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12 Under-the-Radar Hotels You Need to Know

We just planned your next vacation—from Santa Rosa, CA to Stillwater, MN, these hidden gems deserve your attention.

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MADE Hotel
Courtesy MADE Hotel

MADE Hotel—New York, New York

Situated at the intersection of 29th Street and Broadway, in the often frenetic NoMad neighborhood, MADE Hotel is a design-driven sanctuary with a chill vibe. Everything from the artisan-crafted furniture to the thoughtful conveniences, like Stutterheim raincoats and FOAK sunglasses (for loan or purchase), is carefully curated. The result is laid-back luxury, an experience that’s refined yet refreshing. Planning a trip to the Big Apple? Take a peek at the best-kept secrets in NYC.

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Azul Del Mar
Courtesy Dominic Marsden

Azul Del Mar—Key Largo, Florida

For a slice of adults-only paradise in Key Largo, set your sights on Azul Del Mar. This six-villa inn promises seclusion, romance, and a picturesque setting: Manicured grounds are dotted with palm trees, key lime bushes, and frangipani. There’s also a private beach, and the lack of children keeps it pleasantly peaceful. Plus, it’s surprisingly affordable. Check out these other cheap getaways that feel like VIP adventures.

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Kentucky Grand Hotel & Spa
Courtesy Kentucky Grand Hotel & Spa

The Kentucky Grand Hotel & Spa—Bowling Green, Kentucky

An hour north of Nashville is the up-and-coming city of Bowling Green. The Kentucky Grand Hotel & Spa exudes 1940s elegance and Southern charm. This boutique gem boasts eight exquisite suites with views of Circus Square Park, a marble-clad lobby, and a piano bar—the perfect place to grab a mint julep and socialize with friends.

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The Astro Motel
Courtesy Sonoma County Tourism

The Astro Motel—Santa Rosa, California

Napa Valley isn’t the only noteworthy vino region in Northern California. Set in the heart of Sonoma County, The Astro Motel—built in 1963 and revamped in 2017—hearkens back to the heyday of the American motor lodge. There are 34 colorful rooms, each appointed with mid-century furnishings and urban accessories. And it’s mere minutes from the stores, restaurants, and wineries in Santa Rosa.

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Eastwind Hotel & Bar
Courtesy Eastwind Hotel & Bar

Eastwind Hotel & Bar—Windham, New York

Eastwind Hotel & Bar is tucked away in the untrammeled natural splendor of the Catskills where thick forests and mountains beg to be explored. This 1920s-bunkhouse-turned-hip-retreat is warm, casual, and homey—ideal for a weekend reset. We could wax poetic about the rustic-chic design forever. It’s hard to choose a favorite feature…but if we had to, it would be the A-frame Lushna cabins. Fans of the great outdoors will love these incredible campsites across the country.

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Chebeague Island Inn
Courtesy Chebeague Island Inn

Chebeague Island Inn—Chebeague Island, Maine

Want to unwind? A ten-minute ferry ride from Portland lies Chebeague Island Inn. This tranquil property wins points for its coastal New England decor and tech-free zones (accommodations are sans televisions or phones). Instead of bingeing the latest Netflix show, vacationers spend time soaking in the serenity and remarkable vistas of Casco Bay. Here are some more hotels that boast some seriously incredible views.

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The Bobby Hotel
Courtesy Lisa Diederich Photography

Bobby Hotel—Nashville, Tennessee

Catering to musicians and free-spirited jetsetters alike, Bobby Hotel captures what makes Nashville so special. (Spoiler alert: Gracious hospitality is just the beginning.) This 144-room treasure is vibrant, eclectic, and creative. Guest quarters are fitted with eye-catching murals, bold light fixtures, and tufted headboards. The rooftop lounge delivers dazzling views plus dangerously delicious libations.

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Tikchik Narrows Lodge
Courtesy Tikchik Narrows Lodge

Tikchik Narrows Lodge—Dillingham, Alaska

Perched on the tip of a peninsula, surrounded by idyllic lakes and pristine wilderness, in the Bristol Bay region of Southwest Alaska, Tikchik Narrows Lodge is a remote refuge—300 miles from the nearest major roadway. Visitors arrive via float plane from Dillingham, hunker down in cozy cottages, and enjoy unrivaled freshwater fly fishing.

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Hotel Covington
Courtesy Hotel Covington

Hotel Covington—Covington, Kentucky

Housed in a century-old building, Hotel Covington pays homage to its retail-store heritage with a fashion-centric theme. Vintage styling meets bespoke details with modern touches. Interiors flaunt merchandise-esque displays, sparkling chandeliers, brass accents, and photographs of the original 1908 structure. There’s even a couture-inspired gift shop. Check out some more of the best value hotels in America.

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Lora
Courtesy Provenance Hotels

Lora—Stillwater, Minnesota

The latest addition to the Provenance Hotels portfolio, Lora (named after the mythical river nymph and notorious temptress Lorelei), occupies the historic Joseph Wolf Brewery on the south end of Main Street in Stillwater. Architectural character—vaulted ceilings, timber trusses, exposed brick, and limestone walls—is complemented by a subdued color palette and whimsical flourishes.

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The Kimpton Goodland
Courtesy The Kimpton Goodland

The Kimpton Goodland—Goleta, California

Santa Barbara may get the glory, but do you know what it doesn’t have? The Kimpton Goodland. This bohemian haven in easy-going Goleta recalls old-school California with a retro-surf aesthetic and nostalgic amenities. Chill out in the Airstream trailer, browse the selection at the on-site record shop, sip hand-crafted cocktails at Goodbar, and savor street food at Outpost. Don’t miss these awesome summer escapes in the U.S.

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The Perry Hotel
Courtesy The Perry Hotel

The Perry Hotel—Key West, Florida

Seeking an escape from the booze-fueled revelry and crowds of downtown Key West? Just over the bridge, The Perry Hotel is a relaxing respite with 100 spacious rooms, fire pits, two seafood restaurants, and a waterfront swimming pool. It also offers direct access to Stock Island Marina and a multitude of aquatic activities, including fishing, sailing, and snorkeling. And with rates as low as $168, it won’t break the bank.

Lindsay Cohn
Lindsay is an avid traveler and travel writer who has visited 46 countries across six continents. For Reader's Digest, she covers both domestic and international travel, and her byline also appears in Travel + Leisure, InsideHook, Hotels Above Par, Well + Good and PureWow. When she's not writing, you can find her hanging out with her son, doing yoga and adding to her ever-growing list of future adventures.