| Many tourists only think of their hotel as a place to lay their heads after a hard day of adventuring. For fans of historic hotels, though, the hotel itself is actually part of the adventure.
Amazing architecture, a unique setting and close ties to famous figures from the past are only a few reasons why so many people seek out a historic hotel whenever they travel. Forget the beige carpet and the mass-produced art on the walls - these are buildings with just as much personality and character as the guests who have filled their rooms for decades or more.
The Algonquin Hotel
Opened in 1902, The Algonquin was a haven for numerous celebrities in its early years including Douglas Fairbanks, H.L. Mencken, Dorothy Parker and William Faulkner. Just minutes from Times Square, the hotel provides a restful retreat from New York's hustle and bustle despite its prime location. An extensive renovation in 2004 brought in modern advancements such as high-speed Internet and plasma screen TVs, but the Algonquin's classic elegance remains untouched. Contact: 59 West 44th St, New York, NY 10036, 888.304.2047, www.thealgonquin.net
Black Point Inn
Ever since 1878 the Black Point Inn has been charming visitors with its cozy antique-filled rooms and old world sophistication. Each guest room is uniquely decorated, offering themes to suit every fancy such as the Music Room, the Library and the Sun Porch. Guests are invited to warm themselves by the fire in the lobby, play a game of chess in comfortable armchairs overlooking the ocean, or wander the same ruggedly beautiful grounds that inspired painter Winslow Homer when he was a guest. Contact: 510 Black Point Rd, Prouts Neck, ME 04074, 800.258.0003, www.blackpointinn.com
Casa Marina
The timing of the Casa Marina's opening couldn't have been better; it was 1924 and Jacksonville Beach was the trendy new hot spot on the Florida coast, drawing US Presidents, British royalty, and celebrities as diverse as John D. Rockefeller and Al Capone. Rumor has it that everyone who was anyone chose the Casa Marina for their lodgings, lured by its romantic Spanish-Mediterranean charm. Even after a careful renovation, the hotel still reflects the mindset of The Roaring 20's with its fun-loving spirit of casual elegance. Contact: 691 N First St, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250, 904.270.0025, www.casamarinahotel.com
The Davenport Hotel
It's hard to believe that such a lavish hotel was practically in ruins just five short years ago. Originally opened in 1914, the popular Davenport was recently given a $38 million facelift and reopened in 2002 to thunderous applause. Its majestic ballrooms and grand lobby are like rooms lifted from a European castle, drawing modern-day tourists the same way the hotel attracted guests such as Clark Gable and Benny Goodman back in its glory years. The Davenport's other claim to fame is that it was the first hotel in the USA with air conditioning. Contact: 10 South Post St, Spokane, WA 99201, 509.455.8888, www.thedavenporthotel.com
The Driskill
Opened by cattle baron Jesse Driskill in 1886, this hotel is a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture and Victorian design. The expansive lobby's arched windows, marble floors and dazzling stained-glass dome give visitors an immediate taste of the luxury they can expect during their stay. Guest rooms offer all the plush amenities of a modern hotel while still retaining a classic Western feel. 13 unique suites, including the Cattle Baron Suite and the Yellow Rose Bridal Suite, take the old west theme to even higher levels. Contact: 604 Brazos St, Austin, TX 78701, 800.252.9367, www.driskillhotel.com
El Tovar
Stepping inside the lobby of the El Tovar, it's easy to imagine that you're back in 1905 when the hotel first opened its doors. The décor strives for the feel of a European hunting lodge with plenty of wood, stone and animal heads adorning the walls. Guests such as Teddy Roosevelt and Albert Einstein were drawn to the El Tovar not only for its luxury accommodations but also for its location, perched right on the rim of the Grand Canyon. Renovations over the years have reduced the size of some guest rooms, but the location and views simply can't be beat. Contact: c/o Xanterra Parks & Resorts, 10 Albright St, Grand Canyon, AZ 86023, 928.638.2631, www.grandcanyonlodges.com
Hotel Del Coronado
Some hotels attract celebrities, but the Del Coronado can actually claim to be a movie star itself. The Marilyn Monroe classic Some Like It Hot was filmed here in 1958 and the hotel has starred in other films as well. Since 1888, ten US Presidents, Babe Ruth, Thomas Edison and many others have come to enjoy the Del Coronado's stunning ocean views and Victorian charm. Contact: 1500 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA 92118, 800.HOTELDEL, www.hoteldel.com
Hotel Jerome
Nestled among the snowy mountains of Aspen, the Hotel Jerome provides a luxurious base for exploring one of America's most fashionable ski resorts. Built in 1889, the hotel has hosted a countless stream of celebrities who come to Aspen for its boutiques, restaurants and famous ski runs. A combination of rustic mountain elegance and modern amenities makes for an unforgettable visit. Contact: 330 East Main St, Aspen, CO 81611, 800.331.7213, www.hoteljerome.com
The Jefferson Hotel
It's hard to keep track of all the celebrities who have stayed at the Jefferson over the years but they include 11 US Presidents, Sir Edmund Hillary, F. Scott Fitzgerald and too many actors and actresses to name. Since 1895 the hotel has attracted the rich, the famous and even the not-so-famous with its stunning architecture including a 36-step carpeted marble staircase strikingly similar to the one featured in the film Gone With the Wind. Contact: 101 W Franklin St, Richmond, VA 23220, 800.424.8014, www.jefferson-hotel.com
River Street Inn
You may wonder why a hotel less than 20 years old made this list, but the River Street Inn's history actually goes back much further than that. The building itself dates from 1817 when it was used as a cotton storage facility and the bridges, narrow alleys and other architectural peculiarities which gave the cotton graders access to their wares now add a unique touch to an already fascinating building. The view of the nearby Savannah River adds even more charm. Contact: 124 E Bay St, Savannah, GA 31401, 912.234.6400, www.riverstreetinn.com
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