Step Back in Time: 10 Breathtaking Historic Hotels in the U.S. You Can Visit

There are countless hotels in the U.S., but only a fraction of them get the honor of being called historic. From repurposed buildings to iconic lodgings that have seen history go by, staying at one of these properties is a great way to make a trip extra special.

Whether you’re a history buff or are simply interested in staying in a unique and one-of-a-kind hotel, book a stay at one of the country’s historic properties on your next vacation.

The Most Historic Hotels in the U.S.

1. 1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa in Eureka Springs, Arkansas

Starting Nightly Rate: $201

The Crescent Hotel & Spa first opened in 1866. At the time, it was considered the “finest hotel west of the Mississippi.” Unfortunately, over the decades, it fell into disuse and didn’t reopen as a hotel again until the early 2000s.

Since then, it’s once again become one of Eureka Springs’ most beloved structures. In 2016, it was even added to the National Registry of Historic Places. Today, much of the hotel has been restored to its original state, with Victorian-styled furnishings and recognizable palatial architecture.

There are touches of modern luxury, though, such as free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel and even a full kitchen in some of the accommodations, like the Trailside Cottage.

Crescent Hotel has a renowned spa that offers services like yoga classes, massages, and saunas. Since the hotel is so old, it’s said the property is haunted. A “Spirits of the Crescent” haunted stay is even offered.

Hot Tip:

Many of these hotels are independently owned, meaning they typically don’t participate in major hotel loyalty programs. However, you can still maximize rewards by using a travel credit card like the Chase Sapphire Reserve^®, which offers up to 10x bonus points for reservations made through the Chase Travel portal (or 3x points for bookings made elsewhere). Alternatively, booking through platforms like Expedia or Hotels.com can earn you 2% back in OneKeyCash on eligible properties.

2. DeSoto House Hotel in Galena, Illinois

Starting Nightly Rate: $161

Galena’s DeSoto House Hotel first opened in 1855, when the town was thriving due to rich lead mines. At the time, it was even considered to be one of the largest hotels in the western portion of the U.S.

Today, the DeSoto House continues to welcome Galena’s many tourists. Though it was closed for a time for renovations, the town’s resurgence in the 1990s allowed it to reopen, making it the oldest operating hotel in the state.

The hotel has 55 rooms for guests furnished with Victorian-style decor, many of which have been named after some of the DeSoto’s famous guests. It even hosted President Abraham Lincoln once in 1856 and was used by President Ulysses S. Grant as his campaign headquarters.

Its location on Galena’s famed Main Street also puts guests within walking distance of the area’s many shops, restaurants, and seasonal events.

3. Hassayampa Inn in Prescott, Arizona

Starting Nightly Rate: $113

Prescott’s Hassayama Inn was originally the result of a challenge to design a grand hotel that could be appreciated by locals and out-of-towners alike during the 1920s. With the help of hundreds of citizens who helped fund the project by buying shares in the business, it was able to open its doors in 1927.

Hassayampa’s reputation as the community’s social heart continues to this day, and it’s a big part of why Prescott is called “everybody’s hometown.” It was included in the country’s National Register of Historic Places, which honors its history as an important hotel in the area.

The inn’s rooms mix mid-century modern and sleek timeless furnishing to create a relaxing and stylish ambiance for guests. All visitors are welcome at the Hassayampa Inn, even the furry variety. After all, dogs under 45 pounds can stay for free.

4. JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District in Savannah, Georgia

Starting Nightly Rate: $270

The history of the JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District can be traced back to 1912. At that time, however, the building was used as a power plant. It was so important to the city that it was even added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2022.

Since its time as a power plant, the property has been transformed into a luxury riverside resort that mixes Art Deco, European, and modern design. Many of the hotel’s rooms lean into the hotel’s industrial origins, with exposed brick and color marbling offset with pops of color and luxury. To complete this cool, artsy oasis, the hotel has galleries, museum exhibits, shops, and eateries all on the hotel’s property.

In addition to the hotel’s history, the JW Marriott is near some of Savannah’s popular historical and cultural sites, like the Bonaventure Cemetery and the Historic Savannah Theatre.

Hot Tip:

Booking a standard guest room for 2 at this property starts at just 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy points. Plus, Marriott Bonvoy members can take advantage of the fifth night free when booking consecutive nights with points!

5. Kings Courtyard Inn in Charleston, South Carolina

Starting Nightly Rate: $207

Located on Charleston’s famed King Street, the Kings Courtyard Inn is a local icon that’s been part of the local culture since 1853. Throughout the 1800s, the inn’s 1st floor was used as a retail space, but the upper floors had rooms for visitors and locals in need of a place to stay.

For over 100 years, though, the hotel’s future was uncertain as the city’s economy declined after the Civil War. It wasn’t until its renovation in the 1980s that Kings Courtyard had its revival. By the end of the decade, it became a member of the Historic Hotels of America organization.

