While big chains and business hotels have their place, many people will be looking for smaller, quieter places to stop over on their travels right now. There are hundreds of places to stay in every state, but these small boutique properties and bed and breakfasts all have oodles of charm. Read on to discover the top B&Bs in America and, if you're planning a trip, remember to check state travel advisories and up-to-date information on individual accommodations before you go. 

This is Southern hospitality at its finest. Visitors can greet the morning with a steaming cup of coffee on the wrap-around porch of this historic B&B, set in the fragrant, oak-shaded town of Magnolia Springs, just north of the Gulf Shores. Cosy rooms with gleaming wood floors and antiques reveal loads of charming details, including original wavy-glass windows. See here for the extra health and safety measures currently in place.

The Alaskan wilderness is this B&B’s backyard. Denali National Park unfolds just south of this unique, domed property, which reflects the surrounding nature with light-filled rooms, log furniture and Alaskan art. Outdoor activities abound, from hiking to rafting to – the ultimate splurge – flightseeing, which takes you soaring over the top of Denali, North America’s tallest peak. Check with individual operators, such as Fly Denali, for current availability.

The red-rock mountains of Sedona are a glowing hub for healing and rejuvenation. So is the Briar Patch Inn, which invites visitors to unplug – literally. The rustic cottages are free of TVs, phones and internet – here, the great allure is the surrounding nine acres: canyon oaks, shaded gardens, breezy creeks and, as night falls, the bright stars in the sky. Some services, including spa treatments and the afternoon snack service, are on hold for now.

Both the inside and the outside are equally impressive at this charming B&B, set in a beautifully maintained Queen Anne-style Victorian mansion. Stained-glass windows, detailed chandeliers and fireplaces dress up the place, and the plushest suite of all is the soaring Treetop Room with its brass four-poster bed and private whirlpool. Beyond the front door lie sun-speckled gardens, the historical town of Eureka Springs and the mighty Ozark Mountains. The property currently has COVID-secure protocols in place. 

California’s northern coast is on magnificent display at this ocean-view farmstead, with 15 sprawling acres populated by free-range chickens – that means there are fresh eggs for breakfast – and roaming llamas (yes, llamas). The spacious, amenity-rich rooms are the ultimate in B&B living: redwood furnishings, fireplaces and French doors. Plus, there’s a wine barn where guests can buy Mendocino County-produced varietals. Some services are modified due to COVID-19 – see the website for details. 

When in Colorado, one item usually tops the travel to-do list: tackling the great outdoors. This long-running B&B in the famous Colorado ski town of Crested Butte is the perfect place to do so. Visitors can relax in the handsome Alpine-style rooms, fuel up on fresh fruit, granola and potent pots of coffee, and then hit the slopes to ski, hike and bike. Keep an eye on the Colorado Tourism website for current advice on regional openings and protocols.

It’s hard to get closer to Mystic River than Steamboat Inn, which rises over its breezy banks. The 11 rooms, with romantic names like Summer Girl and Harmony, have plush beds, wood-burning fireplaces and spot-on views of the river, and the inn is set in the historic little town of Mystic, with its famous Seaport Museum (currently open with limited capacity). Some services are temporarily on-hold due to COVID-19 – see here for updates. 

The lovely Savannah Inn is tucked away in the small coastal town of Lewes, which residents proudly claim was America's "first town in the first state". A short walk from the bay, the beaches, and the restaurants and gift shops of downtown, this quiet inn is the perfect place to wind down. It boasts vibrant coastal decor in all of its six spacious guestrooms, with charming furnishings and super-comfy beds.

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Twelve luxurious guest rooms are spread across this late-19th-century mansion in DC's Dupont Circle neighbourhood. Guests will spot sumptuous details like chandeliers, carved wooden headboards and red-velvet chairs in the European-style lodgings, some of which are named after French and Italian cities. There's also a generous swimming pool, though check ahead for current availability. 

A Victorian mansion in the tropics? Yes, that’s Marrero’s. This lively B&B celebrates Key West in all its quirky glory – guests can typically expect access to a saltwater pool and fragrant gardens, as well as a daily happy hour on the front porch. Beyond the front door and just around the corner unfolds Duval Street, the main drag of one of Florida’s – if not the country’s – most colourful, rebellious islands. You can find travel advisories for the Keys here.

