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Washington,
DC – January 2025 / NewsmakerAlert: Historic
Hotels of America® is pleased to announce that 21 new historic
hotels, resorts, and inns were inducted into membership in 2024. Historic
Hotels of America is the official program of the National
Trust for Historic Preservation for recognizing and celebrating the
finest historic hotels from across the United States of America.
To
be selected for membership in Historic Hotels of America, a hotel must
be at least 50 years old; has been designated by the U.S. Secretary of
the Interior as a National Historic Landmark or listed in or eligible for
listing in the National
Register of Historic Places; and recognized as having historic significance.
Today, there are more than 300 historic hotels that are active members
in this prestigious program, which is comprised mostly of independently
owned and operated historic hotels. Additionally, more than 35 of the world’s
finest hospitality brands, chains, and collections are represented in Historic
Hotels of America. Visit HistoricHotels.org
to learn more and sign
up to receive Discover & Explore, with future news and specials
from Historic Hotels of America.
The
21 new members illustrate the breadth and depth of the program, bringing
fresh and fascinating histories and new experiences for travelers to discover.
These hotels, inns, and resorts represent 10 states and the U.S. Virgin
Islands, and among them are purpose-built hotels, as well as adaptive reuse
projects, which include a former 19th-century convent, palatial homes,
and a permanently moored luxury ocean liner. Read more about these historic
hotels below.
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The
Oaks Waterfront Hotel (1800s)
Easton,
Maryland
Located
on the Eastern Shore of Chesapeake Bay, The Oaks Waterfront Hotel is a
former Gilded Age manor, set on 10 acres of beautifully maintained estate
grounds near the pastoral town of Easton, Maryland. A recent $10 million
investment by its owners restored the manor and outlying buildings to their
former glory. Inside, the hotel offers a range of elegantly appointed guestrooms
that include options featuring waterfront views, private balconies, and
soaking tubs. The neighboring cottages provide additional space and privacy,
making them the perfect choice for guests seeking a more secluded experience.
A perfect setting for a quiet getaway or a celebration, The Oaks Waterfront
Hotel is a comfortable and exclusive retreat and venue.
Visitation
Hotel Frederick, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel (1846)
Frederick,
Maryland
The
elaborate façade of Visitation Hotel Frederick has greeted visitors
for more than 150 years, as it served as an iconic Catholic educational
institution in historic Frederick, Maryland. The school was a community
center throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, even briefly serving as
a field hospital during the Civil War for wounded troops after the nearby
Battle of Antietam. Today, guests can enjoy the striking architectural
details and warm hospitality in the hotel’s welcoming spaces, while relaxing
in comfortable guestrooms, dining at the hotel’s locally inspired restaurants,
and hosting events in some of Frederick’s most elegant and well-appointed
venues.
Hotel
1829 (1829)
Charlotte
Amalie, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands
Hotel
1829 on the island of St. Thomas was built in 1829 as the home of a wealthy
French sea merchant and has been a hotel since 1906. Since its transformation,
it has hosted kings and queens, artists, celebrities, musicians, athletes,
authors, and poets—as well as history lovers. Located in the heart of the
Charlotte Amalie Historic District with gorgeous views of the harbor, the
hotel features a stunning courtyard with a uniquely designed staircase,
lounge and pool, tiered gardens, and an original Tiffany window. The hotel
features a full restaurant and one of the oldest bars in St. Thomas, serving
craft rum cocktails, local delicacies, and fresh Caribbean favorites. The
guestrooms are well-appointed with vintage furniture and curated with local
artwork. Hotel 1829 is a celebration of the unique history and people of
the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Boar’s
Head Resort (1834)
Charlottesville,
Virginia (linked profile coming soon)
Boar’s
Head Resort is a premier destination known for its beautiful natural surroundings
and exceptional amenities. There is a unique infusion of local spirit and
thoughtful details throughout the resort, with a direct connection to the
University of Virginia. Nestled in the heart of Virginia’s picturesque
natural landscape, the resort offers a blend of relaxation and recreation.
