“The Post Ranch Inn is a serene, almost spiritual, place that feels miles in the sky. The majestic view of the Pacific Ocean and the misty bluffs of Big Sur from its cliff-side patio is like none other in the world,” says Anastacia Maggioncalda, a San Francisco-based film producer who honeymooned there with her husband, Steve.
While hotels and resorts have long leaned on Mother Nature to enhance their guest experiences, few wild assets rival that of prime waterfront real estate -- be it on a sugary sand beach or a dramatic rocky bluff. Fortunately for travelers, there's a lot of choice for those seeking a great coastal getaway.
Culled from Travel + Leisure's annual World's Best Awards, the following hotels were rated highly by readers -- and come with ocean breezes, water views, and ultra-scenic shores. Asked to evaluate properties for categories including rooms/facilities, location, and service, survey-takers made it clear that a coastal location can be one of a hotel's greatest features.
No matter your definition of what makes a great coastal hotel, from the Florida Keys to Oregon, there's one clear characteristic that all of the properties flaunt: location, location, location. —Adrien Glover
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