The epitome of Southern charm, this 1880s B&B offers an enticing glimpse into old Savannah. The impeccably restored Victorian home reveals plush rooms with high ceilings, silk drapes and chandeliers. Outside is just as beautiful: nearby is Forsyth Park, one of Savannah’s most photographed green spaces, and historic River Street, with its independent boutiques. Extra health and safety measures are currently in place here. 

Surrounded by rainforest filled with tropical birds and a stone's throw from Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Volcano Village Lodge is the ultimate Big Island bolthole. Spacious, light-flooded lodges feature everything from meditation lofts to koi ponds, along with all the amenities of a high-end hotel – pillowy beds, soft robes and slippers. Check here for policies relating to COVID-19 and note that, at the time of writing, visitors to Hawaii need to provide proof of a negative test upon arrival, or undergo a 14-day quarantine.

A handful of plush guestrooms – complete with pillowy king-sized beds, electric fireplaces and complimentary cookies – are tucked into this Tudor house in Twin Falls. There’s also a cosy living room stuffed with books and movies and a patio to while away sunny afternoons. The inn is a stone’s throw from jaw-dropping Snake River Canyon and the landmark Perrine Bridge, too.

An elegant inn with modern flair, Cloran Mansion has little shortage of creature comforts. The luxurious bed and breakfast is located in historic Galena and features impressive Italianate architecture and grand European-style furnishings. The inn also has its own adorable cottage, perfect for a romantic escape, as well as private whirlpool tubs, a fireplace in each room and gorgeous gardens to relax in. 

The lively little artist town of Nashville is dotted with galleries and antique shops, with the sprawling Brown County State Park at its doorstep. The 1875 Homestead is a lovely base – a brightly painted Victorian home, it's filled with cosy nooks, from a library to a fireplace room. Check with individual attractions for opening times and see the Brown County tourism website for extra details. 

Rising over the breezy banks of the Des Moines River, this welcoming inn, built in 1846 by Mormon craftsman, was born as a hotel for steamboat travellers. Rooms reflect the past – think old-fashioned quilts, rocking chairs and sleigh beds – plus there’s the Caboose Cottage that’s inside, yes, a real caboose. Bentonsport is equally intriguing, with a historic centre dotted with churches, well-preserved general stores and an old wagon bridge. The inn is currently only open on Fridays and Saturdays and is operating at 50% capacity. 

Guests are in good company here: this used to be the abode of George Glick, Governor of Kansas. Now the elegant manor is a beautiful B&B with presidential-themed suites – the Eisenhower Suite, the Elegant First Lady’s Suite – done up in rich reds and golds. The town of Atchison, birthplace of Amelia Earhart, is crammed with history and includes the Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum (open by appointment only) and the Muchnic Art Gallery, featuring local artists.

When Kentucky’s most famous liquor is part of the name, you know good things await. This elegant B&B, set in an 1800s Federal home and Antebellum mansion, lives proudly in Bardstown – also known as the Bourbon Capital of the World. The amber liquid is celebrated throughout, from the spirit-themed rooms to a bourbon bar in a three-level barn. Screening and extra cleaning practices are currently in place due to COVID-19. 

Folded into New Orleans' leafy Garden District, this place was designed by renowned Big Easy architect Thomas Sully, who was also the brains behind NOLA's landmark Hennen Building. The splendid Queen Anne mansion has original stained-glass windows, soaring ceilings and a front porch overlooking a hundred-year-old oak tree. Extra cleaning and other health and safety protocols are currently in place – learn more here.

The Nathaniel Lord Mansion, in the upscale summer resort of Kennebunkport, offers a quintessential coastal New England stay. A former shipbuilders’ mansion, this sumptuous B&B reveals a warm-hued living room with high-back wing chairs and a crackling fireplace that gives way to handsome guestrooms with four-poster beds. Breakfast here is typically a grand affair, with a seasonal menu featuring everything from Maine blueberries to local maple syrup – but check the website for current availability. 

