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Best Historical Hotel

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

While you're planning your next getaway, why not make the place you're staying as exciting as the places you're visiting? Historical hotels can definitely up your check-in game: unique architecture from a bygone era, dining that will have you feeling like an aristocrat (champagne brunch on the lawn, anyone?) and first-class service that attracts Hollywood A-listers and world leaders alike. Here are our favorite historical hotels—including a few haunted ones—so take a look and get ready to add some panache from the past to a future trip.

These 10 historical hotels were selected by our featured panelists and contributors and voted on by readers as the best of the best.

1. The Greenbrier | White Sulphur Springs, WV

The Greenbrier

Photo courtesy of The Greenbrier Photo courtesy of The Greenbrier

An 11,000-acre oasis in the Allegheny Mountains, the Greenbrier has been a gracious host since 1778. Five-star Southern luxury sets a grand stage for the resort's horse-drawn carriages and PGA golf course. But its fascinating history as a wartime sanctuary might be the biggest draw, once serving as a Cold War shelter for Congress (there's a secret bunker you can tour) and a Civil War and World War II hospital.

2. The Groton Inn | Groton, MA

The Groton Inn

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Once a colonial tavern, The Groton Inn has welcomed weary travelers to New England since 1678. You won't have to deal with 17th-century amenities, though; the inn, one of the nation's oldest, was restored in 2018 to include everything 21st-century travelers want. Get a taste of early American history at the inn's restaurant, Forge & Vine, as you watch pork chops with dandelion greens sizzle over an open wood fire.

3. Halekulani | Honolulu, HI

Halekulani

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It's known as the "house befitting heaven"; Halekulani is indeed a heavenly resort on the white sands of Waikiki Beach. Five-star luxury and rich history are around every palm tree of this over-100-year-old hotel, where you can live your best island life with traditional Hawaiian massages, martinis by the sea and even surf lessons if you want to conquer Waikiki's waves.

4. The Brown Palace Hotel | Denver, CO

The Brown Palace Hotel

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Even if you can't stay overnight at "Denver's Grand Dame," you can take a guided tour of the over-130-year-old Brown Palace Hotel to see its impressive eight-story atrium. According to local legend, you'll find a few guests of the spectral variety inside; discover their haunts with a ghost tour. The hotel's famous tea service, featuring scones and Devonshire cream from England, deliciously rounds out your visit.

5. French Lick Springs Hotel | French Lick, IN

French Lick Springs Hotel

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French Lick Springs Hotel has been greeting guests for 185 years, its healing mineral springs making it popular with the rich and famous (the hotel's history tours spill the tea about legendary visitors like Bing Crosby and FDR). And your pooch is welcome thanks to dog-friendly rooms. Rather explore the resort's 3,000 acres than sit by the pool? Horse rides and hiking trails connect you to the resort's natural beauty.

6. The Jefferson Hotel | Richmond, VA

The Jefferson Hotel

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Magnificent domed ceilings, champagne brunches overlooking the Grand Staircase, one of the world's largest gingerbread displays—the opulent Jefferson Hotel doesn't do anything small. Opened in 1895, this Southern belle of a hotel provides friendly, first-class service to everyone who has crossed its marble threshold, including 13 U.S. presidents and celebrities like Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra. Check out the on-site museum for artifacts—and the famous alligator statues.

7. The Lytle Park Hotel | Cincinnati, OH

The Lytle Park Hotel

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Built as a women's inn in 1909, The Lytle Park Hotel now welcomes everyone to downtown Cincinnati with its glass ceilings (which give glamorous greenhouse vibes) and rooftop views of the Ohio River. While on the roof, you can sip prosecco or mocktails from the popular rooftop bar. This boutique experience isn't just for humans; dogs are welcome, and they'll love the 2-acre park that wraps around the hotel.

8. The Pfister Hotel | Milwaukee, WI

The Pfister Hotel

Photo by Casey Lovegrove on Unsplash Photo by Casey Lovegrove on Unsplash

When you walk inside the lavishly designed Pfister Hotel, "the grand hotel of the West" for over 130 years, you'll be greeted by a three-story marble staircase and the world's largest hotel collection of Victorian art. Its splendor also has a practical side; it was the nation's first hotel with in-room thermostats. You can wander the art-lined (and reportedly haunted) halls with the hotel's artist-in-resident as your guide.

9. The Hay-Adams | Washington, D.C.

The Hay-Adams

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You never know what dignitary you may run into at The Hay-Adams, one of the U.S. capital's finest hotels with beautiful views of the White House and Washington Monument. For nearly a century, history's makers have roamed the corridors, from Presidents Theodore Roosevelt and Barack Obama to luminaries like Mark Twain. The hotel's underground bar, Off the Record, is a D.C. icon for its cocktails and political gossip.

10. Carnegie Hotel | Johnson City, TN

Women in hotel lobby

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The decadence of the Gilded Age meets modern comfort at Carnegie Hotel. This Southern gem, which burned down in 1910, was lovingly rebuilt in 2000 as a replica of the original. You'll find rich wood and leather, towering brass statues and a hand-built antique bar that's perfect for taking in the ambiance with an old-fashioned. A dark, moody wine cave and cozy library provide all the right late-19th-century vibes.

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

Chez Chesak headshot

Chez Chesak

Chez Chesak is an award-winning adventure travel writer, 29-year veteran of the outdoor industry, Executive Director of the Outdoor Writers Association of America and chair of The Society of American Travel Writers' Central States Chapter. Learn more about him at www.chezconnects.com.

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.

Cherith Fluker headshot

Cherith Fluker

Cherith Glover Fluker is an Alabama-based freelance writer specializing in travel, self-care, and lifestyle content. With a blend of experience, creativity and Southern warmth, Cherith's writing resonates with readers seeking inspiration and authenticity. Her work has appeared in Food, Wine, & Travel Magazine, SheBuysTravel, LakeLife 24/7, Chicken Soup for the Soul, Motherly and more. She also shares her voice on her blog, WhatCherithinks. Cherith is the author of the book Secret Birmingham, set to be published in fall 2025. She is a member of the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association and the National Federation of Press Women.

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.