11 Historic Hotels Across the U.S. That Feel Like the Past, And They’re Still Open to Nevada Guests
From grand lobbies with chandeliers to stories whispered through old wood floors, a small number of historic hotels in the U.S. keep the charm of years gone by alive.
Here are some of the most iconic historic hotels that are still welcoming Nevada travelers today.
The Stanley Hotel – Estes Park, Colorado
If this hotel feels like something out of a ghost story, that’s because it kind of is. The Stanley Hotel opened in 1909 and famously inspired Stephen King to write The Shining after a stay in Room 217.
But even without the spooky reputation, this hotel is packed with history.
With its sweeping mountain views, original architecture, and vintage furnishings, The Stanley feels like you’re stepping into another century.
It’s elegant without being stuffy, and there are daily tours that highlight its rich past, from early electricity to turn-of-the-century decor.
Guests can still stay in the original rooms, walk the wide halls, and enjoy an old-school whiskey at the hotel’s historic bar. It’s a slice of the early 1900s, nestled right in the Rockies.
The Grand Hotel – Mackinac Island, Michigan
Known for its 660-foot-long front porch, which is the longest porch in the world, The Grand Hotel has been welcoming guests since 1887.
Located on car-free Mackinac Island, this hotel feels like a preserved dream from the past. Horse-drawn carriages pass by, bicycles line the streets, and the air smells like fudge from the shops downtown.
Inside, you’ll find antique furnishings, massive chandeliers, and one of the most photographed staircases in the country.
The hotel even still enforces dress codes for dinner—jackets for men, dresses or pantsuits for women—which adds to the timeless atmosphere.
Staying at The Grand Hotel isn’t just about comfort. It’s about experiencing the luxury and leisure of a bygone era, all while taking in Lake Huron views that haven’t changed in over a hundred years.
The Hotel Del Coronado – Coronado, California
Built in 1888, the Hotel Del Coronado is one of America’s most iconic beachfront resorts.
With its red turrets, wraparound porches, and palm-lined courtyards, it looks like something out of an old postcard, and that’s exactly how it feels when you step inside.
It’s the kind of place where you can imagine silent film stars sipping lemonade on the veranda.
The hotel has hosted presidents, movie stars, and even royalty.
Its history is layered into every creaky floorboard and glittering chandelier. You can still stroll through the grand lobby, relax on the beach, or grab a cocktail at the same bar where Marilyn Monroe filmed scenes for Some Like It Hot.
Despite modern updates, the Hotel Del Coronado has never lost its charm. It feels like the past is still alive, only with better plumbing.
The Peabody – Memphis, Tennessee
The Peabody Hotel is famous for one unusual reason: ducks. Every day, a parade of trained ducks marches through the lobby, a tradition that started in the 1930s and still draws a crowd.
But that’s not the only reason to visit this Southern landmark.
Opened in 1869 and rebuilt in 1925, The Peabody offers a classic, jazz-era vibe with rich wood interiors, high ceilings, and crystal light fixtures.
It’s been called the “South’s Grand Hotel,” and once you walk through the front doors, it’s easy to see why.
The charm is real, and the sense of history is everywhere. You can sip a drink in the lobby lounge, sit on the mezzanine balcony, or stay in a room that’s seen decades of change without losing its soul.
The Jefferson Hotel – Richmond, Virginia
Opened in 1895, The Jefferson Hotel is as grand as it gets. From its sweeping staircase to the marble columns in the lobby, the building looks like it belongs in a Gilded Age novel.
There’s even a statue of Thomas Jefferson himself, watching over the space like a proud host.
The hotel has been restored with care, preserving its elaborate plasterwork, stained glass ceilings, and hand-carved details. Many of the rooms have been updated for comfort, but the atmosphere remains proudly historic.
It’s the kind of hotel where you half expect to see a bellhop with white gloves or a guest in top hat and tails.
The Jefferson is more than a hotel. It’s a tribute to old-world elegance, and it’s still welcoming travelers more than a century after its doors first opened.
The Brown Palace Hotel – Denver, Colorado
Since 1892, The Brown Palace has been a symbol of elegance in downtown Denver. Its unique triangular shape, open atrium, and ironwork balconies set it apart the moment you walk in.
The stained glass ceiling above the lobby casts a warm glow over the entire space, giving it an almost cathedral-like feel.