Guests can enjoy a variety of activities, including golf, tennis, and spa
services, all while taking in the stunning views of the nearby Blue Ridge
Mountains. Famous for its sport facilities, Boar’s Head Resort is ranked
as one of the top 25 tennis resorts in the world, is the premier racquet
sports destination on the East Coast, and is the home court for the University
of Virginia’s squash and tennis teams. This award-winning country resort
intermingles the best elements together, mixing classic with contemporary,
refined with casual, and tranquil with dynamic.
Mills
House Charleston, Curio Collection by Hilton (1852)
Charleston,
South Carolina
Situated
in the heart of historic downtown Charleston, at the intersection of Queen
Street and Meeting Street, Mills House Charleston, Curio Collection by
Hilton has been an iconic landmark of this coastal South Carolina city
since 1852. Once a stately manor, it was later turned into a luxurious
hotel by entrepreneur Otis Mills. Throughout its history, it has hosted
such illustrious guests as Elizabeth Taylor, Tony Bennett, Princess Caroline
of Monaco, and four U.S. presidents. Today, this “pretty-in-pink” hotel
charms guests with its grand Italianate-style architecture, warm Southern
hospitality, and rich history. Along with its distinctive design and hospitality
heritage, guests staying at Mills House Charleston, Curio Collection by
Hilton can also delight in elegant yet relaxed guestrooms brimming with
Southern-inspired details, a rooftop pool made for days enjoying the South
Carolina sunshine, and three delicious dining venues. Whether exploring
the city with family and friends, or enjoying a romantic getaway, Mills
House Charleston is the perfect place to experience the best that Charleston
has to offer.
Casa
Madrona Hotel & Spa (1885)
Sausalito/San
Francisco, California
Built
in 1885 as a private home, Casa Madrona Hotel & Spa was once the private
residence of local businessman William G. Barrett. Styled after both Tuscan
villas and Victorian-style architecture, with its porticos and verandas,
the estate would quickly become a popular destination for travelers after
the Barretts left in 1906. The hotel hosted Pink Floyd during their first
American tour in 1967. Today, guests can relax in luxurious suites with
expansive views of San Francisco, either in the mansion or in hillside
cottages. The spa offers soothing, holistic treatments, while Poggio Trattoria
offers a selection of delicious traditional Italian cuisine and fine wines.
Hilton
Richmond Downtown (1885)
Richmond,
Virginia
Founded
as a postwar department store in the heart of Richmond, Virginia, the reimagined
Hilton Richmond Downtown spent over a century as a center of the community,
offering local shopping as well as hosting events like fashion shows and
luncheons. The hotel now offers comfortable modern guestrooms and amenities
with historic Art Deco-style architecture. The hotel restored its original
entertainment spaces to offer dining venues, unique event spaces, and lounges.
This fantastic destination is one of the finest places to visit in the
heart of Richmond.
Hotel
Indigo Baltimore Downtown (1907)
Baltimore,
Maryland
Opening
in 1907 as the Central YMCA Building, Hotel Indigo Baltimore Downtown has
been an important landmark for locals and city visitors alike for over
100 years. The character of the hotel’s YMCA origins still show through
in its restaurant and bar, as well as its intricate Rennaissance Revival-style
foyer and window fixtures. The hotel today specializes in group events,
from intimate to grand in size, and offers several meeting and event rooms
for groups, as well as catering. Whether hosting business meetings, family
events, or wedding receptions, the hotel has an option for any interested
parties. It is also perfect as a city-center base for exploring Baltimore.
Guests can tour local museums like the Walters Art Museum and Baltimore
Museum of Art, and visit fun locations for the whole family, including
Oriole Park and the National Aquarium. At the hotel’s restaurant, Poet’s
Modern Cocktails and Eats, guests can unwind and enjoy live jazz on Thursday
Jazz Nights.
