the official taxi rank. The airport asks you to ignore people in the terminal who offer you transport, because many of them drive without a licence or insurance. Use the official zones for yellow taxis, Uber and Lyft.

Check the lifts if you have heavy luggage or a pushchair. The MTA has a page showing the status of lifts and escalators and advises you to check it before you travel. Jamaica and Howard Beach both have wheelchair-accessible connections between the AirTrain and the subway.

Choose your hotel with the connection in mind. The E runs direct from Jamaica to Spring St, so you can see hotels in SoHo here. The J runs direct to Delancey St-Essex St, where you can see hotels on the Lower East Side here, and to Marcy Av, where you can see hotels in Williamsburg here.

If you’re not sure which neighbourhood suits you, read my guide to where to stay in New York, and you’ll find ideas for your trip in my guide to things to do in New York.

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