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We all choose vacation spots for different reasons. For those who are fascinated by history, we highly recommend choosing one of these historic hotels in the US—places with luxurious amenities, gorgeous furnishings, and historic atmosphere. These hotels have interesting stories behind them, built upon the history of the country.
The Battle House, Alabama
History
The Battle House Hotel in Mobile, Alabama, was built in 1852 by James, John, and Samuel Battle. It quickly became known as Mobile’s “living room,” hosting elegant events, debutante balls, and Mardi Gras parties.
In its early years, the hotel welcomed famous guests like Jefferson Davis, Stephen A. Douglas, Millard Fillmore, and Ulysses S. Grant. But in 1905, disaster struck—the vibrant hotel was destroyed by a fire.
In 1908, a new hotel was constructed on the same site, featuring a stronger steel frame and Georgian Revival-style architecture. As the years went on, fancy “modern” amenities were added, like a domed glass skylight (1916) and air conditioning (1949).
In 1958, it was bought by Sheraton Hotels, sold to Gotham Hotels in 1968, and bought by some local citizens in 1073. However, it closed down in 1974 and remained closed for 30 years. Retirement Systems of Alabama bought it in 2003 and reopened it in 2007 as the hotel we know today.
Unique Features
The Battle House Hotel is known for its blend of Southern charm and luxury. It features exquisite architectural details, like a domed skylight in the lobby, elaborate plasterwork, and a gorgeous Crystal Ballroom.
It remains a prominent venue for various events, from weddings to Mardi Gras balls. With its rich history and luxurious amenities, the Battle House Hotel continues to be a beloved landmark in Mobile.
The American Club, Kohler, Wisconsin
History
The American Club in Kohler, Wisconsin, was opened in 1918 by Walter J. Kohler to house immigrant workers employed by the Kohler Company. These workers came from various countries, including Austria, Holland, Germany, and Russia.
The facility provided affordable housing, meals, and amenities like a pub, bowling alley, and barbershop. To help the workers along their journey to becoming American citizens, it also offered classes in American citizenship and English.
By the late 1970s, the building was no longer used for worker housing and had fallen into disrepair. Herbert V. Kohler Jr. decided to transform it into a luxury resort, feeling that would be a better use for it.
The American Club was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. After extensive renovations, it reopened in 1981 as a high-end resort, preserving its historical significance while introducing modern comforts.
Unique Features
The American Club is renowned for its unique blend of historical charm and modern luxury. It features several award-winning golf courses, including Whistling Straits and Blackwolf Run, which are on the bucket lists of golf enthusiasts worldwide. Pack your golf gear if you’re staying here!
Another standout feature of The American Club is the Kohler Waters Spa, which is known for its innovative water-based therapies. This, along with the excellent golf, cements the resort’s reputation as a premier destination for relaxation and wellness.
The Greenbrier, West Virginia
History
Established in 1778, The Greenbrier has a rich history as one of America’s most renowned resorts. Initially, the area was known for its mineral springs, which were believed to have therapeutic properties. This made The Greenbrier a popular destination for those seeking health benefits from the springs’ waters.
Situated at an altitude of 2,000 feet, the hotel was known as the “village in the wilderness”. But that didn’t deter people—the resort welcomed five presidents as guests before the Civil War broke out.
During the Civil War, The Greenbrier shut down and was used as a hospital and military command center for both the Union and Confederate forces. It reopened as the beloved Greenbriar Hotel in 1895, shortly after the war.
Over the years, the hotel changed hands, a golf course (the Old White) was built, and rooms were added in 1930 to double its size. Golf balls often dotted the fairways as the course became a popular destination. When World War II hit, the Greenbriar became a safe haven for diplomats. It was eventually bought by the US Army and turned into a hospital.
During the Cold War, the Greenbriar once again played a pivotal role, constructing an underground Emergency Relocation Center to project US Congress members. Since the end of the Cold War era, the hotel has undergone numerous renovation projects, becoming the charming resort we know today.
