24 Historic American Inns and B&Bs You Can Actually Stay In

Travelers across the United States often search for experiences that go beyond the ordinary hotel stay. Many historic inns and bed-and-breakfasts have stood for centuries, hosting presidents, writers, and everyday visitors who wanted a taste of old-world charm. These properties blend architectural beauty, fascinating stories, and modern comforts, allowing guests to experience history firsthand. Here are 24 historic American inns and B&Bs you can actually stay in.

The Red Lion Inn – Stockbridge, Massachusetts

The Red Lion Inn in Stockbridge dates back to the 18th century and has welcomed travelers for over 200 years. With its charming white clapboard exterior, wraparound porch, and antique-filled interiors, the inn feels like stepping back into colonial New England. Guests can relax in rocking chairs, sip tea in cozy parlors, and enjoy farm-to-table dining. Its location in the Berkshires also makes it a gateway to art museums, hiking, and classic New England travel experiences.

The Peabody Memphis – Memphis, Tennessee

Originally opened in 1869, The Peabody Memphis is as famous for its historic grandeur as it is for its daily “duck march.” Each day, a procession of ducks waddles through the lobby fountain, a tradition dating back to the 1930s. Guests are treated to opulent rooms and Southern hospitality while being steps from Beale Street’s music scene. Staying here connects travelers to both history and the vibrant culture of Memphis.

The Greenbrier – White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia

The Greenbrier has hosted presidents, royalty, and celebrities since 1778. Known for its mineral springs and grand resort style, this National Historic Landmark once housed a Cold War bunker designed for Congress. Guests can indulge in world-class spa treatments, golf, and Southern fine dining. The property embodies both American history and timeless luxury, making it a favorite stop for those exploring historic inns in the U.S.

The Sagamore – Bolton Landing, New York

Perched on Lake George in the Adirondacks, The Sagamore has been an upscale retreat since the 1880s. Its sweeping lake views, boating opportunities, and Adirondack-style architecture make it an unforgettable destination. The resort has survived fires, renovations, and decades of travelers seeking relaxation. Today, visitors can enjoy both the historic setting and modern amenities like golf courses and spa services.

The Willard InterContinental – Washington, D.C.

Often called the “Residence of Presidents,” The Willard has hosted nearly every U.S. president since Franklin Pierce. Located steps from the White House, this 19th-century hotel has witnessed key historical moments, including the coining of the term “lobbyist.” Guests experience luxurious rooms, ornate architecture, and a deep connection to the nation’s capital. Staying here is like walking through American history while enjoying five-star hospitality.

The Omni Parker House – Boston, Massachusetts

Opened in 1855, the Omni Parker House is America’s longest continuously operating hotel. Known as the birthplace of Boston Cream Pie and Parker House rolls, it has hosted writers like Charles Dickens and Ralph Waldo Emerson. Its rich literary and culinary history makes it a favorite for culture-focused travelers. Guests can immerse themselves in Boston’s history while enjoying a modern, elegant stay.

The Broadmoor – Colorado Springs, Colorado

Since 1918, The Broadmoor has been a luxury escape in the Rocky Mountains. Its Italian Renaissance-style architecture, sprawling grounds, and lake views create a romantic atmosphere. The resort has hosted countless notable figures and offers activities from golf to mountain hiking. Combining history with Colorado’s natural beauty, The Broadmoor remains one of America’s most iconic resorts.

The Hotel del Coronado – Coronado, California

The Hotel del Coronado, affectionately known as “The Del,” opened in 1888 and quickly became a California landmark. Its striking Victorian architecture and beachfront location have drawn celebrities, royalty, and even Marilyn Monroe, who filmed here. Guests today can enjoy oceanfront dining, spa treatments, and breathtaking Pacific sunsets. Staying here feels like reliving California’s golden age of coastal travel.

The Old Waverly Inn – Hendersonville, North Carolina

Dating back to 1898, the Old Waverly Inn is the oldest continuously operating inn in western North Carolina. It has welcomed travelers for generations, providing Southern charm and a restful retreat in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The inn’s antique furnishings and historic ambiance are balanced with modern comforts. Its location makes it ideal for exploring Asheville, wineries, and mountain trails.

The Menger Hotel – San Antonio, Texas

Built in 1859, the Menger Hotel stands just steps from the Alamo. Famous for its Victorian architecture and stories of Teddy Roosevelt recruiting Rough Riders here, the hotel offers a rich blend of history and hospitality. Guests can explore San Antonio’s River Walk after a day spent immersed in Texas history. The Menger remains one of the most historic hotels in the South.

Wentworth by the Sea – New Castle, New Hampshire

Since 1874, Wentworth by the Sea has been a grand New England destination overlooking the Atlantic. The hotel famously hosted diplomats during the Portsmouth Peace Treaty negotiations in 1905. Its turrets and seaside location provide a timeless coastal atmosphere. Guests can enjoy modern luxury while staying in one of New Hampshire’s most storied hotels.

