Top 9 Historic Hotels Across the United States

Staying in a hotel with a rich heritage can truly immerse you in the culture of your destination. Fortunately, such hotels are plentiful in the U.S., recognized by the Historic Hotels of America Annual Awards of Excellence, which is the official initiative of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

The winners for this year were celebrated on October 12 at the Wigwam in Litchfield Park, Arizona. This 331-room lodge, designed in the Spanish colonial revival style, boasts a history dating back to 1929. Out of 14 award categories, four honor individuals or hotel staff, while nine highlight hotels in various categories, including New Member of the Year, Best Social Media, and Best Overall, categorized by property size. To qualify, nominees must be members of Historic Hotels of America and show how they have elevated awareness of their own history and contributed to their award category. The 2023 awardees were chosen from over 350 nominations submitted by historic hotels, preservation advocates, previous winners, community leaders, and Historic Hotels of America officials.

For inspiration on history-rich travel, continue reading to discover this year's nine award-winning hotels, perfect for a weekend escape or an extended vacation.

1. JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District

Established in 1912 as Savannah, Georgia's power plant, the JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District has been transformed into a 419-room hotel across three buildings. Its design blends traditional and contemporary styles, featuring polished marble, wingback chairs, exposed brick, and a striking chrome-dipped dinosaur sculpture in the lobby.

2. 1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa

The captivating history of the 1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, is showcased through the property’s social media, which earned the award for Best Social Media of a Historic Hotel in 2023. This 72-room retreat perched atop the Ozarks is constructed with 18-inch-thick limestone blocks, and its interior has been meticulously restored to reflect its authentic Victorian charm.

3. Mohonk Mountain House

Owned and managed by the same family since 1869, the Mohonk Mountain House in New Paltz, New York, has a longstanding dedication to environmental stewardship, featuring eco-friendly practices and designs, along with green initiatives such as locally sourced, farm-to-table dining. This 259-room Victorian castle resort exudes a turn-of-the-century charm with warm wood elements and earth tones that beautifully reflect the natural landscape of the Hudson Valley.

4. Hassayampa Inn

Named after a nearby river that flows underground for much of its path through the desert, the Hassayampa Inn in Prescott, Arizona, has been a cherished local landmark since 1927. Its red-brick facade showcases a unique blend of Spanish colonial revival and Italian Renaissance revival styles, with interiors featuring etched glass, embossed copper panels, and hand-painted wooden ceilings.

5. Skytop Lodge

Nestled at the foot of West Mountain in the Poconos, Skytop Lodge boasts breathtaking views of vast forests, rugged outcroppings, and serene meadows all around. This Dutch colonial-style stone manor in Skytop, Pennsylvania, features 125 guest rooms, 12 four-bedroom cottages, and 20 additional rooms at the adjacent Inn at Skytop, conveniently located next to the resort’s acclaimed golf course.

6. The Edgewater

Celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2023, The Edgewater in Madison, Wisconsin, is an urban resort located on the banks of Lake Mendota in the vibrant heart of downtown Madison. This magnificent hotel features 202 guest rooms with a variety of views—overlooking the lake, the state capitol, or downtown—and is just a short walk from unique shops and dining options.

7. Hilton Chicago

Overlooking Grant Park, Lake Michigan, and the Museum Campus on Michigan Avenue, the Hilton Chicago ranks as the third-largest hotel in the Windy City, boasting 1,544 guest rooms. Designed as a “city within a city,” this Beaux-Arts-style establishment has welcomed every U.S. president since its opening in 1927. Today, it serves as a modern urban hub with expansive meeting and event spaces, alongside a variety of dining options ranging from a gourmet market to a Midwest bar and grill, and an Irish pub.

8. Martinique New York on Broadway, Curio Collection by Hilton

The beautifully restored Martinique New York on Broadway, Curio Collection by Hilton exemplifies a Beaux-Arts building designed in the French Renaissance style. Constructed in 1898, this 504-room hotel is conveniently located within walking distance of numerous New York City attractions, including Times Square and the Flatiron District. The hotel also boasts a PGA Gallery, commemorating the establishment of the Professional Golfers’ Association of America at this location in 1916.

9. Grand Hotel

Since 1887, the Grand Hotel has stood as a symbol of American summer resorts. Situated on Mackinac Island, rich in history, the property’s Victorian-era allure harmonizes with the island’s unique transportation style—horse-drawn carriages instead of cars, which are not permitted. Each of the 388 guest rooms is uniquely designed, combining vibrant floral patterns with a timeless elegance.