The large-scale resort experience certainly has its own appeal, but there’s a certain level of intimacy and charm you’ll only find at an inn. Travelers who prefer this type of stay want a cozy, home-away-from-home feeling and an experience that goes beyond surface level; they appreciate a property with a story, a personality, and a strong sense of community. And based on the results from the 2025 World’s Best Awards survey, Travel + Leisure readers also gravitate toward inns with waterfront views and top-tier culinary offerings.

How Voting Works Every year for our World’s Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe—to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Nearly 180,000 T+L readers completed the 2025 survey. A total of more than 657,000 votes were cast across over 8,700 properties (hotels, cities, cruise lines, etc.). Hotels were classified as either resort hotel, city hotel, inn, or safari lodge based on their location and amenities, and they were specifically rated on the criteria below: Rooms/facilities Location Service Food Value For each characteristic, respondents could choose a rating of excellent, above average, average, below average, or poor. The final scores are averages of these responses.

The Norumbega, a boutique inn in Camden, Maine. The Norumbega

What Readers Loved

Bigger doesn’t always equate to better, as our readers made clear this year when voting for the best inns in the continental U.S. In fact, The Norumbega, which earned the No. 1 spot, only has 11 rooms. It’s also the little things—like spotless common areas, a handwritten note in the room upon arrival, and a warm welcome—that gave properties the edge they needed to impress their guests. A guest of The Chanler at Cliff Walk in Newport, Rhode Island (No. 4), was blown away by the “anticipatory” service, sharing that the staff will “continually recognize you by name,” and how the twice-a-day housekeeping services keep the guest rooms “pristine.”

The survey results also demonstrated a trend of travelers choosing vacations by a body of water, whether it’s an ocean, a lake, or a river. As you may guess by its name, Villa Mara Carmel (No. 2) overlooks Carmel Beach, and Rhode Island’s Weekapaug Inn (No. 9) grants guests incredible views of the New England coastline.

Above-average food and beverage offerings tended to sway readers as well. According to one reader, you can expect “some of the best dining in America” at White Barn Inn, Auberge Resorts Collection, a 27-room-and-cottage retreat that took third place.

Read on for the full list of winners in the best continental U.S. inns category.

The Winner

The Norumbega: Camden, Maine

Window seating in The Norumbega’s Sandringham guest room. The Norumbega

Following full-scale renovations that began in 2022, The Norumbega quickly earned a name in the world of travel, landing on T+L’s 2024 It List and placing No. 4 in the 2024 World’s Best Awards. This year, however, the historic Camden, Maine, property climbed its way up to No. 1, thanks to what readers describe as “luxurious interiors filled with thoughtful details,” “kind and courteous staff,” and a “great location with quick access to downtown Camden.”

Although “The Stone Castle by the Sea,” a nickname that dates back to the 1880s, has an extensive history in the area, the current owners imbued it with new life—the rooms are airy and modern without feeling out of place. The second you arrive, it’s not hard to see why one reader called it the “best hotel in Maine.”

T+L Reader [The owners] go out of their way to service you without being ‘there’ all the time. Decoration is lovely, beds [are] perfect, and … the staff is a pleasure to have around. Love this place, wish all hotels were like that.

— T+L Reader

The Full List

1. The Norumbega: Camden, Maine

Reader Score: 98.33

2. Villa Mara Carmel: Carmel-by-the-Sea, California

Reader Score: 98.26

3. White Barn Inn, Auberge Resorts Collection: Kennebunk, Maine

Reader Score: 96.96

4. The Chanler at Cliff Walk: Newport, Rhode Island

Reader Score: 94.55

5. Castle Hill Inn: Newport, Rhode Island

Reader Score: 92.83

6. Lake Placid Lodge: Lake Placid, New York

Reader Score: 92.80

7. The Willcox: Aiken, South Carolina

Reader Score: 91.45

8. Farmhouse Inn: Forestville, California

Reader Score: 88.84

9. Weekapaug Inn: Westerly, Rhode Island

Reader Score: 88.77

10. Cape Arundel Inn & Resort: Kennebunkport, Maine

Reader Score: 88.70

The Norumbega Inn in Camden tops Travel & Leisure’s list of continental U.S. inns for its unique charm.

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CAMDEN, Maine — The Norumbega Inn in Camden, situated right along Route 1, is being recognized by a national travel magazine for its unique charm.

“It’s really validating that people responded so well to the place we tried to create,” Will Tims, the co-owner of the Norumbega Inn, said.

It was named the No. 1 inn in the continental U.S. by the magazine Travel & Leisure.

“We’re just super happy,” Tims said.

It was first built in 1886 as a private residence in Camden, known as “Stone Castle by the Sea” overlooking Penobscot Bay. A century later, it was converted into an inn. The property had multiple owners until it was purchased by Will Tims and Brett Haynie in 2022.

“We’re lovers of charm, historic charm, I mean, we didn’t want to make the Norumbega perfect, so we didn’t literally strip anything out and try to replace it with perfection,” Tims said.

They instead preserved its character, drawing inspiration from eclectic themes to create timeless details.

