Some year, some hotel will doubtless dethrone Post Ranch Inn, but 2026 is not that year. It once again reigns as the Harper member favorite. In general, this list is remarkably similar to 2025’s, with only two different hotels (The Swag and Rancho Valencia). Considering the number of luxury hideaways that have opened in the United States in the last few years, that’s a real testament to the quality of the properties below. It isn’t easy to be consistently extraordinary.

Post Ranch Inn
Big Sur, California

“Really just about everything” delighted members at this perennial winner, which offers an “incredible mix of luxury and the outdoors.” Everyone seems to agree on the “absolutely stunning setting,” and people praised the 40 “gorgeously appointed rooms,” “great food” and “superb massages.” “Unusual in a good way,” Post Ranch Inn “never disappoints.”

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