There’s something truly magical about spending the night in a place where history still whispers through the hallways. From Gilded Age resorts and Jazz Age city palaces to cozy mountain lodges, these historic American hotels have stood the test of time — surviving wars, natural disasters, and reinvention after reinvention.
As passionate advocates for historic preservation, we celebrate stories of craftsmanship, resilience, and architectural beauty every single day. That’s why these preserved hotels hold a special place in our hearts. Each one is a living monument — not just to the eras and people that built them, but to the ongoing effort to keep America’s architectural heritage alive and thriving.
Many of these properties were constructed before cars or airplanes, yet they continue to welcome travelers in style. Their walls have witnessed everything from presidential visits and Hollywood shoots to love stories that span generations. Whether you’re drawn to seaside elegance, mountain grandeur, or small-town charm, these hotels let you experience history firsthand — without giving up the comforts of modern travel.
Here are 25 of our favorite places where the past isn’t just remembered — it’s beautifully preserved.
1. Hotel del Coronado – Coronado, California
Rising from the sands of Coronado Island like a fairytale castle, the Hotel del Coronado opened in 1888 as one of America’s most ambitious seaside resorts. Its red-roofed turrets, wooden architecture, and oceanfront setting have welcomed everyone from Thomas Edison to Marilyn Monroe — who famously filmed Some Like It Hot here. In recent years, “The Del” has undergone a meticulous, multi-year restoration, breathing new life into its historic Victorian grandeur while adding modern luxury touches. Guests can now enjoy beautifully refreshed rooms, restored woodwork, and ocean-view dining that honors the hotel’s original charm. The result is a seamless blend of Gilded Age romance and contemporary coastal sophistication — proof that true icons only get better with time.
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2. The Broadmoor – Colorado Springs, Colorado
Opened in 1918, The Broadmoor was built by entrepreneur Spencer Penrose to bring European-style luxury to the rugged Rockies — and more than a century later, it still sets the standard. Its salmon-pink façade, manicured gardens, and tranquil lake reflect the elegance of the Belle Époque, while the backdrop of Pikes Peak adds pure Colorado drama. The Broadmoor has hosted presidents, generals, and celebrities, and remains the longest-running Forbes Five-Star, AAA Five-Diamond resort in the world. From falconry and fly-fishing to afternoon tea in the Lake Terrace Dining Room, every moment here feels timeless.
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3. The Stanley Hotel – Estes Park, Colorado
Perched high in the Rockies, The Stanley Hotel opened in 1909 as a luxury retreat for well-heeled travelers — and later became the eerie inspiration for Stephen King’s The Shining. Built by F.O. Stanley, inventor of the Stanley Steamer, the hotel’s white Colonial façade glows against the mountain backdrop. Guests can still book King’s famed room 217, explore the hotel’s ghost tours, or simply relax on the grand porch with panoramic views of Rocky Mountain National Park. A blend of mountain charm and mystery, The Stanley offers a stay that’s equal parts elegance and legend.
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4. Willard InterContinental – Washington, D.C.
Known as “the Residence of Presidents,” the Willard InterContinental has stood just steps from the White House since 1847. Abraham Lincoln stayed here before his inauguration; Martin Luther King Jr. finished his “I Have a Dream” speech within its walls. The hotel’s opulent Beaux-Arts design, towering columns, and marble lobby have witnessed political intrigue and world-changing conversations. Even the term lobbyist is said to have originated here. Today, the Willard remains a shining symbol of Washington’s history and elegance.
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5. The Breakers – Palm Beach, Florida
When it comes to historic American hotels, few can rival the grandeur of The Breakers in Palm Beach. Built in 1896 by railroad tycoon Henry Flagler, this oceanfront icon defined the Gilded Age ideal of luxury travel. After a fire destroyed the original wooden structure in 1925, Flagler’s heirs rebuilt it in concrete the following year, commissioning architects who modeled it after Italy’s Villa Medici. The result is a breathtaking Mediterranean Revival masterpiece — a palace by the sea with frescoed ceilings, Venetian chandeliers, and grand courtyards overflowing with palm trees and light. Over the past century, The Breakers has undergone multiple restorations, each one carefully preserving its Old World elegance while elevating comfort for modern travelers. From the moment you walk through its arched portico, you can feel the hotel’s timeless energy — a rare blend of history, hospitality, and Florida sunshine that’s still dazzling after more than 125 years.
