American History goes down easy with a roaring fire, beer on tap, outrageously good meals and a comfy-cozy bed at night. Or while savoring rapturous water views and food for thought.
The following Historic Hotels and experiences allow you to step back in time within the halls and cabins of our nation’s builders and strivers.
Stay overnight where the spirits of those who fought in the American Revolution, fended off hostile neighbors, shipped felled trees, instituted a summer camp for intellectuals, and more, can still be felt.
Best Historic Hotels Northeast US
Colonial Inn (1716)–Concord MA
For travelers seeking an authentic American History overnight, there’s no better place to bed down in Concord Massachusetts than Concord’s Colonial Inn and Tavern, which was standing here on the first day of the American Revolutionary War.
The oldest of the inn’s original three structures, now the front desk and gift shop, dates back to 1716. It was an arms and provisions storehouse for the local militia, most likely accessed for the “Shot Heard Around the World,” that happened less than a mile away.
Red Fox Inn and Tavern (1726)–Middleburg VA
The Red Fox Inn is one of the oldest and finest inns in the country – established in 1728. So it’s not hard to imagine Bold Faced Names like Elizabeth Taylor and Jackie Kennedy overnighting here during fox-hunting seasons long ago. While the restaurant and several rooms are located right on Main Street, most guest rooms are scattered in cottages a block from the busy intersection – where you can stay quietly in lap-of-horse-country luxury.
Red Lion Inn (1773) – Stockbridge MA
The Red Lion first opened in 1773 in Stockbridge MA as a rough and tumble stage coach stop. It then evolved into a way-station for prosperous sojourners. If original sloping floors could talk, they’d tell of the tens of thousands of guests who have wandered down these mazelike hallways filled with enough art, including that of hometown hero, Norman Rockwell’s, to make historians and museum-goers giddy.
Griswold Inn (1776)–Essex CT
Before the ink was dry on our Declaration of Independence, and while American’s first warship, the Oliver Cromwell was launched down the street in June 1776, the Griswold Inn, known locally as “The Gris,” welcomed its first guest.
It is one of the oldest continuously operating inns in the United States, and has been in the hands of only six owners in 249 years. Rooms are beautifully redone, burnished wood floors, area rugs, four-poster beds and nautical art.
Bent’s Opera House (1865) – Medina NY
In 1865, Don Carlos Bent built the most opulent structure between Rochester and Buffalo in order to serve the entertainment needs of Medina NY – an Erie Canal town. As the town’s Opera House, (as performance halls were called in 1800’s remote towns), Bent’s place saw celebrity lecturers and performers, concerts, and rallies. This repurposed hotel is a knockout from head to toe, a shining star in a tiny town, and totally unexpected. Jaded globe trotters, and artsy people looking for a romantic getaway, staycation, or just a luxury overnight while biking the Erie Canal path will love it.
Schooner Stephen Taber (1871)-Sails from Rockland ME
OK, so the Windjammer Stephen Taber is not a “hotel” – per se. But it is a Lodging of sorts – and a National Historic Landmark.
The 115 ft. schooner was built in Glen Head, Long Island NY in 1871 (“when Grant was President”). It hauled lumber and other natural resources from Maine islands to the mainland.
Owner/Captain Noah Barnes resists modern updates, like an inboard engine. Thus, The Schooner Stephen Taber is the oldest most authentic documented vessel in continuous service in the US. The experience of sailing for 5 – 7 days around these undeveloped islands, complete with onboard 5-star dining and wine pairing, is transformative.
Adelphi Hotel (1877)– Saratoga Springs NY
First built in 1877 as a 100-room hotel, the Adelphi Hotel Saratoga was a town landmark in the early days of thoroughbred racing, when the Saratoga Racetrack drew thousands of well-heeled visitors to town. After a recent gut renovation, the Adelphi shines once again, with classy, luxurious rooms, and some intriquing stories.
Athenaeum Hotel, Chautauqua Institution (1881)–Chautauqua NY
Originally, the Chautauqua Institution served as a retreat from “everyday life” for Methodist Sunday School teachers Since then, this 9-week-long summer learning/recreational village has grown into a multi-faith lakefront resort, with fine and performing arts, classical and rock concerts, lectures by stellar politicians, scientists, academics, religious figures, and visionaries, movies, recreation, and so much more.
Stay in history at the 1881 Athenaeum Hotel. While checking in, note the room occupancy board behind the reception desk installed by light bulb inventor, Thomas Alva Edison. Edison married Mina Miller, daughter of a Chautauqua Founder, Lewis Miller. A devoted son-in-law, Edison was personally involved with the Institution.
Deerfield Inn (1884)–Historic Deerfield MA
The Deerfield Inn, first opened in late 1800’s to lodge parents of Deerfield Academy Students, continues to update and refresh rooms. All without messing with its charming Colonial atmosphere.
If you intend to explore the homes and museums of Historic Deerfield, why restrict your trip to just one day? This historic hotel is the opportune place to luxuriate overnight. Right across the street from the Visitor’s Center, you can have a leisurely breakfast and get there exactly when it opens at 9:30am.
Hawthorne Hotel (1925)–Salem MA
Back in 1925, Salem MA required a hotel swanky enough for clients of the Hy-Grade Electric Co. (which became Sylvania). The resulting Hawthorne Hotel, built by money raised raised by Public Stock Offering, is now a member of Historic Hotels of America.
You’ll find brass chandeliers, flat screen TV’s and luxury bedding in antique-filled rooms. In the morning, soft classical music plays while you sip coffee on overstuffed lobby chairs.
