New England is home to some of America’s most iconic luxury hotels, and four properties recently earned recognition on Forbes Travel Guide’s 2025 Icons List. The list highlights 23 five-star hotels worldwide that have lasted at least 100 years while maintaining exceptional service. Massachusetts and Rhode Island each contributed two entries, celebrating the region’s rich hospitality history.
Ocean House in Westerly, Rhode Island, has been a symbol of luxury since 1868. The resort offers sweeping Atlantic Ocean views and spent more than a century hosting wealthy New England summer visitors. After a full renovation in 2003, the property retained its original Victorian exterior while modernizing interiors with Gilded Age-inspired décor. Guests enjoy 49 rooms and 20 suites, a private beach, croquet lawn, and expansive event spaces. Dining options highlight fresh, local ingredients, and the resort also features a top-rated spa. Room rates start around $500 per night.
Located on Cape Cod, Chatham Bars Inn was founded in 1914 and has a long history of hosting prominent guests, from Henry Ford to Dutch royalty during World War II. The 25-acre waterfront property features 262 rooms and suites, a spa, fitness center, tennis courts, and private beach access. Visitors can also use the private boat dock for fishing, whale watching, and chartered excursions. Forbes praised the resort for blending Old World charm with modern amenities. Rates generally start near $350 per night.
Also on Cape Cod, the Wequassett Resort and Golf Club in Harwich offers 113 guest rooms, cottages, and villas decorated in elegant coastal style. Guests enjoy a Forbes five-star restaurant, diverse dining options, and activities such as pickleball, yoga, kayaking, and golf on an award-winning 18-hole course. Seasonal experiences include clamming trips along the private beach. Nightly rates start around $400.
The smallest of the four, Weekapaug Inn in Westerly, Rhode Island, has just 33 rooms but a rich history dating to 1899. Situated between a salt pond and the Atlantic Ocean, it offers upscale amenities including kayaks, paddleboards, a lap pool, jacuzzis, and a wellness program with a dedicated naturalist. Guests also have access to Ocean House facilities. Average rates for standard accommodations are about $800 per night.
These New England resorts combine historic charm with luxury experiences, making them destinations that highlight the region’s coastal beauty and enduring hospitality. Each property reflects a century of dedication to service, style, and creating memorable stays for travelers.
