America's 10 Best Hotel Restaurants

By Amy Zavatto

It used to be that dining in your hotel's restaurant was not much better than grabbing a cold quesadilla at the airport food court -- convenient but utterly forgettable. Luckily, these 10 hotel restaurants have raised the stakes for creating a dining experience worth the trip whether you're a hotel guest or not.

Check out these 10 best hotel restaurants on your next trip to New York City, Las Vegas, and other foodie destinations around the U.S. Don't forget to leave room for dessert.

Photo Caption: The kitchen at RH, Andaz West Hollywood

There's not much about Los Angeles that evokes the charm of Southern France -- unless you're lucky enough to score a seat at RH (as in Riot House, a nod to the spot's rock-and-roll history).

Chef Pierre Gornes helms this Southwest France-influenced eatery at Andaz West Hollywood. Gornes, who stepped up from his previous position as sous chef to top toque in March 2011, partners with local farms and vintners to bring a seasonal, earthy bent to his sophisticated Gallic fare (think lots of roasting and braising, and ample use of herbs).

Signature Dishes: Hudson Valley foie gras terrine with plums and fig chutney, arugula, and brioche ($18); braised beef cheek with cabbage and rainbow carrots ($24)

Other Details: Serves dinner; reservations are required

More Info: tel. 323/785-6090; www.westhollywood.andaz.hyatt.com

Photo Caption: Foie Gras Terrine at RH, Andaz West Hollywood

Ken Oringer has that wonderful gift of making food look stunning without masking the pure flavors. At Clio, that takes the form of celebrating New England's bounty, such as soft-shell crab tempura with sorrel and kimchi.

Signature Dish: Crispy wild striped bass with shiso yogurt and tomato jam ($38)

Other Details: Serves dinner; reservations are required

More Info: tel. 617/536-7200, www.cliorestaurant.com

Photo Caption: Enjoy elegant hors d'oeuvres at Clio, in the Eliot Hotel.

Since the Inn at Little Washington opened more than three decades ago, Chef/Owner Patrick O'Connell's boutique hotel in the Virginia countryside has reached nearly mythical status as much for his outstanding farm-sourced meals as for its views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Tip: Splurge on a chef's table reservation so you can take in the Portuguese-tiled kitchen and its monster copper-and-brass hood atop O'Connell's formidable Vulcan range.

Signature Dish: Pan-roasted Maine lobster with tomato butter, white beans, and sausage

How Much: Six-course tasting menu from $158 per person (Mondays-Thursdays); from $168 (Fridays & Sundays); from $188 Saturdays

Other Details: Serves dinner; reservations are required

More Info: tel. 540/675-3800, www.theinnatlittlewashington.com

Photo Caption: Chef/Owner Patrick O'Connell in the kitchen at Inn at Little Washington, Virginia

Manhattan culinary darlings Gerry Haden and Claudia Fleming ditched the concrete for the country when they purchased and renovated the four-room North Fork Table & Inn. The result? Yet another reason to visit Long Island's North Fork region. Expect farm-fresh ingredients like the organic squash and kale in Haden's vegetable lasagna, and wine from much-lauded local vintners Channing Daughters.

Signature Dish: Pan-roasted Crescent Farms Long Island duck breast with duck confit-caramelized endive relish, Wild Hive Mills polenta cake, local green beans, and blackberry gastrique ($37)

Other Details: Serves lunch (weekends only) and dinner; reservations are required. The dining room is prix fixe only (three courses for $68); à la carte options are available at the bar.

More Info: tel. 631/765-0177, www.northforktableandinn.com

Photo Caption: Fluke crudo at North Fork Table & Inn

Danny Meyer seems to have the secret recipe for creating great restaurants, and his Roman holiday romp at Ian Schrager's revamp of the beloved Gramercy Park Hotel is no exception. Here, Chef Nick Anderer sources much of his ingredients from the nearby Union Square Market for fork-licking masterpieces such as coniglio al forno (slow-roasted rabbit with root veggies and herbs), pistachio-flecked mortadella, and about a dozen hand-crafted pastas that would make a nonna shed a tear of joy.