Glidden
House (1910)
Cleveland,
Ohio (linked profile coming soon)
Guests
are invited to indulge in luxury at Glidden House, a Tudor Revival-style
historic inn on the Case Western Reserve University campus. It was once
the private home of a local businessman and was later used as university
offices, but new owners transformed it into an inn during the 1980s. Rich
Tudor Revival-style motifs have been preserved, and they define every aspect
of the house’s façade, such as its imitation half-timbering and
steeply pitched roof. Glidden House is listed in the National Register
of Historic Places, and the original house maintains most of its historic
features, including the library, parlor, and loggia. An ornate manor resembling
a medieval palace, Glidden House has emerged as one of the best historic
destinations to experience in Cleveland.
Hotel
Shattuck Plaza (1910)
Berkeley,
California (linked profile coming soon)
A
forward-looking historic hotel in a prime location, Hotel Shattuck Plaza
has hosted visitors of Berkeley, California, for 125 years. This Mission-style
building was the premier social gathering spot in downtown Berkeley when
it opened in 1910 and has endured as a leader in hospitality in the region
ever since. In recent years, new owners have invested in maintaining its
high standards with renovated guestrooms and fresh Mediterranean dining
at ZINO. The hotel is just blocks away from the University of California,
Berkeley campus, and offers special rates for the parents of these students.
Keswick
Hall (1912)
Charlottesville,
Virginia
Built
in 1912 as a luxurious family home in the regal Italianate-style, the former
Villa Crawford became a popular resort and country club in the post-World
War II era. Today, guests can enjoy a restful stay with views of the Blue
Ridge Mountains and see many of Villa Crawford’s original architectural
features. Visitors can enjoy a day playing on the strategically designed
Full Cry golf course or the newly renovated tennis center’s red clay tennis
and pickleball courts, and swimming in the Horizon Pool or family pool.
The Spa at Keswick Hall offers guests a refreshing and serene retreat.
Idyllic days can be capped off with a meal or drink at the resort’s signature
restaurants and bars, which feature a selection of ingredients grown on
the resort’s own farm.
Hotel
Petersburg, Tapestry Collection by Hilton (1915)
Petersburg,
Virginia
Nestled
in the center of downtown Petersburg, Virginia, the reimagined Hotel Petersburg,
Tapestry Collection by Hilton opened its doors in December 2024. The seven-story
building blends artful design with Second Renaissance Revival-style architecture,
featuring original marble columns, a grand marble staircase with brass
handrails, and fine terra cotta cornices with Italianate-inspired scrolls.
These architectural elements have been carefully restored, embracing the
history and elegance of this beloved Petersburg landmark hotel. The upscale
boutique hotel features 64 guestrooms and 5 suites with separate seating
areas. The Hotel Petersburg is once again a gathering place for both locals
and visitors alike.
The
Biltmore Los Angeles (1923)
Los
Angeles, California
Designated
a Los Angeles Historical-Cultural Monument in 1969, The Biltmore Los Angeles
is a truly legendary historic hotel. This iconic hotel in the heart of
the city set the stage for one of the film industry’s most celebrated events,
the Academy Awards, going on to host eight Oscars ceremonies throughout
Hollywood’s Golden Age. The Biltmore Los Angeles also famously ushered
in the presidential nomination of John F. Kennedy during the Democratic
National Convention in 1960, with the hotel serving as the headquarters
for the Democratic National Committee. Today, with its central location
not far from Hollywood, The Biltmore Los Angeles is ideally situated for
guests to explore the best that the city has to offer, while also providing
guests with no shortage of the colorful history within its walls. Along
with its elegant setting and rich heritage, guests at The Biltmore Los
Angeles can also enjoy luxurious amenities, like an indoor saltwater pool
reminiscent of a Turkish hammam, and a selection of signature culinary
venues.
