Historic Hotels of America

Hello, Washington D.C. locals! As residents of a city brimming with history and iconic landmarks, we often find ourselves drawn to places that tell a story. If you're someone who appreciates architectural integrity, a strong sense of place, and a connection to the past, then you absolutely need to know about Historic Hotels of America. This isn't a single hotel you can check into; rather, it's a prestigious program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, headquartered right here in D.C., that identifies and celebrates over 300 of the finest historic hotels across the United States, including our own District of Columbia.

Founded in 1989, Historic Hotels of America is dedicated to promoting heritage tourism and ensuring that these remarkable properties, each at least 50 years old and designated by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior as a National Historic Landmark (or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places), continue to thrive. They are recognized for faithfully maintaining their authenticity, architectural integrity, and unique ambiance. When you choose to stay at or learn about a hotel within this collection, you're not just booking a room; you're stepping into a piece of living history, often with fascinating stories embedded within its walls.

While the program itself isn't a hotel, it acts as a curated guide, a seal of approval if you will, for properties that offer a truly distinct experience. It’s about more than just luxurious amenities; it’s about the soul of a place, the narratives it holds, and the commitment to preservation. As one reviewer aptly put it, there's a certain allure to these historic places – perhaps even a "spell" – that draws you in. It’s about experiencing the blend of modern comforts with an authentic vintage vibe, making history both entertaining and educational.

The central office for Historic Hotels of America is located at 1420 New York Ave NW #200, Washington, DC 20005, USA. This D.C. address places them right in the heart of our city, reflecting their dedication to historic preservation on a national scale, with a strong presence in the capital.

While this address is for the program's headquarters and not a hotel where you can book a room, its location in downtown D.C. is highly accessible. Situated within walking distance of several Metro stations (such as McPherson Square and Metro Center), it’s easy to reach by public transportation for any inquiries or to explore the surrounding area. New York Avenue NW is a major thoroughfare, making it easily navigable whether you're walking, taking a bus, or using a ride-share service. For those visiting the office, various parking garages are available nearby.

From this central D.C. location, Historic Hotels of America serves as a gateway to exploring over 300 historic hotels located in 46 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico. Their website and resources allow you to search for properties based on location, type of experience (e.g., city center, resort, family-friendly), and historical significance, making the entire collection easily accessible for planning unique travel experiences both within D.C. and across the nation.

As a program, Historic Hotels of America offers a range of services designed to connect travelers with exceptional historic properties and to support the broader mission of the National Trust for Historic Preservation:

• Curated Directory and Booking Platform: They provide a comprehensive online directory of over 300 meticulously selected historic hotels, allowing users to easily browse, compare, and book stays at these unique properties.
• Themed Collections: They organize hotels into various themed collections (e.g., City Center, Destination Resorts, Family Fun, Arts, Culture & Museums, Honeymoon & Romance, National Parks, Spa & Retreats, Civil War Battlefields), making it easy to find a hotel that aligns with your specific interests.
• Special Offers and Packages: They feature a dedicated section for promotions and special offers from member hotels, including discounts for National Trust for Historic Preservation members, AAA/AARP/Senior discounts, and themed packages (e.g., romance, spa, golf, history, culinary).
• Educational Content and Stories: Their platform provides rich historical context, stories, and insights into the heritage of member hotels, often detailing their adaptive reuse, significant events, or unique architectural features.
• Awards of Excellence: They recognize outstanding historic hotels and individuals annually through their Awards of Excellence, celebrating achievements in historic preservation and hospitality.
• Membership Benefits: For members of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, exclusive benefits include discounts on best available rates at participating hotels (up to 30% off).
• Newsletter Subscription: "Discover & Explore" e-newsletter provides advance notice of special offers, packages, and insider savings.
• Meeting and Event Planning Resources: Their platform also assists with finding historic venues for meetings, weddings, and other events, showcasing testimonials from satisfied event planners.

