Do you love history? If so, you might be interested to know that there are more than 240 hotels in America that are recognized by the National Trust for Historic Preservation as historic hotels of America. In order to be considered a historic hotel, a hotel should be at least 50 years old. It also needs to be recognized for its historical significance or eligible to be placed on the National Register of Historic Places. Most of the 50 states have one or several recognized historic hotels, and they can also be found in the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Read about a few of the most interesting historic hotels in America, and plan a trip to visit one of them soon.
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The Red Lion Inn
The Red Lion Inn is located in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. The Inn originally opened in 1773. The site is famously known as the location where colonists gathered in 1774 to protest the English Acts of Intolerance and organize a boycott of English goods. At that time, it was a tavern owned by a man named Silas Pepoon, and the sign above the door featured a red lion. The red lion symbol has been constant through the various changes of name and ownership throughout the years. Visitors to the Red Lion Inn should stop at the hotel’s McCoole’s tavern for dinner, drinks, and a touch of colonial history.
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The Omni Royal Orleans
The site of the Omni Royal Orleans in the French Quarter dates back to the 1830’s, when it was known as the City Exchange. From its inception, the hotel was intended to serve the most elite of the Creole society. The original building was destroyed by a fire in 1941, then rebuilt. It eventually slipped into disrepair during the Reconstruction period following the Civil war, and was again destroyed in a hurricane in 1915. The hotel was not rebuilt again until 1960. This time, it was renamed The Royal Orleans and quickly became the most popular hotel in the area. The hotel has been called “the best hotel in North America,” and is the subject of a Led Zepplin song, “Royal Orleans”. Visitors to the hotel today can explore its rich history while enjoying a luxury hotel experience.
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El Convento Hotel
This Puerto Rico hotel is located in the walled city of Old San Juan. The site dates all the way back to 1651. It was originally a Carmelite convent and operated as such until 1903, when it was vacated and left to fall into disrepair. It was eventually purchased and restored in the 1960’s. Modern day visitors to the hotel should visit the Patio Del Nispero in the hotel’s courtyard. You’ll be able to see the 300 year old Nispero tree that stands there and enjoy a delicious and authentic Puerto Rican meal.
These are just three of the historic hotels in America, but they make a great start if you’re interested in touring historic hotels, or if you’d simply like to spend an evening or two of your vacation basking in the charm of bygone eras. Other cities with historic hotels that may interest history buffs include Savannah, Georgia, Hood River Oregon, and Easton, Maryland.
