The Most Famous Hotel In Every State
The Most Famous Hotel In Every State
There are plenty of ritzy resorts and high-end hotels around the world to choose from, but some spots have particularly interesting stories behind them. We went beyond the concierge and tracked down the most intriguing accommodations in every state, whether historic homes with strong ties to the past, filming locations for major movies, or just top-notch hotels with serious style.
Alabama: The Battle House Renaissance
This historic hotel in Mobile — first built in 1908 on the site of Andrew Jackson's former military headquarters during the War of 1812 — has been restored to its original grandeur, with highlights including a stunning domed skylight with stained glass windows.
EXPLORE NOW: The Battle House Renaissance
Alaska: Historic Skagway Inn
Originally a hot spot for eager prospectors drawn by the Klondike Gold Rush, this inn in Skagway got its start back in 1897. Guests can stay in its quaint rooms and dig into fresh, Alaskan fare at the connected restaurant, Olivia's Bistro.
EXPLORE NOW: Historic Skagway Inn
Arizona: Biltmore Resort
Frank Lloyd Wright was consulted in the construction of this Phoenix landmark before it opened in 1929. From its décor to the three onsite restaurants, named after the renowned architect, his influence remains.
EXPLORE NOW: Biltmore Resort
Image via CHRISTOPHER MICHEL/Flickr
Arkansas: Crescent Hotel & Spa
Eureka Springs is home to this Victorian-era hotel, known for its southern hospitality since 1886. Activities like tea dances and horseback riding on the grounds have since been replaced by live music and jumbo lawn games, but the charm hasn't dissipated.
EXPLORE NOW: Crescent Hotel & Spa
Image via CLINTON STEEDS/Flickr
California: The Beverly Hills Hotel
A-listers are a mainstay at this iconic Hollywood establishment, which boasts former guests including Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor. Its pink exterior and tropical-hued decor stands out amidst the glamour of Sunset Boulevard, with a private balcony attached to each room.
EXPLORE NOW: The Beverly Hills Hotel
Colorado: The Stanley Hotel
Thanks to Stanley Kubrick and Stephen King, this place might give off some creepy vibes at first glance, but the Stanley Hotel still stands as an Estes Park icon. Even if you hated The Shining, it's hard to deny the beauty of the stately structure against a gorgeous backdrop of Colorado mountains.
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Connecticut: The Inn at Mystic
Classic movie star couple Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall, chose this charming East Coast escape for their honeymoon. The gorgeous, Georgian structure overlooks like ocean and boasts a quality onsite seafood restaurant, The Harbour House.
EXPLORE NOW: The Inn at Mystic
Delaware: Hotel du Pont
The intricate decor inside Wilmington's finest hotel might make you feel like you're away on a European vacation. The woodwork, terrazzo floors, and elegant chandeliers hearken back to the Gilded Age, making for a luxurious stay even today.
EXPLORE NOW: Hotel du Pont
Florida: The Fontainebleau Miami Beach
Though it may be your first stay at this Miami Beach resort, it won't be the first you've seen of it. The oceanfront architectural gem on Millionaire's Row is famed for its appearances in films like Goldfinger, Scarface and The Bodyguard.
EXPLORE NOW: The Fontainebleau Miami Beach
Image via PHILLIP PESSAR/Flickr
Georgia: Jekyll Island Club Resort
On Georgia's Atlantic coast, Jekyll Island offers a tranquil getaway that doesn't skimp on luxurious offerings. Formerly home to a hunting and recreational club comprised of wealthy members from the Rockefeller and Vanderbilt families, the resort is a prime vacation spot for golfers, boaters, and nature enthusiasts.
EXPLORE NOW: Jekyll Island Club Resort
Hawaii: The Royal Hawaiian
Known fondly as the "Pink Palace of the Pacific," this famed Honolulu hotel helped establish a thriving tourism industry in Waikiki back in the 20s. Guests can't get enough of its panoramic views, beachfront convenience, and surrounding culture.
EXPLORE NOW: The Royal Hawaiian
Idaho: Sun Valley Lodge
At Idaho's beloved Sun Valley ski resort, the Sun Valley Lodge boasts suites named after celebrities including Clint Eastwood, Marilyn Monroe and Ernest Hemingway. The writer finished his novel, "For Whom the Bell Tolls" in Room 206 back in 1940, and though the classic lodge remains in the same spot, it's since had a serious lift — a new, 20,000-square-foot spa, in-room fireplaces, and more.
EXPLORE NOW: Sun Valley Lodge
Illinois: Palmer House
Though the first iteration of this landmark hotel burned down in the Great Chicago Fire just 13 days after opening, it has endured for over a century since. It was Chicago's first hotel with operating elevators, plus electric light bulbs and telephones in the guest rooms, and a $170 million renovation ensures its rich history of luxury is maintained.