The Jefferson Hotel – Richmond, Virginia

Opened in 1895, The Jefferson Hotel is a Beaux-Arts masterpiece that has hosted 13 U.S. presidents. With its sweeping staircase, stained glass ceilings, and marble columns, it is one of America’s most stunning historic hotels. The hotel has a long tradition of Southern hospitality and fine dining. Staying here offers a blend of Gilded Age elegance and Virginia charm.

The Stanley Hotel – Estes Park, Colorado
 

Famous as the inspiration for Stephen King’s The Shining, the Stanley Hotel opened in 1909. Its Colonial Revival style and mountain setting make it both beautiful and slightly eerie. Guests can take ghost tours, explore Estes Park, or simply enjoy the Rocky Mountain views. The hotel’s haunted reputation adds a unique twist to its historical significance.

The Hawthorne Hotel – Salem, Massachusetts

Since 1925, the Hawthorne Hotel has been a centerpiece of Salem, Massachusetts. Named after author Nathaniel Hawthorne, it reflects the town’s literary and historic roots. Guests staying here are just steps from Salem’s museums, witch trial sites, and harbor. With classic interiors and a rich past, it remains a favorite for travelers exploring New England history.

The Fairmont Le Château Frontenac – Quebec City, Canada

While not in the United States, this castle-like hotel deserves mention for its historic importance to North American travel. Built in 1893, it has hosted dignitaries, royalty, and film productions. Guests enjoy old-world European charm with modern luxury in the heart of Old Quebec. It makes for an unforgettable stop on a broader U.S. and Canada travel itinerary.

The Francis Marion Hotel – Charleston, South Carolina

Opened in 1924, the Francis Marion Hotel overlooks Charleston’s historic district. Named after Revolutionary War hero Francis Marion, it offers timeless Southern elegance. Guests enjoy views of Marion Square, as well as easy access to Charleston’s historic homes and waterfront. Its restored grandeur makes it a landmark of Lowcountry hospitality.

The Thayer Hotel – West Point, New York

Built in 1926, The Thayer Hotel is located on the grounds of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Its Gothic architecture and Hudson River views make it unique among historic inns. Guests can tour West Point or simply enjoy the atmosphere of one of America’s most important military institutions. The hotel combines history, patriotism, and hospitality.

The Union Station Hotel – Nashville, Tennessee

Originally a 1900s train station, the Union Station Hotel is now a luxury property that celebrates its railway past. Its grand lobby with stained glass and soaring arches recalls the golden age of train travel. Guests are close to Nashville’s vibrant music scene while enjoying a historic setting. It’s the perfect blend of cultural history and Southern charm.

The Battle House Renaissance – Mobile, Alabama

Dating back to 1852, the Battle House Hotel has been a centerpiece of Mobile’s social scene. Rebuilt after a fire in 1908, the current structure blends history with modern luxury. Guests can explore the Gulf Coast or simply enjoy the hotel’s spa and Southern cuisine. Its long history makes it one of Alabama’s premier historic inns.

The Inn at Montchanin Village – Delaware

This charming inn is set within a preserved 19th-century village once owned by the DuPont family. Guests stay in restored houses filled with antiques and period touches. The inn’s location makes it ideal for exploring Delaware’s gardens, museums, and historic estates. With its unique setting, it offers an authentic glimpse into early American life.

The Marshall House – Savannah, Georgia

Built in 1851, The Marshall House is Savannah’s oldest hotel. It has served as both a hospital and a gathering place for travelers, carrying a rich and sometimes spooky history. Guests enjoy Southern hospitality, antique furnishings, and easy access to Savannah’s squares. Staying here feels like stepping into Georgia’s antebellum past.

The Hotel Bethlehem – Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

Opened in 1922, this grand hotel stands on the site of an inn dating back to the 1700s. It reflects Bethlehem’s Moravian history and has hosted presidents, celebrities, and community leaders. Guests can explore historic Bethlehem while enjoying elegant accommodations. The hotel remains a symbol of Pennsylvania’s deep cultural roots.

The Inn at Middleton Place – Charleston, South Carolina

This award-winning inn combines modern architecture with the historic setting of Middleton Place Plantation. Guests stay on a property with America’s oldest landscaped gardens, offering a rare combination of history and tranquility. The inn emphasizes eco-friendly hospitality while maintaining connections to Charleston’s past. It’s a peaceful retreat for history lovers.

The 1886 Crescent Hotel – Eureka Springs, Arkansas

Perched high above Eureka Springs, the 1886 Crescent Hotel is famous for its Victorian architecture and haunted reputation. Originally built as a luxury resort, it later served as a hospital before being restored. Guests today enjoy historic tours, spa services, and Ozark Mountain views. Known as “America’s Most Haunted Hotel,” it offers a one-of-a-kind stay.