This hotel has hosted presidents, royalty, and even The Beatles. It offers afternoon tea with live music, guided historical tours, and guest rooms that blend antique charm with modern comfort.
Many of the original architectural features are still intact, including the grand staircase and intricate tile floors.
When you stay here, it feels less like a hotel and more like a trip through time. The energy is quiet, classy, and unmistakably tied to Denver’s past.
The Omni Grove Park Inn – Asheville, North Carolina
Tucked into the Blue Ridge Mountains, The Omni Grove Park Inn opened in 1913 and was built from granite stones hauled from the surrounding hills.
The massive stone fireplaces, wood-beamed ceilings, and rocking chairs lined up along the porch create a cozy, timeless atmosphere.
This hotel has welcomed a long list of famous guests, including F. Scott Fitzgerald, Eleanor Roosevelt, and multiple U.S. presidents.
The rooms in the original section still carry that early 20th-century lodge charm, while the newer wings honor the history without copying it.
The sunsets from the back terrace are legendary, and so is the spa tucked into the hillside. It’s a mix of rustic luxury and mountain history that still feels authentic to this day.
The Red Lion Inn – Stockbridge, Massachusetts
The Red Lion Inn has been operating since the 18th century, making it one of the oldest inns in the country.
What started as a small tavern in 1773 is now a full-service hotel that has held onto its colonial charm without feeling stuck in the past.
The creaky wooden floors, floral wallpaper, and vintage quilts give it a cozy, homey vibe. Guests can relax in rocking chairs on the porch, explore the antique-filled lobby, or dine by candlelight in a formal dining room that looks like it belongs in a period film.
The inn has burned down, been rebuilt, and even nearly closed for good, but it has always come back.
It’s a place that feels like New England at its most nostalgic, and the fact that you can still book a room here is part of what makes it so special.
The Driskill Hotel – Austin, Texas
Built in 1886, The Driskill is a Texas landmark that combines Southern hospitality with Victorian elegance.
It’s right in the heart of downtown Austin, but when you walk through its doors, you’re transported back to a time of oil barons and cattlemen.
The lobby features marble floors, stained glass, and a grand staircase that has been the site of more than a few political meetings and high-society events.
It’s a favorite for wedding photos, anniversary stays, and even ghost tours, thanks to its long and sometimes spooky past.
Despite being surrounded by modern buildings and music venues, The Driskill has held onto its identity. It doesn’t just look historic—it feels like it, every step of the way.
The Greenbrier – White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia
The Greenbrier has been welcoming guests since 1778, making it one of the oldest resorts in the country.
Originally known for its mineral springs, the hotel became a luxury destination for American elites by the 1800s. It even housed a secret Cold War-era bunker, built to serve as a government relocation site in case of a national emergency.
The interiors are bold and colorful, thanks to designer Dorothy Draper’s signature style. Think floral carpets, grand chandeliers, and sweeping staircases.
The property feels frozen in the best way possible, like a postcard from the 1940s that never got wrinkled.
Despite its massive size and rich history, The Greenbrier still functions like a small-town resort.
You can play lawn games, stroll past white-pillared cottages, or enjoy high tea in a space that has barely changed in decades.
The Parker Guest House – San Francisco, California
This charming hotel is a bit different from the grand resorts and famous lodges, but it’s just as packed with old-school charm.
The Parker Guest House is made up of two historic Edwardian homes from the early 1900s, and stepping inside feels more like entering someone’s well-loved mansion than a commercial hotel.
It’s located in the heart of San Francisco’s Mission District, but the property feels quiet and tucked away. Hardwood floors, vintage furniture, and garden courtyards give it a timeless, cozy vibe.
Guests often find themselves reading in the parlor or enjoying breakfast in rooms filled with antique touches.
The Parker doesn’t have massive ballrooms or gold leaf ceilings. Instead, it offers the kind of relaxed, friendly atmosphere that once defined travel, before everything became sleek and modern.
The Decade You Were Meant For
If you’ve ever chosen a hotel for its creaky floors, velvet furniture, or chandelier-lit lobbies, you might be more in love with the past than you realize.
Take our Decade DNA Quiz to find out which classic American era fits your personality best. It’s fast, fun, and filled with sweet nostalgia.
Meet Your Match. Discover Your Decade DNA. (Your Vintage Roots Are Showing)

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