Unique Features
One of The Greenbrier’s most fascinating features is its underground bunker, constructed during the Cold War. This secret bunker was built to house the U.S. Congress in the event of a nuclear attack. The existence of the bunker remained classified until 1992, when it was revealed by The Washington Post. The Greenbrier is also still famous for its mineral springs, which have drawn visitors for over two centuries.
El Tovar Hotel, Grand Canyon Village, AZ
History
Opened in 1905, the El Tovar Hotel stands as a historic icon at the Grand Canyon’s South Rim. Commissioned by the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railway, the hotel was designed by Charles Whittlesey, a Chicago architect who imagined a structure combining elements of a Swiss chalet and a Norwegian villa to appeal to the refined tastes of early 20th-century travelers.
It was one of the most luxurious hotels of its time, although it was originally planned to be a small, intimate hotel. But its location, perched on the southern rim of the beautiful Grand Canyon, meant there was such an influx of traffic that they ended up expanding it to become one of the biggest and best deluxe hotels in the area.
It has hosted numerous famous guests, including Theodore Roosevelt, Albert Einstein, and Zane Grey, and has been a member of Historic Hotels of America since 2012.
Unique Features
El Tovar’s prime location, just steps from the South Rim, provides guests with breathtaking views and easy access to the Grand Canyon. It’s perfect for those looking to explore one of the world’s natural wonders without straying far from their accommodation.
Constructed from native limestone and Oregon pine, it has a rustic charm that complements its elegant design. The interior features a mix of modern conveniences and historic decor, maintaining its early 1900s ambiance. Each of its 78 rooms is unique, adding to the hotel’s distinct character.
The Spa at Norwich Inn, Norwich, Connecticut
History
The Spa at Norwich Inn, built in 1929, has a rich history of hosting notable celebrities and political figures, including George Bernard Shaw, Frank Sinatra, and even the Prince of Wales.
The Inn initially boasted 75 guest rooms and a golf course, quickly becoming a popular destination for the elite. However, in the years following World War II, there was a period of decline in travel and tourism. The Inn was, at some point, even used as a boarding house and temporary jail overflow facility by the City of Norwich.
In 1983, the property was purchased by the Edward J. Safdie Group. They performed extensive renovations to restore the property’s former glory and also added a dedicated spa building. In 1994, the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation acquired the Inn, leading to a major expansion and modernization project in 2000, which included doubling the size of the spa. Today, it’s a wonderful wellness destination.
Unique Features
The Spa at Norwich Inn is renowned for its exceptional spa services, including 27 treatment rooms, a fitness center, an indoor pool, relaxation areas, and various wellness programs. Guests can enjoy a variety of services, including massages, body wraps, facials, and energy work like Reiki and chakra balancing.
The Inn also embodies classic New England charm with its beautifully manicured lawns, reflecting pools, fountains, and perennial gardens. The combination of elegant accommodations, fine dining options, and a tranquil countryside setting makes it an ideal retreat for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Palmer House, Chicago
History
The Palmer House first opened its doors on September 26, 1871, as a wedding gift from Potter Palmer to his wife, Bertha Honoré Palmer. Unfortunately, the original building was destroyed just 13 days later in the Great Chicago Fire. Undeterred, Palmer secured a $1.7 million loan and rebuilt the hotel, reopening it on November 8, 1873.
This new hotel was praised as the world’s first “fireproof hotel”. Since then, it’s been operating fully with the exception of a short closure during the COVID-19 pandemic, making it the longest-operating hotel in Northern America. An amazing achievement, considering how many hotels there are!
We can also thank the Palmer House for giving the chocolate brownie to the world. In 1893, Bertha Palmer tasked the Palmer House pastry chef with creating a dessert suitable for the World’s Columbian Exposition. The result was the famous Palmer House brownie, which remains a popular treat today.
Unique Features
The Palmer House is renowned for its luxurious design, characterized by its opulent lobby, grand staircases, and intricate ceiling frescoes. The lobby ceiling, decorated with 21 unique frescoes by French muralist Louis Pierre Rigal, features Greek mythological scenes and has been meticulously restored.
The hotel also boasts 24-karat gold-dipped chandeliers designed by Louis Comfort Tiffany and an Italian marble staircase, one of only two in the world constructed in its unique manner. Luxury all round!
