America might be a relatively young nation, but there's still plenty of interesting history to be found right across its 50 states. There are archaeological wonders and old towns and cities, but for a real immersion into America's past, there's nothing quite like staying in a historic hotel.
Read on for a night to remember in every state's oldest lodging...
February 2021 saw the reopening of this amazing hotel in Selma: one of the few pre-Civil War era hotels still in existence. The St James was built in 1836 when the city was surrounded by vast plantations and today it retains its gas-lit courtyard and handsome wrought-iron balconies. For an extra, sobering dose of history, book one of the newly renovated rooms that overlooks the Edmund Pettus Bridge, where the terrible Bloody Sunday beatings of Civil Rights protestors happened in 1965.
This is the oldest still-operating hotel in Alaska, opened in 1913 as a pit stop for mining industry workers during the Gold Rush. When it was first established, it had steam-powered heating and a communal wireless station, and while these features have now been upgraded, you can still enjoy sitting in its large Victorian bay windows, typical of the Queen Anne architectural style. The wood-paneled bar is particularly lovely in those chilly Alaskan winters too.
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Back in the 19th century, Williams was a bustling place: logging, mining, fur-trapping and ranching brought all sorts of characters to the area and many of them stayed at the Grand Canyon Hotel, the state's oldest still in operation. Sleeping here will transport you back to those days thanks to the period-style rooms – think dark wooden antiques and quaint wallpaper. Don't miss a peek at the 1904 guest registers, which include big names like General Pershing and the Vanderbilts.
This grand hotel doesn't look like it's been standing in this spot for almost one hundred years, but it has indeed been welcoming guests since 1924. The original Arlington Resort goes back even further to 1875, when it hosted balls and social events for hundreds of well-to-do locals. The first building was devastated by fire in 1923, though, and so a year later the current construction was opened. The likes of Barbra Streisand, Al Capone and Bill Clinton have stayed here over the years.
The oldest continuously operating hotel in California was built in the 1850s and is now a historic landmark in Nevada City. Famously the location for the meetings that led to the establishment of the Pacific Gas & Electric Company, the hotel has been expertly restored to highlight its handsome original Victorian features, while modernizing the guest experience. Expect beautiful sash windows, a wood-paneled bar and dark painted beams throughout.
An iconic Colorado hotel, with beautiful balconies and a distinctive turret, The Cliff House is all about Victorian-style splendor. This hotel dates back to 1874 and was a stagecoach stop during the 19th century when mineral mining was the key economic activity in the region. Today, you can expect all that Old World glamor, plus modern amenities like Jacuzzi bathtubs in the suites and gas fireplaces. Don't miss the fine-dining restaurant headed up by executive chef Chris Lynch.
Dating back to 1776, this is one of the oldest hotels in the entire country, not just the state of Connecticut. The historic highlight here is the dining room, filled to the brim with old photographs and memorabilia from its near 250-year past. The Taproom bar was originally a schoolhouse built in 1735, but was pulled up Main Street by a team of oxen in 1801 and attached to the Griswold's main building.
This hotel's name hardly does it justice: while The Inn at Montchanin Village might sound tiny and twee, the hotel is actually spread across 11 different buildings dating from 1799. There are 28 bedrooms with period decor and furniture and the settlement was originally lived in by the workers at the DuPont powder mills nearby. The complex has been modernized with a spa and a characterful restaurant inside a former blacksmith's workshop.
With a wooden exterior and a handsome porch, this hotel is a blast from Florida's past. There are 17 rooms at Florida House Inn, as well as an English pub and parlor room. The hotel was originally built in 1857 as a railroad boarding house, but today it welcomes travelers of all kinds flocking to Amelia Island's Fernandina Beach for its spectacular sea and sunrise views.
Few hotels boast a frontage as regal as this one in Savannah, Georgia. Opened in 1851, it has seen numerous historic events, including occupation during the Civil War by General William Tecumseh Sherman's troops. Original features abound here, including Philadelphia-pressed brick, spindle staircases and even 19th-century claw-foot bathtubs. Artifacts and original documents make up an intriguing historic exhibit on the second and third floors.
Opened in 1901, the Moana was Hawaii's first ever hotel. Now on the National Historic Register and operated by Marriott as the Moana Surfrider, a Westin Resort & Spa, it's still just as grand as it was back then with its front columns and towering palms outside. Inside it's a modern experience, with stunning sea-view suites and a spa blending modern techniques with traditional Hawaiian healing.
