10 Must-Visit Historic Hotels Across the United States
Where to Stay in the USA for a Historic Experience
Where history meets luxury: 2026’s Hotels of the Year
From opulent ballrooms echoing with jazz-age glamor to grand lobbies that once welcomed presidents and poets, historic hotels across the United States are living museums of architecture and culture. Whether standing pretty on a sun-drenched coast or towering in a bustling cityscape, each one tells a story through its design, its legacy, and the unforgettable experiences it offers.
If you’ve ever dreamed of sleeping where legends once lingered, this list of timeless retreats will have you packing your bags in no time. Don’t forget to bring along your sense of curiosity and wonder.
1. The Union Station Nashville Yards, Nashville, Tennessee
A refined retreat with railway roots
Good for: History, Nightlife
Step into a bygone era at The Union Station Nashville Yards, a former train terminal turned boutique hotel that radiates Romanesque elegance. With its arched windows, soaring ceilings, and intricate stonework, the building itself feels like a love letter to Nashville’s storied past.
Inside, stained-glass windows and custom furnishings adorn the rooms, while the grand chandelier and marble accents in the lobby set a tone of timeless sophistication. Sip cocktails at the trendy bar or tap into curated concierge services for an insider’s guide to Music City.
The Union Station Nashville Yards, Nashville, Tennessee
2. Nine Orchard Hotel, New York City, New York
Old-world charm with a modern twist
Good for: History, Photo
Nine Orchard Hotel brings an everlasting style to one of Manhattan’s most vibrant neighborhoods. Housed in a beautifully restored, century-old bank, this heritage hotel’s Neo-Renaissance vaulted ceilings, marble columns, and ornate detailing offer a striking contrast to the energy of the Lower East Side.
It’s the kind of place where New York’s history and hospitality harmonize. You’ll be welcomed into serene, light-filled rooms that feel more like private residences than hotel suites. With thoughtful touches throughout, the experience is both refined and relaxed. Dine at the acclaimed Swan Room and savor global and luxurious flavors such fresh East Coast oysters and ocean trout carpaccio.
Nine Orchard Hotel, New York City, New York
3. Populus Seattle, Washington
Nature-inspired luxury in Seattle’s historic core
Good for: Luxury, History
Populus Seattle offers a refreshing take on urban hospitality, blending biophilic design with the industrial charm of Pioneer Square. Housed in a landmark building, the hotel features exposed brick, original steel beams, and reclaimed wood that echo the city’s rich history while embracing the personality of the Pacific Northwest.
This unique heritage accommodation treats you to locally crafted furnishings, curated artwork, and eco-conscious amenities that create a warm, down-to-earth atmosphere. Book a table at Salt Harvest for standout dining and panoramic views from rooftop bar Firn.
Populus Seattle, Washington
4. Fairmont New Orleans, Louisiana
A grand revival in the Crescent City
Good for: Luxury, Families
The Fairmont New Orleans breathes new life into a historic skyscraper just steps from the French Quarter, blending vintage charm with modern elegance. This 31-story icon, reborn from its 1971 roots, offers a classy escape in the heart of the city’s buzzing Central Business District.
Inside, you’ll find 250 chic rooms and a sultry speakeasy with sweeping views that’s ideal for late-night revelry. Indulge in the state-of-the-art spa or explore 3 distinct dining spots that celebrate New Orleans’ rich culinary spirit and enjoy Southern hospitality with a glitzy twist.
Fairmont New Orleans, Louisiana
5. The Jefferson Hotel, Richmond, Virginia
Southern splendor with presidential prestige
Good for: Luxury, Food
Since opening its doors in 1895, The Jefferson Hotel in Richmond has been a symbol of grace and hospitality in Virginia’s capital. Its grand, Beaux-Arts architecture, sweeping staircase with lavish marble columns, and stained-glass skylights evoke a sense of timeless luxury that has welcomed presidents, celebrities, and dignitaries over the decades.
