101 most comfortable cities for travelers 2016

Expedia’s annual comfy city report based on user reviews

Getting a good night’s sleep is one of the last things you think about when planning your vacation—you’re too busy figuring out how to squeeze in all your activities to even consider getting any shut-eye. But when it comes to actually visiting every hot spot, eatery, and landmark on your itinerary, nothing sounds quite as good as crawling into bed after a day packed with adventures.

That’s where having a comfortable hotel room can do wonders for you and your vacation spirit. Your legs are tired from hoofing around and your mind is bursting with sensory overload. A cozy bed and a solid slumber is exactly what you need to face another day of playing tourist, and we’ve got you covered.

Last year, we pulled 2014 data from millions of verified Expedia user reviews to determine the 101 American cities with the top hotel comfort ratings. This year we’re at it again, but this time with the 2015 data. Each city on our list received more than 100 reviews, and were ranked based on a comfort level: The number one city earned a rating of 4.7 out of 5 and the last city on our list received a score of 4.2.

Check out what cities made our comfortable travel roundup this year and add them to your vacation wish list!

Surfside slid into the number one spot on the list. The most comfortable city of them all, Surfside is a slice of vintage America, where white picket fences border pastel homes and children eat ice cream cones down by the seaside. Tourists venture to this Florida city to experience its nostalgic charm, but sea turtles like to visit its shores, too. Travel here during nesting season to watch the sea turtles in action, and then pass the time bike riding along the waterfront, window shopping on Harding Avenue, and dining out at local favorites, such as 26 Sushi & Tapas.

Nabbing second place, Paradise Valley has a name that says a lot about its style. Whether your idea of paradise includes blissful spa retreats or peaceful hiking trails, this Arizona oasis has it all. It’s a town where you can unwind and recharge, away from the buzz of everyday life. Pamper yourself with the most ahh-inducing treatments at one of the many spa resorts, practice yoga among the winged critters at nearby Butterfly Wonderland, and round out your escape with dinner reservations at El Charro, nestled at the base of Camelback Mountain.

The luxury homes and fancy shopping are certainly lovely in this part of town, but nothing compares to the natural richness of Great Falls Park. Here, the Potomac River roars through the Mather Gorge, creating rushing rapids and cascading waterfalls that pour over the rugged rocks. Picnic along the cliffs to see the falls from above, or pull out your paddles and kayak through the feisty waters. After a wild day out in nature, go on, get back in touch with your finer side with tickets to Alden Theatre. They say Virginia is for lovers, and you just may find yourself falling for McLean.

Sometimes comfort comes in the form of food, and that’s just the case with Yountville. Proudly wearing the unofficial title of Culinary Capital of the Napa Valley, this Cali city knows the way to your heart is through your stomach. Eat your way through town, from the wineries to the world-class restaurants, and then burn it all off on a Napa Valley City Bike Tour. Between touring the exhibits at the Napa Valley Museum and viewing wine country from the seat of a hot air balloon with Napa Valley Aloft, you’ll soon understand why this town received such applause.

Coeur D’Alene didn’t make our 2014 city roundup, but in just one year, it moved from spot number 507 to impressive number five. There must be something in the water, and we’re not surprised, seeing as this rustic Idaho city is surrounded by more than 55 ancient lakes. Take a Lake Coeur d’Alene boat cruise to see the city from a different angle, and then tee up on the world’s only floating green at Coeur D’Alene Resort Golf Course. After your aquatic activities, get a serving of farm-fresh food and live music at The Cellar, a town staple for good eats and even better vibes.

A cozy resort tucked in the mountains hidden from view? That sounds like the epitome of comfort to us, so we weren’t shocked to see Beaver Creek topping the list this year. Pounded by snow, the slopes are always shred-ready in the winter, but come warmer months, the snow melts and gives way to epic hiking trails. Besides the obvious alpine adventures, the city’s Vilar Performing Arts Center showcases stellar productions, while Allegria Spa offers the perfect way to unwind post-slopes. For some après-ski fun, kick back around the fire pits at 8100 Mountainside Bar & Grill with a Colorado microbrew in hand.