Signature Dishes: Buccatini all'Amatriciana ($17); deviled chicken with pickled chili ($26)

Other Details: Serves breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner; reservations are required

More Info: tel. 212/777-2410; www.maialinonyc.com

Photo Caption: Dining room at Maialino, inside the Gramercy Park Hotel, New York City

William Bradley's modern French cuisine at the Grand Del Mar is as visually stunning as it is satiating. His black-truffle ravioli is swathed in a buttery, savory velouté sauce and sprinkled with toasted bits of cashews; his herb-flecked rack of lamb comes with crispy-soft potato croquettes and warm goat cheese.

Signature Dish: Anise-glazed squab with smoked bacon, cherries, and chicory

How Much: Three courses for $90; four courses for $98

Other Details: Serves dinner; reservations are required

More Info: tel. 858/314-1900; www.addisondelmar.com

Photo Caption: The Addison at the Grand Del Mar, San Diego

When Paris culinary heavyweight Joël Robuchon decided to plant his Michelin-starred flag in the U.S., some were surprised when he chose Vegas. Then again, dining in a purple velvet booth seems appropriately theatrical for Sin City. A meal at Joël Robuchon isn't cheap -- ordering the prix-fixe (two courses for $120; six courses for $240; 16 courses for $395) is a much better bet.

Signature Dishes: Truffle langoustine ravioli ($115);French hen with roasted foie gras, braised potatoes au jus ($235)

Other Details: Serves dinner; reservations are strongly recommended

More Info: tel. 702/891-7925; www.mgmgrand.com

Photo Caption: Dining room at Joël Robuchon MGM Grand, Las Vegas.

While you may be drawn by the list of 50 types of bourbon, you'll want to stay for Chef Michael Paley's fusion of Southern and Tuscan-tinged ideas (chickpea and country ham fritters with Italian greens and olives). If you can, look up from your plate at least once to admire the ever-rotating series of 21st-century art from next door's 21c Museum.

Signature Dish: Iowa Berkshire pork loin with navy beans, lemon cucumber, mescal melon, hominy, and salsa verde ($28)

Other Details: Serves, breakfast, lunch, and dinner; reservations are required

More Info: tel. 502/217-6360; www.proofonmain.com

Photo Caption: Dining room at Proof on Main at 21c Museum Hotel, Louisville

Chef Bertrand Bouquin uses his French roots to create this clubby American brasserie at the Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs. This 40-acre resort -- the site of a former casino-turned-girls school -- became a golf-centric getaway back in 1918. Of the resort's nine dining choices, Summit is a standout without being stuffy. "Dress" jeans are allowed, but leave the shorts at home.

Signature Dish: Lobster mac 'n' cheese with chanterelle mushrooms, bacon, and goat cheese ($14)

Other Details: Serves dinner; reservations are recommended

More Info: tel. 866/381-8432; www.broadmoordining.com

Photo Captipon: Summit at the Broadmoore Hotel, Colorado Springs

Since Chef Robert McCormick took over in 2011, his farm-to-table menu has been gently stripping the once Italian-skewed menu at The Little Nell and turning it into something more Colorado-chic. Now you'll find a broader European influence and a Wine Spectator award-winning wine list. Stay tuned for a renovation planned for Spring 2012 as the dining room digs promise to be as lovely as the table-side views of the Aspen Mountains.

Signature Dish: Roasted Colorado lamb loin with eggplant and artichokes ($40)

Other Details: Serves breakfast and lunch daily; dinner on Wednesdays-Sundays only; reservations are required

More Info: tel. 970/920-6330, www.thelittlenell.com

Photo Caption: Local ingredients inspire creative dishes, such as the Emma Farm Wagyu Tenderloin with red pepper, paprika, and spaetzle