Given the opportunity, I’m always going to opt for a stay in one of the Historic Hotels in America!  I’m all about history.  And I’m all about catching a glimpse into the past.  And Historic Hotels can offer that glimpse.  The question is:  how do you know which are the best Historic Hotels, or where to even start looking for them?  I’ve got your answers!

Historic Hotels in America

In every city, both big and small, there’s bound to be at least one Historic Hotel.  Some are grand hotels, on lush grounds, in some of the most desirable locations in America.  Others are more simple, and located on Main Street USA.  Either way, I want to experience them all!

So, how can you find the best Historic Hotels, and….what does “best” really mean?

Sometimes hotels are simply….old….and so they are deemed historic.  But they might also resemble modern hotels, the history is hard to spot.

Sometimes hotels are VERY historic, and may have seen minimal updating, making those stays feel very authentic.

I actually prefer the least amount of updating possible, without having to use an outhouse in the middle of the night.  I can stay in a lovely new hotel any day of the week.  But give me a Historic Hotel that really embraces its History, and I’m all in!

One great resource for those of you who want equal parts modern and historic is the web site Historic Hotels of America.  283 of the Oldest Hotels in America have made their list.

Historic Hotels of America is the official program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, founded in 1989.  This organization recognizes historic hotels that have faithfully maintained their authenticity, sense of place, and architectural integrity in the United States of America.

To be nominated and selected for membership into this prestigious program, a hotel must be at least 50 years old, been designated by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior as a National Historic Landmark or listed in or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places, and recognized as having historic significance.

The Oldest Hotels in America

I have stayed in a number of Historic Hotels recognized by The Historic Hotels of America organization, and can recommend the following:

• 21c Oklahoma City, and you can read my review here.
• The Skirvin Hotel Oklahoma City, which you can read about here.
• Hotel del Coronado, San Diego
• The Williamsburg Lodge, Williamsburg, Virginia
• The Old Faithful Inn, Yellowstone National Park, which you can read about here.
• Publick House Historic Inn,  Sturbridge, Massachusetts.  I recommend this Hotel if you are attending the Brimfield Antique & Flea Market.
• XVBeacon, Boston
• Bienville House, New Orleans
• The Colony Hotel, Kennebunkport, Main, which you can read about here

The Skirvin Hilton PC: Wikimedia

21c Hotel & Museum in Oklahoma City

The Colony Hotel in Kennebunkport, Maine

Bucket List:  The Best Historic Hotels

As far as I am concerned, a list of 283 of the Oldest Hotels in America means…..I have a lot of experiencing to do!  Here’s my short Bucket List of hotels I’d like to visit as soon as possible!

• Mohonk Mountain House, New York
• The Grand Hotel, Michigan
• The Broadmoor, Colorado
• The Hermitage Hotel, Nashville

I’m thinking a leaf peeping trip in Fall 2021 is in order, and The Mohonk Mountain House will be a part of that itinerary for sure!!!  And, if the plan stays in place, Will and I will be attending the Nashville Antiques Shows in February 2021, so look out Hermitage Hotel…I’m comin’ for ya!

Mohonk Mountain House

Other Wonderful Historic Hotels

Now, just because an old hotel did not make the Historic Hotels of America list, does NOT mean they aren’t wonderful, or at a minimum, worth your time to explore!  I’ve enjoyed several Historic Hotels over the years, and simply appreciated the history that comes with the experience.  Among those I’ve visited:

• The Irma, Cody, Wyoming
• The Sacajawea Hotel, Three Forks, Montana
• The Arlington Resort Hotel & Spa, Hot Springs, Arkansas
• The Greenbrier, White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia
• The Adolphus Hotel, Dallas, Texas
• The Tremont House, Galveston, Texas

The Historic Irma Hotel’s Bar, in Cody, Wyoming

So, I’m curious?  Which Historic Hotels have YOU tried?  Drop me a comment…I’d really love your recommendations!