Historic landmarks take you back in time, allowing you to experience history in an unforgettable way. When that landmark is a hotel, your experience is even more hands on. Some of the nation’s oldest hotels still welcome guests, giving you an opportunity to stay in suites where visitors have been staying for hundreds of years. These hotels may boast the rich architectural details of a historic building, but they also offer modern amenities to keep guests comfortable throughout their stay. If you’re hitting the road in an RV rental, consider adding a visit to some of the oldest hotels in the United States to your itinerary.
1.. The Omni Homestead Resort, Hot Springs, VA
Set amid 2,000 acres of scenic Virginia landscape, The Omni Homestead Resort has been in business since 1766. Captain Charles Bullit built the original hotel during the French and Indian War using a land grant. Since then, this hotel, located in Hot Springs, VA, has welcomed 23 U.S. presidents. In 1901, the resort caught fire, which required a rebuild of many of its spaces, which took just a year before its reopening. Over the years, The Omni has evolved and expanded into the luxury resort it is today.
Two hot springs flow onto The Omni’s property. Its springs fuel the 2-acre waterpark on site, which features water slides, a lazy river, and sandy beach. The hotel has 483 guest rooms, 26 meeting rooms, two 18-hole golf courses, a zipline tour, and spa. WIth so many amenities, this historic hotel isn’t just a place to sleep; it’s a place to vacation.
- Beekman Arms and Delamater Inn, Rhinebeck, NY
Located in New York’s Hudson Valley, the Beekman Arms and Delamater Inn first opened in 1766. Since its opening, this hotel has hosted many notable dignitaries, including the U.S.’ first president, George Washington. Aaron Burr, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, and Nelson Rockefeller were other guests.
The Beekman Arms and Delamater Inn has stayed open continuously since 1766 and has retained much of its colonial charm and character. However, over the years, it has developed modern amenities that keep guests coming back. Different buildings offer charming accommodations with private bathrooms, along with televisions and telephones. A decanter of sherry is added to each guest room. The Colonial Tap Room, the hotel’s on-site restaurant, serves as a spot where guests can gather, socialize, and dine. For a historic visit to the Hudson Valley in your RV rental, look no further than the Beekman Arms and Delamater Inn.
- Admiral Fell Inn, Baltimore, MD
Located in Baltimore’s historic Fell’s Point neighborhood, the Admiral Fell Inn has been welcoming guests since 1770. This property includes 80 rooms spread across seven adjoining buildings. Giving visitors convenient access to Fell’s Point Island, this hotel offers waterfront views. In early 1900, the hotel became a spot where visiting sailors would stay. In the 1980s and 1990s, the inn underwent major renovations, leading to the hotel guests enjoy today.
The modern-day Admiral Fell Inn features European-style furnishings with WiFi and flat-screen TVs. Two on-site restaurants boast both Latin and American cuisine. Versatile event spaces make this inn attractive for meetings, corporate gatherings, and weddings. If Baltimore is on your road-trip radar, a visit to historic Admiral Fell Inn is in order.
- The Red Lion Inn, Stockbridge, MA
The Red Lion Inn dates back more than 200 years, boasting a history that aligns with the development of the U.S. What began during the Revolutionary era as a general store and stagecoach shop has evolved into one of the nation’s oldest hotels. As a result, history buffs will enjoy visiting this New England inn, located in Stockbridge, Massachusetts.
Since 1773, The Red Lion Inn has grown, developed, closed, and reopened. Owners have changed, but the historic feel of the inn has not. Today, The Red Lion Inn offers an array of individually decorated guest rooms, filled with antique pieces that honor the history of the inn. Each room boasts its own character and charm. Guests can stay in the main inn or on several guest houses on site. Amenities abound at this hotel. Dine at the on-site restaurant, enjoy a massage at the spa, get your heart racing in the fitness center, or take a swim in the pool or relax in the hot tub. The Quiet Library and Reading Room offers a quaint historic touch indicative of this inn’s rich history.
- Inn at Willow Grove, Orange, VA
The Inn at Willow Grove in Orange, Virginia, first opened in 1778. This manor house sits in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering a picturesque scenery for guests. The Inn at Willow Grove enjoyed a significant renovation and expansion in recent years, modernizing this historic space. In 2017, the inn added two creekside cottages, complete with 10 luxury rooms and suites. The Mill House Spa includes a fitness center, spa, and heated pool. The on-site Vintage Restaurant offers American cuisine with a twist, making it a must-dine during your stay.
Pack up the RV and take your RV rental to one of America’s oldest hotels. These hotels, situated on the East Coast, honor the history of the space while offering the modern amenities guests expect. As a result, you can enjoy a luxurious stay set in a quaint setting that honors historic America.
