The 2026 Top 25 Historic Hotels of America® Great American Road Trip Hotels List Is Announced
WASHINGTON, Sept. 15, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Historic Hotels of America® has announced The 2026 Top 25 Historic Hotels of America® Great American Road Trip Hotels list, recognizing 25 authentic historic hotels that have shaped the American road-trip experience along scenic byways, historic highways, national park routes, coastal drives, and legendary corridors. (Photos)
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Each historic hotel selected for The 2026 Top 25 Historic Hotels of America Great American Road Trip Hotels list is a heritage destination on a well-known road-trip route that offers both cultural and practical value to travelers. Some were established during the golden age of automobile tourism, while others began as estates, railroad hotels, coastal retreats, spa resorts, or downtown landmarks before becoming beloved stops for motorists. Together, they show how a great road trip hotel can be both practical and unforgettable, offering a comfortable place to rest, a deeper connection to American travel history, and a destination worth slowing down for. From U.S. Route 66 and the Pacific Coast Highway to the Blue Ridge Parkway, Going-to-the-Sun Road, the Great River Road, the Overseas Highway, and Pennsylvania’s Route 6, historic hotels help define the journey as much as the roads themselves.
The appeal of the road-trip vacation developed alongside the growing accessibility of automobiles and the construction of new roads like Historic U.S. Route 66 in the 1920s and 1930s. After an era of dependence on train stations and timetables, private cars gave travelers the power to speed up, slow down, stop, and go whenever and wherever they pleased. This independence was especially appealing to Black Americans, as automobiles were not segregated like buses and trains, and it was in this era that Hugo Victor Green first published the Negro Motorist Green-Book series. Hotels and the hospitality industry also changed. An era of grand railroad hotels evolved into one of motor courts and tourist homes. Hotels opened along newly paved routes once used only for local traffic, and longstanding hotels adapted to support road trippers.
This recognition of historic hotels serving travelers along popular driving routes was launched as part of Historic Hotels of America’s celebration of the Historic U.S. Route 66 Centennial in 2026. Construction of the famous road, which stretches from Chicago to Santa Monica and passes through eight states, began in 1926. The National Trust for Historic Preservation, a private nonprofit organization chartered by U.S. Congress in 1949, has worked for years through its Preserve Route 66 initiative to support and advocate for places and organizations that tell the story of “The Main Street of America." This announcement from Historic Hotels of America, the official program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation for recognizing the nation’s finest historic hotels, complements those efforts.
To be nominated and selected for membership and inducted into Historic Hotels of America, a hotel must be at least 50 years old and recognized for its historical significance. Visit HistoricHotels.org to learn more and sign up to receive Discover & Explore to stay up to date on news and special offers.
The 2026 Top 25 Historic Hotels of America Great American Road Trip Hotels, listed in order of the date the hotel building was established:
Antrim 1844 (1844) Taneytown, Maryland
Known for its Smokehouse Restaurant and rose gardens, Antrim 1844 in Taneytown, Maryland, is a historic inn near U.S. Route 15 that connects travelers with Gettysburg National Military Park, Antietam National Battlefield, Catoctin Mountain Park, and the rolling countryside of Maryland and southern Pennsylvania. Built in 1844, the historic inn combines the character of a 19th-century country estate with the accessibility that made it a destination for automobile travelers during the 20th century. As automobile tourism expanded during the 20th century, travelers increasingly sought countryside accommodations that were easily reached by car. After the estate was restored and reopened as a bed-and-breakfast in 1988, its location near major highways and close to Gettysburg allowed it to evolve into a destination hotel serving leisure road travelers, weddings, and weekend getaways. The growth of car travel transformed the grand home from an isolated country estate into an accessible historic retreat in modern times. Within easy reach of Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Maryland, and central Pennsylvania, and offering ample parking, the hotel appeals to road travelers seeking both history and a tranquil setting. Antrim 1844 was inducted into Historic Hotels of America in 2007.
Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa (1847) Point Clear, Alabama
Travelers tracing the Gulf Coast, the Deep South, or the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail often make Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection in Point Clear, Alabama, a centerpiece of their journey. Established in 1847, the historic resort became even more accessible during the rise of the Interstate Highway System, as the construction of Interstates 10 and 65 helped transform it into a nationally recognized retreat for travelers exploring the South. Overlooking Mobile Bay, the resort offers convenient access to scenic coastal drives, historic sites, and natural attractions throughout the region. Its most distinctive tradition remains the daily military tribute, a ceremonial procession culminating in the firing of a Civil War-era replica cannon that honors the resort’s deep connection to American history. Shaded by iconic live oaks and rooted in more than 175 years of hospitality, the resort remains a memorable stop along the Gulf Coast. Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection was inducted into Historic Hotels of America in 2011.
Penn Wells Hotel (1869) Wellsboro, Pennsylvania
Penn Wells Hotel on Main Street in Wellsboro, Pennsylvania, helped define travel along the state’s historic Route 6 corridor in the early-20th century. Originally opened in 1869 and revitalized in 1926 to meet the needs of automobile tourism, the hotel drew travelers exploring the scenic landscapes of northern Pennsylvania, including Pine Creek Gorge, often called the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania. In fact, during the late 1920s, a regular bus traveled from the Waldorf Astoria in New York City to the Penn Wells Hotel en route to Chicago and The Philadelphia Inquirer dubbed it the “gem of the Roosevelt Highway.” Its proximity to the Pine Creek Rail Trail, Leonard Harrison State Park, and Colton Point State Park continues to connect guests with some of the region’s most popular outdoor experiences. Visitors can enjoy a meal and learn more about the region in the hotel dining room, which exhibits over 70 historic photographs highlighting the landmarks and people of the Wellsboro area. In the lobby, the hotel displays a one-of-a-kind, seven-by-eleven foot American flag made of 1,438 glass Christmas bulbs produced in Wellsboro’s Corning Glass Works plant. The flag was designed to honor area veterans and also to represent the local plant, once the world’s largest manufacturer of Christmas tree ornaments. The hotel is architecturally beautiful, too: its historic interiors feature mahogany woodwork, high ceilings, and wood-burning fireplaces. Penn Wells Hotel was inducted into Historic Hotels of America in 2017.
Palmer House®, A Hilton Hotel (1871) Chicago, Illinois
For 100 years, motorists have started or completed their Route 66 journey in Chicago, Illinois, the gateway to the American West and approximately 2,448 miles away from the beaches of Santa Monica, California. Located just steps from the famous “Begin Historic Route 66” sign, Palmer House®, A Hilton Hotel serves as a natural starting point for motorists heading West across “The Mother Road,” and a memorable finish for those arriving from California. Established in 1871, the hotel predates Route 66 by more than half a century, yet its location in the heart of the Loop places guests within easy reach of notable Route 66 landmarks, including Buckingham Fountain, Grant Park, and the historic downtown streets that have welcomed generations of travelers. Modern motorists benefit from convenient self-parking through the hotel’s dedicated Route 66 Package, which also includes cocktails at Potter’s Bar, Original Palmer House Brownies for the road, and curated Route 66 travel resources. Palmer House®, A Hilton Hotel was inducted into Historic Hotels of America in 2007.
