Historic Hotels and History: The Top 10 Old Hotels in the U.S.

If you are planning a trip, consider staying in an old hotel. Historic lodging does not mean that you have to forgo modern conveniences. Hotels and history together mean that the accommodations have an interesting and colorful past, perhaps even a ghost or two.

A colorful past literally is what historic motels along the famous route 66 boast. An effort has been underway to preserve the elaborate neon signs that mark the heyday of the route.

The original route 66 runs from Chicago to Los Angeles. Built in 1926, the folks of the day thought of it as a superhighway. Popularized in movies and television, this route celebrated the motor age. Today you will find some historic lodging that has been restored to its neon lit, automobile celebrating glory. The Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari, NM is a good example of historic lodging that is beautiful and comfortable. Motel is a word derived from motor hotel, and the Blue Swallow is truly an example with its garages. Other memorable historic lodging along the route includes the Larian in Tombstone Arizona and the Motel Safari in Tucumcari, N.M. All three have been restored and have modern conveniences.

A way to define a historic hotel is one that has retained the historic style and mood. These next examples of old hotels have done exactly that and they are also fun to stay at.

The Hotel Jerome in Aspen Colorado
The hotel Jerome opened Thanksgiving eve in 1889. It had electricity which was a big deal in those days. A room went for $3-$4 dollars per night. Presently rooms go for $265-$1080 per night.

The Hotel Utica in Utica New York
This old hotel opened in 1912 and is an example of the Renaissance Revival-style
Beautiful views of the Mohawk Valley and the nearby Adirondack mountains make this a good choice of historic lodging. Rates are $89-$159.

The Colony Hotel & Cabana Club, Delray Beach, Florida
The colony hotel is impressive to look at with its yellow color and two towers. It is an example of Florida Mediterranean architecture. Highlights of the old hotel include the original elevator installed in 1926 and the original switchboard. A pool and fitness room among other amenities keeps this historic hotel up to date.

The Battle House, Renaissance Mobile, Alabama
President Woodrow Wilson and Elvis Presley are two of many famous people who have stayed at this old hotel. The historic lodging part comes in long before the hotel was built in 1852 as the old hotel was built on the site of a civil war hospital. Rates are $159-$300 per night.

Williamsburg Inn, Williamsburg, Virgina
Built in 1937 by John D. Rockefeller Jr. this inn underwent extensive restoration in 2001. Within walking distance to Colonial Williamsburg, this Inn is where you want to stay if you like hotels and history. Having visited Williamsburg myself I can say it is definitely worth a visit. Bring a good roadmap or your GPS. Rates are $170-$450.

The Tremont House, Galveston, Texas
This impressive block long hotel was originally a wholesale dry goods store and was made into a hotel in 1985. The old hotel architecture was preserved and it is stunning. The original Tremont house burned down in 1865 and the second Tremont house was torn down in 1928. Rates are $109-$650.

Jekyll Island Club Hotel, Jekyll Island, Georgia
This historic hotel is located on an island and was once home to a private club whose members were millionaires. A $20 million dollar restoration in 1985 restored this building to its former charm. There are plenty of beaches as well as a golf course and swimming pool. Rates range from $169-$279.

Reservations can be made for any of the historic hotels named above by calling HHA's toll-free reservations number (800) 678-8946.

Sources:
Smalltown America
Historic Hotels
Tombstone Motels
The Blue Swallow Motel