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(CNN) Traveling around the country (or the world) is a way better experience when you really enjoy the place where you lay your head at night. While this may seem like a no-brainer, many of us are guilty of cutting corners when reserving accommodations — especially when booking a trip months in advance. A sort of "we'll deal with that when we get there" mentality can kick in when choosing hotels based on budget. But what if, on your next trip, you decided to actually go the full mile and book a hotel with a full range of amenities? From experience, we'd call that the real definition of paradise.
Founded in 1868, the Ocean House in Watch Hill, Rhode Island, is a hotel so packed with amenities that guests can practically get away with bringing nothing. Of course, don't forget to pack clothes, but this grand Victorian hotel has truly thought of it all.
Known for its location (with stunning views of the Atlantic on either side), the Ocean House is a sprawling estate with a bright yellow facade. When seen up close, this sprawling estate is so extravagant (and sizeable), it almost feels surreal.
Inside, guests can enjoy the finest dining at the hotel's restaurants and cooking classes via the Ocean House Center for Wine and Culinary Arts. Highly recommended is Coast, which has a dress code, and offers a seasonal menu with fresh ingredients sourced from local farms. On Sunday, there is a Jazz Brunch, where the hotel transforms the dining room into a buffet-style food emporium with a raw bar featuring fresh seafood, a crêpe station and more.
To experience this hotel as it were in the 1900s, the Ocean House has managed to maintain its original luxury and charm through activities and design. For one, there is a tournament-level croquet lawn just outside, and although the hotel was rebuilt in 2004, more than 5,000 original artifacts were salvaged and lovelingly replaced throughout the new structure's interior.
As a major plus, the hotel offers a Mercedes-Benz program, which allows guests to rent out cars for use during their stay. It's a great alternative to renting a car and offers guests a luxurious way to explore the area and local sites.
When we think of a hotel that has it all, we think of the Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes. This hotel, with over 1,150 "excellent" reviews on tripadvisor.com, sits on the 500-acre Grande Lakes Orlando estate. There, guests have access to a 40,000-square-foot spa, as well as three pools, including the winding lazy river at the neighboring JW Marriott. Not to mention, if you or your kids are into outdoor activities, the Grande Lakes Sports Center offers biking, kayaking, eco-tours on Shingle Creek, fishing and more. Additionally, should you want to hit the spa or visit one of the on-site restaurants, such as Highball & Harvest, you can drop off your kids at the Ritz Kids Center, where they can participate in interactive learning activities, and even observe live animals that are native to Florida. (Yes, there are baby alligators, safely housed in a tank.) As an added bonus, the Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes (in partnership with the neighboring JW Marriott) just launched its outdoor aquatic water course, where kids and grownups can play and test their agility.
(The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes is 15 minutes from the Orlando International Airport, five minutes from the Orange County Convention Center and minutes from the major theme parks.)
If there's anything that can top breakfast in bed, it's definitely a gourmet breakfast while you float in an infinity pool. The Park Hyatt St. Kitts provides guests this lavish amenity, and more. Located on a "nearly untouched Caribbean island" within the Christophe Harbour, this top-tier resort has three on-site restaurants, two swimming pools, water sports and a nine-room spa. Every room faces the water, so you are guaranteed a beach view wherever you stay. And for those who are seriously after a luxury experience, the Park Hyatt St. Kitts has premium suites with individual plunge or swimming pools and private sundecks.
For busy professionals visiting the city, the Redbury is the place to stay. Aside from being pet-friendly with no fee, the Redbury offers daily free passes to the neighborhood Equinox gyms, in-room secret menu of gourmet favorites from Union Square Hospitality Group's Marta, and a free Flywheel class for all guests. Guests can count on comfy beds fitted with plush 300-thread-count bedding, sleek and spacious bathrooms, free high-speed Wi-Fi, dry cleaning and laundry service, on-site restaurants and more.