All the way from position 427, King Prussia has shot up to snag the number seven spot. Home to the country’s largest shopping mall based on floor space, this small town offers comfort by way of retail therapy. Find your happy place as you get lost browsing through hundreds of stores, window shopping, and filling your arms with new purchases. Outside of the mall, get a sense of the region, pre-shopping mecca, with a tour of Valley Forge National Historical Park, where George Washington and his Continental troops hunkered down during the winter of 1777-1778.

There’s something special about a town having a main street that makes you feel at ease, and you’ll sense it the second you step into Denison. This Texas town’s Main Street has historical store fronts that showcase the area’s past, giving you a glimpse into what the city was like long ago. For more history lessons, head to the Eisenhower Birthplace State Historic Site to tour our 34th president’s childhood home. After digging into the past, toast to the future at Iron Root Republic, for some proud and true Texas spirts, made from grain to glass.

Welcome to Hawaiian cowboy country, where the signs say “whoa,” instead of “stop,” and cattle roam on open ranches. It’s not exactly the Hawaii you had in mind, but that’s what makes it all the more magical. Come explore the oldest part of the island, go horseback riding around Parker Ranch, and drink handcrafted brew at the Big Island Brewhaus. Roam around upcountry, where the clouds hover low in the sky, and experience a different side to Hawaii. And don’t worry, if the sand and surf are calling your name, the tropical beaches are just a short drive away.

Those aren’t stars in your eyes, they’re actual stars posted on nearly every Brisbane home and business. Aptly known as the City of Stars, the lovely Brisbane rounds out the top ten best cities for travel based on comfort. The charming small town features the Bay Area’s last standing “mile house,” which was built in 1853 as a stagecoach stop. Over the years, 7 Mile House has become a local legend—even selling whiskey during Prohibition. Make a pit stop here during jazz night and see for yourself why this establishment continues to be a local favorite more than 150 years later.

11. Girdwood, Arkansas
12. Warrenville, Illinois
13. Baileys Harbor, Wisconsin
14. Kahuku, Hawaii
15. Minnetonka, Minnesota
16. Frankenmuth, Michigan
17. Glendive, Montana
18. Ouray, Colorado
19. Norwood, Massachusetts
20. Littleton, Colorado

The small town of Littleton has big charm. Discover its alluring appeal in Historic Downtown, where you can admire the historical buildings that line the main drag and eye the majestic Southern Rocky Mountains hovering in the distance.

21. West Seneca, New York
22. Wailea, Hawaii
23. Champions Gate, Florida
24. Maitland, Florida
25. Gilbert, Arizona
26. Ojai, California
27. Windsor, Connecticut
28. Folsom, California
29. Sylva, North Carolina
30. La Quinta, California

If comfort to you spells a golf club in hand and a scenic landscape on the horizon, La Quinta is the place for you. Highly regarded for its champion golf courses, this California desert gem is surrounded by the rustic Santa Rosa Mountains.

31. The Woodlands, Texas
32. Avila Beach, California
33. Utica, Michigan
34. Ogunquit, Maine
35. La Verkin, Utah
36. Victor, New York
37. Smithfield, North Carolina
38. Holyoke, Massachusetts

Take a deep breath and fill your lungs with the fresh mountain air at Mount Tom State Reservation. Scenic Holyoke invites you to hike over to the mountain peak, which overlooks the Connecticut Valley. Indulge in nature by biking around the cliffs in the summertime and cross country skiing once the snow blankets the trails.

39. Rancho Mirage, California
40. Katy, Texas
41. Kapolei, Hawaii
42. Wildwood, Missouri
43. Austintown, Ohio
44. Chelsea, Massachusetts
45. Seal Beach, California
46. Eden Prairie, Minnesota

In just one year, Eden Prairie has worked its way up the ranks, from number 70 to a solid 46. Though it’s a small town, it has more than 125 miles of biking and hiking trails that wrap around the area’s enchanting lakes and wooded areas. Wander along on the trails and if you wind up in Winter Park, keep an eye out for the NFL stars playing ball on the practice field.

