The 14 Oldest Hotels in America
Hoping to find an old hotel to stay that had guests before the United States even existed? These historic spots have welcomed presidents, cowboys, and even a few ghosts. Some were Revolutionary War taverns, others were luxurious getaways for the rich and famous, but they all have one thing in common—they’ve stood the test of time.
If you love history, luxury, and a good backstory, these hotels are worth a stay (or at least a visit). Who knows? You might sleep in the same room as Abraham Lincoln or even hear a ghostly whisper or two. Let’s find out more.
La Fonda on the Plaza (Santa Fe, New Mexico) – 1607
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Before the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock, travelers were already staying at this Santa Fe landmark. While the current building dates to the 1920s, an inn has existed here since 1607. A key stop along the Santa Fe Trail, it welcomed traders, cowboys, and Hollywood stars. Today, it remains one of the Southwest’s most stunning hotels.
Seaside Inn (Kennebunk, Maine) – 1660
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If you think family businesses never last, meet the Masons—nine generations of innkeepers who have owned the Seaside Inn since 1756. But records show an inn was already here in 1660, making it one of the oldest in America. Overlooking the rugged Maine coast, this cozy spot has hosted everyone from sea captains to vacationers escaping the city for some fresh ocean air.
Beekman Arms & Delamater Inn (Rhinebeck, New York) – 1766
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Imagine walking into a bar and sitting in the same spot where George Washington once had a drink. That’s the Beekman Arms, America’s oldest continuously operating inn. Built in 1766, this Hudson Valley spot served as a meeting place during the American Revolution. Later, it became a favorite of Franklin D. Roosevelt.
The Omni Homestead Resort (Hot Springs, Virginia) – 1766
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Long before luxury resorts were a thing, the Homestead was pampering guests with mineral spring baths. Since 1766, this sprawling retreat has hosted 23 U.S. presidents, including Thomas Jefferson, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Dwight Eisenhower. This place is a must-visit if you love stunning mountain views, historic golf courses, or famous hot springs.
Concord’s Colonial Inn (Concord, Massachusetts) – 1716
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What do Henry David Thoreau, Revolutionary War soldiers, and ghost hunters have in common? They’ve all spent time at Concord’s Colonial Inn. During the war, part of the inn was used as a military storehouse for weapons and supplies. Later, Thoreau himself lived here while attending Harvard. Today, visitors swear they’ve seen ghostly figures roaming the hallways.
The Greenbrier (White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia) – 1778
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A hotel so fancy even the U.S. government built a secret bunker under it. Originally opened in 1778 as a retreat for people seeking healing from mineral springs, the Greenbrier later became a hotspot for royalty, celebrities, and politicians. During the Cold War, a classified bunker was built beneath the hotel to house Congress in case of nuclear war. It was a secret for 30 years!
Old Talbott Tavern (Bardstown, Kentucky) – 1779
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As America’s oldest stagecoach stop, this legendary tavern welcomed Jesse James, General Patton, and even Abraham Lincoln. Jesse James left more than just his name—bullet holes from his pistol are still in the walls. But the real excitement? Ghost sightings. Guests report seeing mysterious shadows and moving objects.
The Golden Lamb (Lebanon, Ohio) – 1803
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Twelve U.S. presidents—including Abraham Lincoln and Ulysses S. Grant—have stayed at The Golden Lamb. Established in 1803, this inn has been a meeting place for politicians, writers, and anyone needing a hearty meal and a warm bed. Some say one of its old guests, a young girl named Sarah, never left. This place is also famous for paranormal sightings.
Willard InterContinental (Washington, D.C.) – 1818
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This isn’t just any historic hotel—it’s a witness to history. Abraham Lincoln stayed here before his inauguration, and Martin Luther King Jr. wrote part of his “I Have a Dream” speech in the lobby. It’s also rumored that the word “lobbyist” was born here, thanks to politicians constantly being approached by eager citizens in the lobby.
The Marshall House (Savannah, Georgia) – 1851
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If walls could talk, they’d have some eerie stories at The Marshall House. Built in 1851, it was used as a hospital during the Civil War. Many guests report hearing phantom footsteps, unexplained laughter, and even faucets turning on by themselves. Haunted or not, it’s one of the most delightful stays in Savannah.
French Lick Springs Hotel (French Lick, Indiana) – 1845
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Originally built as a spa retreat, this Indiana gem became a hotspot for celebrities and politicians. Its mineral water baths attracted guests looking for luxury and healing. Today, it’s a favorite for golf lovers, spa seekers, and anyone wanting a taste of old-school elegance.
The Pfister Hotel (Milwaukee, Wisconsin) – 1893
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This one’s known as the “Grand Hotel of the West. ” The Pfister has been hosting guests in style since 1893. But ask any baseball player—many swear this place is haunted. Athletes have reported hearing phantom voices and mysterious knocking at night. Ghosts aside, it remains one of the most iconic hotels in the Midwest.
The Skirvin Hilton (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma) – 1911
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Basketball players might be fearless on the court, but many refuse to stay at The Skirvin Hilton due to its infamous ghost stories. Built in 1911, this historic hotel has long been rumored to be haunted by a woman named “Effie,” a former maid who allegedly took her own life. Guests report doors slamming on their own, eerie whispers, and even shadowy figures. Despite the ghostly rumors, it remains a stunning architectural landmark.
The Cliff House (Pikes Peak, Colorado) – 1874
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Located near the base of Pikes Peak, this Victorian-style Cliff House started as a stagecoach stop in 1874 before transforming into a luxury retreat for some of the most famous names in history. Guests have included Teddy Roosevelt, Thomas Edison, and Charles Dickens, who were drawn to its breathtaking mountain views and natural mineral springs.
Congress Hall (Cape May, New Jersey) – 1816
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Built in 1816, Congress Hall quickly became the go-to summer retreat for America’s elite, including multiple U.S. presidents. In fact, it was nicknamed the “Summer White House” when President Franklin Pierce and Ulysses S. Grant vacationed here. It’s located in picturesque Cape May and offers oceanfront luxury with a rich historical backdrop.