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6. West Baden Springs Hotel – West Baden Springs, Indiana
When the West Baden Springs Hotel opened in 1902, its 200-foot domed atrium was so vast that people called it the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” This grand resort attracted Gilded Age elites who came to “take the waters” at the area’s mineral springs. After falling into disrepair, the hotel was miraculously restored in the 1990s, reviving its mosaics, balconies, and awe-inspiring glass dome. Today, stepping inside feels like entering a European palace hidden in the Indiana woods.
We’ve been lucky enough to stay at West Baden, and it truly is a wonderful experience! Be sure to book an atrium balcony room for maximum magic.
7. The Hermitage Hotel – Nashville, Tennessee
In the heart of downtown Nashville, The Hermitage Hotel stands as a shimmering example of how preservation and Southern hospitality can coexist in perfect harmony. Opened in 1910, this historic American hotel was built in the grand Beaux-Arts style, with marble columns, a stained-glass skylight, and an opulent lobby that feels like stepping into a lost golden age. Over the years, the hotel has hosted everyone from movie stars to presidents — and even played a quiet but crucial role in the women’s suffrage movement when lawmakers stayed here during Tennessee’s pivotal vote to ratify the 19th Amendment. Recently restored to its former glory, The Hermitage now combines century-old craftsmanship with modern elegance: guest rooms are luxuriously updated, the celebrated Capitol Grille serves farm-to-table Southern cuisine, and the staff exudes the same warm grace that made this hotel famous for more than a hundred years.
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8. Palace Hotel – San Francisco, California
When the Palace Hotel opened in 1875, it was hailed as the most luxurious hotel west of the Mississippi. Though destroyed in the 1906 earthquake, it was quickly rebuilt as a symbol of San Francisco’s resilience. The magnificent Garden Court — with its stained glass ceiling and Austrian crystal chandeliers — remains one of the city’s most beautiful dining rooms. From President Ulysses S. Grant to modern-day travelers, guests come for both history and glamour.
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9. Hilton Chicago – Chicago, Illinois
Opened in 1927 as the Stevens Hotel, the Hilton Chicago was once the largest hotel in the world, with its own bowling alley, barber shop, and rooftop miniature golf course. It served as a naval barracks during World War II and has hosted every U.S. president since Truman. Today, its marble staircases, gilded ceilings, and Michigan Avenue location make it one of the Windy City’s most distinguished historic stays.
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10. The Royal Hawaiian – Honolulu, Hawai‘i
Rising gracefully above Waikīkī Beach, The Royal Hawaiian has been the “Pink Palace of the Pacific” since 1927 — a living symbol of Hawaii’s golden age of travel. Built in a striking Spanish-Moorish style, the hotel’s coral-pink façade and lush tropical gardens evoke an era when ocean liners carried the world’s elite to Honolulu’s sun-drenched shores. Inside, vaulted ceilings, hand-painted frescoes, and original koa wood furnishings tell the story of early Hawaiian luxury — long before jet travel transformed the islands. Over the decades, everyone from Shirley Temple to Hawaiian royalty has walked its breezy corridors, while modern restorations have carefully preserved the building’s romantic character and oceanfront charm. Today, The Royal Hawaiian still feels like a dream from another time — a rare place where history, hospitality, and aloha spirit live in perfect harmony.
