Jim Morrison said it: “The West is the best.” These extraordinary properties, showcasing the diverse natural landscape of the inland and coastal West (excluding California), truly support this claim. Every year for our World’s Best Awards survey, GoTravelDaily asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe—sharing their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, and more. Hotels were rated on their facilities, location, service, food, and overall value. Hotels were classified as City or Resort based on their locations and amenities. Like many of the resorts on this list, this year’s top Western resort hotel, the Lodge & Spa at Brush Creek Ranch in Saratoga, Wyoming, derives much of its character from the rugged terrain and open spaces of the surrounding mountains. It is an old-fashioned dude ranch located between the pristine Sierra Madre range and Medicine Bow National Forest in southern Wyoming, offering luxurious accommodations. “Cabins are appointed in a luxurious, Ralph-Lauren style,” said a reader. “Bravo!” The Lodge & Spa at Brush Creek Ranch is one of several properties that celebrate the frontier traditions of the West. The spirit of old Montana infuses both Triple Creek Ranch and the Ranch at Rock Creek. If your idea of a getaway involves horseback riding and fly-fishing, these destinations are ideal. “Best family vacation I have ever been on,” expressed a fan of the Ranch at Rock Creek. “They had amazing summer activities such as shooting, a ropes course, a weekly rodeo, and a barn dance. Can’t ask for more.” Last year’s winner, Gateway Canyons Resort, in the dramatic red-rock country of southwestern Colorado, remains a prime destination for outdoor-adventure enthusiasts, offering hiking, riding, whitewater rafting, mountain biking, rock climbing, and more. This year, the property hosted its inaugural Gateway to Craft Beer festival during Memorial Day weekend. Two other properties in Colorado, the Hotel Jerome in Aspen and the Sebastian in Vail, cater directly to winter-sports lovers. Summer travelers who prefer a slower pace can head to Oregon to relax at golf resorts such as Brasada Ranch in Bend and Salishan Spa & Golf Resort on the central Oregon coast. For stunning sunsets over the water, consider visiting the Stephanie Inn, located a bit farther north, or the Woodmark Hotel & Still Spa on the shores of Lake Washington, just outside of Seattle.
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