Historic Lodgings

Roughly 1,300 of AAA’s 31,000 approved and Diamond-rated lodgings are designated as historic. Those in the U.S. must meet at least one of the following criteria: maintain integrity of historic nature, be listed on National Register of Historic Places, be designated as a National Historic Landmark, or be located in a National Register Historic District. These properties are typically more than 75 years of age and exhibit historic architecture, design, furnishings, public record or acclaim.

Here’s a sampling of historic lodgings identified by AAA inspectors as their personal favorites—hotels that may have offered more than a century of respite for legendary authors, presidents, actors and ordinary travelers.

> The Broadmoor
> Brown Palace Hotel and Spa
> The Chateau At The Oregon Caves
> Columbia City Hotel
> Grand Hotel
> The Hermitage Hotel
> The Settlers Inn at Bingham Park
> Sir Francis Drake Hotel
> West Baden Springs Hotel
> The Wort Hotel

The Broadmoor
Colorado Springs, Colo., AAA Five-Diamond Rated - Book through AAA.com

The Broadmoor

This 1918 resort hotel at the foot of Cheyenne Mountain combines Old World and modern elegance. The distinguished property is one of the few to have maintained its AAA Five Diamond Rating every year since the inception of the rating process. Nestled against the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains, guests enjoy wandering the grounds before or after dining in one of the Broadmoor’s many restaurants. The service at the Broadmoor is unequalled—even the most jaded traveler will be won over by the charming, attentive staff.

Brown Palace Hotel and Spa
Denver, Colo., AAA Four-Diamond Rated - Book through AAA.com

This elegant, triangular-shaped hotel in downtown Denver has maintained its status as an elite accommodation since it opened its doors in 1892. The Brown Palace Club served as the campaign headquarters for Dwight D. Eisenhower prior to his election as president.

Most guests are unaware that a secret tunnel runs under the hotel. This tunnel used to connect the Brown Palace with a brothel and gambling house across the street, allowing wealthy Victorians to discreetly partake in these scandalous activities.

Four suites are named for their famous residents: The Beatles Suite, Eisenhower Suite, Reagan Suite and Teddy Roosevelt Suite. While practicing golf in his room, President Eisenhower hit a wayward golf ball and made a dent in the fireplace mantel that remains in the Eisenhower Suite.

Today, this hotel is known for its spa, restaurants and decadent tea service. Those short on time or money can stop into the newsstand to buy a few of the Brown’s famous almond paste macaroon cookies.

The Chateau At The Oregon Caves
Cave Junction, Ore., AAA Two-Diamond Rated - Book through AAA.com

A scenic mountain setting, large stone fireplace and rustic, no-frills guest rooms add flavor to this historic lodge, which sits about 20 miles from Cave Junction up a winding road full of hairpin curves. The six-story lodge is tucked in a narrow ravine at the mouth of the Oregon Caves. It still has most of its original siding of shaggy cedar bark, and straddles an underground stream that flows from the caves and through the main dining room.

The lodge features a large public lobby with a roaring fire where guests and day trippers can enjoy a glass of local Pinot Noir, or perhaps a handmade ice cream shake from the rustic, original 1930s lunch counter. The lobby and many of the guest rooms have historic Monterey furniture. With the absence of telephones and televisions, and very limited cell phone reception, this is a great place to get away, relax and listen to the wind as it rustles through the towering trees.

Columbia City Hotel
Columbia, Calif., AAA Two-Diamond Rated - Book through AAA.com

Restoration has preserved many authentic touches at this 1856 bed and breakfast. Located in the center of the historic state park, the hotel is just steps away from history walks, live theater and gold panning. Also nearby are a museum, stage coach rides, a blacksmith shop, fire station and an old-fashioned candy store where they make hand-dipped chocolates.