47. New Bern, North Carolina
48. Lawrenceburg, Indiana

Summer or winter, Lawrenceburg always has something going on. If you’re visiting when the temperatures are warm, tap into your vacation vibes at RiverWatch, a Florida Keys-inspired restaurant that cruises along the Ohio River, but if there’s fresh powder on the ground, carve up the trails at Perfect North Slopes.

49. Sonoma, California

Given its gourmet wineries, inviting B&Bs, and peaceful rolling hills, it’s no wonder Sonoma continues to inch its way up the list. On last year’s list, the Cali wine region ranked number 53, and this year it bumped up four spots—now that’s something worth toasting to!

50. St. Louis Park, Minnesota
51. Deerfield, Illinois
52. Uncasville, Connecticut
53. Shipshewana, Indiana
54. Surprise, Arizona
55. Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania
56. Grapevine, Texas

Grapevine’s motto is “Aged to Perfection,” so you can expect good times and fine wine from this Texas town. Explore Grapevine with your taste buds on the Urban Wine Trail, and make a special stop at Sloan & Williams Winery for some local libations from the nearby Texas High Plains and the Texas Hill Country AVA.

57. Morristown, New Jersey
58. Herndon, Virginia
59. Minneapolis, Minnesota
60. Springdale, Utah
61. Waltham, Massachusetts
62. Waikoloa, Hawaii
63. Palm Beach, Florida
64. West Chester, Ohio
65. Cannon Beach, Oregon

Stroll along Cannon Beach with its magnificent rock formations and crashing waves, and it won’t take long to feel the magnetic draw of the Oregon coastline. Even in the quiet season, you’ll find plenty to pique your interest, such as the annual Stormy Weather Arts Festival that takes place each November.

66. Pineville, North Carolina
67. Richfield Springs, New York
68. Victoria, Texas
69. West Fargo, North Dakota
70. Palm Coast, Florida
71. Tuba City, Arizona
72. Belgrade, Montana
73. Jacksonville Beach, Florida
74. Marco Island, Florida
75. Mount Airy, North Carolina

Cruise through the all-American town of Mount Airy and you may get the urge to start whistling the “Andy Griffith Show” theme song. That’s because actor Andy Griffith himself called Mount Airy home, and the city’s Main Street was the inspiration for the fictional town of Mayberry in the 1960s TV show. Each year, Mount Airy showcases its small-town charisma at its much-anticipated Mayberry Days festival.

76. Seffner, Florida
77. Bird In Hand, Pennsylvania
78. Gordonville, Pennsylvania
79. Miramar, Florida
80. Calistoga, California
81. Deadwood, South Carolina
82. Newark, California
83. Gunnison, Colorado
84. Rifle, Colorado

Rifle isn’t the kind of place where you stay indoors—there’s too much to enjoy outside! Get comfortable in this nature paradise, where you can rock climb the famous crags at Rifle Mountain Park and take a swing on the greens at Rifle Creek Golf Course. This attractive alpine city is also the gateway to White River National Forest, where outdoor adventures abound, from skiing and rafting to biking and hiking.

85. Sandy, Utah
86. Natick, Massachusetts
87. New Smyrna Beach, Florida
88. Williamsport, Pennsylvania
89. New Buffalo, Michigan
90. Lone Tree, Colorado
91. Verona, New York
92. Covington, Louisiana
93. Marina del Rey, California

Sea breezes, ocean views, and the country’s largest manmade small yacht harbor make Marina del Rey the ultimate seaside retreat. After chartering a yacht with FantaSea for a sunset cruise around the harbor, slurp down some oysters at Café del Rey with a front-row view of the dock for comfort beyond compare.

94. Burlington, Vermont
95. Hebron, Kentucky
96. Coronado, California
97. Dunwoody, Georgia
98. Oak Brook, Illinois
99. Cambridge, Massachusetts
100. Mahwah, New Jersey
101. Cupertino, California