Osprey Point maximises its perch on the shores of Swan Creek, with easy access to Chesapeake Bay. The handsome rooms have gleaming wood floors, four-poster beds and sweeping waterfront views, while outdoor activities abound: think kayaking, cycling, sailing and fishing. The celebrated Osprey Point restaurant typically serves local favourites such as crab cakes and oysters – it's currently operating at 50% capacity and you'll need a reservation.

Situated in the heart of Boston's well-heeled Back Bay neighbourhood, this swanky guesthouse prides itself on being different from the area's other, larger, corporate hotels. The 19th-century building was once a private residence, before being converted into an effortlessly chic boutique guesthouse in 2018. Guests can expect design-led rooms with carefully curated artworks and a complimentary continental breakfast (currently served in-room with contactless delivery).

This gorgeous guesthouse – with its stone façade and its gable roof – is certainly impressive from the outside, and the style continues within. Neat finishes like forest-green carpets, patterned wallpaper and dark-wood furniture characterise the Main House (pictured), which is home to five plush rooms and suites. There's also the Carriage House for guests who want even more space to themselves. The property currently has COVID-secure protocols in place – details can be found here.

This stately mansion once owned by a lumber baron is now a literary-inspired boutique B&B with grand rooms named after famous scribes. The Oscar Wilde Grand Suite is among the plushest, boasting a rich swirl of jewel tones, tufted leather furniture, a pentagonal bed and a fireplace. Beyond the front doors lies historic Stillwater, surrounded by the St. Croix River Valley, which is an easy hop to (and escape from) the Twin Cities. 

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"Victorian Southern Comfort" is promised at the Deveraux Shields House located in leafy Natchez. Guests can lodge in the luxurious Main House, making the most of one of the spacious suites, or hole up in the equally plush Aunt's Clara's Cottage. There are tons of luxury amenities too, including private baths and sound machines. Some operations are modified due to COVID-19, though – you'll find details here.

The cosy Red Bud Cove offers up a mighty dose of nature, with gorgeous views of Table Rock Lake. Plush accommodations here range from the Red Bud Lakefront Lodge, a gorgeous waterside farmhouse with its own dock, to a handful of spacious barnhouse suites, also right on the lake. Nearby is the city of Branson, which proudly calls itself the entertainment capital of the Midwest. You'll find more details on citywide openings and protocols on the Explore Branson website – extra safety measures are in place at Red Bud Cove too. 

The Howlers Inn and Wolf Sanctuary sits amid 42 acres in Bridger Canyon in Bozeman, and is home to some very special residents: captive-bred wolves rescued from across North America. Though surrounded by wilderness, the log-cabin rooms here are rustic-luxe – guests can expect wood-panelled walls and oversized tubs in the bathrooms, plus picture windows that overlook the frolicking wolves and the towering mountains beyond.

Blair has the best of two worlds: a small-town ambience, but also easy access to Nebraska’s biggest city, Omaha. Bakers Bed and Breakfast is simple but welcoming, with comfortable rooms and a cosy living and comfy dining room. The hosts take great pride in their hearty breakfasts, too, which include locally sourced produce and blueberries right from the garden in summer – you can currently get it to go if you'd prefer. 

If it’s a taste of the Old West you’re after, then this remote outpost in Unionville, west-central Nevada, delivers. There are few frills at the 19th-century Old Pioneer Garden Country Inn, but that’s all part of the charm. It’s located in the once-booming mining town of Unionville (now a relative ghost town) and guests can expect cosy rooms with antique furniture and a hearty farm-to-table breakfast.

The “golden pond” this property is named for is actually Squam Lake, the second-largest lake entirely in New Hampshire, which is a home for nesting birds from loons to herons. It was made famous by the 1981 film On Golden Pond (which saw Katharine Hepburn dive right into the water) and guests can typically get out on the lake too with boat tours and kayak rentals. The welcoming Inn on Golden Pond itself is surrounded by 50 wooded acres and oozes rustic charm, with quilted bedspreads and picture windows.

