Valentine’s Day is around the corner, and if you didn’t make plans for the occasion, that’s ok. You can always surprise a loved one with a gift of an upcoming trip! We asked select travel bloggers to share their favorite romantic hotels in North America for some extra inspiration. Some of the submissions are famous resorts and historic hotels, while others are lesser known gems. If you have a favorite you’d like to share, feel free to leave a comment!
Castle on the Coast – Victoria, BC, Canada
Canada’s Castle on the Coast, the Fairmont Empress Hotel, was built in 1908 and is located in Victoria, Canada on Vancouver Island. The hotel recently completed a major restoration project and is full of history, old world charm and romance. Enjoy their world-class afternoon tea or indulge in one of their spa treatments for couples.
Each room is unique and includes the following amenities: terry cloth bathrobes, WiFi, in-room safes, ceiling fan, coffee maker and tea kettle, and luxurious down-filled duvets. The hotel has 464 elegant rooms.
When you’re ready to venture out, take a stroll across the street to the Royal BC Museum. It is known for its innovative approach to curating natural and human history. The location is also ideal for evening strolls along the inner harbor, or you can take a romantic carriage ride.
A short drive away is the Butchart Gardens, which are breathtaking any time of the year. The gardens are over 100 years old and started when Jennie Butchart was looking for a way to beautify what was her husband’s exhausted vast open limestone quarry. The expansive garden is one of the highlights of any visit to Vancouver Island.
Staying in or going out, there are plenty of things to see and do to keep you wanting to return to the Castle on the Coast.
Submission by Cindy Graham, Blue Bag Nomads.
Turtle Bay Resort – North Shore, Oahu, Hawaii
La Valencia Hotel, La Jolla, California
La Valencia Hotel in scenic La Jolla oozes romance and charm. In fact, it bills itself as “Hollywood Glamour on the California Riviera.” Known as the “Pink Lady” for its famous pink façade, this iconic boutique hotel has been drawing visitors since 1926. Located seaside, La Valencia offers dramatic views of La Jolla’s famous coastline.
Mediterranean-style architecture and colorful murals welcome guests to the hotel’s bougainvillea draped pool as well. Rooms range from intimate vintage chic to exclusive private oceanfront villas. And there are amenities galore… They include an outdoor saltwater spa, a restaurant with an ocean view, and 24-hour room service. (La Valencia is even pet-friendly!)
Best of all, the hotel is centrally located in the gorgeous walkable village of La Jolla…making it easy to amble over to the beach to snorkel famous La Jolla Cove, watch the sunning sea lions or window shop the swank boutiques nearby. The restaurant scene in La Jolla is top notch too… with numerous places to perch for a sunset cocktail or enjoy a meal by one of San Diego’s top chefs.
Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise – Alberta, Canada
Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise on the shores of Lake Louise in World Heritage listed Banff National Park, oozes romance and luxury. The lake itself was named after Queen Victoria’s daughter.
There are seven dining options ranging from a deli to an open concept Italian kitchen and a tapas lounge with superlative lake views.
For those wanting a finer level of luxury, the Chateau offers the Fairmont Gold Experience Package. This seventh level lounge, has deluxe buffet breakfasts, complimentary canapés and private check-in and concierge. Less expensive rooms are basic, but have comfortable beds and pillows and don’t stint on the all-important Fairmont service.
Surrounded by soaring mountain peaks, glaciers, snowfields and overlooking an exquisite aquamarine lake, Chateau Lake Louise is the perfect base for outdoor activities. Reserve a canoe for a cozy paddle complete with great Chateau views. My favorite activity is a walk beside the lake, extended into a mountain tea house hike that will blow your mind. From mid-December to April there are romantic Brewster Sleigh rides or ice-skating hand in hand on the lake.
Nearby Morraine Lake is ridiculously gorgeous, as is the Lake Louise to Emerald Lake drive – down through Kicking Horse Pass – returning to your own slice of Lake Louise luxury at sunset. The tourist hordes have left by then and there’s still time for that lakeside stroll before dinner.
