From hosting presidents and celebrities to surviving wars and Prohibition, America’s historic hotels are more than just places to rest your head—they’re living witnesses to centuries of transformation. These iconic stays offer a front-row seat to the stories that helped shape the nation, each hall and suite whispering tales of grandeur, mystery, and resilience.

1. The Peabody Memphis – Where Ducks Rule the Lobby

Opened in 1869, The Peabody is perhaps best known for its famous marching ducks that waddle through the grand lobby daily. But behind the quirky tradition lies a deeper story of Southern hospitality and survival—having weathered economic downturns and even a brief closure before roaring back to life. It’s hosted presidents and rock legends, all while maintaining its place as a Memphis cultural icon.

2. Hotel del Coronado – A Victorian Marvel by the Sea

Built in 1888, this beachfront hotel in California has welcomed everyone from Marilyn Monroe to King Edward VIII. Known for its red-roofed turrets and timeless elegance, the “Del” is also steeped in lore—especially tales of ghostly guests. With its Gilded Age roots and movie-star clientele, this National Historic Landmark has long blended luxury with legend.

3. The Plaza Hotel – New York’s Crown Jewel

Since 1907, The Plaza has stood proudly at the corner of Fifth Avenue and Central Park South, welcoming high society, Hollywood films, and political drama alike. From the fictional escapades of Eloise to Truman Capote’s legendary Black and White Ball, the hotel has witnessed it all—and continues to embody timeless New York elegance.

4. The Omni Parker House – Boston’s Literary Legacy

Established in 1855, this Boston gem is America’s oldest hotel still in continuous operation. It’s the birthplace of the Boston Cream Pie and a gathering place for literary greats such as Charles Dickens and Ralph Waldo Emerson. Connected to JFK and notable historic speeches, the Omni Parker House stands as both a cultural icon and a luxury retreat.

5. The Greenbrier – Bunker Beneath the Beauty

Located in West Virginia since 1778, The Greenbrier has welcomed royalty and presidents, and even functioned as a secret Cold War fallout shelter for Congress. Behind its stately façade lies a hidden bunker that wasn’t revealed to the public until the 1990s. With its blend of opulence and covert history, this resort tells tales both elegant and extraordinary.

6. Hotel Monteleone – The French Quarter’s Literary Darling

In the heart of New Orleans, Hotel Monteleone has been a family-owned fixture since 1886. A favorite haunt of writers like Tennessee Williams and Ernest Hemingway, its revolving Carousel Bar is legendary. With its mix of Southern charm, literary legacy, and ghostly folklore, this hotel captures the soul of the Crescent City.

7. The Drake Hotel – Glamour and Grit in Chicago

Since opening in 1920, The Drake has hosted dignitaries, debutantes, and wartime codebreakers. Overlooking Lake Michigan, it’s seen Chicago through its Roaring Twenties heyday, Prohibition, and World War II. The Palm Court’s high tea and the legendary Cape Cod Room are just a few of the spots steeped in old-school glam.

8. The Stanley Hotel – Inspiration for the Paranormal

Since 1909, The Stanley, framed by the majestic Colorado Rockies, has been sparking imaginations. Its grand architecture and ghost stories inspired Stephen King’s The Shining, giving it a reputation for paranormal activity. Beyond the eerie charm, the hotel’s early adoption of electricity and modern luxuries mark it as a marvel of its time.

9. Waldorf Astoria – A New York Powerhouse

First opened in 1893 and rebuilt at its present Park Avenue address in 1931, the Waldorf Astoria has become synonymous with luxury. It pioneered room service and hosted notable figures such as Cole Porter and every U.S. president from Hoover through Obama. Its Art Deco style and exclusive suites stand as enduring symbols of Manhattan’s elegance.

10. The Jefferson Hotel – Richmond’s Southern Grandeur

Opened in 1895, The Jefferson in Richmond, Virginia, boasts Beaux-Arts architecture and a history rich in Southern tradition. Legend has it that alligators once lounged in its marble fountain, and the grand staircase inspired cinematic royalty. The hotel has hosted 13 U.S. presidents, surviving fires and wars while maintaining its stately grace.