“It’s very romantic; it’s like a castle,” Tims said. “People think of like, ‘Oh my God, I get to spend a week in a castle. It’s Maine’s version of a castle.'”

It’s something Tims and Haynie said helped draw in customers and helped them take the top spot in Travel & Leisure.

“It felt like all the blood and tears—there wasn’t really any blood on our end—it was all worth it, also, I think it was an inspiration to the team,” Haynie said.

Travel & Leisure conducts annual World’s Best Awards surveys where readers vote on their favorite travel experiences, including hotels and cities. The inn was recognized for its historic charm, customer service, and close proximity to downtown Camden.

“In some ways, the inn was stuck in the past,” Tims said. “When we bought it, it needed new energy, and we feel like we brought that to it.”

The Norumbega Inn is booked through the end of October, but its restaurant is open Saturday through Tuesday from 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Two other inns in Maine also made the top 10, including the White Barn Inn in Kennebunk and Cape Arundel Inn in Kennebunkport.

Travel New England is home to the country’s best island, inn, and airport, according to Travel + Leisure readers Plan your visit to these 2025 top travel experiences. The Norumbega in Camden, Maine was named the top inn in the continental U.S. by readers of Travel + Leisure. Douglas Merriam

Maine and Rhode Island are delivering top level travel experiences this year, according to Travel + Leisure readers.

The publication released the results of its 2025 World’s Best Awards on Tuesday, and named The Norumbega in Camden, Maine the No. 1 inn in the continental U.S., Mount Desert Island in Maine the No. 1 island in the continental U.S., and Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport in Warwick, R.I. America’s No. 1 airport.

The Norumbega topped the list because of its “luxurious interiors filled with thoughtful details,” according to readers, as well as its “kind and courteous staff,” and “great location with quick access to downtown Camden.” The publication also named it among the top 100 hotels in the world. Take a look inside.

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“We’re overwhelmed with gratitude to our guests and to Travel + Leisure for this

incredible recognition,” owners Will Tims and Brett Haynie said in a statement. “It has been our honor to bring this historic castle by the sea back to life year-round, over the last two years. We are humbled and thrilled that our guests have recognized what a special place this is to stay in our lovely Midcoast Maine location.”

Other properties that made the list of best inns: White Barn Inn in Kennebunk, Maine ranked No. 3; The Chanler at Cliff Walk in Newport ranked No. 4; Castle Hill Inn in Newport ranked No. 5; Weekapaug Inn in Westerly, R.I. ranked No. 9; and Cape Arundel Inn & Resort in Kennebunkport, Maine ranked No. 10.

Mount Desert Island – Jerry and Marcy Monkman for The Boston Globe

Mount Desert Island impressed readers because “the island’s dramatic granite peaks and rugged coastlines embody the untamed beauty of coastal Maine,” wrote Travel + Leisure.

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“Most of the island is dominated by Acadia National Park, often called the ‘crown jewel of the North Atlantic Coast,’ but the town of Bar Harbor, known for its lobster shacks and waterfront inns, is also worth a visit, too, and sits along the island’s picturesque eastern coastline,” wrote the publication.

Two Massachusetts islands also made the list: Nantucket ranked No. 10 and Martha’s Vineyard ranked No. 14.

Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport is loved for its easy access and efficiency.

“I love T. F. Green. Easy to get to, easy to park, easy to navigate,” said one reader, while another added, “Security is a breeze, even during a busy time. The design of the small airport lends itself to quick check-in and security ease. The place is kept clean and has adequate restaurants for its size and is adding more. There is plenty of parking and it is not outrageously expensive.”

Airport officials posted on social media that they are “beyond thrilled” with the top ranking.

For the World’s Best Awards, the publication asked readers to complete a survey rating airlines, airports, car-rental companies, cities, cruise ships, destination spas, hotels, hotel brands, islands, luxury villa-rental companies, tour operators, trains, safari outfitters, and U.S. national parks between October 21, 2024 through February 24, 2025.

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Check out the 2025 World’s Best Awards by Travel + Leisure.

Kristi Palma Culture writer Kristi Palma is a culture writer for Boston.com, focusing on New England travel. She covers airlines, hotels, and things to do across Boston and New England. She is the author of Scenic Six, a weekly travel newsletter.

Travel 4 New England hotels just ranked among the 100 best in the world Two are in Massachusetts. The Winnetu Oceanside Resort on Martha’s Vineyard. The Winnetu Oceanside Resort

Massachusetts and Maine boast world-class accommodations, according to Travel + Leisure readers.

The publication released the results of its World’s Best Awards on Tuesday, which includes the 100 best hotels in the world, and four New England stays made the list: Winnetu Oceanside Resort on Martha’s Vineyard ranked No. 16, Candleberry Inn in Brewster ranked No. 30, The Norumbega in Camden, Maine ranked No. 52, and Quisisana Resort in Lovell, Maine ranked No. 85.

The four getaways in Massachusetts and Maine are among just 16 U.S. hotels that made the worldwide list.