Midland Railroad Hotel, Wilson, Kansas
History
The Midland Railroad Hotel, originally known as the Power Hotel, was built in 1899 by Wilke Power to serve the needs of railroad travelers on the Union Pacific line between Kansas City and Denver.
This three-story limestone building quickly gained a reputation as one of the premier hotels in the Midwest, featuring modern amenities for the time, like acetylene gas lighting. After a fire in 1902, the hotel was rebuilt and reopened as the Midland Railroad Hotel.
After a period of decline, the hotel was purchased in the late 1990s by the Wilson Foundation, and a $3.2 million renovation began to restore it to the same splendor. It reopened in 2003 and has since been listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Unique Features
The Midland Railroad Hotel is known for capturing the essence of its historical period. The 28 guest rooms are furnished with custom-built Mission-style furniture. Many original elements, like the woodwork, have been carefully refinished and reinstalled.
Crescent Hotel & Spa, Eureka Springs, Arkansas
History
The Crescent Hotel & Spa in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, opened in 1886 as a luxurious resort. Built to attract wealthy visitors seeking the therapeutic benefits of the local mineral springs, the hotel quickly became known for its grandeur and high-end amenities.
However, the hotel’s role evolved over the years. In 1908, it was transformed into the Crescent College and Conservatory for Young Women, which operated until 1934. In 1937, the hotel was acquired by Norman Baker, a controversial figure who converted it into a hospital, claiming to have miracle cures for cancer. Baker’s dubious practices led to his imprisonment for fraud in 1940.
It was bought over in 1946 and reopened as a hotel, but burned down in 1967. Purchased in 1997 by Marty and Elise Roenigk, it underwent a 6-year renovation project to become the hotel we know today.
Unique Features
The Crescent Hotel is often billed as “America’s most haunted hotel.” Many guests and paranormal investigators have reported sightings and experiences, particularly connected to its past as Baker’s hospital. Ghost tours are a popular activity, and the hotel was even featured on the TV show Ghost Hunters in 2007.
True to its origins as a health resort, the Crescent Hotel offers extensive spa services. Guests can enjoy a variety of treatments aimed at relaxation and rejuvenation, maintaining the hotel’s legacy as a place for wellness and retreat. If you can get past the possibility of seeing a ghost!
The Sayre Mansion, Bethlehem, PA
History
The Sayre Mansion was built in 1858 by Robert Heysham Sayre, a prominent businessman and chief engineer of the Lehigh Valley Railroad. Sayre’s influence extended beyond the railroad; he founded Bethlehem Iron Works, which later became Bethlehem Steel Corporation, and was also an important person in the establishment of Lehigh University and St. Luke’s Hospital.
After Sayre’s death in 1907, the mansion went through several transformations. It became a fraternity house in 1914 and was converted into apartments in the 1930s. By the late 1980s, it had fallen into disrepair and was slated for demolition.
However, it was saved and restored by John and Nora Capellano, opening as a bed and breakfast in 1993. The mansion was further restored by subsequent owners, preserving its historical significance while adding modern amenities.
Unique Features
The Sayre Mansion showcases stunning Victorian Gothic Revival architecture, with many original elements from the time, like vaulted ceilings, fireplaces, and gold leaf ceilings. The mansion has been meticulously restored to maintain its historical charm.
Situated on two acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, the mansion offers scenic views of Bethlehem and the surrounding Lehigh Valley. The Conservatory guest room, with its glass roof, provides a stunning 180-degree view of the area, making it a unique and picturesque retreat for visitors.
Conclusion
Which one of these historic hotels in the US would you choose? They’re all spectacular samples of architecture, wonderful destinations for luxury and wellness, and with an undeniable air of history about them.
If you get a chance to stay in one or more of these hotels, don’t miss it. Whether you’re on a golfing trip, a business trip, or simply a vacation, these spots with a story are well worth a stay.
About the Author Jordan Fuller is a retired golfer and businessman. When he’s not on the course working on his own game or mentoring young golfers, he writes in-depth articles for his website, Golf Influence.