EXPLORE NOW: Palmer House
Indiana: French Lick Springs Hotel
This massive hotel with its canary-yellow exterior and gilded decor was first established in French Lick in 1845. Its Donald Ross golf course has made it a destination for amateur players and professionals alike, even playing host for a few PGA Championships.
EXPLORE NOW: French Lick Springs Hotel
Images via ROLAND KLOSE/Flickr
Iowa: Hotel Julien
Elegance is of the utmost importance when it comes to the accommodations at Dubuque's Hotel Julien. Located in the Old Main District, it's rumored to have hosted Abraham Lincoln on his travels to Illinois, and to have been owned by mob leader, Al Capone.
EXPLORE NOW: Hotel Julien
Image via SD DIRK/Flickr
Kansas: The Historic Elgin Hotel
Though it doesn't stand tall, this boutique hotel in Kansas' Flint Hills boasts a 19th-century limestone exterior that sets it apart. Its Victorian ballroom and guest rooms transport patrons to another era, as will local attractions like the Marion County Courthouse and Santa Fe Trail.
EXPLORE NOW: The Historic Elgin Hotel
Kentucky: The Brown Hotel
This English Renaissance-style hotel is known for being the home of the famed Hot Brown sandwich and host to many distinguished guests throughout its long history. No time is better for people-watching at this Louisville hot spot than during the Kentucky Derby.
EXPLORE NOW: The Brown Hotel
Louisiana: Hotel Monteleone
A visit to New Orleans' French Quarter would be nothing without a stop at this iconic, Beaux-Arts hotel, beloved by Southern authors like Eudora Welty and Ernest Hemingway. Arrange to stay in one of its 600 guest rooms or just grab a drink at the famed Carousel Piano Bar — complete with a revolving, 25-seat bar.
EXPLORE NOW: Hotel Monteleone
Image via ACTIVESTEVE/Flickr
Maine: Colony Hotel
With this gorgeous, historic hotel as your home base, it's impossible not to immediately slip into vacation mode. The impressive white, wooden structure was built in 1914 and has been a family-run business since 1948, drawing summer visitors to Kennebunkport with its hospitality and massive wraparound ocean porch.
EXPLORE NOW: Colony Hotel
Maryland: The Maryland Inn
Located right on Main Street in charming downtown Annapolis, this red-brick inn has been a central meeting place for national, state, and military visitors throughout its history. Its restaurant, the Treaty of Paris, honors the agreement that ended America's Revolutionary War in 1784.
EXPLORE NOW: The Maryland Inn
Image via KATE MEREAND-SINHA/Flickr
Massachusetts: Omni Parker House
It's difficult to discuss the legacy of Boston without mention of the Parker House hotel. It's where Charles Dickens first recited "A Christmas Carol," where JFK held his bachelor party, and where culinary staples including Boston Cream pie and fluffy Parker House roll were born.
EXPLORE NOW: Omni Park House
Michigan: The Grand Hotel
Between Michigan's Upper and Lower Peninsulas, tiny Mackinac Island is home to this sprawling resort, overlooking crystal-clear Lake Huron. Five U.S. presidents have stayed at this majestic establishment, which opened in 1887, and has dazzled visitors with its lavishly decorated rooms, sublime service, and superlative front porch — the longest in the world at nearly 660 feet.
EXPLORE NOW: The Grand Hotel
Minnesota: The St. James Hotel
The thriving wheat market in Red Wing during the early 1870s created a need for a comfortable place for tourists and businesses passing through, resulting in this 62-room hotel. Though it may not feel as extravagant as it did back in those days, it's still a storied spot for lodging in town.
EXPLORE NOW: The St. James Hotel
Mississippi: The White House Hotel
One of the only remaining grand hotels on the Mississippi Gulf Coast — built to accommodate travelers along the Gulf and Ship Island Railroad — the White House Hotel has plenty of history in Biloxi. Though it sat in disrepair for decades, the beautiful boutique property was finally renovated and reopened in 2014, with high-end amenities and a fantastic outdoor pool.
EXPLORE NOW: The White House Hotel
Missouri: Hilton President Kansas City
In 1928, this Kansas City establishment was the headquarters for the Republican National Convention that would nominate Herbert Hoover for President. Entertainers like Frank Sinatra performed in the onsite Drum Room lounge, which is still going strong thanks to the hotel's $45.5 million restoration.
