The 10 Most Beautiful Historic Hotels in America

Palace Hotel

Have you ever heard of the Palace Hotel? It’s an unforgettable historic hotel in San Francisco, California that is still operating today. The Palace Hotel opened its doors on December 19, 1909. However, there was a hotel of a similar name there previously that suffered substantial damage from earthquakes. 

Marriott International manages this beautiful historic hotel. The hotel is about 115 feet tall. There are 9 floors and 556 rooms within the hotel. The Palace Hotel is a San Francisco Designated Landmark beginning in 1969.

So, what is so stunning about this hotel? Although its age speaks volumes, the Palace Hotel is also very elegant. Within the restaurant are fine dining opportunities like the Garden Court Restaurant. At the Garden Court Restaurant, you can dine under Austrian crystal chandeliers.

1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa

Historic hotels are a pleasure to visit. One of the most beautiful in the country is the 1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa in Arkansas. Not only does it have a long history, but it’s also one of the most haunted hotels in the U.S.

The 1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa, built in 1886, is a playground for the rich and elite as this gorgeous building offers stellar views and luxurious amenities. This hotel has gone through many changes. At one point, it was purchased and turned into the Baker Cancer Clinic. This did not last long, as Norman Baker was sent to jail for mail fraud. Even after many changes in ownership and the hotel almost entirely burned to the ground, it remains open today! 

St. Regis New York

Another beautiful historic hotel in the country is the St. Regis New York. It’s a 5-star luxurious hotel with over a century of history. The St. Regis New York is on Fifth Avenue and is breathtaking to see, especially when lit up at night. At this luxury hotel in Midtown Manhattan, guests can splurge on delicious fine dining at Astor Court or the King Cole Bar.

This stunning hotel has 20 floors, 171 rooms, and 67 suites. Currently, the Qatar Investment Authority owns this hotel. This building was designated as a New York City Landmark on November 1, 1988.

Grand Hotel (Mackinac Island)

Also, one of the most beautiful historic hotels in America is the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island in Michigan. This historic hotel is a gorgeous sight to see. It’s on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. The Grand Hotel opened on July 10, 1887. It took less than 100 days to complete.

This Queen Anne-style hotel isn’t just known for its beauty but for all the notable people that have spent the night. This hotel has been visited by famous people like George H. W. Bush, Mark Twain, Harry Truman, and John F. Kennedy. 

This preserved historic hotel is open for stays. While here, you can also dine in one of 13 restaurants and bars, take a garden tour, listen to live music, and more.

Historic Hotel Bethlehem

Moving to Pennsylvania, we have the Historic Hotel Bethlehem. This elegant, four-star hotel was built about a century ago in 1922. This hotel replaces an older hotel in the same spot, which opened in 1822. Even before the previous hotel, there was a general store.

The current hotel has 125 rooms and is open to the public. You can stay overnight and even shop at The Shoppe, a women’s boutique. Dining is also a popular option when visiting the hotel. If you can, catch the Musical Sunday Brunch.

The Broadmoor

Continuing our list is the colorful Broadmoor. The Broadmoor is a stunning destination in Colorado. It’s a great spot for adventurers who love history. This hotel/resort took two years to complete and opened in 1918. Throughout the years, though, this hotel has continued to expand. In 1928, a polo field was added west of the main hotel building.

This popular hotel is a great winter getaway. There are many experiences you can enjoy while staying at the Broadmoor. For instance, visitors can take advantage of fine dining options, get spa treatment, and enjoy walks around the nicely decorated resort near the holidays.

Colony Hotel & Cabana Club

In Florida, you can find the Colony Hotel & Cabana Club, which was built in 1925. The hotel was originally called the Alterep Hotel. This beautiful Spanish Colonial Revival-style hotel is a popular historic spot in the state and is sometimes considered an icon of Delray Beach.

Like the other hotels on our list, it’s still open, meaning you can book a room to experience this gorgeous hotel. Also available are delicious foods and drinks. You can enjoy live music at the Colony Porch Bar. Just two miles away from the hotel, you can find the hotel’s Colony Cabaña Club, where you can enjoy about 250 feet of private beach.

The Peabody Memphis

Visiting the Peabody Hotel in Memphis is an unforgettable experience. Walking into the lobby or even looking at the tall hotel from outside can make you feel like you’ve been transported back in time. The Peabody Hotel (Memphis) is in Tennessee and opened nearly a century ago in 1925. Before this, another hotel stood in the same spot with 75 rooms. It opened in 1869 and was demolished after it closed in 1923.

Many people know about this hotel because of its famous “Peabody Ducks” that walk through the lobby each day. They live on the rooftop. You can see this by booking a night or checking out the Peabody Memphis Hotel page to learn more about the spoiled ducks.

Willard InterContinental Washington

An incredibly impressive hotel building in the United States is the Willard InterContinental Washington D.C., also known as the Willard Hotel. It’s a glamorous hotel and a member of Historic Hotels of America. The Willard Hotel is also on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.

There have been many changes to this hotel. At first, in its place were six small houses. It became a hotel once Henry Willard leased the six buildings. Now, the hotel is 12 stories tall. It opened in 1901.

Wentworth Mansion

Lastly, we have the Wentworth Mansion in Charleston, South Carolina. This beautiful Second Empire-style building was built in 1886. The first owner of this stunning mansion-turned-hotel was cotton merchant Francis Silas Rodgers.

Now, this lovely building operates as a luxurious and beautiful hotel run with southern hospitality and fine dining. This elegant 19th-century mansion has 21 guest rooms and suites. Not all have elevator access. So, what dining options are available at the Wentworth Mansion? While here, visitors can enjoy food at the Circa 1886 Restaurant. Private events can also be held at this mansion and its restaurant. An exclusive experience for Wentworth Mansion guests is riding a 1928 Model A Ford Sport Coupe.