The "features and highlights" of Historic Hotels of America lie in the diverse and rich experiences offered by its member properties, as well as the overarching benefits of the program itself:

• Authenticity and Architectural Integrity: Every hotel in the collection has faithfully maintained its historical character, ensuring guests experience a genuine sense of place and time.
• Unique Narratives: Each property comes with its own captivating history, from former luxury ocean liners and train stations to schools, convents, or grand estates where significant historical events unfolded.
• Diverse Experiences: The collection spans a wide range of styles and locations, from grand city center hotels like the Willard InterContinental Washington D.C. to charming inns, expansive resorts with magnificent gardens, and hotels near national parks.
• Exceptional Service: While individual hotel service varies, the selection process emphasizes properties that provide outstanding hospitality, often noted for their attentive and professional staff.
• Adaptive Reuse Celebrations: Many featured hotels showcase incredible adaptive reuse projects, transforming historic buildings into modern accommodations while preserving their timeless charm.
• Support for Preservation: By choosing to book through Historic Hotels of America, guests directly contribute to the National Trust for Historic Preservation's mission of saving historic places.
• Access to Iconic D.C. Properties: The program includes several of D.C.'s most beloved and historically significant hotels, offering locals and visitors a chance to delve into the capital's past.

Historic Hotels of America frequently features various promotions and special offers from its member hotels across the country. These promotions are designed to encourage stays and highlight the unique experiences offered by historic properties. While specific deals rotate, here are common types of offers you might find:

• National Trust Member Discounts: Members of the National Trust for Historic Preservation can often receive exclusive discounts, sometimes up to 30% off the best available rates, by booking directly through HistoricHotels.org and using a special rate code like "NHP" where applicable.
• AAA/AARP/Senior Member Discounts: Many participating hotels offer special rates for AAA, AARP, and senior members.
• Themed Packages: Look for packages tailored to specific interests, such as "Romance Packages," "Spa Packages," "Golf Packages," "Arts, Culture & Museums Packages," and "History Packages," which often include accommodations along with unique tours or events.
• Seasonal and City Spotlight Packages: Special offers tied to specific seasons or highlighting hotels in particular cities, like D.C., encourage exploration and visits during various times of the year.
• Newsletter-Exclusive Savings: Signing up for their "Discover & Explore" e-newsletter can provide advance notice of insider savings, often ranging from 10% to 30% off Best Available Rates at selected hotels.

It is always recommended to visit the "Special Offers" section of the Historic Hotels of America website (historichotels.org) or call them directly for the most current and specific promotions applicable to your desired dates and destinations.

For direct inquiries or to learn more about the program:

Address: 1420 New York Ave NW #200, Washington, DC 20005, USA

Phone: (202) 772-8000

Mobile Phone: +1 202-772-8000

You can also explore their extensive website, HistoricHotels.org, which serves as the primary resource for discovering and booking stays at their member properties.

For us, the residents of Washington D.C., Historic Hotels of America is a fantastic resource that enriches our appreciation for our city's heritage and offers unique opportunities. Firstly, it provides an invaluable guide for recommending truly special accommodations to out-of-town guests. Instead of a generic chain hotel, you can suggest a historic property that offers character, a story, and a deeper connection to the place they are visiting. D.C. boasts several esteemed members of Historic Hotels of America, such as the Willard InterContinental Washington, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the capital's past.

Beyond hosting guests, this program is also perfect for D.C. locals looking for an enriching "staycation" experience. Why travel far when you can explore the rich history right in your backyard? Whether it's a romantic getaway, a family adventure, or a solo trip focusing on history or culture, opting for a Historic Hotel of America property within the District or in a nearby state offers a refreshing change of pace. You can discover hidden architectural gems, enjoy unique culinary experiences, and simply immerse yourself in a bygone era, all while supporting the vital work of historic preservation. The "spell scary but I love it" review, while brief, hints at the intriguing and often captivating atmosphere these historical places possess, making them a fascinating choice for anyone desiring more than just a bed for the night. It's about connecting with the stories and the soul of a place, something we, as D.C. residents, inherently understand and value.