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Best Historical B&B

By Readers' Choice On 7/17/25 at 12:00 PM EDT

Immerse yourself in the past while enjoying the comforts of the present at these historical bed-and-breakfasts. Ideal for those with a love of architecture, these charming old homes have been meticulously renovated and restored, bringing new life to buildings that date back to the 1700s. But modern amenities like whirlpool tubs and conveniences like a gourmet breakfast each morning are welcome updates we're sure you'll enjoy as well. From a seaside escape within walking distance of the waves and sand or a lush, sprawling property with acres to explore, you'll find what you're searching for at these cozy spots.

These 10 historical B&B's were selected by our featured panelists and contributors and voted on by readers as the best of the best.

1. Laurium Manor Inn | Laurium, MI

Laurium Manor Inn

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The 13,000-square-foot Laurium Manor Inn spans four floors and was once the largest and most elegant home in the Western Upper Peninsula. While patrons enjoy a full breakfast buffet, they'll be surrounded by rare details, such as a silver-leaf domed ceiling and elephant leather wall coverings, emphasizing the opulent nature of this 1900s home, which is now a partner of the Keweenaw National Historical Park.

2. Cartier Mansion | Ludington, MI

Cartier Mansion

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The Cartier Mansion, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was constructed by Warren Cartier in 1905. An excellent example of the revival of neoclassical architecture in America, it features Roman-pressed brick and large, stately columns that support its three-story structure. From crystal chandeliers and claw-foot bathtubs to ornate woodwork, the decor in each room offers a glimpse of the past alongside modern conveniences like keyless entry.

3. Abilene's Victorian Inn | Abilene, KS

Abilene's Victorian Inn

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Once the home of President Eisenhower's boyhood friend, Swede Hazlett, Abilene's Victorian Inn is now a lovely bed-and-breakfast that has been refreshed to its former glory. Guests begin each morning with coffee in the parlor before indulging in dishes like quiche, fresh fruit parfaits, biscuits and more. In the afternoon, you can listen to the sounds of songbirds mixed with a train whistle from a swing on the spacious porch.

4. The Ruse | Healdsburg, CA

The Ruse aerial shot

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The Ruse offers a surprising blend of old and new at its recently revamped bed-and-breakfast. From the street, the Ruse looks like a classic, Victorian-style home, but as you walk through its property, your whole perspective changes as you discover a pool, hot tub, fire pits, an 18-hole putting green and several pickleball courts. Past patrons also praise the breakfast offerings, saying they exceeded expectations.

5. Rehoboth Guest House | Rehoboth Beach, DE

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From the bright yellow and white striped awning cheerfully framing the porch to the friendly owners who happily share their local recommendations, the warmth and welcoming atmosphere at the Rehoboth Guest House is hard to beat. Recent renovations have brought this Victorian-style home into the present with granite countertops in the kitchen and walk-in showers in some bathrooms while preserving its most cherished features like its enchanting exterior.

6. Linden Historic Bed & Breakfast | Natchez, MS

Linden Historic Bed & Breakfast

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With roots dating back to the late 1700s, Linden Historic Bed & Breakfast transports its visitors to some of America's earliest days as a country. Though the home is just a mile from downtown and the Mighty Mississippi, guests find themselves drawn to stay on Linden's peaceful 7 acres, bonding with other travelers over a slow, Southern breakfast or a cup of tea in the back gallery.

7. The Mason Cottage Bed & Breakfast | Cape May, NJ

Mason Cottage

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Claim one of the rocking chairs on the sweeping veranda of The Mason Cottage Bed & Breakfast, where you can sip a glass of wine while the sea breeze blows down Columbia Avenue. Inside this 19th-century Victorian treasure, welcoming innkeepers serve a two-course breakfast, sourcing local ingredients whenever possible, and share their knowledge on all the best off-the-beaten-path attractions and activities around Cape May.

8. Forsyth Park Inn | Savannah, GA

Forsyth Park Inn

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Explore the history of Savannah with a stay at the Forsyth Park Inn, a Victorian mansion overlooking the largest park in the city's historic district. Around every corner, you'll find unparalleled Southern hospitality and surprisingly intricate details, such as the twisted rope balusters, that reveal the influence of its original sea captain owner. Of course, a gourmet breakfast is served every day, as are drinks and hors d'oeuvres each evening.