The
Eliot Hotel (1925)
Boston,
Massachusetts
As
witnesses to the grand Parisian-inspired redevelopment and subsequent economic
success of Boston’s Back Bay neighborhood, former Harvard University President
Charles William Eliot and his family wanted the university to have a presence
in this neighborhood. The hotel, built next to the Harvard Club for alumni,
initially housed visiting and retired professors. It would change hands
several times after the Great Depression, before ultimately becoming one
of the city’s preferred entertainment, culinary, and holiday destinations
in the latter half of the 20th century. Today, guests can enjoy the historic
charm of the hotel and its surroundings from one of 95 modern deluxe guestrooms
and suites. Guests are invited to indulge at UNI, the hotel’s celebrated
Japanese izakaya, or gastropub. The restaurant, with its innovative sushi,
small plates, and sake selection, was recognized as one of the Best Restaurants
in America by Zagat and was named the #1 Restaurant in Boston by Boston
Magazine and features a James Beard Award-winning executive chef.
Fairmont
Breakers Long Beach (1926)
Long
Beach, California
Opening
in 1926 at the height of the Roaring Twenties, Fairmont Breakers Long Beach
is a legendary Southern California hotel that has played host to Hollywood’s
finest. Its signature lounge—the Art Deco-themed Sky Room, the brainchild
of renowned hotelier Conrad Hilton—was the favorite date night spot for
celebrities and Los Angeles locals alike. The hotel closed in the 1960s
but gained a second life after a group of investors decided to purchase
the building and restore it to its former glory. Today, Fairmont Breakers
Long Beach once again carries on the tradition of excellence that began
almost a century ago. It welcomes guests with 185 boutique guestrooms and
suites, a two-story spa, a live jazz club, breathtaking vistas of the Pacific
Ocean from the rooftop pool and lounge, and five culinary venues—including,
of course, the iconic Sky Room restaurant.
The
Queen Mary (1936)
Long
Beach, California
The
Queen Mary is one of the most distinctive destinations in the United States.
This hotel was once a passenger ship. At the height of the Great Depression,
the prestigious Cunard Line began construction on The Queen Mary, an impressively
large and spectacular ocean liner that would feature four restaurants,
two libraries, a spa, and a full gymnasium. The project endured the global
economic pressures of the Great Depression, and the ship sailed for several
decades, ferrying celebrities and royals, as well as many World War II
soldiers across the Atlantic Ocean until the rise of air travel. Today,
The Queen Mary is permanently moored in Long Beach, California. Newly renovated,
the ship is now both a luxurious hotel and a special event venue, and stands
as a tribute to the history of ocean travel. Guests can relax in one of
the 347 upscale staterooms and suites, dine at one of the ship’s excellent
restaurants, and take tours through its fascinating past.
The
Hermosa Inn (1935)
Paradise
Valley, Arizona (linked profile coming soon)
Once
the private, turn-of-the-century retreat of American painter Lon Megargee,
the intimate and luxurious Hermosa Inn in Paradise Valley retains all of
the magic that inspired Arizona’s “dean of cowboy artists.” Today, this
secluded, award-winning boutique hotel, nestled in the foothills of Camelback
Mountain, casts its spell on both art lovers and adventurers alike. The
talented Megargee was known for his distinctive illustrations, which usually
showcased authentic portrayals of ranch life, Native American culture,
and the expansive Arizona wilderness. In 1935, Megargee directed the construction
of his “Casa Hermosa,” where he worked and hosted other artists. The estate
changed hands several times, but its original atmosphere is still felt
through thoughtful touches, like Megargee’s original artwork on the walls,
flourishing gardens, and menus showcasing globally inspired Arizona cuisine.
Here, guests can unwind, surrounded by history and art, while enjoying
outstanding amenities and hospitality.
Nassau
Inn (1756)
Princeton,
New Jersey
Nassau
Inn has a long history of hospitality. The current building dates to 1937,
but the inn can trace its roots to a private residence in 1756, which then
reopened as a tavern called the College Inn. It hosted Princeton students
and faculty, and notably hosted local Committee of Safety meetings during
the American Revolution. Its success continued, becoming integral to Princeton
life, and was mentioned in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s This Side of Paradise.
Revived by Edward Palmer before World War II as part of Palmer Square,
it remains a community hub today. Guests can mingle with community members
and students alike in the inn’s elegant public spaces and the famed Yankee
Doodle Tap Room. Comfortable, spacious guestrooms and suites welcome visitors
with luxurious modern amenities and historic décor. The inn is perfectly
situated within walking distance to the university, museums, shopping,
and dining, as well as other landmarks from the city’s history, including
its Revolutionary War history.