Submission by Jan from BudgetTravelTalk.
Grand Beach Hotel Surfside – South Florida
Jasper Park Lodge – Alberta, Canada
If you’re looking for a romantic escape in North America, then you must visit Jasper AB, Canada. The charming town of Jasper is nestled among the beautiful Canadian Rocky Mountains with picturesque mountain views and is home to the incredible Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge.
There’s no doubt that the Jasper Park Lodge is one of the most romantic hotels in North America. If you’re looking for a true Canadian experience, you’ll certainly find it here. You’re surrounded by nature and abundant wildlife like Elk and Deer. We even spotted bear and wolf footprints on our walk around Lac Beauvert and enjoyed a cup of hot chocolate underneath the Northern Lights.
Jasper Park Lodge boasts immaculate facilities and rustic style cabins. The many restaurants all provide impeccable service and delicious food. With the most charming cozy decor inside the main lodge and a warm fireplace constantly going outside. If you’re wanting to head into town, there’s a free shuttle, with many Jasper attractions nearby.
Romantic Things To Do In Jasper
- Snowboard the rocky mountains at the Jasper Marmot Basin
- Go abseiling down Maligne Canyon
- Take the Jasper SkyTram to a scenic viewpoint
- Explore the stunning multi-tiered Athabasca Falls
- Stroll around Lac Beauvert with your lover
Submission by Monique from honeymoonbackpackers.
The Texas Hill Country
The Texas Hill Country is a popular romantic getaway for couples across the American south. Centered around the charming town of Fredericksburg, Texas, there’s a host of fun activities to enjoy. In the summer, you can enjoy swimming in natural spring pools, experience the unique cultural buildings built by German immigrants who settled here and explore the deliciousness of the Texas BBQ scene. But best of all, visitors can have a glass of wine while visiting the award-winning wineries that dot the countryside. The wineries in the area produce some of the best domestic vintages you can find. The Hill Country is one of the best weekend getaways a couple can have in the U.S.
And while in Fredericksburg and the Hill Country, there’s no better place to stay than Cotton Gin Village. This quaint bed and breakfast offers rugged Texas charm in their ranch-like cabins. But instead of roughing it, you’ll experience first-class luxury accommodations. The private cabins have leather furniture, large beds with high-quality linens and quilts, jacuzzi tubs, and delicious homemade breakfasts.
– Lance and Laura Longwell are authors of Travel Addicts. They enjoy exploring the world, long road trips in unusual destinations, eating local foods, drinking fine wine, and sharing a beautiful sunset together.
Submission by Lance from Travel Addicts.
Chateau Frontenac – Quebec City, Canada
Why is this a great hotel? It overlooks the St. Lawrence Seaway plus you are right in the hub of Old Town. From Dufferin Terrace, you can descend the funicular and walk the cobblestone streets, peek into artisans shops and stop for a ‘chocolat chaude’, a ‘tarte au sucre (sugar pie) or a ‘caribou’ (a local aperitif).
The Grand Hotel – Mackinac Island, Michigan
The Grand Hotel in Mackinac Island, MI has been charming its guests with old-world hospitality since 1887. Imagine dressing up for an evening of dancing and listening to a jazz band or the orchestra with your significant other. You could also just take in the views of the Straits of Mackinac while sitting in a rocking chair on the world’s longest porch. If you are both foodies, the culinary options in this historic hotel will not disappoint. I will go back there even just for the food alone.
No cars are allowed on Mackinac Island which contributes greatly to the hotel’s romantic ambiance. So, leisure trips on a horse and carriage or a tandem bicycle ride around the island are other great ways to spend a lovely time together.
The Grand Hotel is also one of the kid-friendliest resort hotels in North America. With its collection of activities and children’s programs, you don’t have to worry about taking your kids with you as well.
The Grand Hotel is a 5-star luxury experience for couples and families. With a surplus of remarkable activities for everyone to enjoy throughout the season, it is no wonder it is dubbed America’s Favorite Summer Place.
