I love to visit old and historic hotels wherever I travel. There are hundreds of these historic, grand hotels scattered throughout the United States, offering distinctive architecture, histories and tradition that simply cannot be found at most contemporary hotels. Some of the famous ones that may come to mind include New York’s Waldorf Astoria, or The Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco. Many were built during the Gilded Age, offering a retreat for the newly prosperous Americans of the time, including industrialists, writers and presidents. Over the years, many of these hotels were shuttered, and left to decay. Thankfully, others have been renovated and reinvigorated back to life. My first taste of these magnificent hotels was as a child, when my family would visit those within driving distance of our home, including the Grand Hotel in northern Michigan, the Greenbrier Resort in the mountains of West Virginia, and French Lick Resort in southern Indiana. Today, these places are destinations rather than stop-overs, offering both luxury and a unique sense of place and nostalgia. Here you can walk through the historic ornate lobbies, hallways and ballrooms, and imagine what it was like to be a guest during their heyday, and listen to the echoes of days gone by. Below are some of my favorite historic and grand hotels that I have visited over the years.
The Broadmoor Hotel – Colorado Springs, Colorado
The Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs is a legendary luxury resort that has been welcoming guests since 1918. The Italian Renaissance-style building sits in a beautiful setting on Cheyenne Lake at the foot of the Rocky Mountains. Guests are offered numerous activities, from championship golf courses and a luxurious spa to gourmet dining and outdoor adventures such as hiking and fly fishing. As an enthusiast of western art, I appreciate the numerous western paintings and sculptures within the Broadmoor Galleries and throughout the resort. Authors Truman Capote and Harper Lee stayed at the hotel in 1963 during their research for Capote’s novel In Cold Blood. Capote would continue to visit the hotel numerous times. Adjacent the hotel is the Penrose Heritage Museum, which contains carriages, race cars and Western artifacts collected by Spencer and Julie Penrose, who built the Broadmoor Hotel.
The Claremont Hotel – Southwest Harbor, Maine
As part of a recent trip to the Maine coast, I visited the Claremont hotel, located in Southwest Harbor on Mount Desert Island. It was named one of the best luxury hotels in Maine by Travel and Leisure. Built in 1883, the Claremont hotel is small and cozy, with only 30 rooms and 14 cottages. Less ornate than others on this list, the woodframe built hotel has a chic summer camp vibe. It sits on scenic Somes Sound facing Greening Island, and is perfect for those wishing to explore the beauty of coastal Maine, including nearby Acadia National Park. It’s one of the oldest hotels on the island and was renovated in 2020. We ate on the deck at the Batson River Fish Camp, which serves casual fare and house brewed beer. It was the perfect spot to spend an hour after a morning of touring and take in the view.
The Davenport Hotel – Spokane, Washington
The Davenport Hotel in downtown Spokane, Washington, is a historic luxury hotel that has been a symbol of elegance and hospitality in the Inland Northwest since its opening in 1914. Designed by renowned architect Kirtland Cutter, the hotel was the first in the United States to feature air conditioning, a central vacuum system, and a pipe organ. The ornate Spanish Renaissance style lobby, often called “Spokane’s living room”, includes a fireplace that is kept burning year round as a symbol of hospitality. Over the years, the Davenport has hosted ten presidents, numerous celebrities, and dignitaries. The hotel went through an extensive restoration in the early 2000s, joining its original grandeur with modern luxury. The hotel features opulent ballrooms, fine dining, and world-class accommodations. I especially love the Peacock Lounge, with its magnificent and colorful stained glass ceiling made to resemble peacock feathers.