Built in 1893, this beautiful bed and breakfast can be found in the seaside resort of Cape May, nestled in a quiet neighbourhood just a few minutes from sandy beaches. The main house's snug suites typically include complimentary drinks and use of the inn's bikes for exploring the coastal area (though double-check the website for current availability). Or, for extra privacy and space, larger groups can stay exclusively in the inn's cottages next door, which feature lovely guest rooms, a charming outside sitting area and a gourmet breakfast each morning.

Artist Georgia O’Keeffe was inspired by the dusky red landscapes of Santa Fe – and so is Four Kachinas Inn. This earthy abode oozes southwestern charm: the walls are hung with local art and spacious rooms have Saltillo tiles, Spanish Colonial-style furniture and colourful weavings. Guests can greet the morning with a homemade breakfast (social distancing protocols are in place), and then pick up a paintbrush. Santa Fe has a way of turning everyone into an artist. Extra safety protocols are detailed in this statement from the owners.

The Catskill Mountains may be just a couple of hours north of New York City, but they feel worlds away – especially at rustic retreats like The Kaaterskill. This is the best of the Catskills – views of the mountains piercing the sky, quiet paths that meander through the woods and gorgeous, Alpine-style suites named after notable locals like Hudson River School painter George Inness. Typically the Kaaterskill spa offers massages and warm-stone treatments, but get in touch prior to booking for current availability. 

The 1892 Biltmore Village Inn has an enviable location, set close to sections of the famed Appalachian Trail in the Blue Ridge Mountains, and within easy reach of Asheville’s breweries and third-wave coffee shops. The property's apt motto is “Southern hospitality with Victorian charm” and its regal rooms feature dark woods, four-poster beds, fireplaces and sweeping mountain views. Breakfast is taken very seriously here too, with seasonal specialties like French toast with lavender whipped cream typically on offer. See here for the safety measures in place for staff and guests.

From the quiet, sweeping plains to the surreal Badlands, North Dakota is the epitome of the Midwest. And travellers can still find sweet little B&Bs, such as the inviting Dakotah Rose on the banks of the Souris River in Minot. Set in an elegant home dating back to the early 1900s, the rooms have lovely historical touches like leaded glass windows and clawfoot tubs, while the garden is populated by maples, oaks and lilac bushes.

Located in the heart of Amish country – and less than two hours from both Cleveland and Columbus – The Barn Inn provides a peaceful escape from the city with plenty of space. Each charming room offers the ultimate in relaxation, featuring luxury Amish-made mattresses and private bathrooms, plus balcony access so guests can sit back and enjoy the gorgeous gardens.

This enticing inn has an impressive backyard: the largest state park in Oklahoma, the Lake Murray State Park. Visitors can spend the day hiking, trekking and birdwatching – the inn usually lends binoculars – and then kick back in a comfy room. The beautifully appointed spaces have plush beds, fireplaces and soaking tubs for two. 

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This beautiful B&B shares its cliffside location with one of Oregon’s most famous lighthouses: Heceta Head (pictured). The bed and breakfast, housed in the Heceta Head lightkeeper's home, commands stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, and offers access to the beach and lighthouse via a sloping path. The lovely rooms each have their own special angle on the surrounding landscape – of waves crashing on basalt rocks, the lighthouse piercing the sky, or the sun-dappled garden. Breakfast isn’t just fruit and cereal, either – it’s seven courses that includes local sausages, pungent cheeses and more.

This luxury nature resort, surrounded by 1,500 acres nudging up against the Allegheny National Forest, was originally born as a family retreat. Today it continues to cater to all ages, but with a generous dose of pampering around every bend. Guests can stay in one of the standalone cabins, with knotty pine panelling, wood-burning fireplaces and views of waterfalls, streams and hemlock trees, while outdoor activities here include fly fishing and quiet strolls through the woods. The spa is currently closed and some other amenities are on hold for now – visit the website for up-to-date information. 

Genteel Newport is famous for its Gilded Age mansions, and guests can stay in one of their own at Cliffside Inn, an elegant Victorian mansion that was once home to artist Beatrice Turner. The inn’s signature experience is a stay in Beatrice’s Room, which has door panels hand-painted by Turner, as well as an upholstered king-sized bed and a fireplace with a stone mantel. Most facilities and amenities are currently available with physical distancing and extra cleaning measures in place. 

