The 9 Best Historic Hotels in the United States
Experience American history firsthand: Discover the charm, stories, and award-winning legacy of the nation’s most remarkable historic hotels.
In a country rich with layered stories and diverse landscapes, historic hotels offer a unique way to immerse yourself in American heritage. Whether it’s the echoes of jazz in a grand Beaux-Arts ballroom or the hum of Victorian-era carriages on a lake-dotted island, these properties—each honored by the Historic Hotels of America Annual Awards of Excellence—provide not just a place to sleep, but an entryway to the past. Discover the remarkable winners of 2023’s most prestigious awards for hotels that excel in preservation, guest experience, and historic character.
Why Stay in a Historic Hotel?
- Authentic Sense of Place: Uncover stories rooted in the local region and American culture.
- Architectural Splendor: Marvel at hand-carved ceilings, red-brick facades, and classic interior details.
- Immersive Experiences: Participate in events, tours, or heritage culinary offerings onsite.
- Notable Past Guests: Walk the same corridors as presidents, authors, and celebrities.
- Awards & Recognition: Stay in properties honored by Historic Hotels of America for excellence in preservation, service, and storytelling.
2023 Award-Winning Historic Hotels: Full List
The 2023 winners were selected from more than 350 nominations reviewed by preservation experts, community leaders, and hoteliers. Each must be an active member of the Historic Hotels of America and demonstrate continued commitment to their historic heritage and guest experience. Below are the nine hotels across the United States distinguished in a variety of categories, from Best New Member to Best Historic Resort.
1. JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District
Savannah, Georgia
- Award: Best Historic Hotel (Over 400 Guest Rooms)
- Opened: 1912 (original power plant); transformed into luxury hotel in 2020
- Highlights: Set along Savannah’s iconic riverfront, this former power plant combines its industrial heritage with modern style. Ceilings soar above exposed brick and steel, while historic smokestacks and artifacts remain at the heart of the design.
Guest rooms and suites highlight art deco influences, floor-to-ceiling windows, and city or river views. The property is a destination in itself, boasting award-winning restaurants, rooftop lounges, art galleries, museums, and live music venues. Walk outside to the riverside promenade and historic district, or stay in for Southern-inspired fine dining infused with local history.
2. 1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
- Award: Best Small Historic Hotel/Inn (Under 75 Guest Rooms)
- Opened: 1886
- Highlights: Known as America’s “most haunted hotel,” the Crescent is famous for its dramatic stone architecture atop West Mountain. Ornate interiors, wide verandas, and stories of civil war-era ghosts capture imaginations year-round.
Beyond the supernatural, guests find historic charm in original woodwork, stained glass, and wraparound gardens. A full-service spa, panoramic mountain views, and guided ghost tours make every stay memorable. The hotel’s unique blend of mystique and comfort brings guests back decade after decade.
3. Mohonk Mountain House
New Paltz, New York
- Award: Best Historic Resort
- Opened: 1869
- Highlights: Set on a private glacial lake amid 40,000 forested acres, Mohonk Mountain House’s Victorian castle architecture, stone towers, and expansive porches transport you to another era. The property has hosted five U.S. presidents, artists, and dignitaries.
Activities and amenities span all seasons: from guided nature hikes and carriage rides to award-winning spa treatments, lake swimming, and classic afternoon teas. With all-inclusive packages and carefully preserved details, guests experience both heritage and hospitality.
4. Hassayampa Inn
Prescott, Arizona
- Award: Best Small Historic Inn/Hotel (Under 75 Guest Rooms)
- Opened: 1927
- Highlights: A beloved Prescott landmark, Hassayampa Inn fuses Spanish Colonial Revival and Italian Renaissance Revival styles on a handsome red-brick exterior. The interior features etched glass, copper panels, hand-painted wood beams, and vintage elevators.
The storied lobby piano, historic Griffin Hall, and local art create a vibrant hub for visitors and the arts community alike. Located near Whiskey Row and Courthouse Plaza, the inn is perfect for those seeking both tranquility and small-town history.
5. Skytop Lodge
Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania
- Award: Best Historic Hotel (76–200 Guest Rooms)
- Opened: 1928
- Highlights: Nestled at the base of West Mountain, Skytop Lodge offers captivating views of Pennsylvania’s lush Poconos. Its Dutch Colonial stone manor anchors 5,500 acres of forest, meadows, and scenic lakes.
Guests may choose from stylish rooms in the main lodge or family-friendly cottages. Onsite amenities include award-winning golf, adventure courses, gourmet dining, and year-round outdoor recreation. Activities for all ages make this a favorite for multigenerational stays and milestone celebrations.
6. The Edgewater
Madison, Wisconsin
- Award: Best Historic Hotel (201–400 Guest Rooms)
- Opened: 1948
- Highlights: This urban resort lies along Lake Mendota and offers iconic views of downtown Madison, the State Capitol, and shimmering shoreline. Newly renovated guest rooms blend mid-century luxury with modern amenities.
The Edgewater features lakeside dining, grand ballrooms, and a full-service spa. A four-season plaza hosts open-air concerts and festivals, while its proximity to local shops and museums makes it a year-round destination.