EXPLORE NOW: Hilton President Kansas City
Image via BriYYZ/Flickr
Montana: Grand Union Hotel
The oldest operating hotel in Montana can be found in Fort Benton. Opened in 1882, the Grand Union Hotel overlooks the Missouri River, where Lewis and Clark once traveled. Today, it's been beautifully restored and boasts 26 elegant guest rooms.
EXPLORE NOW: Grand Union Hotel
Nebraska: Hotel Deco XV
As its name suggests, this Omaha landmark demonstrates the unique Art Deco architecture found throughout the city. Inside, things have been significantly modernized with neoclassic decor, and the hotel's close proximity to the city's historic Old Market make it a highly desirable spot to stay.
EXPLORE NOW: Hotel Deco XV
Nevada: The Venetian
All the glitz and gimmicky fun of Las Vegas converges in this famed hotel and resort. Inspired by the architecture and scenery of Venice, Italy, the accommodations are accompanied by replicas of famed landmarks like the Lion of Venice column and the Rialto Bridge, which guests can float beneath during real gondola rides.
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New Hampshire: Omni Mount Washington Resort
You'd be hard-pressed to find more stunning scenery than that of the Mount Washington Hotel. The sprawling property, near Bretton Woods ski resort, was built in the early 1900s and became a National Historic Landmark in 1986. A 50,000-square-foot addition in 2009 added to its major footprint.
EXPLORE NOW: Omni Mount Washington Resort
New Jersey: Caribbean Motel
Wildwood Crest in Cape May County, New Jersey is home to this quirky motel. The 50s, doo-wop style incorporated a crescent-shaped pool, canted glass walls, and near-neon colors which remain today, as well as wonderfully tacky palm trees decorations throughout.
EXPLORE NOW: Caribbean Motel
New Mexico: The Plaza Hotel
Overlooking Plaza Park in the Spanish Colonial town of Las Vegas, is this hotel, which opened during a major growth period for the town in 1882. The now-restored structure once hosted the reunion of Teddy Roosevelt's Rough Riders and starred in old cowboy movies. More recently, No Country for Old Men was filmed at the location.
EXPLORE NOW: The Plaza Hotel
New York: The Plaza
This elegant hotel in midtown Manhattan is the height of New York City extravagance. The distinguished establishment has treated guests to the finest amenities since 1907, providing a butler for each floor, and serving refined tea in the Palm Court, with its marble columns and stained-glass ceiling.
EXPLORE NOW: The Plaza
North Carolina: The Inn on Biltmore Estate
One of Asheville's finest hotels sits on the grounds of Biltmore Estate, the Chateauesque-style mansion built by George and Edith Vanderbilt. The gorgeous setting, complete with pool, fine-dining restaurant, and an envy-inducing library might make you feel like you're American royalty, just like the Vanderbilts.
EXPLORE NOW: The Inn on Biltmore Estate
Image via PAULINE KENNY/Flickr
North Dakota: The Hotel Donaldson
This Fargo mainstay, lovingly called "HoDo," is a 17-room boutique hotel that stands as a symbol of the small city's revitalization. Musicians, authors, and poets often perform in the lounge and the guest rooms are decorated with works by local artists to show off the diversity and flair of the region.
EXPLORE NOW: The Hotel Donaldson
Image via ROSS GRIFF/Flickr
Ohio: The Golden Lamb Inn
The Golden Lamb holds the title of oldest hotel in Ohio, and it also happens to house the state's oldest restaurant as well. Twelve American presidents have paid visits to Lebanon, and stayed at the historic, colonial-style establishment.
EXPLORE NOW: The Golden Lamb Inn
Image via DAVE LUNDY/Flickr
Oklahoma: The Skirvin Hilton
Two towers and three wings comprise this Oklahoma City hotel, which first opened in 1911. Several NBA basketball teams that stayed at the hotel have cited instances of odd happenings that they credit to the hotel being haunted by a former maid, "Effie." The Knicks even blame their 2010 loss on the haunting.
EXPLORE NOW: The Skirvin Hilton
Image via MATTHEW RUTLEDGE/Flickr
Oregon: Timberline Lodge
Timberline Lodge is perched on the south side of Mt. Hood, with the peak looming in the background. Some might recognize its exterior, which was used as a location for the Overlook Hotel in The Shining, but today, it's a popular destination for skiers.
EXPLORE NOW: Timberline Lodge
MT. HOOD TERRITORY/Flickr
Pennsylvania: Historic Hotel Bethlehem
Soldiers who fought in World War I stopped to rest and recover at this iconic hotel in Bethlehem, which dates back to 1741. Its distinguished visitors include several former presidents, movie stars like Shirley Temple, and figures including Amelia Earhart and the Dalai Lama.