This old lodging was originally established in a totally different city in 1863, but after the area lost its county seat, the hotel was literally picked up and moved a mile down the creek to Silver City, where it resides now. Inside, it's all hand-grained wood dating back to 1882 and there's even a tunnel beneath the hotel connecting to a former mine. Today, rooms are modest and the restaurant serves a menu of mean American classics.
Parts of this hotel date back to the 1830s and 1840s, while its veranda was constructed in 1866. It has just five bedrooms furnished with antiques and the porch enjoys glorious views of the Ohio River. Located in the heart of the Shawnee National Forest, it's a brilliant base for exploring the canyons and oak woodlands nearby.
Describing itself as a "classic American resort", this vast hotel has lots to offer alongside its long history. It was established in 1845 and it was further extended after it was ravaged by fire in 1901 – throughout the years everything from golf courses to horse riding stables have been added. Its interiors are opulent with modern touches like flatscreen TVs in its bedrooms. 1875: The Steakhouse is named in honor of the first Kentucky Derby.
Hotel Julien started out life as Waples House in 1839 and was a popular stop for travelers thanks to its gourmet cuisine and extravagant furnishings. Since then, the property has enjoyed a $33 million renovation and exterior restoration. The hotel is most famous for its Al Capone connection; local lore has it that when his gang got in trouble in Chicago, they'd travel out here and hide in Hotel Julien until it was safe to return.
A handsome limestone exterior and even more attractive wood-paneled interior makes this 1886-built hotel a delightful historic stay. The Elgin was a big deal for its locale when it was first built, as it was the largest hotel in the county. It was supremely luxurious back then too and today, after a renovation, its luxurious touches have been restored and upgraded. There are five living spaces, a lovely outdoor veranda and a fitness center, plus 12 suites with all the mod cons.
It's said that this 18th-century hotel, built in 1779, is the oldest western stagecoach stop in the USA. And it's rumored that during King Louis Philippe’s exile, he stopped here in 1797 with an entourage, one of whom left behind the hotel's painted murals, which were only discovered in the 1920s. Bullet holes supposedly left behind by Jesse James can even be seen in one of the bedrooms. Period-style decor and a historic bourbon bar make this a brilliant Kentucky stay.
There's lots of intriguing history to be found at the Dauphine Orleans Hotel, including brick walls and handcrafted nails thought to be made by infamous pirate Jean Lafitte. Most exciting, though, is the bar: May Baily's Place. This was the first licensed brothel in the city and the location where John James Audubon painted his Birds of America series. The hotel has roots all the way back to 1775 and is now a beautiful boutique property.
Dating back to 1753 and packed with historical charm and elegant whimsy, The Waldo Emerson Inn is one of the most historic places to stay on the Maine coast. It was built by Waldo Emerson, great uncle to poet Ralph Waldo Emerson, and was part of the Underground Railroad that helped fleeing slaves escape to Canada. Refined and stately, it is only five minutes from historic Dock Square.
Dating back to 1772, the Maryland Inn saw numerous illustrious political figures walk through its doors until its owner, Thomas Hyde, put it up for sale. Fortunately, it was taken over by a local woman in the 19th century and continued to prove popular among visitors and residents of Annapolis. Today, it still draws crowds for its contemporary rooms and live jazz in the basement.
Over 300 years old and operating on one of America's oldest roads, The Wayside Inn is a stalwart of American hospitality. It all began in 1716 when owner David Howe was granted a license to run an inn within his home – and so the Wayside was born. Since then, innkeepers have come and gone, as have important guests, including George Washington, but the ethos remains the same: to preserve American history and hospitality.
The National House Inn has had a roller coaster of a past. Originally built in 1835 and serving as a favored stop-off for stagecoaches en route to Chicago, it fell into decline after the Pullman sleeper cars were introduced on the railways. It closed for a number of years before being revived by restorationists Norm and Kathryn Kinney and Hal and Jacque Minick. It reopened in 1976 and today is the most charming stay in Marshall.
The Anderson House Hotel was first opened way back in 1856 and though it's had some updates over the years, its chintzy wallpaper, dark-wood furniture and period ornaments will still whisk you back in time. It's earned a spot on the National Historic Register and its location just a block from the mighty Mississippi River is a major drawcard too. A restaurant, speakeasy, and games room also keep guests entertained.
All vintage furniture and antebellum-era antiques, this hotel is now a National Historic Landmark. And quite rightly – it was built in 1818 and is still a fine example of pre-Civil War era living today. The grounds are as lovely as the hotel itself, with wisteria draped over pergolas, ponds, and landscaped gardens. Rooms have four-poster beds and sumptuous silky bedding.
