6. Hotel Du Pont: Wilmington, DE
The Hotel Du Pont opened its historic doors in 1913. Since then, guests have flocked to what was one of the few places at the time to rival European hotels for Italian Renaissance architecture, craftsmanship and elegance.
In 1991 the hotel underwent massive renovations, adding modern luxuries to the grandeur of bygone times.
Today’s guests get to experience the sophisticated yet warm environment, with little details here and there alluding to the past.
Over the years an impressive list of historic figures have stayed here, including Desmond Tutu, Amelia Earnhardt, Duke Ellington, Norman Rockwell, several kings, queens and politicians — and more.
7. Hotel Majestic: San Francisco
Dating to 1902, this sprawling property originally served as the primary residence for the Schmitt family, who commissioned the build.
It was spared both the earthquake of 1906 and the raging fires that ensued after, which makes it the oldest and longest operating hotel in San Francisco history.
Rumor has it that the daughter of the original owners still haunts the fourth floor, drawing a bath from time to time.
The hotel has undergone restorations throughout the years, and still retains its polished luster with creamy walls, antique furniture and mahogany finishes.
Stay here on your next business trip and experience firsthand all this place has to offer.
8. French Lick Springs Hotel: French Lick, IN
Established in 1845 by Dr. William A. Bowles, the French Lick Springs Hotel originally drew guests who wanted to experience the “miracle waters” bubbling up from the nearby sulfur springs.
In 1901, after much of the original building had been destroyed by fire, local politician Thomas Taggart purchased the land and what remained of the buildings and built the hotel and resort as it stands today.
Due to his involvement with the Democratic Party, Taggart was appointed Chairman of the Democratic National Committee and the resort was dubbed the unofficial headquarters of the Democratic Party.
After the Great Depression, the hotel entered a period of steady decline until 1991 when it underwent the necessary renovations to attract visitors once more.
Today, guests can bring their pets, and enjoy spa services, golf, bowling and even a casino.
9. Hotel Brandwood: Glendale, CA
Since 1924, this hotel has housed those traveling through the Los Angeles area, providing a good night’s rest with distinctive European flair.
It’s a charming testament to another era, with:
- Polished wood
- Gold finishes
- Mid-sized sculptures
Besides its convenient location relative to the greater Los Angeles area, the hotel has a meeting room for business functions.
Traveling to the area? Find a great nightly rate now.
10. Jekyll Island Club Resort: Jekyll Island, GA
Towering majestically above the canopy of majestic oak, this resort — originally built in 1887 as a hunting retreat for the wealthy — offers modern day visitors the chance to experience the best, indoors and out.
It’s also been classified as a National Historic Landmark by the U.S. Department of the Interior. It was here that several prominent politicians gathered to draft the Federal Reserve Act in the early 1900s.
The property fell on hard times during the Depression and was abandoned during WWII when much of the male staff left to join the military.
In 1986, the building was restored so guests could once again experience this unique coastal property on one of Georgia’s barrier islands.
11. Grand Hotel: Mackinac Island, MI
For those looking to be transported to another time, the Grand Hotel is the place. There’s literally a movie about it.
Since 1887, this charming elegant Victorian era hotel has been idyllic for relaxing and unwinding in style. Many notable guests have passed through the doors and enjoyed the views from the 600-foot-long porch.
Frequented by Thomas Edison and Mark Twain, it was designed and constructed at the height of the Gilded Age, deriving inspiration from Queen Ann-style architecture.
Today’s guests are treated to long-standing traditions such as croquet, afternoon tea and melodies from the hotel’s very own orchestra.
And, since Mackinac Island has prohibited the use of cars since 1901 — preferring horseback, bicycling and walking — many visitors choose to arrive to the hotel via horse-drawn carriage.
12. Palace Hotel: San Francisco
Opening in 1875, the Palace Hotel was San Francisco’s first luxury hotel. It was destroyed in a fire caused by the earthquake of 1906, and rebuilt again in 1909. President Warren G. Harding met his end in the presidential suite in 1923.
Today the hotel showcases an impressive art collection, and the kitchen was awarded the Top 25 Historic Hotels of America’s Most Unique Culinary Heritage and Culinary Traditions.
With glass-domed ceilings, the Garden Court is a stunning sight to behold with 72,000 individual pieces of glass and Austrian crystal chandeliers.
