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15 Iconic U.S. Hotels That Were a Part of American History  

William Henry Jackson/Wikipedia  

Some hotels are more than just a place to rest your head—they’ve become legendary for the roles they’ve played in shaping American history. Their walls have borne witness to pivotal moments, and their luxurious rooms have been the stomping grounds of presidents, royalty, and cultural icons. Let’s look into 15 of America’s most iconic hotels, where luxury meets history.  

The Waldorf Astoria: New York, New York  

Waldorf Astoria New York/Yelp  

Opened in 1893, this Manhattan luxury hotel was the first to offer room service, forever changing the hospitality industry. It’s been the backdrop for diplomatic events, political negotiations, and celebrity visits. President Herbert Hoover even lived here, and its grand ballroom has hosted countless historical events. It remains a pillar of New York City’s elite culture.  

The Peabody Hotel: Memphis, Tennessee  

Airtuna08/Wikimedia Commons  

Famous for its daily “duck march,” The Peabody in Memphis has been hosting dignitaries and celebrities since 1869. The hotel’s long-standing tradition of marching ducks to its fountain every day became a cultural icon. Beyond that quirky charm, The Peabody is where Elvis Presley signed his first recording contract, adding to its rich legacy.  

Hotel del Coronado: Coronado, California  

Armandoartist/Wikipedia  

Dating back to 1888, this hotel is one of America’s largest wooden buildings and a National Historic Landmark. During WWII, this hotel acted as a shelter for a number of pilots training under the North Island Naval Air Station. Its Victorian architecture and beachfront views have attracted celebrities, royalty, and even U.S. presidents.  

The Plaza Hotel: New York, New York  

Paweł Marynowski/Wikimedia Commons  

This hotel is an iconic symbol of New York City, appearing in films like Home Alone 2 and The Great Gatsby. Opened in 1907, it has hosted world leaders, royalty, and celebrities and has been the venue for major social events, including Truman Capote’s legendary Black and White Ball.  

The Palmer House: Chicago, Illinois  

John Walker/Teemu008/Wikipedia  

The Palmer House in Chicago is the longest continuously operating hotel in America. Built in 1871, just a few days before the Great Chicago Fire, it rose from the ashes with an even grander design. It’s also where the famous chocolate brownie was first created, making it a culinary landmark.  

The Greenbrier: White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia

Carol M. Highsmith/Wikipedia  

The Greenbrier is a luxury resort and a significant historical landmark. Known for its Southern charm, this hotel secretly housed an underground bunker named “Project Greek Island,” intended to shelter members of Congress during the Cold War. The bunker was declassified in the 1990s, revealing one of the best-kept secrets in U.S. history.  

The Drake Hotel: Chicago, Illinois  

Ken Lund/Wikipedia  

The Drake Hotel opened in 1920 and is famous for its glamorous history and high-profile guests, including Winston Churchill, Princess Diana, and Frank Sinatra. It’s also been a set in many movies. Located at the top of the Magnificent Mile, The Drake exudes class and remains one of the city’s most historic luxury hotels.  

The Jefferson Hotel: Richmond, Virginia  

Anfon Ha/Mentes at English Wikipedia

Since 1895, The Jefferson Hotel has been an architectural gem in Richmond. Known for its grand staircase, rumored to be the inspiration for Gone With the Wind’s famous stairwell scene, the hotel has welcomed numerous U.S. presidents and celebrities. Its historical significance extends to its role during WWII when it provided shelter for more than a hundred occupants.  

Fairmont San Francisco: San Francisco, California 

Supercarwaar/Wikipedia  

This hotel, built in 1907, stands tall as a symbol of San Francisco’s resilience following the great earthquake and fire. It’s where the United Nations Charter was drafted in 1945, securing its place in global history. The Fairmont has hosted everyone from foreign dignitaries to the Hollywood elite, and this adds to its illustrious reputation.  

The Roosevelt Hotel: New Orleans, Louisiana  

Lisa S./Yelp  – Infrogmation/Wikipedia  

Since 1893, The Roosevelt has been a cultural and political hub in New Orleans. With a blend of Southern elegance and history, it has hosted a number of U.S. presidents since its opening and is famous for its Sazerac Bar, where the iconic cocktail was popularized. This hotel remains a must-visit spot for anyone interested in Louisiana’s history.  

The Willard InterContinental: Washington, D.C.  

AgnosticPreachersKid/Wikipedia  

Known as the “Residence of Presidents,” The Willard InterContinental has been the site of significant historical events. Abraham Lincoln stayed here before his inauguration, and Martin Jr. penned his famous “I Have a Dream” speech within its walls. Situated just steps from the White House, this hotel is a key player in American political history.  

The Omni Parker House: Boston, Massachusetts 

Kimberly Vardeman/Wikipedia  

Opened in 1855, The Omni Parker House is the oldest continuously operating hotel in the U.S. This Boston institution introduced the world to Boston cream pie and Parker House rolls, and it has hosted literary icons like Charles Dickens and Ralph Waldo Emerson. Its deep connection to American literary history makes it a cultural landmark.  

The Hermitage Hotel: Nashville, Tennessee  

Adam Jones/Wikipedia

Opened in 1910, The Hermitage Hotel has been Nashville’s most grand hotel, hosting political leaders, celebrities, and musicians. Known for its stunning Beaux-Arts architecture, the hotel was an important part of the suffrage movement, serving as headquarters for both pro- and anti-suffrage forces during the Tennessee vote for the 19th Amendment.  

The Biltmore: Coral Gables, Florida  

Ebyabe/Wikipedia

The Biltmore is famous for its Mediterranean architecture, which was a magnet for celebrities and politicians when it opened in 1926. It became a makeshift hospital during WWII. However, soon after, it was rebuilt and restored to its former glory, offering unparalleled luxury and history in one of Florida’s most affluent areas.

The Knickerbocker Hotel: New York, New York

ajay_suresh/Wikipedia – The Knickerbocker/Yelp

This Beaux-Arts masterpiece opened in 1906 and quickly became a playground for New York’s elite. The hotel is said to be where the original martini was invented and has been a part of many historical events, which include serving as the residence of famous figures like F. Scott Fitzgerald.

Written by Castillo Rancon

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