The hotel reflects an era long gone. While heating, air conditioning and indoor plumbing have been added, the rooms do not have full bathrooms (showers are down the hall) and the hotel is unsuitable for disabled guests. Rooms are as authentic as possible, furnished with Victorian antiques and wall coverings. A restaurant and full-service bar are on the premises. Elizabeth, the hotel’s ghost, is said to roam the corridors in the evening.

Grand Hotel
Mackinac Island, Mich., AAA Four-Diamond Rated - Book through AAA.com

Opened in 1887, the Grand Hotel is located high on a bluff on Michigan’s historic Mackinac Island. Resort guests enjoy an exceptional view of the Straits of Mackinac from the hotel’s famous 660-foot porch. In 1895, Mark Twain lectured in the Grand Hotel Casino, when admission was one dollar. Horse and carriage, walking and bicycles are the only forms of transportation permitted on the island, which is rich with historic sites including Fort Mackinac.

The Hermitage Hotel
Nashville, Tenn., AAA Five-Diamond Rated - Book through AAA.com

The Hermitage Hotel, named after Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage estate, opened its doors in 1910. As Nashville’s first million-dollar hotel, it was a gathering place for city socialites and a frequent stop for prominent figures including presidents, actresses, war heroes and gangsters. For years, the hotel served as the headquarters of the state Democratic Party. At one time the famous pool legend Minnesota Fats had his own table on the Mezzanine above the lobby. The hotel features Italian Sienna marble floors, a beautiful vaulted ceiling, and Russian walnut-covered walls.

The Settlers Inn at Bingham Park
Hawley, Pa., AAA Four-Diamond Rated - Book through AAA.com

Located in the lake region of the Poconos, the inn was built in 1927 and has been beautifully restored in the English arts and crafts tradition. Guest rooms are furnished with an eclectic blend of antiques, stained-glass lamps, luxury bedding and modern amenities. A terrace overlooks the herb garden, and guests can stroll along the banks of the Lackawaxen River. The inn’s AAA Four Diamond “farm to table” restaurant features quality ingredients from local farms, and its wine list has been granted Wine Spectator magazine’s Award of Excellence for the past seven years

Sir Francis Drake Hotel
San Francisco, Calif., AAA Three-Diamond Rated - Book through AAA.com

Located just steps from Union Square on the Powell Street Cable Car line, this grand dame has a colorful past. Opened in 1928 for the pricey sum of $5 million, the Sir Francis Drake offered impressive innovations such as an indoor golf course, ice water on tap and radios in every guest room. It was owned at one time by Conrad Hilton, and stars like Elizabeth Taylor graced the hotel. During wartime the military blocked rooms for soldiers. Currently, it is one of the most popular hotels for wedding groups, and one of the last hotels that still offers rooftop dancing.

West Baden Springs Hotel
West Baden Springs, Ind., AAA Four-Diamond Rated - Book through AAA.com

Guests drive along a red brick pathway winding through the hotel’s beautiful gardens before reaching a huge domed area, which has been restored to its original grandeur. This resort was called “The Eighth Wonder of the World” when it first opened in 1902, due to either the huge domed building or the resort’s mineral baths, said to cure many ailments. The building laid claim to the largest free-spanning dome in the United States until 1963 and the largest in the world from 1902–1913.

The Wort Hotel
Jackson, Wyo., AAA Four-Diamond Rated - Book through AAA.com

Dancing at the Wort’s Silver Dollar Bar

This hotel officially opened in 1941 with original construction costs estimated at $90,000. In 1950, the famous Silver Dollar Bar was added, using 2,032 uncirculated silver dollars from the Federal Reserve in Denver. Although gambling has always been illegal in Wyoming, it was tolerated for years in resort areas and the hotel had gambling from its opening until the 1950s. The hotel exudes Western elegance, from original paintings by famous Western artists to leather couches and chairs in the lobby. Located in the center of Jackson Hole, it continues to be a favorite spot for locals and visitors.

For additional lodging information, reservations and complete trip planning, check the TourBook guide listings or speak with a AAA Colorado travel professional at your local office (click here for locations).