The Lodge at Torrey Pines

La Jolla, CA

We could go on and on about the stunning setting on a bluff above the glimmering Pacific; the restaurant with its killer wine list; the croquet lawn; the turndown chocolate. Or we could just say this is the highest-ranked hotel in the whole shebang, a hair shy of a perfect score. "One of the most beautiful hotels anywhere," where "public spaces are a testament to the art of woodworking," it opened in 2002 but embraces the early-1900s Craftsman ideal of building to match the landscape. Beaches are minutes away, but you'll feel no desire to leave. $305/$495; 170 rooms & suites; lodgetorreypines.com

SCORE: 98