Our Favorite Hotel Brands
Love staying in nice hotels? Us to!
Whether it is the inescapable joy of curling up in a giant hotel bed, with a massive comforter, and all the pillows in the world, perusing the hotel restaurant or immaculately decorated lobby, or just stepping out from your accommodations to be in the middle of it all - there is nothing quite like staying in fabulous lodging.
With your Pack Up + Go Surprise Vacation, you can rest assured knowing that we only send travelers to accommodations that align with our (very high) standards.
Let’s explore some of our favorite hotel brands to use in the USA to give you a better idea of where you will be staying!
Written by Corinne Hogge
The good news is that no matter your budget level, travel history, or destination city - you will be in the middle of the action.
We are not a random vacation generator, we plan your vacation carefully and thoughtfully with the information you provide on the Pre-Trip Survey! We scour the internet, blogs, and local magazines for reviews on hotels, restaurants, and activities, and take all of our traveler feedback seriously. We’ve done the vetting to make your mystery trip as stress-free as possible.
We want our travelers to feel like they are being whisked away on a perfectly curated getaway. We want to highlight some of our favorite hotel brands nationwide to give you insight into our mysterious travel planning process!*
*Please note that these examples are not illustrative of all Pack Up + Go reservations. Travelers may stay at other hotel brands or independent hotels/bed & breakfasts.
Pendry Hotels
The Pendry Hotels are some of the most beautiful and luxurious hotels in the US. Immaculately decorated with top-notch staff who are there to help with your every need, you will enter a traveler, and leave a Pendry fan for life. Pendry has been around since 2017, with their properties in San Diego and Baltimore, then expanding to West Hollywood, Chicago (which was just voted best hotel in Chicago), and Manhattan in 2021. This is definitely a brand to watch as they continue to expand their luxury empire.
This brand is a part of the Montage family of brands, which typically focuses on creating world-class guest experiences at resorts in the US, Mexico, and the Bahamas.
Kimpton Hotels
We’re huge fans of Kimpton Hotels for many reasons! They have 70 boutique hotels nationwide, but each hotel is truly unique in design and pays homage to the city’s local character. You’ll never feel like you’re staying in a generic hotel, and visiting a Kimpton is always a unique experience.
Kimpton Hotels are always centrally located, which is so important on a leisure vacation. First, you arrive at the hotel and drop off your bags. Next, where do you start your adventure? When you stay at a Kimpton, you’ll be staying in the heart of the action. From Dupont Circle in DC to Rittenhouse Square in Philadelphia, you really can’t go wrong.
When you embark on a mystery trip, there are a lot of unknowns. One thing we know for sure is that Kimpton Hotels all offer some amazing amenities! Each Kimpton property has a free (!!) coffee + tea morning bar, free wine happy hour every day from 5-6, and free bike rentals for all guests. What’s not to love?!
Explore The Pittman Hotel, Kimpton's new hotel in Dallas, TX, with travelers Kevin + Sierra. The stunning hotel has everything you can expect from Pack Up + Go hotel accommodations - friendly staff, stunning designs, and located right in the middle of the action!
Bunkhouse
This up-and-coming brand is all about helping you have an amazing visit in style!
While each property has its own unique feel and vibe, we would describe one of our favorites, Hotel Magdalena in Austin, TX, as Wes Anderson meets your favorite 1970s bungalow. Dogs are always welcome in their hotels, and their friendly staff is excited to create memorable experiences with you during your stay. The brand has also expanded into some of your favorite Austin, TX stops with the Fair Market event venue and Jo's Coffee, famous not only for great coffee but also for the "I love you so much" mural.
While they are primarily based in Texas for the time being, we can't wait to see where this brand continues to expand. Their next property in Louisville, KY, Hotel Genevieve, opens next year, and they definitely have our vote as a brand to watch (+ visit!).
Photo Courtesy of 21C Museum Hotels
With 11 locations primarily in the Midwest/South/Southeast, we absolutely love the 21C Museum Hotels. The name says it all - these hotels are fully curated art museums, in addition to design-driven hotels. Though the galleries vary in size, each location features an impressive rotating selection of art by national + local artists. Join your love of amazing hotels with global culture when you visit the 21C Museum Hotel.
You want your mystery vacation to be as spontaneous as possible, but you also want to explore the best places in your destination. 21C Museum Hotels are always in centrally located neighborhoods so you can get up, and go explore easily!
The Library Corner in the New Orleans, LA location!
Virgin Hotels
If we had to summarize the Virgin Hotel in a phrase, it would be: immaculate vibes.
The rooms are stunning, quirky, and immensely style-forward, focusing on eccentric, fun, and retro notes. Each property mixes its passion for food + beverage with culture and includes the Commons Club Hotel Bar + Restaurant to provide a “relaxed, yet elegant experience.”
There are plenty of common spaces throughout the hotel to encourage you to leave your hotel room and join in on the action. You may stay be able to tell the brand has a passion for music based on its locations in the US: Chicago, IL, Dallas, TX, Nashville, TN, New Orleans, LA, and Las Vegas, NV.
Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts
With over 100 locations worldwide, the Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts are synonymous with luxury and customer service. It’s virtually impossible to find negative reviews about their properties, as the brand sets the standard for top-notch experiences. In addition to offering an impeccably clean and comfortable stay, the Four Seasons is a Pack Up + Go favorite for its concierge services.
Many of our travelers tell us that the best part of taking a Surprise Trip with Pack Up + Go is the recommendations we provide in their travel envelope. Our expert travel planners research your surprise destination tirelessly. However, there are always new cafes opening, or unique events happening around town that might not be on our radar! Hotel concierges are an invaluable resource and can offer amazing insight into your destination. Even if you have an idea of how you want to start your getaway, they can help you decide what to do next. Where do locals hang out? What seasonal markets or events are taking place? Concierges are trained professionals at making recommendations, and the Four Seasons concierges are truly incredible at their job.
Photo Courtesy of Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta
Taking a spontaneous trip is fun and exhilarating, and now you know a little bit more about some of our favorite hotel brands to prepare for your next Surprise Vacation!
Your safety and comfort are our top priorities no matter what, but we hope that this list of our favorite hotel brands helps you understand how we plan a vacation for a Pack Up + Go traveler!
What is your favorite hotel brand in the USA?