| In the past, hotel restaurants in America were merely | | | | beyond thanks to the classic dishes served up by chef |
| a place to fill up after a long day of sightseeing or a | | | | Martin Hamann in the New French-Continental style. |
| late flight into the destination. Even the most luxury | | | | 3. Dining Room - Little Palm Island Resort, Florida |
| hotels weren't renowned for their eateries - they | | | | This romantic getaway hotel is a boat ride away from |
| provided decent enough fare for hungry guests, but | | | | the keys, set on its own private island. Both the hotel |
| outside customers could rarely be tempted in and the | | | | and restaurant promise a magical setting and they |
| food was certainly not a reason for making a booking. | | | | don't disappoint. The food is just as exceptional; the |
| Now, however, things have changed dramatically and | | | | French-Caribbean themed menu adds to the exotic |
| they have really pushed the boat out - some of the | | | | vibe of the location. |
| most elegant and exclusive restaurants in America | | | | 4. The Inn at Little Washington, Washington |
| can be found within the walls of luxury hotels. Here's | | | | A luxurious Virginia inn, the prestige of the hotel spills |
| the lowdown on the latest hotel dining spots to be | | | | over into the dining room where chef Patrick O'Connell |
| voted into the top five. | | | | uses only the freshest ingredients and seasonal |
| 1. French Room - The Adolphus Hotel, Texas | | | | produce for a New American menu. With its romantic |
| A gorgeous grand dame of a hotel in downtown | | | | décor, the experience of the out of town hideaway |
| Texas, The Adolphus tops the bill with French Room | | | | is complete. |
| for its menu but also its décor and service. The | | | | 5. Maestro - Ritz Carlton Tysons Corner, Virginia |
| atmosphere is pure old-world romance with subtle | | | | This elegant restaurant has all the impeccable style |
| lighting and hand-painted ceilings - and the food is an | | | | you would expect from the exclusive Ritz-Carlton |
| unpretentious yet fabulous fusion of French and | | | | hotels, but with a modern twist - an open kitchen to |
| American cuisine. | | | | watch the master Fabio Trabocchi at work. The wine |
| 2. Fountain Restaurant - The Four Seasons Hotel, | | | | list (put together by sommelier Vincent Feraud) is |
| Philadelphia | | | | something any restaurant in Italy would be proud of, |
| The Four Seasons is an American institution and a | | | | whilst the flavours and dishes bring the kind of depth |
| byword for superb luxury. Here in Philadelphia, the | | | | and subtlety that reflects their Italian heritage to |
| Fountain continues to be a firm favourite in the city and | | | | perfection. |