America's historic hotels don't get much more atmospheric than this. When the earthquake struck San Francisco in 1906, the Fairmont on Nob Hill was nearly complete. It survived, and opened the following year. Every president since Taft has stayed at the hotel, and Tony Bennett first sang "I Left My Heart in San Francisco" in the Venetian Room. The recently renovated Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar serves up fine Asian-oriented cuisine—and a mean Mai Tai—in a rainforest décor.
For more information: The Fairmont
The Greenbrier has been defining luxury since 1778, but a $50 million renovation completed in 2007 means world class golf, tennis and spa treatments are now available to guests. There are 700 rooms and suites. Ask about the Spring Row cottages, which include porches with rocking chairs, fireplaces, parlors and soaking tubs. And don't miss a tour of the once-secret bunker, created during the Cold War to house Congress if the nation were to come under attack.
For more information: Greenbrier
Opened in 1933 by chocolate maven Milton S. Hershey, the Hershey Hotel is, naturally, located near the chocolate factory of the same name. The sprawling grounds host a world class championship golf course and a full service spa with, of course, chocolate-themed treatments. While all rooms and suites feature grand hotel furnishings and Hershey's Kisses at turndown, the larger "Sweetest Suites" are the rooms to book.
For more information: The Hotel Hershey
The Jefferson Hotel originally opened on October 31, 1895, with the wedding reception of Charles Dana Gibson and Irene Langhorne—the original "Gibson Girl." Ever since, it's been popular with newlyweds whose "first night" rates are honored in perpetuity. (One couple, married during WWII, returns each year on their anniversary. Their rate? $4.25.) The presidential suite or one of the 35 other smaller suites are the rooms to book, and Sunday brunch is not to be missed.
For more information: The Jefferson Hotel
Before becoming the first hotel on the National Trust for Historic Preservation's Most Endangered Places list, Wentworth by the Sea was scheduled for demolition. But publicity and activism kept the wrecking ball at bay, and it re-opened in 2003 to great fanfare. Originally built in 1874 on a bluff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the "Grande Dame by the Sea" was modeled after an elegant ocean liner. The bi-level turret suites are the choice rooms.
For more information: Wentworth
With its marble fireplaces, Tiffany stained-glass windows, tin ceilings, parquet floors and a winding staircase that leads to a panoramic view of debonair Charleston, the Wentworth is the definition of historic. The Grand Mansion Suite and Suite Number Nine are highly recommended, as is a meal at Circa 1886 just across the courtyard. Reese Witherspoon is said to have spent her wedding night with Ryan Philippe here. The treatments at The Spa (ingeniously located in the mansion's former stables) will make for soothing memories of a stay here.
For more information: Wentworth Mansion
The work of brothers Mike and Brian McMenamin is a hotel preservation success story. For years, they've been buying and renovating old buildings, and now have more than 50 properties in Oregon and Washington—including seven hotels. Portland's Kennedy School is one of the best (and a local favorite), thanks no doubt to the attached pub and movie theater.
For more information: Kennedy School
A $19 million restoration, completed in 2003, brought this 1910 Beaux Arts icon into the 21st century. The large lobby is stunning, and the modern rooms are generally large, with the five suites setting the standard for luxury in Nashville. (The Presidential Suite overlooks the capitol.) Afternoon tea, butler service upon request and "personalized trunks" for frequent guests bring even more distinction to this historic hotel.
For more information: Hermitage Hotel
Although it's not one of the country's oldest hotels—it debuted in 1956—the Valley Ho is nonetheless part of our historic heritage. In its heyday, this desert oasis hosted Hollywood's top names, including Natalie Wood and Robert Wagner, and was known for its contemporary design and architecture. In 2005, an $80 million restoration was completed, making the Valley Ho once again a hot and hip destination. Even the legendary Trader Vic's restaurant is still going strong.
For more information: Hotel Valley Ho
Open since 1927, this truly unique hotel exudes a cornucopia of design influences that include Art Deco, Arts & Crafts, Native American and even Middle Eastern. Sprawling public spaces, giant hand-stenciled wooden beams and huge stone fireplaces make the Ahwahnee one of the country's most unusual historic hotels. The varied rooms and cottages are luxuriously rustic.
For more information: Yosemite National Park