From Check-In to Culinary Destination
Hotel restaurants are shedding their old image as mere conveniences for weary travelers. A joint report by OpenTable and KAYAK confirms what many food lovers already know — travelers are increasingly booking trips not just for the sights, but for the bites.
According to the research, 47% of Americans have booked a trip specifically to dine at a restaurant, and KAYAK data shows a 51% year-over-year jump in travelers using the platform’s “restaurant” hotel filter. This growing trend has prompted the two brands to team up and unveil their first-ever Top 100 Hotel Restaurants in America list, based on millions of diner reviews and travel data.
From MICHELIN-starred dining rooms like Addison in San Diego, to neighborhood gems like The Lawn Terrace in Newport, these culinary hotspots prove that “eat where you sleep” is more than a catchy phrase — it’s a travel movement.
The Menu Is the New Itinerary
“Hotel restaurants have become formidable players,” says Scott Hudson, VP of Global Sales & Services at OpenTable. “They’re not only appealing to travelers — they’re attracting locals who see them as go-to dining spots.”
Kate Williams, Chief Communications Officer at KAYAK, adds: “Travelers aren’t just asking ‘Where should I go?’ — they’re asking ‘What’s on the menu when I get there?’”
The research also reveals:
- Meals over monuments: 45% of travelers post more about meals than tourist attractions.
- Repeat stays: 73% would return to the same hotel because of its restaurant.
- Restaurant-first bookings: 38% have chosen a hotel based solely on its dining.
Why It Matters
Chef Stephanie Izard (Cabra Chicago, Boka Restaurant Group) notes, “Culinary offerings are now a major factor in deciding where to stay. Hotels that deliver memorable dining are winning over guests — and locals.”
Whether it’s sipping champagne overlooking Big Sur at Sierra Mar, indulging in a wood-fired steak at Repeal Oak Fired Steakhouse in Louisville, or savoring coastal Italian at NOE in Hawaii, these destinations prove that hotel dining has entered a golden era.
Discover the 2025 Top 100 Hotel Restaurants
The full list — from California’s Beverly Hills rooftops to Hawaii’s beachfront hideaways — is available now on OpenTable and KAYAK’s joint hub, complete with hotel rates, flight prices, and booking links. https://www.opentable.com/c/top-restaurants/top-100-hotel/
For travelers hungry for more than just a bed, these restaurants serve experiences that last far beyond checkout.
Michelle M. Mitchell is the Publisher of OMG Culture Magazine, a global multicultural online news publication. With a passion for storytelling and a keen editorial vision, she leads the magazine’s coverage of culture, society, and luxury lifestyle. As a contributor, Michelle brings her expertise in high-profile events, entertainment, and community features, offering readers a distinctive and engaging perspective.
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