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11. Arizona Biltmore – Phoenix, Arizona
Nicknamed the “Jewel of the Desert,” the Arizona Biltmore has been a beacon of innovation and luxury since it first opened its doors in 1929. Designed by Albert Chase McArthur with guidance from Frank Lloyd Wright, this historic American hotel showcases Wright’s signature geometric style through its iconic “Biltmore Blocks” — concrete bricks embossed with patterns inspired by the palm tree. From the moment you step into the soaring lobby, bathed in warm desert light, you can feel the property’s architectural brilliance and timeless glamour. Over the decades, the Biltmore has hosted Hollywood legends, U.S. presidents, and design aficionados drawn to its modernist-meets-Art-Deco aesthetic. A recent multimillion-dollar restoration preserved the hotel’s historic integrity while revitalizing its public spaces, cottages, and the famed Catalina Pool — where Marilyn Monroe was known to swim. Today, the Arizona Biltmore stands as both a living museum of 20th-century design and a luxurious desert retreat.
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12. La Posada de Santa Fe – Santa Fe, New Mexico
Once the 1882 home of a wealthy merchant’s wife — said to still haunt the halls — La Posada de Santa Fe is now an elegant adobe resort steeped in art and legend. Blending Pueblo Revival architecture with lush courtyards and kiva fireplaces, it perfectly captures Santa Fe’s spirit. Art lovers adore the curated local gallery onsite, while the spa and firelit patios invite lingering under desert stars.
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13. The Ocean House – Watch Hill, Rhode Island
Perched high above the windswept bluffs of Watch Hill, The Ocean House is proof that historic preservation can achieve the impossible. Originally built in 1868, this grand Victorian seaside resort was beloved for generations — a summer sanctuary for New England’s elite — until time and neglect left it unsafe by the late 20th century. In one of the most remarkable preservation efforts in the country, the hotel was meticulously reconstructed from the ground up, using over 5,000 salvaged elements from the original building and faithfully replicating its clapboard façade, gabled roofs, and wraparound verandas. Today, The Ocean House radiates all the charm of its 19th-century past with the comfort of 21st-century luxury. Its soft yellow exterior gleams in the ocean light, and every detail — from antique furnishings to freshly baked scones in the morning room — honors the craftsmanship of a bygone era. This stunning historic hotel doesn’t just tell the story of seaside glamour; it celebrates the triumph of preservation itself.
14. Grand Hotel – Mackinac Island, Michigan
Set high above the shores of Lake Huron, the Grand Hotel is one of the most enduring and enchanting historic American hotels. Opened in 1887 as a summer retreat for well-heeled travelers arriving by lake steamer, the hotel quickly became a symbol of Victorian luxury and Midwestern charm. Its sweeping verandas — including the world’s longest front porch at 660 feet — offer uninterrupted views of the Straits of Mackinac, while inside, guests are greeted by an explosion of color and classic design courtesy of legendary interior designer Dorothy Draper & Company. Every detail, from the polished brass fixtures to the afternoon tea service, evokes an era when elegance and leisure defined travel. No cars are allowed on Mackinac Island, so visitors arrive by ferry and horse-drawn carriage, adding to the hotel’s timeless allure. Meticulously maintained for over a century, the Grand Hotel continues to balance historic preservation with modern comfort — a living testament to the enduring magic of America’s Gilded Age.
15. The Driskill – Austin, Texas
Rising proudly on Austin’s famous Sixth Street since 1886, The Driskill is the crown jewel of Texas hospitality and one of the most storied historic hotels in the USA. Built by cattle baron Colonel Jesse Driskill as a “frontier palace,” its Romanesque Revival architecture and limestone façade exude 19th-century grandeur. Inside, guests step back in time beneath stained-glass domes, marble columns, and polished woodwork that has been meticulously restored over the decades. The Driskill has witnessed nearly 140 years of Texas history — from inaugural balls and political power plays to local legends and ghostly tales whispered through its corridors. It’s said that Lyndon B. Johnson took Lady Bird here for their first date — and later celebrated his election-night victory in one of its elegant suites. Thanks to careful preservation and adaptive reuse, The Driskill remains a living piece of Austin’s past, blending timeless luxury with the vibrant energy of the city that grew up around it.
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16. Hotel Saranac – Saranac Lake, New York
Opened in 1927, Hotel Saranac brought Art Deco sophistication to the Adirondacks. It served as both a social hub and a hotel school before being revived after years of dormancy. Today, its terrazzo floors, oak paneling, and roaring fireplace welcome a new generation of travelers seeking mountain charm with vintage flair.
