Here are top “experiential” hotels across the U.S.—properties that offer more than a room: memorable settings, strong sense of place, signature programming (adventure, culinary, culture or wellness), and design that makes the stay itself the experience. I grouped them by the kind of experience they’re best known for.

Desert & Canyon Sanctuaries

• Amangiri — Canyon Point, UT: minimalist desert architecture, dramatic mesa views, guided slot‑canyon hikes, climbing and spa rituals that draw on the landscape. (wellnessresorts.org)

Clifftop & Coastal Retreats

• Post Ranch Inn — Big Sur, CA: cliffside architecture, intimate casitas, guided nature walks and stargazing (an adults‑only, design‑forward escape). (brevitas.com)
• Hotel Casa del Mar — Santa Monica, CA: historic beachfront hotel with strong coastal design, ocean‑front dining and a classic SoCal experience. (en.wikipedia.org)
• Little Palm Island Resort & Spa — Little Torch Key, FL: private‑island, barefoot luxury, water‑based activities and intimate spa treatments. (Private‑island experiential category.) — (general listing / travel guides)

Urban properties rooted in history & neighborhood life

• Hotel Emma — San Antonio, TX: adaptive‑reuse of a 19th‑century brewhouse in the Pearl; known for culinary programming, strong local character and design that tells the building’s story. (qsrmagazine.com)
• The Line (Los Angeles or Washington, DC locations) — repurposed buildings that fuse local culture, events, chef‑driven restaurants and neighborhood programming. (cn.linkedin.com)
• Wythe Hotel — Brooklyn, NY: industrial‑warehouse conversion with strong local food & music programming and East River views. (cn.linkedin.com)

Wilderness, ranch & outdoor‑adventure lodges

• Gateway Canyons Resort & Spa — Gateway, CO: canyon‑country activities, off‑road adventures, and a museum/education focus tied to the landscape. (Founded with an experiential, discovery focus.) (en.wikipedia.org)
• Brush Creek Ranch (or similar western ranch resorts) — Wyoming/Colorado: working‑ranch activities, horseback experiences, fly‑fishing and immersive western life programming. (Look for properties marketed as “guest ranch” or “dude ranch” experiences.)

Culinary & farm‑to‑table immersive hotels

• SingleThread (Healdsburg, CA) — farm‑stay with multi‑Michelin‑level dining integrated into the guest experience (dining + farm + accommodation as one experiential package). (Cited widely in culinary travel coverage.)
• The French Laundry region stays / culinary inns around Napa & Sonoma — for food‑first immersive stays and chef‑led experiences. (Popular experiential choice for food travelers.)

Design‑forward boutique stays (culture + art)

• The Lowell or The Carlyle (New York, NY) — classic luxury with strong art/culture ties and highly curated in‑house programming (gallery events, composer residencies, etc.). (en.wikipedia.org)

How to pick the right one

• Pick by experience: wilderness/adventure (ranch, canyon, desert), coastal/clifftop (Big Sur, island resorts), food & culture (culinary inns, Hotel Emma), or urban neighborhood immersion (converted historic buildings).
• Consider season and programming: many experiential hotels run seasonal activities (hikes, boat programs, farm events, chef residencies), so check current offerings before you book.

Would you like a tailored short list (2–4) for a specific region, travel dates, budget or experience type (adventure, spa/wellness, culinary, family, adults‑only)? I can pull current availability and top recent reviews for any properties you pick.