5. The Porter Portland, Curio Collection
The Porter Portland is perfect for traveling professionals and tourists alike. Guests can take advantage of seemingly endless amenities and services, so they can make the most of their stay. Those traveling for work have access to video/audio equipment, a business center, complimentary printing, a fax machine, meeting rooms and more. For families traveling with children, there is a kids' menu available, cribs, high chairs and playpens. For those looking to work out during their stay, the Porter Portland has a full-fledged fitness center complete with a meditation/yoga space and a pool. And if you or a travel companion has accessibility needs, there are many features provided, including accessible rooms, elevators, entrances, meeting rooms and more.
If you haven't visited Montana, you need to go. It's the ultimate haven for those who love nature, beautiful landscapes, hiking and outdoor activities. When booking your trip, definitely consider the Resort at Paws Up. With a 4.5- out of 5-star rating on TripAdvisor from over 500 reviewers, it's a resort you can trust. The property sits on a 37,000-acre working cattle ranch in central-western Montana and boasts of its commitment to "giving you the most intimate, unfiltered connection with the natural beauty of Montana." You'll get to choose whether to stay at a private vacation home or in one of the site's 36 luxury camping tents. While enjoying this nature-filled getaway, you can still connect to Wi-Fi, get your workout on in the fitness center and enjoy a sit in the hot tub. And the hotel is equipped with "an army of s'moreologists to help guests craft the perfect s'more," according to our hotel contact.
A stylish mix of swanky and modern, The Hoxton Portland is the hot hotel to try when visiting Portland. Its 119 smoke-free rooms feature daily housekeeping, air conditioning and stunning decor. The hotel itself has two restaurants and three bars, plus four meeting rooms. The 24-hour service desk ensures all guests are provided everything they need, including free on-the-go breakfast, free WiFi and minibar items without the usual hotel markup.
The best part is, the Hoxton Portland a members-only program called Hox Friends. This initiative is a result of the success it saw at other participating locations in Paris and Brooklyn. It's designed to further connect the community and bring local culture into the bedrooms for guests to enjoy and discover.
In Portland, specifically, 119 handpicked locals who resonate with The Hoxton brand have each chosen a selection of books that will be featured on the bookshelves of the 119 bedrooms. This program serves as an insider guide for guests to help facilitate discovery of Portland's best neighborhoods.
Starting now, you can book "The Ultimate Sleep Room" at The Gregory Hotel in New York City. This limited edition room package only lasts through April 10, but the concept is pretty genius. Basically, this luxe sleeping experience offers guests a room filled with must-try products and amenities designed for a restful night's sleep. Rates for these dreamy rooms, which include everything from a ZEEQ Smart Pillow to Patchology eye masks, start at $199 per night. As an added plus, The Gregory has its own custom-made mattresses in all rooms and provides Magic Weighted Blankets for those staying in the Ultimate Sleep Room. Seriously, we can't imagine anything better.
Should you happen to miss out on chance to book the Ultimate Sleep Room, there are still plenty of reasons to pay The Gregory Hotel a visit. This boutique hotel, which is made up of 132 rooms in the heart of Manhattan, offers luxurious rooms and modern amenities. All rooms at The Gregory are modeled after various fashion icons in order to create a unique experience for guests.
9. The Radisson RED Portland Downtown
Also located in Portland, the Radisson RED Portland Downton offers a whole new take on your typical hotel experience. With 180 studios, free WiFi, a Starbucks just off the lobby, modern conference rooms, a game lounge, a RED Fitness (open all day), this cutting-edge hotel wants you to have it all during your stay.
The Radisson Red's motto is to be gone with "stuffy hotels and rigid rules." Instead, this cool accommodation wants you to live smarter and dine better (in its on-site restaurant, OUIBar + KTCHN) so that you "can focus on creating a better trip."
One cool feature is the Red App, which allows for keyless entry to rooms, guest chat (in case you need anything during your stay or want to chat with other guests) and enables you to order "Grab n Go" food from the hotel's restaurant. Um, hello. This is clearly a one-of-a-kind stay.