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17. The Mayflower Hotel – Washington, D.C.
Known as “The Grande Dame of Washington,” The Mayflower Hotel opened in 1925 and quickly became the capital’s social centerpiece. Every inauguration week, its ballrooms buzz with power and politics. Ornate ceilings, marble halls, and whispers of history linger throughout, blending political intrigue with old-world grace.
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18. The Biltmore Hotel – Coral Gables, Florida
Rising above the palm-lined streets of Coral Gables, the Biltmore Hotel is a Mediterranean Revival masterpiece and one of the most distinguished historic hotels in the USA. Built in 1926 during Florida’s grand land boom, it was the vision of developer George Merrick and architect Leonard Schultze — the same team behind New York’s Waldorf Astoria. The hotel’s striking 315-foot tower, inspired by the Giralda in Seville, has been a symbol of South Florida glamour for nearly a century. With its marble colonnades, red-tile roofs, and vast courtyard pool once frequented by Esther Williams, the Biltmore exudes a sense of timeless sophistication. During World War II, it served as a military hospital, later falling into disrepair before an ambitious preservation effort in the 1980s restored it to its original splendor. Today, the Biltmore remains a National Historic Landmark and a living testament to the region’s architectural and cultural renaissance — a place where history, elegance, and sunshine meet.
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19. The Ahwahnee Hotel – Yosemite National Park, California
Hidden in the heart of Yosemite Valley, surrounded by towering cliffs and ancient pines, the Ahwahnee Hotel is a masterwork of American park architecture — part rustic lodge, part grand palace. Opened in 1927, it was designed by architect Gilbert Stanley Underwood to harmonize with the majesty of its surroundings. Its exterior blends local granite and ponderosa pine, while the interior reveals soaring 34-foot ceilings, massive stone fireplaces, and hand-woven Native American motifs that celebrate the region’s cultural heritage. Listed as a National Historic Landmark, the Ahwahnee has hosted presidents, royalty, and countless artists who came to be inspired by Yosemite’s natural beauty. Despite modern upgrades, every restoration has carefully honored its original craftsmanship and organic connection to the landscape. Staying here feels like stepping into a living cathedral of wilderness — a place where history, nature, and artistry are inseparably entwined.
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20. The Beekman – New York City, New York
Rising from the heart of Lower Manhattan, The Beekman is a breathtaking revival of one of New York’s hidden architectural gems. Originally built in 1883 as Temple Court, this Queen Anne–style masterpiece sat vacant for decades before being meticulously restored and reborn as The Beekman, a Thompson Hotel, in 2016. The hotel’s most striking feature is its nine-story atrium — a soaring Victorian skylight framed by cast-iron railings and filigreed balconies — one of the city’s most dramatic interior spaces. Every inch of the restoration pays tribute to the building’s storied past: the exposed brick, marble floors, Persian rugs, and vintage light fixtures evoke the literary spirit of 19th-century New York. With its timeless architecture and artful preservation, The Beekman captures the soul of the city’s Gilded Age.
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21. The Bellevue Hotel – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Standing proudly on Broad Street since 1904, The Bellevue Hotel has long been known as “The Grand Dame of Broad Street.” Designed by architect George C. Boldt — the visionary also behind New York’s Waldorf Astoria — the Bellevue was conceived as the most luxurious hotel in America at the turn of the 20th century. Its French Renaissance façade and ornate interiors speak to Philadelphia’s Gilded Age ambitions, with intricate plasterwork, marble columns, and sweeping staircases that still impress more than a century later. The hotel’s rooftop ballroom, once the city’s most glamorous gathering place, offers breathtaking views of downtown and echoes with the energy of decades of celebrations. Thoughtful restorations have preserved every detail of its Beaux-Arts grandeur, from the gilded moldings to the antique elevators, while seamlessly integrating modern comfort. Today, The Bellevue Hotel remains one of the most elegant historic hotels in the USA, embodying the spirit of Philadelphia’s architectural legacy and civic pride.
