09 November 2025
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When it’s time to put pen to paper, a writer needs three things: privacy, comfort and something to do when they have writer’s block. As it so happens, those qualities — which you'll find in abundance at the great American hotels below, many distinguished with Inspectors' Keys — make for a wonderfully cozy hideaway for any kind of pursuit.
Largely isolated in the most expansive, idyllic landscapes, these are places for quiet contemplation and creativity when the snow starts to fall. And for snowshoeing, dog-sledding and hot-tubbing when the cabin fever inevitably hits.
Canyon Ranch
Lenox, MassachusettsIn the Berkshires, a Massachusetts mountain region known for its snowy winters, the Two-Key Canyon Ranch Lenox transforms a former 19th-century Jesuit seminary into a wellness sanctuary. If the property’s trails are closed by blizzard, the spa has more than 90 services to choose from. Once guests book a stay, the property's Wellness Guide team walks them through curating the perfect personalized experience.
White Barn Inn
Kennebunk, MaineOn the Maine coastline, the One-Key White Barn Inn combines classic New England charm with indulgence. Guests can start their day with a personalized Rooster coffee delivery and a breakfast that stars local maple syrup, before embarking on adventures like snowmobiling or dog sledding through Maine's snow-covered backcountry — all while wrapped in curated Barbour blankets.
The Lodge at St. Edward State Park
Kenmore, WashingtonNestled within a 326-acre forest just outside of Seattle, the One-Key Lodge at St. Edward State Park transforms a historic 1931 seminary into a remarkably sophisticated winter getaway. Guests can explore Nordic-inspired culinary adventures at Cedar + Elm — where Executive Chef Luke Kolpin crafts a five-course tasting menu that echoes his Noma pedigree — or discover quiet moments in the property's always-open library.
Troutbeck
Amenia, New YorkA living testament to American intellectual and cultural history, this One-Key sanctuary two hours outside New York City was once a gathering place for legendary writers, among them Hughes, Twain, Emerson, and Thoreau. During the winter months, the renovated estate offers chances to ski and hike through romantic snowy landscapes.
It’s a particularly dreamy place for families: seasonal experiences include cookie decorating, children's puppet theater and a paper mâché ornament making class led by a local artist.
Twin Farms
Barnard, VermontTwin Farms is set in 300 acres of scenic, snow-draped Vermont wilderness. The quaint property was purchased by American novelist Sinclair Lewis as a gift to journalist Dorothy Thompson, who became his wife.
Carefully curated daily experiences capture the magic of Vermont winter, and guests can embark on horse-drawn carriage rides while bundled in warm blankets or join lantern-lit twilight walks through the snow. At night, sip whiskey or a warm drink by the crackling fire.
INNESS
Accord, New YorkIn upstate New York, the gem of this sprawling 225-acre retreat is a 100% geothermal-powered wellness sanctuary that features five treatment rooms, a bathhouse with a steam and sauna, and an indoor tranquility pool complemented by outdoor hot and cold plunge pools. Guests can stay in farmhouse rooms or cabins and indulge in cross-country skiing, intimate moments by the fireside, and food sourced straight from the hotel’s own farm.
Sage Lodge
Yellowstone National Park, MontanaIt’s all about balancing adventure with relaxation at Sage Lodge — a Three-Key hotel that sits a stone’s throw away from Yellowstone National Park. Guests can opt for excursions like tracking wolves or snowshoeing through silent forests, but they can also indulge in moments of relaxation like opting to soak in natural hot springs with panoramic views of snow-capped mountains.
TOURISTS
North Adams, MassachusettsThis unconventional hotel in the Berkshires reimagines a traditional motor lodge with design principles inspired by the architecturally renowned Sea Ranch in California. Part-owned by Wilco’s John Stirratt, part of the hotel’s appeal is its next-door neighbor, art museum and modernist mecca, MASS MoCA.
In winter, the warm, living-room feel of the TOURISTS lodge features artist performances, while throughout the day, guests enjoy wellness treatments, artisan workshops and portals into the Berkshires winter landscape with snowshoeing and guided walks with a local naturalist.
Wildflower Farms
Gardiner, New YorkAn expansive 140 acres of the Hudson Valley, outside New York City, is dedicated to One-Key Wildflower Farms — a haven that blends luxury and adventure, serving as a basecamp for guests eager to spend time outdoors, whether that entails walking along the property’s three-mile walking trail or embarking on pro-led hikes along the Shawangunk Ridge.
Miraval Berkshires Resort & Spa
Lenox, MassachusettsIn the tranquil landscapes of Lenox, Massachusetts, Miraval Berkshires spans 380 protected acres. The property's crown jewel is its historic Wyndhurst Mansion: a Gilded Age gem that anchors the resort's seven two-story cottages and 100 accommodations. Activities here range from immersive culinary workshops to hatchet throwing and transformative spa treatments.
Dunton Hot Springs
Dolores, ColoradoDunton Hot Springs is in a class of its own. The “hotel,” if you can call it that, transforms an abandoned 1918 mining town into a sanctuary. Located in the wilderness of southwestern Colorado, guests stay in restored cabins in original log structures salvaged from across the state. It’s the kind of place where you’ll find an authentic, graffitied saloon standing alongside rainforest showers and heated floors. Not to mention: there are hot springs.
More from our selection of great American hotels:
- 37 New Key Hotels in the US: Inspectors' newest favorites in the United States.
- The Complete Guide to NYC Hotels: How to choose from all the best hotels in New York City.
- The Best Hotels in New Orleans: The first MICHELIN restaurants have arrived in the Big Easy — here's where to stay nearby.
Hero Image: A snowscape at Miraval Berkshires. ©Miraval Berkshires
