Top 10 Oldest Hotels in the US - The First Hotels
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History enthusiast or not, there’s no denying the oldest hotels in the US hold a certain romantic allure. After all, their rooms have been reserved by legends, they’ve witnessed the tales in history books first-hand, and their timelessness evokes an overall sense of nostalgia. So while much of the attention goes to the shiny and new properties popping up, it’s important to take a moment to recognize the ones that have stuck around through it all.
To help, we tracked down some of the oldest establishments in the country that are still worth a booking. Some endured raging fires while others opened and closed and reopened after a major makeover, but all have stood the test of time.
The List of 10 Oldest Hotels - The First Hotels in the US:
#10. The Willard InterContinental (Washington, D.C.)
#9. Grand Hotel Golf Resort and Spa (Point Clear, Alabama)
#8. French Lick Springs Hotel (French Lick, Indiana)
#7. The Inn at Montchanin Village (Montchanin, Delaware)
#6. Woodstock Inn & Resort (Woodstock, Vermont)
#5. The Red Lion Inn (Stockbridge, Massachusetts)
#4. Publick House Historic Inn (Sturbridge, Massachusetts)
#3. Beekman Arms (Rhinebeck, New York)
#2. Historic Inns of Annapolis (Annapolis, Maryland)
#1. Kelley House Hotel (Edgartown, Massachusetts)
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| Photo: The Vineyard Gazette |
What Are The Oldest Hotels and The First Hotels in the US?
#1. Kelley House Hotel (Edgartown, Massachusetts)
The Kelley House Hotel, in what is today’s Edgartown, Massachusetts, opened more than 200 years ago in 1742. Originally named The Tavern, Kelley House served as a respite for sailors during the Revolutionary War era. Today’s guests can enjoy meals at a historic colonial pub and restaurant on the property or relax at the private guest sunshine pool. Booking can get a bit pricey — a one-bedroom suite can range from $400 to $600 a night — but if you’re looking to explore Edgartown’s history, this is the place to stay.
#2. Historic Inns of Annapolis (Annapolis, Maryland)
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| Photo: Historical Hotels of America |
The Historic Inns of Annapolis is made up of three historic buildings in Downtown Annapolis, Maryland, the oldest of which was built in 1727. As the vibrant capital city of Maryland, Annapolis offers exciting experiences that seamlessly mesh the past and the present. Explore 18th-century buildings and grand mansions that once housed America's Founding Fathers. Experience a myriad of fun city and harbor tours that offer a fascinating look into 400 years of maritime history, where you can sail, kayak, and boat along the bay. Visit the Chesapeake Bay & Beaches waterfront, lined with some of the best seafood restaurants on the east coast and charming souvenir shops. No matter the reason for travel, historic Annapolis is sure to satisfy the desire for adventure in every visitor.
#3. Beekman Arms (Rhinebeck, New York)
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| Photo: Tripadvisor |
The Beekman Arms has welcomed guests to Rhinebeck, New York, since 1766, and it remains a central gathering place in this charming upstate New York town. Close to Rhinebeck are other estates that belonged to the Roosevelts, Vanderbilts and more. Rooms are decorated to resemble olden times while still having modern charm, and in-room spa services are available to all guests. A stay at the Beekman Arms starts at $200 a night.
#4. Publick House Historic Inn (Sturbridge, Massachusetts)
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| Photo: Agoda |
Colonel Ebenezer Crafts opened what is now the Publick House Historic Inn in 1771 in Sturbridge, Massachusetts, and its three buildings are still quaint and charming. If you’re looking for a family-friendly hotel in Sturbridge, look no further than Publick House Historic Inn. While staying at Publick House Historic Hotel, visitors can check out Hyland Orchard & Rapscallion Brewery (2.4 mi), which is a popular Sturbridge attraction. Guest rooms offer amenities such as a flat screen TV and air conditioning, and guests can go online with free wifi offered by the hotel. Publick House Historic Inn features a 24 hour front desk, a gift shop, and a coffee shop, to help make your stay more enjoyable. Check out top 10 oldest hotels in the world here.