With a heated indoor pool, complimentary local transport, and legendary service, The Jefferson offers a stay that’s both regal and inviting. Savor award-winning dining at Lemaire, enjoy afternoon tea on a balcony overlooking the Rotunda, or unwind in spacious rooms adorned with classic furnishings.
The Jefferson Hotel, Richmond, Virginia
6. The Queen Mary, Long Beach, California
A floating time capsule on the Californian coast
Good for: History, Nightlife
Docked in Long Beach, The Queen Mary is a legendary ocean liner turned hotel that offers a rare chance to sleep aboard history. With its Art Deco interiors, original wood paneling, and vintage fixtures, every corridor feels like a scene from a 1930s transatlantic voyage.
It’s a rare blend of nostalgia and novelty that makes every night aboard feel like a journey through time. Staterooms range from cozy cabins to full suites, each with ocean views and period appeal. Explore the historic exhibits, sample cocktails in the dazzling Observation Bar, or even join a paranormal tour for a spine-tingling evening.
The Queen Mary, Long Beach, California
7. The Pfister Hotel, Wisconsin
Midwestern majesty with Victorian grace
Good for: Luxury, Couples
Standing tall in downtown Milwaukee since 1893, The Pfister Hotel is a masterpiece of Romanesque Revival architecture and distinctive luxury. From its impressive lobby accented with marble columns and stained-glass to its panoramic views of Lake Michigan, this historic gem offers a stately experience in the heart of the city.
With award-winning dining, a 23rd-floor pool with incredible views, and impeccable service, The Pfister is where Milwaukee’s heritage meets modern indulgence. Put your feet up in richly appointed rooms, explore one of the world’s largest hotel collections of Victorian art, or revitalize with spa treatments at the WELL Spa + Salon.
The Pfister Hotel, Wisconsin
8. The Brown Palace Hotel & Spa, Denver, Colorado
The Mile High City’s crown jewel
Good for: Luxury, History
The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa has been a cornerstone of Denver’s elegance and innovation since 1892. Its distinctive triangular design, Italian Renaissance Revival architecture, and soaring Atrium Lobby make it one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. With over a century of history, it’s hosted presidents, celebrities, and even The Beatles, each adding to its storied legacy.
It’s a classic Denver experience wrapped in warmth and sophistication. Savor afternoon tea surrounded by ornate grillwork panels, 2 of which are upside down, or visit the boutique spa or the historic Ship Tavern.
The Brown Palace Hotel & Spa, Denver, Colorado
9. The Crescent Hotel & Spa, Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Haunted hospitality in the Ozark Highlands
Good for: History, Photo
Towering above the Victorian village of Eureka Springs, the 1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa is a striking mountaintop retreat, built during the golden age of railroad travel. With its grand stone façade and large verandas providing panoramic views of the Ozarks, this historic hotel has long been a symbol of Southern hospitality.
Rooms feature vintage touches like clawfoot tubs, antique furnishings, and cozy fireplaces that make it a favorite among travelers. However, this heritage hotel’s haunted reputation also draws in fans of the supernatural. Take a nightly ghost tour that leads you through eerie corridors and chilling tales from its past as a cancer hospital.
The Crescent Hotel & Spa, Eureka Springs, Arkansas
10. The Don CeSar, St. Pete Beach, Florida
A Jazz Age jewel on the Gulf Coast
Good for: Photo, Couples
Rising from the sugar-white sands of St. Pete Beach, The Don CeSar has been turning heads since 1928. With its rosy pink exterior and Mediterranean-Moorish architecture, this iconic “Pink Palace” was born in the Jazz Age as a playground for the rich and famous, and it still carries that fashionable spirit today.
Inside, the hotel blends historic charm with coastal inspiration. Rooms and suites feature plush furnishings and gorgeous views of the Gulf or Boca Ciega Bay. Lounge poolside or relax with an ocean-themed massage at the world-class Spa Oceana and take in the magic of this pretty heritage hotel that lingers long after checkout.
The Don CeSar, St. Pete Beach, Florida
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