Booking.com Reveals The Most Welcoming Places In The United States To Keep Inspiring Your Wanderlust
Even amidst a year of uncertainty and untold challenges for the entire travel industry, 2020 proved the world is still full of amazing hospitality and great hosts ready to provide people with incredible travel experiences. With a mission to make it easier for everyone to experience the world, whether it’s far away from home or just around the corner, Booking.com connects travelers with great travel providers and experiences across the globe. Based on the share of properties receiving one of its Traveller Review Award in 2021, Booking.com reveals the top five Most Welcoming Places in the United States, as well as some suggestions for places to stay from among the 2021 award winners, so travelers can experience the best in hospitality and friendliness whenever it’s safe again to do so.*
Newport, Rhode Island
Known for being a popular New England summer vacation spot, Newport tops the list of most welcoming places in the US. Travelers will enjoy the rich history that this island city has to offer between touring the stately Gilded Age mansions, visiting the International Tennis Hall of Fame, and listening to classic tunes at the world-famous Folk Festival. For those looking to enjoy the sand and surf in the Sailing Capital of the World, there’s a variety of activities, from taking a long stroll along the Cliff Walk or Fort Adams Bay Walk to lounging on Easton’s or Sachuset Beach.
Where to stay: Situated in Newport, Hydrangea House Inn exudes historic New England charm. Visitors can enjoy amenities such as complimentary wine and cheese served daily on the porch and a gourmet breakfast. The property is a short walk away from the Redwood Library and Athenaeum and the Newport Art Museum, making it possible for guests to easily engage with the city’s cultural institutions when it is safe to do so.
Bloomington, Minnesota
Though best known as home to the Mall of America, Bloomington offers many attractions beyond the shopping mecca. The Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge has miles of trails for hiking or cross-country, while animal lovers can observe bald eagles, river otters, wood ducks, and prairie skinks in their natural habitat. For those interested in more animal-viewing, there’s the Minnesota Zoo featuring more than 500 species and outdoor enthusiasts can hit the slopes at the Hyland Ski and Snowboard Area. For visitors who want to explore beyond the city limits, the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul are a short drive away.
Where to stay: After a day full of skiing, visiting the Twin Cities, or shopping at the Mall of America, escape to the quiet Staybridge Suites Minneapolis-Bloomington. Relax on the outdoor patio and fuel up with a complimentary breakfast buffet. There’s easy access to the Mall and the nearby airport via a free shuttle and the Minnesota Zoo is located a short distance away.
Madison, Wisconsin
The capital of Wisconsin, Madison offers many family-friendly activities all year round, such as enjoying a summertime outdoor concert, walking through landscapes at the Olbrich Botanical Gardens, and sledding at Elver Park. The friendly Midwesterners living in the region have a relaxed lifestyle that will make travelers feel immediately at home. The state’s capital city is also a foodie’s paradise, boasting the largest producer-only farmer’s market along with festivals such as Taste of Madison, Yum Yum Fest, and Restaurant Week. For visitors looking to explore on two wheels, Madison is one of the best bike cities on earth but offers many lakes and parks for adventures by paddle or by foot.
Where to stay: Steps away from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, The Buckingham Inn is a charming spot to stay in the capital. This historic bed and breakfast was built in the Prairie School style of architecture influenced by the work of Frank Lloyd Wright. Known for the friendly innkeepers Tom & Heidi, this is the perfect place for any travelers looking for impeccable service and personalized suggestions of nearby events, favorite places, restaurants, and sights.
Cape May, New Jersey
Located at the southernmost point of New Jersey, Cape May is America’s oldest seaside resort. Take photos from the picturesque Sunset Beach at dusk, spend a day fishing, or walk on the beach while watching the colorful sailboats drift by the shoreline. Discover colonial life at Historic Cold Spring Village or try a new wine at one of several nearby vineyards. For travelers looking to rejuvenate beyond simply breathing in the salty air, there’s Sea Spa where guests can relax in cabana-style treatment rooms. For visitors looking for a bit more adventure, there’s the Thunder Cat Dolphin Watch Speedboat or East Coast Jet Boat for some thrills on the high seas.
Where to stay:
Fall asleep to the gentle sounds of the waves at the seaside ICONA Cape May. Located a few minutes from bed to sandy beach, the property offers beach chairs and a free shuttle for guests. Visitors can watch the sunset from a private balcony and no need to look far for a delicious meal, with the options of the hotel’s open-air restaurant or the waterfront Star Beach Bar.
West Yellowstone, Montana
One of the most scenic destinations in the country, West Yellowstone is the perfect place to escape year-round. Home of the western gateway to Yellowstone National Park, this entrance offers stunning views of The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, which extends roughly 20 miles in height. Ideal for adrenaline seekers, West Yellowstone has many attractions such as a zipline adventure park, snowmobiling over hundreds of miles in trails, and viewing live grizzly bears and wolves at a wildlife park.
Where to stay: Located a mile away from the western entrance to Yellowstone National Park, 1872 Inn features spacious and comfortable accommodations. At the Inn, guests can enjoy delights such a sauna, complimentary refreshments upon arrival, and in-room gas fireplaces.
*Methodology: The “Most Welcoming Places in The US” were sorted by the highest share of winners as a percentage of total hotels in a region. A region had to have at least 500 eligible accommodations to be included in this overview.