6 Luxury Hotels in the American Midwest

“Luxury” may not be the first word that comes to mind when you think of the American Midwest, which is all-too-often glossed over by travelers seeking thrills in America’s coastal cities. But luxury is what you will find at each of these six Midwestern hotels, which prove once and for all that the middle of America is well worth a visit.

1. The Champagne Lodge and Luxury Suites, Willowbrook, IL

Hiding out just 20 minutes from Chicago is a full-scale spa experience—and it all starts before guests even leave their rooms. The guest rooms’ bathrooms feature a whirlpool tub, rainforest showers, and even a walk-in steam room. The luxury extends to the sleeping quarters, where guests will be greeted with stone-encased fireplaces, upscale bedding, and headboard mirrors. The spa services are top-rate; think sugar scrubs, mud wraps, and massages. Guests can also bliss out at Waterfall Glen, a nature park located just three miles away.

2. The Edgewater, Madison, WI

You’ll sleep soundly at the Edgewater, where guest rooms are outfitted with blackout curtains, premium bedding, rainfall showerheads, bathrobes, and designer toiletries. The hotel’s attention to service extends beyond the guest rooms; the long list of amenities includes a coffee shop, restaurants, gift shops, a fitness center, concierge services, a business center, valet parking, and a full-service spa and hair salon. There are also plenty of opportunities to unwind nearby—hiking, golfing, skiing, and boating on Lake Mendota are all popular activities. The luxury and convenience afforded by the Edgewater explains why the hotel ranks eighth out of 63 hotels in Madison.

3. Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis, St. Louis, MO

The Four Seasons has made a name for itself as a luxury hotel brand, and the Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis lives up to that reputation. Rooms in the relatively new hotel (it was completed in 2008) boast floor-to-ceiling windows, premium bedding, iPod docking stations, marble bathrooms with both deep soaking tubs and walk-in showers, turn-down service, river views, and even a pillow menu. The hotel also features a full-service spa, hair salon, rooftop terrace, outdoor pool, poolside bar, fitness and business centers, and an award-winning Italian restaurant.

4. Le Méridien Columbus, The Joseph, Columbus, OH

Upscale accommodations await guests at Le Méridien Columbus, where modern amenities are the name of the game. Guest rooms are outfitted with sleek furnishings, LED televisions, and an espresso machine; guests can also take advantage of 24-hour room service. The accommodations are just as luxurious outside of the guest rooms. Travelers can enjoy a meal at the Guild House, the hotel’s farm-to-table restaurant, or book an upscale spa experience in a private suite outfitted with a steam room, rain shower, relaxation lounge, and soaking tub.

5. The MGM Grand Detroit, Detroit, MI

Detroit is making a comeback, and the MGM Grand Detroit is in the thick of it. The elegant hotel is located in the city’s center near the Fox Theatre, the Fillmore Detroit, Comerica Park, and the Museum of Contemporary Art. But visiting these attractions will require you to tear yourself away from the hotel’s resort-like atmosphere. The luxurious guest rooms are decked out with thoughtful amenities that include a marble shower with rain heads, in-room dining, designer toiletries, and premium bedding. The hotel also features a lavish casino, five restaurants, an on-site fitness center, valet parking, and a full-service spa.

6. W Minneapolis – The Foshay, Minneapolis, MN

W Minneapolis – The Foshay distinguishes itself by offering exceptional service at any hour of the day or night. The business center, concierge services, in-room dining, and fitness center are all available 24/7. The hotel also offers iPod and DVD lending programs, a shoe shining service, and complimentary newspapers and coffee. Guest rooms feature avant-garde décor and premium bedding (including pillow top mattress and 350-thread-count sheets). If you need assistance with anything, simply hit the Whatever/Whenever® button on your room’s phone and hotel staff will assist you with arranging delivery for event tickets, takeout food, or pretty much anything else you can think of.