La
Casa Del Zorro Desert Resort & Spa (1937)
Borrego
Springs, California
Nestled
in the heart of Borrego Springs, California, sits La Casa Del Zorro Desert
Resort & Spa. The resort, built in 1937, is a historic property situated
on 42 acres with a rich cultural history. The first settlers of the region
date to nearly 6,000 years ago, and included diverse cultural groups with
different languages, agricultural systems, and lifestyles, which still
influence the region today. Borrego Springs is designated a “dark sky community,”
with guests able to see planets and millions of stars that are visible
to the naked eye at night. La Casa Del Zorro Desert Resort & Spa is
located near California’s largest state park, Anza-Borrego Desert State
Park, and offers many opportunities for the ultimate desert adventure,
including off-roading through the stunning desert scenery, or hiking up
the rugged landscape to capture the perfect view of the Pacific Ocean.
From canyons to waterfalls to ocean views, guests are in for a memorable
experience at La Casa Del Zorro Desert Resort & Spa.
Trapp
Family Lodge (1942)
Stowe,
Vermont
Purchased
as a family home by the famous singing Von Trapp Family in 1942, and transformed
into a full-service lodge eight years later, this lodge in the celebrated
ski resort town of Stowe, Vermont, in the Green Mountains, offers guests
year-round outdoor experiences. The lodge celebrates the family’s success
as a singing group and Alpine origins through its architecture and décor.
The family’s Austrian influence is further reflected in the resort’s delicious
dining halls and restaurants, featuring locally grown ingredients from
the family farm. Comfortable and rustic guestrooms, suites, and event venues
are inviting spaces for guests. Guests can ski, hike, bike, or just relax
in any season at this welcoming lodge.
Le
Méridien Fort Worth Downtown (1968)
Fort
Worth, Texas
Atthe
intersection of Texas heritage and cultural innovation sits Le Méridien
Fort Worth Downtown. The 14-story, 188 guestroom historic hotel features
chic, timeless interior design, with breathtaking views of the Fort Worth
skyline. This boutique hotel is a nod to the city’s storied past and vibrant
downtown, melding together French-inspired grandeur and Texas bravado.
Guests can discover timeless design throughout the hotel, such as the beautifully
appointed guestrooms, as well as refined comfort and next level hospitality.
“Historic
Hotels of America is delighted to induct these 21 historic hotels into
the program,” said Lawrence
Horwitz, Executive Vice President, Historic Hotels of America and Historic
Hotels Worldwide. “We commend their owners and leadership teams for the
careful historic preservation work, stewardship, and vision that will allow
future generations of travelers to experience them.”
Reservations
for member hotels can be made at HistoricHotels.org,
or by calling 800-678-8946. Reservations made through Historic Hotels of
America support the National Trust for Historic Preservation, a private,
nonprofit organization dedicated to saving historic places and revitalizing
America’s communities.
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About
Historic Hotels of America®
Historic
Hotels of America® is the official program of the National
Trust for Historic Preservation for recognizing and celebrating the
finest historic hotels from across the United States of America. The National
Trust for Historic Preservation was chartered by U.S. Congress in 1949
and is a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The National Trust for
Historic Preservation is leading the movement to save places where our
history happened. To be nominated and selected for membership in this prestigious
program, a hotel must be at least 50 years old; designated by the U.S.
Secretary of the Interior as a National Historic Landmark or listed in
or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places; and
recognized as having historical significance. Of the more than 300 historic
hotels inducted into Historic Hotels of America from 44 states, the District
of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, all historic hotels
faithfully preserve their authenticity, sense of place, and architectural
integrity. For more information, please visit HistoricHotels.org.
Media
Contact:
Katherine
Orr
Historic
Hotels of America | Historic Hotels Worldwide
Director,
Marketing Strategy and Communications
Tel:
202-772-8337
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