The Top List of Legendary Hotels for Groups
When scheduling trips for your groups, traveling to historic locations is naturally a given. But have you ever considered that the place where you and your group start and end the day could also be a location full of fascinating history? Read on to learn about some hotels with just as much legendary history as the cities they reside in.
Publick House Historic Inn: (1771) Sturbridge, Massachusetts
The Inn has been the hub for esteemed visitors, from George Washington, Benjamin Franklin and General Lafayette to present day travelers.
Inn at Willow Grove: (1778) Orange, Virginia
During the Revolutionary War, Generals Wayne (Georgia) and Muhlenberg (Pennsylvania) camped at Willow Grove during the southern campaign to assist Marquis de Lafayette in forcing the British to surrender.
The Cotton Sail Hotel: (1852) Savannah, Georgia
The hotel was originally a cotton warehouse spanning Savannah's historic Factor's Walk.
The Sherman: (1852) Batesville, Indiana
German J. Brinkmann built his hotel in 1852 naming it in 1865 to honor General Sherman and the 83rd Indiana Volunteer Infantry, who served with Sherman in the Civil War.
Penn Wells Hotel: (1869) Wellsboro, Pennsylvania
During World War II, Corning Glass Works, the predecessor to today's Corning Inc., celebrated its Christmas party at the hotel and in appreciation, presented the iconic American Flag made of 1,438 Christmas ornaments—which can still be seen today in the lobby.
Antrim 1844: (1844) Taneytown, Maryland
This hotel has close ties with Gettysburg, as General Meade stayed on here on the night of June 30, 1863, during the Civil War. General Meade went on to defeat Robert E. Lee at Gettysburg and earned notoriety as one of the most important commanders of the Civil War.
Hotel del Coronado: (1888) Coronado, California
Hotel del Coronado, Curio Collection by Hilton has three original elevators that are still in service, including birdcage elevator Otis #61 that is staffed by uniformed elevator operators.
Hyatt at the Bellevue: (1904) Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
In 2009, all four balconies outside the café and restaurant on the 19th floor of the Hyatt at the Bellevue were restored and opened to the public, providing the four most romantic dining tables and the highest outdoor dining experience in Philadelphia.
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Utica: (1912) Utica, New York
Hotel Utica is the site of the first beer sold post-prohibition. Nearby FX Matt brewery held a parade to the hotel and began serving Utica Club the day prohibition ended, December 5, 1933.
The Virginian Lynchburg, Curio Collection by Hilton: (1913) Lynchburg, Virginia
Famous guests have included then-actor Ronald Reagan, who stopped at the hotel during a political tour in 1957.
Water's Edge Resort and Spa: (1920s) Westbrook, Connecticut
Bill Hahn, the original owner, threw a famous birthday bash in July 1962 that featured entertainment by Barbra Streisand, who was appearing that summer in her first Broadway production.
Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows, Santa Monica: (1921) Santa Monica, California
The magnificent Moreton Bay fig tree located on the Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows grounds is more than 140 years old and more than 80 feet tall.
Hotel Skyler Syracuse, Tapestry Collection by Hilton: (1922) Syracuse, New York
The building's original use was a synagogue and most recently was home to the theatre group Salt City for the performing arts.
Fairmont Olympic: (1924) Seattle, Washington
In 1924, The Seattle Times held a contest offering $50 for the best name. Of the 3,906 entries were submitted, 11 entries included one name—The Olympic—which was ultimately selected.
Sofitel Washington D.C. Lafayette Square: (1925) Washington, D.C.
In the early 1800s, the site was one of Washington, D.C.'s most prestigious hotels. It was home to President Andrew Johnson as well as Woodrow Wilson, before his inauguration.
The Queensbury Hotel: (1926) Glens Falls, New York
Robert F. Kennedy promised to return to the Glens Falls region after the 1964 election for Senator. The day after he won, he showed up to a luncheon at the hotel.
Hotel Saranac, Curio Collection by Hilton: (1927) Saranac Lake, New York
An iconic landmark in the Saranac Lake village, the hotel has been thoughtfully restored and renovated while maintaining its historic charm and fascinating architecture—including the Great Hall, inspired by a 14th-century Italian palace.
The Statler: (1956) Dallas, Texas
The Statler hosted many popular entertainers in its past, among them Elvis Presley. The building was originally built by The Statler Hotels Company, founded in 1907.
Alpenhof Lodge: (1965) Teton Village, Wyoming
The Alpenhof Lodge was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 2016. Alpenhof, the first lodge built in Teton Village, preserves its Bavarian-heritage style similar to those in many Alpine ski resort destinations.
The Graham Georgetown: (1965) Washington, D.C.
The Graham Georgetown is rumored to have been a regular haunt of Frank Sinatra, who enjoyed a particular suite that boasts an oversized deck.
As if the hotels listed above weren't appealing enough, they were all inducted into the Historic Hotels of America at the start of 2018. Historic Hotels of America is the official program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation for recognizing and celebrating the finest Historic Hotels.
Written by Sarah Suydam, Staff Writer at Groups Today.
Historic Hotels of America has more than 300 historic hotels that have all faithfully maintained their authenticity, sense of place, and architectural integrity in the United States of America, including 46 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico. To learn more, please visit HistoricHotels.org.