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22. The Historic Davenport Hotel – Spokane, Washington
Opened in 1914, The Historic Davenport Hotel is a Pacific Northwest masterpiece that combines early 20th-century luxury with remarkable preservation. Designed by architect Kirtland Cutter, the hotel quickly became famous for its ornate Spanish Renaissance Revival style — a world of gilded ceilings, marble columns, hand-painted frescoes, and grand ballrooms that rivaled any in Europe. It was the first hotel in the U.S. with air conditioning and a central vacuum system, setting new standards for comfort and innovation. After closing in 1985, the building faced an uncertain future until a painstaking restoration in the early 2000s revived it to its original grandeur. Today, The Davenport once again shines as the pride of Spokane — a living museum of artistry, hospitality, and community resilience. Its lobby’s shimmering Hall of Doges, intricate plasterwork, and glowing chandeliers remind every guest that preservation is the truest form of luxury.
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23. The Mayflower Inn & Spa – Washington, Connecticut
Nestled among the rolling hills of Litchfield County, The Mayflower Inn & Spa embodies the quiet, timeless beauty of New England’s countryside. Originally built in 1894 as a private school for girls and later transformed into a luxurious country inn in the 1920s, the Mayflower has long been a sanctuary for those seeking both elegance and escape. Its stately white façade, shuttered windows, and sweeping lawns evoke the serene refinement of the Colonial Revival style — an architectural expression that feels perfectly at home amid Connecticut’s leafy backroads.
Inside, the inn’s interiors are a masterclass in preservation and grace: hand-carved moldings, cozy sitting rooms, and antique furnishings tell a story of genteel hospitality that has endured for more than a century. Every detail — from the four-poster beds to the crackling fireplaces — reflects a reverence for craftsmanship and calm. The surrounding 58 acres of gardens, meadows, and forest trails complete the sense of timelessness, offering guests a retreat that feels both secluded and deeply rooted in New England heritage.
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24. Hotel Monteleone – New Orleans, Louisiana
t the corner of Royal and Iberville Streets, where the hum of jazz spills into the French Quarter night, stands The Hotel Monteleone. Family-owned since 1886 and lovingly preserved through wars, hurricanes, and decades of change, the Monteleone is more than a hotel — it’s a cornerstone of New Orleans culture. Its gleaming white Beaux-Arts façade rises gracefully above the Quarter, its wrought-iron balconies and glittering lobby chandeliers recalling an era when craftsmanship and charm defined Southern hospitality.
Inside, the Carousel Bar & Lounge is the hotel’s beating heart — a full, hand-carved merry-go-round that slowly revolves beneath a canopy of lights. Locals and travelers alike have gathered here for generations to sip Sazeracs, listen to live jazz, and watch the world spin by one revolution at a time. It’s one of the most iconic bars in the United States and an enduring symbol of New Orleans whimsy and creativity.
The hotel’s guest rooms, grand ballrooms, and marble-lined corridors have welcomed literary legends like Tennessee Williams, Ernest Hemingway, and Truman Capote — so many, in fact, that the Monteleone has been designated an official Literary Landmark. Through multiple careful restorations, it has maintained its historic splendor while offering every modern comfort. From the rooftop pool’s sweeping views of the Mississippi to the creak of the lobby floorboards that have felt a century’s footsteps, every detail tells a story of continuity and care.
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25. The Greenbrier – White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia
Established in 1778, The Greenbrier is the grand dame of historic American hotels — a sprawling mountain resort that’s hosted 28 presidents and hidden a Cold War bunker beneath its lawns. The interiors, designed by Dorothy Draper, explode with color and Southern grace. From mineral-spring baths to grand afternoon teas, The Greenbrier is both opulent and utterly American — the kind of place where history doesn’t just live, it thrives.
Each of these hotels is a chapter in the country’s story — where architecture, memory, and hospitality come together. Whether you’re chasing ocean breezes, mountain air, or a bit of old-world glamour, these timeless landmarks let you step into history without sacrificing modern comfort.
So go ahead — pack your suitcase, bring your curiosity, and let America’s grand old hotels remind you why some stories are worth revisiting again and again.
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