A 19th-century spa town, famed for its "healing mineral waters", Excelsior Springs saw a slew of hotels and resorts pop up in the 1800s. But first to host guests was The Elms, which opened in 1888. Today it has been extensively renovated to include a beautiful spa, elegant bedrooms and three restaurants, including a traditional wood-paneled tavern.
Once lauded as the finest hotel between St Louis and Seattle, the Grand Union was a real hub for Montana's most well-heeled and influential people. Its illustrious reputation didn't last forever though, as its decline came with the Great Depression and Montana's dire economic situation in the 1930s and 1940s. It was restored and reopened in the 1990s and today offers a little Old World luxury.
As with many historic American hotels, the Argo opened in 1912 to serve the railroad built in the area. It'll transport you right back to the Victorian era inside, with decorative carpets and period furniture, plus a well-regarded steakhouse. It's also said to be a haunted hotel plagued by a woman called Alice who resides in the basement. Stay here if you dare.
Built on the back of aptly named Gold Hill's gold rush boom, this is the oldest running hotel in Nevada, dating back to 1861. Expect original plasterwork, exposed brick and wonky floors, plus a few miner poltergeists to top it all off. Don't miss a drink in the old-fashioned saloon – the Moscow Mules are a must-try.
It's not immediately obvious thanks to a swish renovation, but the Hanover Inn dates back to the late 1700s when it was owned by General Ebenezer Brewster. He turned the property into a tavern in 1870 and later it became an inn. Today, it's all contemporary but cozy bedrooms and marble bathrooms, with a state-of-the-art fitness suite and a beautiful veranda.
Congress Hall was the first ever seaside resort in the USA, built in 1816 on the glorious Cape May beach. Its facilities are well and truly up to date though, with a gorgeous pool courtyard, modern en-suites and numerous food and drink outlets serving everything from hearty seafood mains to freshly baked cookies and coffee. Plenty of bedrooms have sea views too.
Technically the building you see today isn't actually that old – it's just turned a century in 2022. But lodgings have existed at this location since 1601, making it one of the oldest accommodation sites in the USA. The New Mexican architecture and colorful decor make this a unique stay in Santa Fe and the hotel is packed with handmade, artisanal products from the local region. Don't miss the hotel's art and history tours, which explore the architecture and various pieces throughout the property.
Operating continuously since 1766, the Beekman Arms and Delamater Inn is an impressive relic of a bygone era. But its history goes back even further than this. Before it became the Beekman, it was the Traphagen Tavern in 1704. Today, you can still stay in its pretty, period-style rooms and enjoy cocktails and jazz in the adjoining tavern.
The handsome farmhouse at Mast Farm Inn dates back to the late 1700s, though it didn't become a hotel until the early 1900s. Even so, it has plenty of intriguing history and buckets of charm. Its wood-paneled rooms are like cozy cabins to retreat to and the porch swing is a dreamy spot to while away an afternoon. Weddings are ever popular here too.
History is written into the name of this hotel in Medora. Originally built in 1884 and opened as the Metropolitan Hotel, it's now titled for the Rough Riders, the nickname of the 1st United States Volunteer Cavalry, led by Theodore Roosevelt. Modern guests will feel as if they've been transported back to the Old West: the property is all dark wood, tin-tiled ceilings and stacks-upon-stacks of books. Don't miss a peek at the brick fireplace in Theodore’s Dining Room, either.
The Golden Lamb has been welcoming travelers for 220 years. It started out life as a “house of Public Entertainment” run by Jonas Seaman and has hosted 12 US presidents over the years, as well as figures such as Charles Dickens, Mark Twain and even pop singer Kesha. Today, its bedrooms have a regal, boutique feel and the restaurant serves farm-to-table dinners from its own land.
This towering hotel might not seem historic inside or out, but it actually dates back to 1911 and is a member of Historic Hotels of America. Now owned by Hilton, it has elegant suites, an indoor pool and a fitness center, plus a brilliant grill restaurant and the Red Piano Lounge, where cocktails flow in a glamorous setting.
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The Wolf Creek Inn was a much-needed rest stop for stage-coach travelers on the Applegate Trail in the late 1800s. Of course, today's visitors don't come by stage coach, but the hotel is still just as charming and a welcome place to rest your head after a day hiking in the nearby Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest. Its wooden cladding and antique furniture offer old timey vibes, while the restaurant serves hearty plates such as cheesesteak and homemade meatloaf.
