With location-inspired architecture, ambience, and amenities • eco-stewardship • an ethic of giving back to the community

Sense of place . . . With the cadence of a lullaby, these three words neatly sum up the properties celebrated here. To travel well, we believe, is to soak up authenticity. And where we spend the night is part of the picture. Does the hotel incorporate—and share—the soul of its location? Are resources respected and conserved? When possible, is the food put on the table local? Does the property play a vital role in the community, sharing some of its profits with local causes, for example?

These criteria grow out of our mission. The true Traveler experience doesn't stop at the hotel lobby. Rather, it can (and should) be reinforced and enhanced there.

To assemble this list, we put out a call for hotel nominations to people far and wide, from local travel experts to seasoned travelers. We detailed our criteria and asked them to recommend hotels and inns that fit the bill. After sending out in-depth questionnaires to the more than 600 properties nominated—and conducting further research—we arrived at our list of 150 properties in the United States (East, Central, and West regions), Canada, Mexico, and Caribbean region. (Click on any of the sections, left, to see the listings.)

You likely will see some old favorites—as well as a few surprises. It's a diverse lot, from rustic to luxurious, dirt cheap to splurge. Sense of place and a sweet night's sleep. Welcome to the "Stay List."