Submission by Yamy Hartsough from Gofamgo. You can read her review of the Grand Hotel Macinac Island on her site.
Post Hotel – Lake Louise, Canada
Planning a romantic getaway? Consider a few days at the Post Hotel and Spa in Lake Louise, Canada! A mountain hotel located in the tiny but very popular hamlet of Lake Louise in the Canadian Rockies, the Post Hotel offers incredible dining options, cozy rooms reminiscent of a Swiss chalet, and a full-fledged spa.
In the hotel, do not miss afternoon tea… the great selection of sweet treats and teas is perfect for a quiet afternoon of together time. And book a couples massage in the spa for an amazing relaxing experience.
You may not want to leave the hotel at all, but if you do, the scenery in Lake Louise will take your breath away. If you visit in the winter, you can dress warm and go out to view the ice sculptures on Lake Louise or go for a drive if the roads are clear, to check out the snow-covered mountains. If you love winter sports, the Lake Louise Ski Resort is just a few minutes away from the hotel.
In spring, summer, and fall, you can choose from lots of things to do in Lake Louise: you can do some lovely long walks or hikes, drive the Icefields Parkway, visit all the beautiful alpine lakes in the area, or go mountain biking.
No matter when you visit, and what you choose to do, your romantic getaway at the Post Hotel in Lake Louise will be awesome!
Submission by Dhara from It’s Not About the Miles.
Vista Verde Ranch – Clark, Colorado
Bentwood Inn – Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Tucked behind a line of trees and overlooking a wide, green yard, this elegant cabin in the woods is built with 200-year-old timber reclaimed after a fire in Yellowstone. The five guest rooms at Bentwood Inn are decorated with rustic touches that give a nod to the wilderness—throw pillows with deer silhouettes, headboards made of reclaimed wood, table lamps that look like trees. Downstairs, the mountain cabin feel continues with stone fireplaces and cozy leather chairs. An incredible homemade breakfast is included and the spread boasts home-smoked lox, a fresh juice of the day, and a hot dish that changes each morning.
Wilderness-lovers will find plenty of cycling and hiking trails and romantic riverside picnic spots nearby and the town of Jackson is a charmer—full of cute coffee shops and unique shops. Food-loving couples will appreciate Michael Moeri’s food tours.
Suggestion by Gigi Griffis of viciousfoodie
Esterel Resort – Lake Dupuis, Quebec
The Esterel Resort offers a luxurious and romantic stay on Lake Dupuis. Located an hour outside Montreal, Esterel features a Nordic Spa with multiple outdoor pools. Bell and I spent our 11 year anniversary there and it was a wonderful place to celebrate.
In Quebec, they generally take food pretty seriously. So there are fantastic on-site fine dining options and a world-class wine cellar at Esterel Resort. You can enjoy a traditional multi-course meal at Bistro a Champlain, or cook your food over volcanic lava plates at Rok. We enjoyed both restaurants and either makes for a romantic evening with a loved one.
The Laurentides is one of the best areas to ski in the northeast, featuring 12 ski resorts in close proximity. Skiing can run through the end of April in the region.
The sugar shacks are a literal treat. Warm maple syrup toffee is freshly poured atop snow and then swirled onto a wooden stick. Sugar shacks also serve wonderful food and often feature live music and outdoor activities for the kids, like horse and sleigh rides and tobogganing. We really enjoyed the festive atmosphere and sugary treats.
Submission by Alex from Wanderlust Marriage Travel.
Thanks to everyone for their great submissions! Check out our posts from the past two years surrounding this romantic holiday – Couples Share Travel Tips for Valentine’s Day. Also, Travel Loving Couple’s Share Stories for Valentine’s Day.
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Thanks for sharing these great honeymoon destinations. We’re thrilled to be included in the list!
Thanks also, Stephanie! We’re grateful to all the wonderful bloggers who contributed to this article. Vista Verde looks great!