Just steps away from the famous Gettysburg Battlefield sites, this hotel has reams of history. It was established in 1797 and has hosted US presidents including Lincoln and Eisenhower. Its bedrooms have been modernized but retain a historic feel, while the restaurant has the Gettysburg Address written on the walls.
Hotel Providence is a local institution, beginning life as the Westminster Hotel (in the Westminster building) in 1882. It remained a hotel right up until 1976, when it was eventually closed. In the early 2000s, the complex was adjoined with neighboring buildings to create a mammoth property and today's Hotel Providence was opened. Rooms have a timeless elegance, with eclectic artwork, patterned furnishings and antiques, and the Backstage Kitchen + Bar has a stellar breakfast menu.
This rather handsome home once belonged to Governor John Rutledge and it was built in 1763. It changed hands a number of times before it became a hotel in the 1980s, with 19 rooms and a leafy courtyard garden ideal for alfresco breakfasts. The inn is a historic landmark in Charleston, as well as a supremely welcoming hotel with period-style bedrooms and afternoon tea and snacks served daily.
Built in 1895 and named after the local sheriff of the time, Seth Bullock, this hotel has all the usual amenities, plus a few extra, more unusual features – namely, a resident ghost. Staff have reported showers turning on of their own accord, paranormal activities in the entryways of the second and third floors and objects moving without human influence. You'll need to be brave to sleep here.
Built in 1824, the Hale Springs Inn is a quaint escape in the heart of Rogersville. The hotel has hosted three US presidents who three of its suites are named after – Andrew Jackson, Andrew Johnson and James K. Polk – and the restaurant is named after its original owner, John McKinney.
Given that there's almost 180 years of history here, it won't surprise you that spirits are said to roam the halls of the Haunted Magnolia Hotel. The property supposedly has 13 ghostly guests within its walls, which have been hunted out by various paranormal activity TV shows, including Paranormal Caught on Camera and Ghost Brothers. If you don't fancy staying with these ghouls, you can still join a ghost tour of the property with its owners.
Cowboy culture lovers will want to book into Moore's Old Pine Inn, as this historic hotel in Utah has hosted the likes of Butch Cassidy himself, as well as Western writer Zane Grey. The hotel was built in 1882 and it had just one main building. Today, that building still exists along with another wing to make space for extra rooms. Bedrooms are themed, decorated with hunting memorabilia, Native American crafts and cowboy gear.
The Woodstock Inn started out life as a tavern in 1793 and has today grown into a vast resort with plush bedrooms and suites, a golf course, spa and five restaurants. It retains its historic feel with traditional decor and period-style furniture, while modern amenities like an outdoor pool and local artisans' giftshop make it a tempting place to while away a week or two in Vermont.
Right in the heart of historic Williamsburg and dating back to 1750, this hotel was turned into the premier lodging it is today by the well-known philanthropist John D. Rockefeller Jr. Now part of the Autograph Collection, it has a full-service spa, golf course, numerous restaurants and elegant guestrooms decorated in the period style.
The oldest hotel in Washington State was built in 1885 by the Brown family, who raised and kept livestock on their 1,400-acre plot and traded with the local Shoalwater tribe. Today, it's still just as cozy and intimate as it was back then, with just 18 rooms and a lovely restaurant – The Wandering Goose – serving fresh, local cuisine in a casual setting.
This hotel is so storied it comes with its own resident historian, Dr Robert S Conte. It welcomed its first guests in 1778, who came to 'take the waters' at White Sulphur Spring, and the luxurious hospitality hasn't stopped since aside from a brief period during the Civil War. Bedrooms retain a historic feel despite being brought up to modern standards, while a new golf course and spa will keep you entertained.
Maxwell Mansion started out life as a summer house for a Chicago surgeon and real estate prospector Dr Philip Maxwell, who built the property in 1855. Once he and his wife were long gone, it fell into disrepair and was rescued by Ruth Ann and Christopher Brown in the 1970s, who turned it into a B&B. Today, it's owned by the Pfeifers who have turned it into a gorgeous boutique hotel.
The Occidental has long had a reputation for fine food and hospitality, greeting guests since 1880 at the foot of the Bighorn Mountains. Buffalo Bill Cody, Teddy Roosevelt and Calamity Jane have all enjoyed its lodgings during their time traversing the Bozeman Trail and today its decor evokes those times gone by, with creaky old rocking chairs, vintage rugs and the original saloon bar.
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