Step Back in Time: 7 Must-Visit Historic Hotels in the US, Including a Hilton
Experiencing the good old days is guaranteed with a stay at one of these fascinating properties. Ted Thornhill serves as your guide to America's rich historical accommodations, where guests can immerse themselves in true antiquity without the need for long-haul flights. The United States is peppered with places to stay that boast histories running deep, some dating back over three centuries.
Discover America's Historic Gems
All hotels featured here are listed by Historic Hotels of America, an organization dedicated to preserving and promoting properties with significant historical value. These establishments have welcomed bygone-age presidents, from George Washington to Franklin Delano Roosevelt, and literary greats such as Nathaniel Hawthorne and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. They have provided refuge for early settlers, graced famous paintings, and played pivotal roles in events like the American Revolution and the formation of the Constitution.
1. Hilton Santa Fe Historic Plaza — 1625, New Mexico
The Hilton Santa Fe Historic Plaza traces its history back to 1625, making it one of the oldest hotel settings in the U.S. Originally the hacienda of the influential Ortiz Family, it features preserved Pueblo-style architecture, including adobe walls and planked ceilings. With 158 rooms and suites, many located within a 17th-century coach house, it offers a unique blend of history and modern comfort. Situated near the Santa Fe Plaza, a gathering place since 1610, this hotel provides an authentic glimpse into America's past.
2. Hotel El Convento — 1651, San Juan, Puerto Rico
Established as a Carmelite convent in 1651 under Spanish rule, Hotel El Convento served as a place of quiet contemplation for over 250 years. After closing in 1903 and facing abandonment, it was rescued from demolition by businessman Robert Woolworth and reopened as a hotel in 1962. Today, with Spanish-style furnishings, mahogany beams, and Andalusian tile floors, it stands as one of Puerto Rico's most elegant addresses in Old San Juan.
3. Concord’s Colonial Inn — 1716, Concord, Massachusetts
Dating to 1716, Concord’s Colonial Inn played a key role in the American Revolution when it was used as a military storehouse by Minutemen. British forces targeted it, leading to the "shot heard round the world" at North Bridge. Later, philosopher Henry David Thoreau resided here while attending Harvard. Operating as a hotel since 1889, it features 56 rooms in Federal-style architecture on Monument Square.
4. Historic Inns of Annapolis — 1727, Annapolis, Maryland
This unique hotel comprises three historic buildings: the Governor Calvert House, Robert Johnson House, and Maryland Inn. Clustered near the Maryland State House, each building has its own architectural character and hosted dignitaries like Thomas Jefferson and George Washington when Annapolis served as the U.S. capital. Merged in the 1970s, they offer a rich historical experience.
5. John Rutledge House Inn — 1763, Charleston, South Carolina
Built in 1763 by John Rutledge, a signer of the U.S. Constitution, this inn is one of only 15 such homes still standing. Rutledge drafted parts of the Constitution here, and it later hosted presidents George Washington and William Taft. Converted to a hotel in 1989, it features four-poster beds and antique furnishings in Charleston's historic district.
6. The Beekman Arms and Delamater Inn — 1766, Rhinebeck, New York
Claiming to be America's oldest continuously running inn since 1704, The Beekman Arms was rebuilt in 1766 and hosted revolutionaries like George Washington and Alexander Hamilton. Franklin Delano Roosevelt gave campaign speeches from its porch. In 1979, it incorporated the nearby Delamater Inn, offering charming, creaky-floored rooms with fireplaces.
7. The Red Lion Inn — 1773, Stockbridge, Massachusetts
Featured in Norman Rockwell's painting Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas, The Red Lion Inn was established in 1773 as a tavern for stagecoach travelers. It hosted anti-British gatherings before the Revolution and later attracted literary figures and U.S. presidents. Today, it boasts 125 rooms with floral fabrics and four-poster beds, plus a quaint rocking-chair porch.
For those seeking a time-traveling adventure, these historic hotels offer unparalleled glimpses into America's past, blending rich stories with modern hospitality.