9. Lamp Lighter Inn | Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

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Since 1912, the Lamp Lighter Inn has been charming travelers with its picturesque cottages and its location just steps from the ocean, shops and restaurants. When you're not out exploring the area, the cute patio with crackling fire pits invites you to unwind. This family-friendly inn also offers two-bedroom options and welcomes those traveling with their pups—the nearby beach even allows dogs to play freely in the sand.

10. Angel of the Sea | Cape May, NJ

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Lovingly restored to reflect its original Victorian beauty, the 1850s Angel of the Sea is the perfect oceanside getaway for those who appreciate history. This bed-and-breakfast has received numerous awards for its preservation of the home's unique story and details, and patrons rave about the full gourmet breakfast, afternoon tea with freshly baked sweets, and the evening wine and cheese pairings.

About Newsweek Readers' Choice Awards

Our nominees are editorially driven with contributions from a panel of travel experts. The final list is determined by Newsweek editors. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For more details, read our terms and conditions. For any questions, please see our FAQs or email us at readerschoice@newsweek.com.

Our Featured Panelists

Marla Cimini

Marla Cimini is an award-winning writer and content creator who is passionate about travel, music, surfing and culinary adventures. An avid globetrotter and guidebook writer, she has covered topics such as the Hawaiian islands (including food trends and luxury beachfront resorts), European getaways and incredible domestic and global destinations. Her articles have appeared in many publications worldwide, including USA Today. Residing in New Jersey (Philadelphia area), Marla is a frequent visitor to Hawaii and Southern California and covers those destinations often. Follow her adventures at marlacimini.com.

Shannon DalPozzal headshot

Shannon DalPozzal

Shannon DalPozzal is a writer, memoirist and travel enthusiast originally from Louisiana, now living in coastal Maine. She is the author of Of a Woman: The Journey to Becoming, a deeply personal exploration of resilience, identity and healing. Her podcast, Unpacked, blends memoir, travel and meaningful conversation, offering listeners an honest and often humorous look at life's transitions. Whether writing from the Gulf Coast or the rocky shores of Maine, Shannon brings warmth, insight and a storyteller's soul to everything she creates. Learn more at shannondalpozzal.com.

Susan Lanier-Graham

Susan Lanier-Graham is founder and publisher of Wander With Wonder, an award-winning online travel journalism magazine. She has authored more than 75 books and hundreds of magazine articles while traveling the world over the past three decades. Susan's work has appeared in a variety of publications, including various AAA publications, TravelandLeisure.com, Hotels.com, Modern Luxury, WHERE publications, Fairmont.com, Marriott.com and more. Susan is a member of Society of American Travel Writers, International Food, Wine and Travel Writers Association, and North American Travel Journalists Association. She is also a Certified California Wine Appellation Specialist.

Kurt Jacobson

Kurt Jacobson is a freelance food and travel writer from Baltimore, Maryland. He loves taking his dog Sophie along to test pet-friendly lodging, restaurants, and activities. His favorite destinations are Kennett Square, PA; Maryland's Eastern Shore; Colorado; New Zealand; Japan and Alaska. Kurt's 600+ articles appear in many websites and magazines. Read about his adventures at http://www.tasteoftravel2.com.

Amy Piper

Amy Piper is a freelance travel writer, blogger, photographer and author specializing in luxury and multigenerational travel. She is a native Michigander who travels through the lens of a food lover and has been to 45 states and 41 countries around the world. From getting chased by bomb-sniffing dogs in the middle of the night in Bogotá to being boarding on her plane from Buenos Aires to Paraguay due to the wrong visa, Amy always has an exciting adventure to tell her readers and community of travel enthusiasts. Learn more at followthepiper.com.

Penny Sadler

Penny Sadler is a freelance writer covering wine, food, travel and lifestyle topics. Currently residing in the Lone Star State, her glass is always full, preferably of something white and sparkling. Her work has appeared in Culture Cheese Magazine, Cheese Professor, Matador Network, Inside Hook, Alcohol Professor, Vintner Project, and elsewhere. Penny has appeared on numerous broadcasts as an expert on topics ranging from wine tourism to skin cancer to packing for international travel. She is a Wine Spirits Education Trust certified wine specialist and a member of SATW. Read more at www.adventuresofacarryon.com.