#5. The Red Lion Inn (Stockbridge, Massachusetts)
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| Photo: Flickr |
The Red Lion Inn opened its doors in 1773 in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, as a tavern for travelers to visit on their journey from Albany to Boston. It was purchased by Charles H. Plumb and his wife, a collector of antique furniture and china, in 1873. The building burned down in 1896 but was rebuilt completely the next year, and Mrs. Plumb's antiques are still on display at the inn these days. Current guests can relax and sip a drink on the inn’s porch while soaking in what Stockbridge has to offer or take part in a handful of fitness activities. If you’re searching for a romantic stay with your partner, consider booking the Red Lion Inn’s Gilded Gardens Package. Available from May to September, this package gives two guests the opportunity to explore nearby luscious gardens. Rates start at $170 a night.
#6. Woodstock Inn & Resort (Woodstock, Vermont)
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| Photo: Woodstock Inn |
In 1793, the Woodstock Inn & Resort was opened as the first lodging in the new town of Woodstock, Vermont. It was completely rebuilt by Laurance Rockefeller, a third-generation member of the prominent Rockefeller family, in 1968. Vermont's Most Beautiful Address. Woodstock Inn & Resort is a year-round destination in the village of Woodstock, Vermont that embraces the vision of Laurance and Mary Rockefeller. With a legacy that’s deeply rooted in the Woodstock community, the Inn is cherished for its preservation of New England history, heritage, and elegance. Each room features wood-burning fireplaces and handcrafted bed frames. For this luxurious stay, rooms start at $300 a night.
#7. The Inn at Montchanin Village (Montchanin, Delaware)
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| Photo: Wedding Spot |
The Inn at Montchanin Village is located in the town of Montchanin, Delaware, and includes buildings dating back to 1799. The Inn only has 28 rooms and is designed with antique furniture placed with an eye towards transporting guests to the past. Krazy Kat’s Restaurant, once where the village blacksmith’s shop was located, offers award-winning cuisine in a space decorated with tiger-print chairs and photos of cats in military garb. A night at the inn starts at around $188.
#8. The Willard InterContinental (Washington, D.C.)
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| Photo: Kiwi Collection |
The Willard InterContinental's history dates back more than 200 years. Since opening in 1818, the Willard has hosted prominent guests like Abraham Lincoln, Calvin Coolidge, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and the Dalai Lama. Its interior is coated in gold, with the halls speckled in burgundy and paintings of historic moments. Inside the hotel is the Café du Parc, a Forbes Travel Guide-recommended restaurant with cuisine guaranteed to make guests feel like they’re in France. A standard room at the Willard starts at around $250.
#9. French Lick Springs Hotel (French Lick, Indiana)
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| Photo: WITZ |
Established in 1845 -- with the current spa wing built in 1901 -- French Lick Springs Hotel seamlessly blends its fascinating history with modern amenities and services. Family-friendly activities and facilities make this an ideal destination for celebrations or relaxing getaways. This classic American hotel has something everyone can enjoy; whether it’s golf, spa, hiking, biking, swimming, or shopping. An Event Center, Casino, and Parking Garage are conveniently attached.
#10. Grand Hotel Golf Resort and Spa (Point Clear, Alabama)
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| Photo: Marriott |
Since 1847, The Grand Hotel Golf Resort and Spa has hosted guests (including Dolly Parton and Barbara Bush) and served as a place of refuge throughout Point Clear, Alabama's history. During the Civil War, for example, it doubled as a hotel and a hospital for wounded soldiers. Today, the Grand Hotel has more than 400 rooms and offers fun classes like the Culinary & Beverage Academy for aspiring mixologists and The Fun Camp for children. A night at the Grand Hotel starts around $250 for the queen suite.
Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan - The Oldest Hotel in the WorldYear Established: 705 Location: Hayakawa, Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan Founder(s): Fujiwara Mahito Number of Rooms: 35 Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan, which has been operating since 705, is considered to be the oldest hotel in the world. The hotel was founded as an inn by Fujiwara Mahito during the Keiun era, hence its name, Keiunkan. In 2011, Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan was recognized as the world’s oldest hotel by Guinness World Records. One of the main features of the inn is its onsen or traditional hot springs. Nishiyama Onsen was supposedly frequented by many famous samurais and shoguns, including Tokugawa Ieyasu and Takeda Shingen. Today, Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan is still run by the 52nd generation of the Mahito family. |
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