Winnetu Oceanside Resort also ranked No. 1 among the 10 best resorts in New England and No. 2 among the 15 best resorts in the U.S. (second only to Mission Pacific Hotel in Oceanside, Calif.). Quisisana Resort also made both of those lists, ranking No. 2 on the former and No. 8 on the latter.

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Here is what Travel + Leisure wrote, in part, about Winnetu Oceanside Resort in Edgartown:

Situated right at South Beach on Martha’s Vineyard, the Winnetu Oceanside Resort is a beloved Katama fixture, and it still reigns supreme among T+L readers. With 54 rooms and suites, plus cottages, townhouses, and three- and four-bedroom standalone rentals, it’s an ideal place to convene with a crowd. The property’s 11-acre grounds include all the classic beach-resort facilities — two heated pools, tennis courts, a fitness center — plus a full slate of activities, from toddler-friendly sensory play for the littlest guests to late-night beachfront clambakes for the grown-ups. Travel + Leisure

Winnetu Oceanside Resort’s staff is what makes it so special, noted Travel + Leisure.

“One reader highlighted chef Richard Doucette’s work at Dunes, the on-site restaurant, while another commented that ‘the service in every way was excellent’ across the whole of the property,” wrote the publication.

“We are thrilled to announce that the Winnetu has been voted the No. 1 Resort in New England in Travel + Leisure’s annual ‘World’s Best Awards’ 2024 survey,” wrote Winnetu Oceanside Resort officials on the property’s Facebook page. “We can’t thank you enough for your continued support and for making the Winnetu a cherished destination since 1968.”

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Earlier this year, Norumbega Inn made Travel + Leisure‘s It List 2024, which highlights the 100 best new and renovated hotels around the world. And Candleberry Inn was named the No. 1 bed & breakfast in America and No. 7 in the world by Tripadvisor users.

The No. 1 hotel in the world is The Oberoi Rajvilas in Jaipur, India, according to Travel + Leisure readers.

Kristi Palma Culture writer Kristi Palma is a culture writer for Boston.com, focusing on New England travel. She covers airlines, hotels, and things to do across Boston and New England. She is the author of Scenic Six, a weekly travel newsletter.

TRAVEL AND LEISURE MAGAZINE GIVING VACATIONLAND SOME PROPS FOR THEIR ANNUAL ‘WORLD’S BEST’ AWARDS SURVEY. MAINE APPEARING THREE TIMES – IN THE CATEGORY OF ‘BEST CONTINENTAL U-S INNS.’ THE ‘NORUMBEGA’ IN CAMDEN TOOK THE NUMBER ONE SPOT – RECOGNIZED FOR ITS LUXURY, THOUGHTFUL DETAILS, AND HISTORIC CHARM. TAKING THIRD PLACE – ‘THE WHITE BARN INN’ OVER IN KENNEBUNKPORT. THE BELOVED LOCAL LANDMARK – PRIZED FOR IT WARM NEW ENGLAND HOSPITALIT

Advertisement The Norumbega, historic hotel on Maine’s Midcoast, voted best inn by Travel + Leisure readers Editorial Standards ⓘ

A Maine hotel that was built in the mid-1880s has been named the No. 1 inn in the continental United States by Travel + Leisure readers.The Norumbega in Camden earned the top spot on the publication’s 2025 World’s Best Awards Survey.The historic boutique hotel is situated along Route 1 within Camden’s High Street Historic District and overlooks Penobscot Bay. The Norumbega offers 11 guest rooms, including two luxurious suites. The inn also has a full-service bar and offers a small bites menu several nights a week.The Norumbega was built as a private home for Joseph Barker Stearns, a Maine native who made his fortune by revolutionizing the fire alarm system with his patented reverse currents and inventing the double telegraph.The house was completed in 1886 and initially dubbed “The Stone Castle by the Sea,” but Stearns officially named the home Norumbega.The Norumbega remained a private residence for nearly a century until it was purchased and converted to an inn by Elsie Griffith in 1984. According to the hotel’s website, the property changed hands a few times over the years until it was purchased by New York architect William Tims and his partner, Brett Haynie, in May 2022 and began comprehensive renovations.Travel + Leisure said The Norumbega landed on its 2024 It List and placed fourth in the 2024 World’s Best Awards. The Norumbega finished No. 1 this year thanks to what readers described as “luxurious interiors filled with thoughtful details,” “kind and courteous staff” and a “great location with quick access to downtown Camden.””The current owners imbued it with new life—the rooms are airy and modern without feeling out of place. The second you arrive, it’s not hard to see why one reader called it the ‘best hotel in Maine,'” Travel + Leisure wrote.Two more Maine hotels made Travel + Leisure’s top 10 list of best inns. The White Barn Inn in Kennebunk came in at No. 3, while Cape Arundel Inn & Resort in Kennebunkport came in at No. 10.Three hotels in Rhode Island also placed in the top 10. The Chanler at Cliff Walk in Newport ranked fourth on the list while the Castle Hill Inn, also in Newport, ranked fifth. The Weekapaug Inn in Westerly came in at No. 9.