7. Hilton Chicago
Chicago, Illinois
- Award: Best Historic Hotel (Over 400 Guest Rooms)
- Opened: 1927
- Highlights: Overlooking Grant Park and Lake Michigan, the Hilton Chicago is a monumental Beaux-Arts property famed for its grandeur and legacy. Every U.S. president since its opening has stayed here, as well as political leaders and world luminaries.
Encompassing over 1,500 rooms, the hotel features vast event spaces, a marble-clad lobby, multiple restaurants, fitness centers, and elegant bars. Its “city within a city” concept continues to define Chicago hospitality, especially during historic conventions and galas.
8. Martinique New York on Broadway, Curio Collection by Hilton
New York City, New York
- Award: Best City Center Historic Hotel
- Opened: 1898
- Highlights: In the heart of Midtown Manhattan, the Martinique’s French Renaissance Beaux-Arts architecture is meticulously restored. High ceilings, marble columns, and original moldings evoke its turn-of-the-century glamour. Its proximity to Times Square, the Empire State Building, and shopping districts cannot be beat.
Celebrate the hotel’s role in the birth of the Professional Golfers’ Association of America with a visit to the PGA Gallery or unwind in exquisitely refurbished rooms that blend classic and contemporary design. A hub for both history buffs and savvy travelers, Martinique New York is a city jewel.
9. Grand Hotel
Mackinac Island, Michigan
- Award: Best Historic Resort
- Opened: 1887
- Highlights: On storied Mackinac Island—where cars are replaced by bicycles and carriages—the Grand Hotel is a Victorian-era masterpiece. Each of its 388 guest rooms is individually decorated in vibrant florals and classic motifs. The 660-foot-long porch is the longest of its kind in the world.
The hotel offers afternoon teas, formal dinners, historic lawn games, and sweeping views of the Straits of Mackinac. A stay here is a portal to America’s romantic leisure past. The lack of cars ensures quiet beauty and a sense of sanctuary in a fast-paced world.
Award Categories Overview
| Hotel | Location | Award Category | Year Opened |
|---|---|---|---|
| JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District | Savannah, GA | Best Historic Hotel (Over 400 Rooms) | 1912/2020 |
| 1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa | Eureka Springs, AR | Best Small Historic Hotel/Inn | 1886 |
| Mohonk Mountain House | New Paltz, NY | Best Historic Resort | 1869 |
| Hassayampa Inn | Prescott, AZ | Best Small Historic Inn/Hotel | 1927 |
| Skytop Lodge | Pocono Mountains, PA | Best Historic Hotel (76-200 Rooms) | 1928 |
| The Edgewater | Madison, WI | Best Historic Hotel (201-400 Rooms) | 1948 |
| Hilton Chicago | Chicago, IL | Best Historic Hotel (Over 400 Rooms) | 1927 |
| Martinique New York on Broadway | New York, NY | Best City Center Historic Hotel | 1898 |
| Grand Hotel | Mackinac Island, MI | Best Historic Resort | 1887 |
What Makes a Hotel ‘Historic’?
- Minimum Age and Preservation: Typically, over 50 years old, with original features and design carefully restored and maintained.
- Official Designation: Many are listed in the National Register of Historic Places or are recognized by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
- Community & Cultural Impact: These hotels serve not only as accommodations but also as centers of culture, art, and community tradition over generations.
Common Guest Experiences at Historic Hotels
- Private and group history tours of the property or neighborhood
- Seasonal events (e.g., garden parties, vintage teas)
- Onsite museums, galleries, or curated historical displays
- Gourmet dining that honors regional and period recipes
- Specialty suites inspired by famous guests or themes
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the 2023 Historic Hotels of America Annual Awards of Excellence?
A: It’s an annual event that honors leading historic hotels across several categories based on preservation, guest experience, community engagement, and historic significance. Awards are determined by nominations from hotel professionals and preservation supporters, judged by a panel of industry and heritage experts.
Q: How are hotels selected for these awards?
A: Eligibility requires membership in Historic Hotels of America, demonstration of historic integrity, and notable achievements in hospitality or community contributions. Winners are chosen from hundreds of nominations each year.
Q: Are all historic hotels haunted?
A: Not all, but some—like the 1886 Crescent Hotel—are famous for ghost stories and paranormal sightings, adding a playful or mysterious dimension to the stay.
Q: Can modern amenities still be found in these hotels?
A: Absolutely. While interiors honor original design, nearly all featured hotels offer modern comforts such as high-speed Wi-Fi, luxury linens, gourmet dining, and contemporary spas.
Q: How can I book a stay at a historic hotel?
A: Visit the hotel’s official website or booking partners, or explore the Historic Hotels of America website which features the full roster of recognized properties and links for direct reservations.
Plan Your Next Historic Stay
Whether you crave mountain scenery, city sparkle, or lakeside leisure, America’s most treasured hotels take you to the heart of history with style and substance. Every property on this list combines a remarkable past with attentive hospitality, ensuring your trip becomes a story worth telling for generations to come.