Cobblestone streets, pre-war mansions, horse-drawn carriages and perhaps a mint julep or three on a breezy porch – Charleston is the quintessential Southern city, exemplified by lovely B&Bs like 86 Cannon. This boutique inn, set in a beautifully preserved 1860s home, features classic rooms that could be straight from the glossy pages of an interior-design magazine. 

The little city of Lead is home to one of South Dakota’s most unique places to stay: Town Hall Inn, which is housed in, yes, the former town hall. Elegant suites, with dark-wood furnishings and upholstered chairs, are charmingly named – think Mayor’s Office, Jury Room and Library, for example. Meanwhile, the nearby town of Deadwood is anything but dead – this historic hub is filled with beautifully preserved Gold Rush-era architecture, and also serves as a jumping-off point for exploring the scenic Black Hills region.

This impressive B&B can be found in America's buzzing Music City, located a short drive from Nashville's downtown area. Featuring just four guestrooms, the grand mansion leaves plenty of space for rest and relaxation. Each suite typically has access to the private swimming pool and, of course, guests can expect a stellar, made-to-order breakfast – call ahead to check current availability. 

Located in the heart of downtown San Antonio, just minutes from the city's famous riverwalk, is this lovely inn. Thirteen swish guest suites are neatly tucked into a trio of early 20th-century homes: the beautiful Cottage House gets extra points for its wrap-around porch, perfect for Southern summer evenings. The breakfast menu typically features San Antonio favourites like migas: eggs scrambled with tortilla chips, veggies and cheese.

The rooms at this historic ranch house in Moab could be straight from a French countryside inn: think antique beds, candelabras and pretty balconies. There's also a pool fringed by gardens (now open) and easy access to Utah’s glowing red-rock arches. The entrance to Arches National Park itself is just a quick drive away – refer to the NPS website before you plan a visit, since some facilities may still be closed.

This classic country inn oozes New England charm – as do the surrounding hills of southern Vermont. Guests can cosy up in the impeccable rooms, which have polished wood floors and leather wingback chairs, or in one of the spacious guesthouses ideal for families. There's also an acclaimed restaurant, which serves farm-fresh local cuisine, too (it's currently open with advanced reservations required). The Inn also reminds guests to check Vermont travel advisories before booking.

School has never been so fun. A former 1800s academy has been transformed into stylish lodgings in waterfront Irvington, and the boutique spot salutes the schooldays of the past. Six cosy cottages – with private patios and chintzy soft furnishing – are scattered about the school grounds. There are also rooms in the schoolhouse itself, though these aren't currently open for bookings (check here for updates).

The best of Washington’s nature – waterfalls, rivers, mountains – comes together on the Olympic Peninsula, which is bordered to the west by the Pacific Ocean, to the north by the Strait of Juan de Fuca and to the east by Hood Canal. This Victorian B&B, filled with European antiques, maximises its waterfront perch throughout – picture windows frame ocean views and flower-filled gardens offer breezy vantage points to gaze out over the water, where Vancouver Island rises in the distance. Check here for info on altered services at present.

Their motto says it all: "Welcome to the Stonehouse – a doily-free environment". The airy Stonehouse, with its high ceilings and exposed stone, is an elegant departure from the traditionally precious B&B. Beyond the front door are the cobblestone streets of historic Harpers Ferry, which rises over the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers.

It’s hard to find a better spot in Wisconsin for a natural getaway: Bayfield is the hub of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore – lush parkland that unfolds across 21 wilderness islands and peninsula shoreline. And the Old Rittenhouse Inn makes every effort to match the beauty outdoors. This grand Victorian inn takes B&B living to a high art – guests can expect maple furnishings, flower wallpaper, fireplaces and views of shimmering Lake Superior.

One for adventurers, this handsome lodge in Northern Wyoming offers easy access to Grand Teton National Park, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and Yellowstone National Park too (see updates on individual parks before travelling). The property takes its cues from the Old West – think log-cabin-style rooms with faux-fur throws, art inspired by local wildlife and cathedral ceilings – and there are gorgeous views of the Teton Mountains too.

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