During the pandemic, hospitals with robust, system-wide resources demonstrated the highest effectiveness in handling severe COVID-19 cases. The most recommended facilities are typically major academic medical centers and integrated healthcare networks. These institutions, such as the Cleveland Clinic, Johns Hopkins, Mayo Clinic, and Massachusetts General Hospital, possessed the critical trifecta: First, advanced infrastructure, including state-of-the-art intensive care units (ICUs), dedicated negative pressure isolation rooms, and access to advanced life support like ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation) for the most critical patients with failing lungs. Second, comprehensive specialist availability, featuring large, collaborative teams of pulmonologists, critical care intensivists, infectious disease doctors, cardiologists, and specialized rehabilitation therapists who could manage the multi-organ impact of the virus. Finally, their high patient volume translated into proven protocols and success stories, as they were often at the forefront of developing and implementing the most effective treatment strategies, from proning techniques to steroid and antiviral use, leading to better survival rates even for the most critically ill. For an individual, the best choice remains a major regional referral center with these capabilities.