Top 10 Historic Hotels in the U.S.

When planning your next vacation, consider staying at one of our top picks for historic hotels. All recognized by the Historic Hotels of America, the following establishments boast some of the best spas, golf courses, and natural attractions in the country. Perfect for history buffs, these restored hotels merge the past and present making for a truly unique stay.

1. The Ahwahnee Hotel - Yosemite, California

Once a village of the native Miwok tribe, the grounds of this beautiful 1920’s hotel are situated in the heart of Yosemite National Park. The Ahwahnee is true to its heritage with Native American motifs in everything from the etchings in the stone floors to the deeply carved wood paneling on the walls. With views of Yosemite Falls and Glacier Point from the rooms, this hotel is a perfect spot for outdoorsy types looking to do some scenic hiking on their vacation. And for those looking for more adventure, there are many rock climbing and white water rafting spots nearby.

Photo: DNC Parks & Resorts at Yosemite, Inc.

2. Concord’s Colonial Inn – Concord, Massachusetts

Originally built in 1716, this hotel has witnessed nearly three centuries of American History. The inn, originally a private residence to the Minot family, was a meeting place for independent-minded colonials prior to the Revolutionary War. In fact, one of the rooms in the original building was used to store weapons for the local militia. After the war, the building had many roles including a local general store and a home to author Henry David Thoreau. Since 1900, the site has been an inn, housing such guests as Franklin D. Roosevelt and Shirley Temple.

Photo: Concord Colonial Inn

3. The Grand Hotel - Mackinac Island, Michigan

Only open seasonally, the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island is a summer paradise and a great escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. With a ban on cars since the 1930’s, the island’s main modes of transportation are bicycles and horses. Full of quirks, the hotel boasts the longest porch in the world, nearly 600 feet, with a giant chess board on the east end. Meticulously decorated, each one of the hotel’s 385 rooms is different, including over three dozen themed rooms such as the Lincoln Suite and the Hollywood Suite.

Photo: The Grand Hotel

4. The Stanley Hotel – Estes Park, Colorado

Nestled in between the Rocky Mountains, the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park is a scenic getaway that sits 7,522 feet above sea level. Most famous for its portrayal in Stephen King’s “The Shining”, the hotel offers ghost tours at night, taking guests from the room where King stayed through an underground tunnel to the most haunted spots of the hotel. For a different type of thrill, guests can also enjoy world class hiking, fishing, and climbing at the Rocky Mountain National Park and later unwind at the Parlour Salon and Day Spa.

Photo: The Stanley Hotel

5. 1886 Crescent Hotel and Spa – Eureka Springs, Arkansas

Built in 1886, this Victorian-era hotel and spa is situated in an outdoor-lover’s haven. Besides the 15 acres of gardens and nature trails on site, guests can tour the nearby Ozark Mountain region, complete with three rivers and two lakes for ample water sports and fishing. The hotel also offers ghost tours explaining the rich history of the building from its days as an all-girl finishing school to its time as a cancer research hospital.

Photo: 1886 Crescent Hotel

6. Tubac Golf Resort – Tubac, Arizona

Perfect for the golf fanatic, Tubac Golf Resort boasts a 27-hole championship course set against the beautiful Arizona skyline. Geared towards all levels, experienced golfers can hone their professional skills on one of the three courses, and novices can take lessons or work on their game on the resort’s practice facility. For the non-golfers, the nearby mountains and parks provide ample horseback riding, hiking, and bird watching opportunities, while Tumacacori State Park offers history buffs a chance to view the ruins of three Spanish colonial missions.

Photo: Tubac Golf Resort

7. Jekyll Island Club Hotel - Jekyll Island, Georgia

Built in 1888, the Jekyll Island Hotel offers Victorian charm alongside the modern-day amenities of a beach resort. Situated next to the ocean, guests can enjoy miles of white sandy beaches, take a dolphin cruise, or even try their hand at "shrimping". Perfect for families, the island offers miniature golf courses and a water park for all ages. Guests can also take a ferry to nearby Cumberland Island National Seashore to view the area’s endangered wildlife and undeveloped beaches.

Photo: Jekyll Island Club Hotel

8. The Sagamore – Bolton Landing, New York

Situated on Lake George in New York, The Sagamore provides the best of both worlds with many lake activities and easy access to the surrounding Adirondack Mountains. Guests can choose from a variety of accommodations including one of the 100 guest rooms in the main building, adjacent walk-in lodge rooms, or space in the Wapanak Castle, a six-bedroom suite next to the hotel. In summer, guests can take a scenic boat tour, book a fishing charter, or take a lesson on one of the six tennis courts. The winter season provides guests with great cross-country skiing, ice skating, and sledding. Also available is a hillside golf course overlooking the lake and a European-style spa.

Photo: OPLHotels

9. Hotel Monteleone – New Orleans, Louisiana

Family-owned since 1886, the Hotel Monteleone is located in the heart of the renowned French Quarter of New Orleans. Opened by Sicilian immigrant Antonio Monteleone, the hotel is one of the only family-owned establishments in the country to weather the storm of the Great Depression. Starting at just 64 rooms, the hotel has expanded over the years to 600 rooms, including 55 suites. Deemed a literary landmark by the Friends of Libraries USA, the hotel housed famous authors such as Truman Capote and William Faulkner.

Photo: Hotel Monteleone

10. The Worte Hotel – Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Located just steps from Jackson Hole’s historic district, the Worte Hotel offers guests a look at Wyoming’s rich pioneer history. Built in 1941 by homesteader Charles J. Wort, the hotel immediately became a social and cultural gathering for locals and visitors. Just 12 miles from Grand Teton National Park and 60 miles from Yellowstone National Park, the establishment provides easy access to some of the world’s most beautiful natural attractions.


Photo: The Worte Hotel