Even with today’s uncertain environment, hotel lobbies are often the first impression for arriving guests. Whether modern sophistication or Old World charm, a lobby can set the tone of an entire stay. Take a look at just 10 of America’s most beautiful hotel lobbies.
Caesars Palace
3570 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
Las Vegas, NV 89109
(866) 227-5938
www.caesars.com/caesars-palace
Elegant for some, pretentious for many others, the lobby of Caesars Palace is still amazing. Situated at the main entrance, you are greeted by a statue of Augustus Caesar. But of course, that’s not all. The enormous reception area further has a marble floor, dazzling light fixtures and Roman-themed artwork. Clearly one of the country’s most beautiful hotel lobbies, it’s been the setting for several movies. For instance, the popular comedy movie The Hangover. You are also encouraged to visit the Forum Shops and restaurants like Guy Savoy.
Faena Miami
3201 Collins Ave.
Miami, FL 33140
(305) 534-8800
www.faena.com/miami-beach
In a city filled with luxurious hotel lobbies, does Faena really outdo them all? The answer may lie with you, while standing between gilded columns and floor-to-ceiling murals. Opened in 2015 by Argentine developer Alan Faena, Faena Hotel presents multiple architectural features. In particular is the lobby designed by Baz Luhrmann and wife Catherine Martin. Even further are murals designed by Juan Gatti. Lastly, do overlook the Instagrammable sculpture designed by Damien Hirst.
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Hyatt Regency Cleveland
420 Superior Ave.
Cleveland, OH 44114
(216) 575-1234
www.hyatt.com/hyattregencycleveland
Housed within a historic arcade, Hyatt Regency Cleveland lobby is like no other. Completed in 1890, the Arcade is a five-story shopping area described as America’s first indoor shopping center. Although that’s debatable, you will instantly be in awe. Indeed, its architecture is inspired by Milan’s famous Galleria Vittorio Emanuele. Occupying the upper levels is Hyatt Regency Cleveland, with 293 guestrooms. Of those, are five suites and 30 suites. The Arcade was Cleveland’s first building on the National Register of Historic Places.
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Mandarin Oriental New York
80 Columbus Circle
New York, NY 10023
(212) 805-8800
www.mandarinoriental.com/new-york
Mandarin Oriental New York represents a dignified and calm presence, while dazzling with simplicity. Occupying upper levels of Time Warner Center, it boasts sweeping views of Central Park. The centerpiece of the 35th floor lobby are Waterford Crystal glass pieces by sculptor Dale Chihuly. Additionally, the lobby features an illuminated ceiling structure, Italian marble and granite flooring. What’s more is a a signature MO fan designed by Vivienne Tam. Also on the lobby level is the acclaimed Restaurant Asiate, led by Executive Chef Cyril Renaud.
Millennium Biltmore Los Angeles
506 S. Grand Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90071
(213) 624-1011
www.millenniumhotels.com/biltmorelosangeles
Located in downtown Los Angeles, Millennium Biltmore is one of the city’s most famous. Completed in 1923, the legendary hotel is a showcase of Hollywood’s Golden Age. The opulent lobby is the epitome of old Hollywood glamour, with hand painted Italian frescoes and murals. Additionally, the ground level has Austrian crystal chandeliers and a Moorish Revival ceiling with 24-carat gold accents.
Palace Hotel San Francisco
2 Montgomery St.
San Francisco, CA 94105
(415) 512-1111
www.marriott.com/palacehotelsanfrancisco
With one of country’s most beautiful hotel lobbies, Palace Hotel is a San Francisco landmark. Adjacent to the reception area is the Garden Court, with its breathtaking glass atrium. And it’s complete with crystal chandeliers and Italian marble columns. Formerly a space to shelter horse carriages, Garden Court is now popular for serving one of the city’s finest brunches. Once the world’s largest hotel, the Palace is managed by Marriott International. Try to get to the mezzanine level for a grand view of the restaurant.
Ritz-Carlton Philadelphia
10 Avenue of the Arts
Philadelphia, PA 19102
(213) 5223-8000
www.ritzcarlton.com/philadelphia
Ritz-Carlton Philadelphia is an elite choice for both the leisure or business traveler. Located across from City Hall, the domed hotel’s design was inspired by the Pantheon in Rome. The lobby’s Georgia marble columns are presented in a neoclassical style yet with a stylishly modern flair. Also in the lobby, you will find Aqimero restaurant. At the time the building was completed in 1908, it had the largest dome in the Western Hemisphere.
The Jefferson Hotel
101 W. Franklin St.
Richmond, VA 23220
(888) 918-1895
www.jeffersonhotel.com
The Jefferson Hotel is unquestionably the grandest hotel in Virginia’s capital city. Opened in 1895, The Jefferson Hotel features a upper lobby filled with Tiffany windows and marble statue of Thomas Jefferson. The adjoining lower lobby is like no other. Indeed, it features stunning marble columns and stained glass that harken back to the antebellum era. The Jefferson Hotel is among 46 American hotels with a Forbes Five Star and AAA Diamond Award.
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The Langham Chicago
330 N. Wabash Ave.
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 923-9988
www.langhamhotels.com/chicago
The Langham Chicago offers sweeping views of the city skyline and the Chicago River. Opened in 2013, The Langham Chicago occupies multiple levels in the last building designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. One of Chicago’s finest hotels, it features a dazzling lobby. In detail, it has 20-foot floor-to-ceiling windows and hand-blown glass pebbles hanging overhead. Also on the lobby level is the hotel’s signature restaurant, Travelle.
The Willard InterContinental
1401 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
Washington, D.C. 20004
(202) 628-9100
www.ihg.com/intercontinental/washington
Among the finest InterContinental Hotels, The Willard has had a storied history. In fact, the hotel’s lobby has held so many important meetings, the term “lobbyist” was popularized there. The current Beaux Arts structure opened in 1901 and still showcases its enormous marble columns and brass and bronze chandeliers. Acquired by InterContinental Hotels in 1986, The Willard remains one of the most historic and most sought after hotels in Washington D.C.
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About The Author
Randy Yagi is an award-winning freelance writer who served as the National Travel Writer for CBS Local from 2012-2019. More than 900 of his stories still appear in syndication across 23 CBS websites, including CBS New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and San Francisco. During his peak years with CBS, Randy had a reported digital audience reach of 489 million and 5.5 million monthly visitors. Additionally, his stories have appeared in the Daily Meal, CBS News, CBS Radio, Engadget and Radio.com. He earned a media fellowship from Stanford University in 2012.