Today, the hotel is decorated with a mix of classic European, Southern, and provincial decor to create a cozy and stylish ambiance. Though it’s located on one of the town’s busiest tourist streets, the inn’s courtyard offers a quiet environment.

6. La Posada de Santa Fe in Santa Fe, New Mexico

Starting Nightly Rate: $246

La Posada de Santa Fe was originally a familial mansion built in the late 19th century. However, its history goes back even further than that. In the 1200s, the land that the hotel can be found on was home to ancient pueblos and a farming community.

Unfortunately, the hotel fell into disrepair during the 1900s. However, it was revitalized in the 1990s and opened as the La Posada de Santa Fe, which is known and loved today. Mixing luxury and classic Southwestern decor and culture, the hotel continues to celebrate its history and original founding family, the Staabs.

Since the hotel is so old and has so much history, it’s a popular spot for travelers hoping to have a ghost adventure of their own. It’s been featured on multiple ghost-hunting shows, and some say you can see Mrs Staab cheerily haunting the restaurant and bar areas.

Hot Tip:

As a Marriott Tribute Portfolio hotel, you’ll want to book directly through Marriott to earn 10 base points per dollar on the reservation. However, you can earn even more points if you have Marriott elite status.

7. Mohonk Mountain House in New Paltz, New York

Starting Nightly Rate: $692

Not only is Mohonk Mountain House a wonderland tucked away in New York, but it’s also a historic resort. In fact, it’s often renowned as the most iconic in the Hudson Valley and Mid-Atlantic areas and deemed a National Historic Landmark. This resort was first founded in 1869 and was built to resemble a Victorian-era castle hidden away in the forest, like something out of a fairy tale.

Today, the Mohonk resort’s architecture and views are as recognizable as ever. Every day, guests feel like they’ve been transported out of the U.S. and into a European Alpine oasis.

Each room is furnished with wooden pieces that add to the mountain ambiance while adding modern luxury touches. Since the hotel is in a protected forest, it’s also become a pillar of sustainability, offering responsible activities for guests and farm-to-table meals.

8. Napa River Inn in Napa, California

Starting Nightly Rate: $275

Napa River Inn can trace its roots back to 1884 when the land was used to build the Napa Mill by Albert Hatt, a captain of a merchant vessel. When the Napa area was later revitalized in the late 20th century, the inn was built inside the mill to preserve its history and bring it into the modern age.

Today, the inn is a favorite among travelers since it’s located right at the heart of the vibrant Downtown Napa Riverfront District. The Napa Artwalk, mosaic fountain, and some of the town’s best restaurants are all within walking distance.

Many of the inn’s rooms evoke its industrial roots, with exposed brick walls and hardwood flooring. Others have a more elevated historic style. The Napa River Inn is a partner of the Historic Hotels Worldwide organization, which celebrates the history of the globe’s oldest and most iconic lodgings.

9. Red Lion Inn in Stockbridge, Massachusetts

Starting Nightly Rate: $99

Located in the famous Berkshires, Red Lion Inn has been a Massachusetts icon for over 200 years.

It first opened as a tavern in 1773 as the Red Lion. A few years later, it hosted a meeting of disgruntled residents who protested British rule, prompting the boycott of British goods that eventually led to the War of Independence. Eventually, the tavern transformed into an inn and was able to welcome up to 100 guests by the late 1800s.

Throughout its history, the Red Lion Inn has been continuously operational, a rare feat among historic lodgings. So it’s not surprising that it’s welcomed a number of notable guests over the years, including Presidents Theodore and Franklin Roosevelt, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and Bob Dylan.

Historic touches, antiques, and timelessly luxurious pieces adorn the hotel, bringing its long and acclaimed history to life. Of course, modern amenities are still part of the Red Lion experience.

10. Skytop Lodge in Skytop, Pennsylvania

Starting Nightly Rate: $291

Skytop Lodge in the Poconos first opened as a hotel in the 1920s after the First World War as a golf and sporting resort primarily for people in the East Coast’s metropolitan areas.

Since then, the resort has undergone numerous changes, all to improve the hotel and make it a must-visit location. To this day, it’s considered the top family resort in the Poconos Mountains. It mixed European architecture and American country club aesthetics to create a grand and royal atmosphere that made it an instant favorite with visitors.

Though the lodge has been modernized with luxury amenities, it still maintains its 1920s charm through its furnishings and curated ambiance. In 1928, when the hotel opened, the first general manager even buried a time capsule, which was dug up in 2018 to show how far the resort has come.

Final Thoughts

While many hotels aim for an ultra-modern ambiance and look, there’s no shortage of iconic older properties in the U.S. as well. Whether you’re planning a solo trip, family vacation, or romantic getaway, there’s a historic lodging option to suit your needs. All you have to do now is choose which one to stay at first.