The Don CeSar – St. Petersburg Beach, Florida
Sitting on the white sands of St. Petersburg Beach, Florida facing the turquoise colored Gulf of Mexico is the Don CeSar Hotel, an iconic resort known for its striking pink façade. The hotel was opened in 1928, named after the chivalrous character Don Cesar in William Vincent Wallace’s 1845 opera Maritana. Upon its opening, the hotel quickly became a favorite among the rich and famous of the time, including F. Scott Fitzgerald, Al Capone, Lou Gehrig and Franklin D. Roosevelt. Nicknamed the “Pink Palace”, the hotel exudes Gatsby-era glamour with its Mediterranean Revival architecture, elegant interior, glitzy Lobby Bar and sunset offerings. The Don CeSar has been meticulously restored over the years, providing guests a blend of historic charm and modern luxury. A recent renovation to address hurricane damage will result in the hotel reopening in Spring 2025 with many upgrades. Luxury suites have a tropical-chic décor. The centerpiece of the hotel is the elegant ocean facing pool, while the award winning Spa Oceana pampers guests with spa treatments, whirlpool baths and steam rooms. Upscale dining can be had at Maritana, and Society Table which offers Florida Gulf cuisine.
The Grand Hotel – Mackinac Island, Michigan
The Grand Hotel on Michigan’s Mackinac Island is the first historic hotel that I ever visited. When I was younger, my family often vacationed in northern Michigan, and the Grand Hotel was always part of our itinerary. The massive white painted hotel, perched on a hill overlooking the Straits of Mackinac in Lake Huron, has welcomed guests since 1887. Since the island is car free, visitors arrive by horse-drawn carriage, adding a touch of class. As a child, I loved sitting on the iconic 660-foot-long porch which extends along the front of the hotel. From one of many rocking chairs, l was offered breathtaking views of the tea garden, swimming pool, and croquet players on the lawn below. Beyond lay the surrounding waters of Lake Huron. The porch is claimed to be the longest in the world. The hotel’s interior maintains its historic charm with Victorian-era décor, elegant furnishings, and timeless hospitality. Guests can enjoy fine dining, afternoon tea, swimming in the luxurious pool, and leisurely carriage rides. Five presidents have visited the hotel, and it was used in the filming of the 1980 movie “Somewhere in Time” starring Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour.
The Greenbrier – White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia
Deep in the Allegheny Mountains in the town of White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia sits The Greenbrier, a luxurious and historic resort that has welcomed guests since 1778. Early visitors were attracted to the health benefits of the numerous sulfur springs that bubble up from the mountains. This grand hotel is renowned for its elegant architecture, world-class amenities, and Southern hospitality. The opulent interiors were designed by Dorothy Draper, a renowned mid-20th-century interior decorator. As you enter the lobby, you’ll be greeted with bold colors and striking patterns that exude timeless sophistication. Beyond its lavish accommodations, The Greenbrier offers championship golf courses, a world-class spa, swimming, tennis and fine dining. The hotel has hosted 28 U.S. presidents over its many years. In 1962, the government built a secret fallout shelter to protect every member of the U.S. Congress, and the executive and judicial branches of the government in the event of nuclear war. Today, the once-secret Cold War-era bunker is open for tours.
The Hotel del Coronado – San Diego, California
The Hotel del Coronado, often referred to as simply “The Del,” is a historic beachfront resort on upscale Coronado Island near San Diego, California. The hotel is known for its iconic Queen Anne-style architecture, including the numerous distinct red cupolas and towers that grace the rooftop. When it opened in 1888, it was the largest resort hotel in the world. Today, it is the second largest wooden structure in the U.S. Over the years, the del Coronado has hosted 12 presidents, celebrities, dignitaries, and royalty, including Prince Edward and Wallis Simpson. Author L. Frank Baum was a regular guest and wrote three books in his famous Oz series while staying there. During World War II, the hotel was used as housing for pilots being trained at the North Island Naval Air Station. The hotel offers expansive ocean views, and a blend of classic grandeur and modern amenities. Visitors can enjoy fine dining, relaxing spa treatments, and a pristine beach steps away.
The Hotel duPont – Wilmington, Delaware
The Hotel du Pont in downtown Wilmington, Delaware, is a historic and luxurious landmark that has been welcoming guests since 1913. It was built by the DuPont Company, whose headquarters are located in Wilmington. This grand hotel exudes elegance with its Italian Renaissance Revival design, featuring intricate woodwork, soaring gilded ceilings, and crystal chandeliers. Over the years, it has hosted royalty, presidents, and celebrities, making it a cornerstone of Wilmington’s cultural and social scene. Guests have included a dozen U.S. presidents, Prince Rainier III of Monaco, Grace Kelly, Amelia Aerhart, Elizabeth Taylor, Meryl Streep, Tiger Woods, and many others. The hotel’s renowned Green Room restaurant offers fine dining in a setting of timeless sophistication, while its central location provides easy access to Wilmington’s attractions, including the Delaware Art Museum and the scenic Riverfront. I spent a weekend at the hotel as a base to explore the numerous Du Pont estates, museums and gardens in Wilmington and the Brandywine Valley.