EXPLORE NOW: Historic Hotel Bethlehem
ARIANRAVAN/Flickr
Rhode Island: Castle Hill Inn
Everyone out on the Newport harbor squints at this oceanside hotel with envy as they sail or motor past. The Victorian mansion boasts gorgeous 19th-century architecture and a sprawling lawn dotted with white Adirondack chairs, often filled with guests, rosé in hand.
EXPLORE NOW: Castle Hill Inn
Image via: HENRY CHEN/Flickr
South Carolina: Wentworth Mansion
This Charleston mansion, dating back to 1886, towers over Wentworth Street in all its Gilded Age glory. Red and gold walls, rich mahogany furniture, and Tiffany glass accents lend a true sense of luxury to the Historic District home.
EXPLORE NOW: Wentworth Mansion
Image via CHRISTOPHER SIMS/Flickr
South Dakota: Hotel Alex Johnson
Former VP of the Chicago and North Western Railroad, Alex Johnson, built this Rapid City landmark in the late '20s. The wooden beams, leather armchairs, and stately chandeliers give a hunting lodge vibe, which welcomed Alfred Hitchcock, Cary Grant, and Eva Marie Saint in the 50s.
EXPLORE NOW: Hotel Alex Johnson
Image via: TONY WEBSTER/Flickr
Tennessee: Peabody Hotel
Though it was built in 1869 and hosted guests including Andrew Johnson and William McKinley, this elegant Memphis hotel became a true cornerstone of the downtown area after a grand reopening ceremony in 1981. Today it's most famous for its feathered residents, the "Peabody Ducks," who live on the rooftop and make daily treks to the lobby to swim in the hotel fountain — a tradition since the 30s.
EXPLORE NOW: The Peabody Hotel
Image via HEATH CAJANDIG/Flickr
Texas: The Adolphus
The founder of the Anheuser-Busch company, Adolphus Busch, is responsible for this Dallas landmark, which opened in 1912. The Beaux Arts–style building, though rumored to have a haunted 19th floor, welcomed big band entertainers, presidents including Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan, and even Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip.
EXPLORE NOW: The Adolphus
Image via WILLIAMEDIA/Flickr
Utah: Grand America Hotel
The towering Grand America Hotel, consisting of 24 floors and 775 rooms, stands out against the mountainous backdrop in downtown Salt Lake City. The impressive Grand Spa is equipped with a salon, massage services, and indoor pool, but outdoorsy guests can enjoy nearby national parks and the area's many ski resorts, like Snowbasin.
EXPLORE NOW: Grand America Hotel
Vermont: Inn at Shelburne Farms
This hotel and sustainable working farm in Shelburne, VT began as an agricultural estate in the late 1800s. Today, the property invites guests to stay on the grounds during warm-weather months, where they can swim in nearby Lake Champlain, play lawn games, stroll the gardens, and enjoy fresh farm suppers at the Inn Restaurant.
EXPLORE NOW: Inn at Shelburne Farms
Virginia: The Jefferson Hotel
Richmond is home to this Spanish Baroque–style hotel, opened in 1895 by Lewis Ginter, who enlisted the architects that designed the New York Public Library and Henry Frick House in New York. Several U.S. presidents as well as stars like the Rolling Stones, Dolly Parton, and Elvis Presley have stayed here while visiting.
EXPLORE NOW: The Jefferson Hotel
Washington: Mayflower Park Hotel
Alongside the Westlake Center shopping mall in downtown Seattle sits this locally owned, independent hotel, which has been in residence here since 1927. The Mayflower Park Hotel recently celebrated its 90th year in business!
EXPLORE NOW: Mayflower Park Hotel
West Virginia: The Greenbrier
have paid visits to The Greenbrier, which now boasts an off-road Jeep trail and falconry.
EXPLORE NOW: The Greenbrier
Wisconsin: The Pfister Hotel
This Milwaukee jewel is the height of luxury in this Midwestern state. An extensive collection of Victorian artwork adorns the walls, bringing more magic to the Romanesque Revival design. Each year, the hotel's Artist-in-Residence program allows guests to experience the works of a current Milwaukee artist in a gallery on the first floor — just about the only sight that could top the views of nearby Lake Michigan.
EXPLORE NOW: The Pfister Hotel
Wyoming: Old Faithful Inn
You might not expect to find a hotel within the confines of Yellowstone National Park, but this rustic, log cabin–style resort has been in business here since 1904. It's considered to be the largest log structure in the world, consisting of 327 rooms, a stone fireplace, and a full-service restaurant for visitors to enjoy while they're taking in the natural sights.
EXPLORE NOW: Old Faithful Inn
Each of these iconic inns has a story to tell.