Omni Grove Park Inn and Spa – Asheville, North Carolina
The Omni Grove Park Inn in Asheville, North Carolina is a luxurious mountain retreat renowned for its breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The inn was built in 1913 in the Arts and Crafts style. It is an architectural masterpiece built from massive granite boulders, blending rustic charm and timeless elegance. Numerous dignitaries, celebrities, and U.S. presidents have stayed at the hotel over the years, including Helen Keller, Thomas Edison, John D. Rockefeller, F. Scott Fitzgerald and others. The hotel’s world-class amenities include a renowned subterranean spa, indoor and outdoor pools and tennis courts, award-winning dining, and a Donald Ross-designed golf course. It has been listed as one of the top 20 resort spas in North America by Condé Nast. Favorite activities include admiring the stunning sunset from the grand terrace and cozying up by the massive stone fireplaces. Each December, the National Gingerbread House competition is held at the hotel, with finalists on display in the hotel halls. Guests can explore the many outdoor activities in nearby Pisgah National Forest, Smokey Mountain National Park, or the beauty of the Blue Ridge Parkway.
The Omni Homestead Resort – Hot Springs, Virginia
The Omni Homestead Resort, located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western Virginia, has been welcoming guests since 1766 due to its proximity to numerous hot springs. The original lodge was replaced by a more modern resort in 1888, with several renovations since. It has hosted 24 U.S. presidents and numerous golf tournaments. Professional golfer Sam Snead, who lived nearby, served as the Homestead’s golf pro for many years. During World War II, the resort was used as an internment camp for Japanese diplomats and their families. Later, it hosted a United Nations conference which led to the founding of the Food and Agriculture Organization. The Omni Homestead recently completed a $170 million renovation, restoring the hotel’s historic character. The resort is known for its Southern hospitality, and offers a wide range of indoor and outdoor activities, including golf, horseback riding, spa treatments, a two-acre water park, an alpine ski resort, and upscale dining.
Omni Mount Washington Resort – Bretton Woods, New Hampshire
Nestled in the White Mountains in northern New Hampshire sits the Omni Mount Washington Resort. I recently visited this beautiful hotel as part of a New England fall foliage trip. The historic and luxurious retreat located in Bretton Woods was built in 1902, with 250 Italian artisans brought in to build the stucco masonry. Its stunning location provides its guests and visitors with breathtaking views of the White Mountains. In 1944, the Bretton Woods Monetary Conference was held at the resort, establishing the World Bank and International Monetary Fund. Today, the hotel offers world-class accommodations, a top-rated spa, fine dining, and access to year-round outdoor activities, including skiing, hiking, and golfing. During autumn, the surrounding wooded mountains come alive with amazing colors.
The Willard InterContinental Hotel – Washington D.C.
The Willard InterContinental Hotel is the U.S. capital’s most historic and elegant hotel, known for its opulent Beaux-Arts architecture and elegant interior. Located just steps from the White House, the hotel has hosted presidents, foreign dignitaries, and notable figures since its establishment in 1818. Often referred to as the “Residence of Presidents,” the Willard has been the site of key political events. Abraham Lincoln stayed in the hotel prior to his inauguration, and Martin Luther King Jr. made final edits to his “I Have a Dream” speech before delivering it at the Lincoln Memorial. Other guests have included Mark Twain, Franklin Pierce, Calvin Coolidge and Julia Ward Howe, who wrote the lyrics to The Battle Hymn of the Republic. The hotel is known for its Round Robin Bar, a popular dining and drinking spot for politicians and the city’s social elite. The bar’s signature drink is the Mint Julep. An elegant Afternoon Tea is served in Peacock Alley. I regularly visit the hotel during the Christmas season to view the spectacular décor both outside and inside, including the Christmas tree which graces the historic lobby.