St. James Hotel MN (1875) Red Wing, Minnesota
Occupying a prominent position along the Great River Road, St. James Hotel in Red Wing, Minnesota, has welcomed travelers to the Mississippi River Valley since its opening in 1875. Built when Red Wing was one of the nation’s leading wheat-trading centers, the hotel initially served merchants arriving by riverboat and rail before evolving into a favored stop for motorists exploring the scenic bluffs, river towns, and landscapes of the Upper Midwest. Located on U.S. Highway 61, the Great River Road corridor places guests within easy reach of Lake Pepin, Barn Bluff (He Mni Can), and the Cannon Valley Trail, while the hotel’s central downtown location encourages exploration on foot. Listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, the landmark Italianate-style building retains its historic character through Victorian-era furnishings, period-specific details, and a longstanding tradition of hospitality that reflects Red Wing’s connection to the Mississippi River. The hotel offers free parking and EV charging stations. For guests traveling by bike, the hotel is a bike-friendly destination with access to local cycling routes, including nearby trails and scenic river paths. Seasonal bike rentals are available through the hotel, making it easy for guests to explore Red Wing and the surrounding Mississippi River Valley on two wheels. St. James Hotel was inducted into Historic Hotels of America in 1994.
The Strater Hotel (1887) Durango, Colorado
Founded in 1887, The Strater Hotel in Durango, Colorado, has long welcomed travelers exploring the American West. Located in the heart of downtown Durango, the historic hotel serves as a gateway to the Million Dollar Highway scenic byway, a route that winds through the dramatic landscapes of the San Juan Mountains to Silverton, Ouray, and Telluride. The Victorian-era hotel is distinguished by its handcrafted woodwork, period-specific wallpaper, and renowned collection of Victorian walnut antiques, preserving the character of Colorado’s Gilded Age. As automobile travel expanded throughout the 20th century, The Strater Hotel became a favored stop for motorists journeying across the region. It also holds an important place in travel history, having been listed in The Negro Motorist Green-Book in the early 1960s as a safe and welcoming destination for Black travelers. Today, guests enjoy easy access to the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum, and a uniquely personal tradition of recording their experiences in journals placed in every guestroom. The Strater Hotel was inducted as a Charter Member of Historic Hotels of America in 1989.
The Historic Magnolia House (1889) Greensboro, North Carolina
The Historic Magnolia House in Greensboro, North Carolina, preserves an essential chapter of African American travel history along the Southern highway network. Built as a private home in 1889, and opened to the public in 1949, The Historic Magnolia House was one of five hotels between Atlanta, Georgia, and Richmond, Virginia, that provided accommodations for Black travelers. Conveniently located near major routes including Interstates 40, 85, and 73, and listed in multiple editions of The Negro Motorist Green-Book, the hotel hosted distinguished guests, including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Jackie Robinson, Ray Charles, and Louis Armstrong. Today, the restored Queen Anne-style hotel preserves an essential chapter of American road-trip history, and the enduring legacy of authentic hospitality. The hotel offers more than lodgings; it has an educational mission, too, and offers historical programming like its “Shoebox Lunch.” The Historic Magnolia House was inducted into Historic Hotels of America in 2022 and is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.
The Mansion at Ocean Edge (1907) Brewster, Massachusetts
Set amid the scenic coast and villages of Cape Cod, The Mansion at Ocean Edge in Brewster, Massachusetts, has welcomed travelers exploring one of New England’s most beloved driving destinations since 1907. Originally built as the summer estate of the influential Nickerson family and listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 1986, the mansion occupies a prominent position along historic Route 6A, a picturesque corridor that winds through Cape Cod’s maritime landscape. Built in 1907, the mansion is distinguished by imported Italian marble, a grand carved oak staircase, and elegant architectural details that reflected the aspirations of the Gilded Age. Today, guests exploring Cape Cod by car enjoy easy access to Brewster’s coastal attractions, the Brewster Flats, Nickerson State Park, and Cape Cod Bay, while the restored mansion offers hospitality rooted in the region’s culture and history, along with complimentary parking and EV charging stations. If travelers need a break from the road, the hotel has a private beach, multiple restaurants and bars, championship golf, and a spa. The Mansion at Ocean Edge was inducted into Historic Hotels of America in 2022.
Skirvin, a Hilton Hotel (1911) Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Occupying a prominent place along Historic Route 66 in downtown Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Skirvin, a Hilton Hotel has welcomed travelers since 1911, decades before “The Mother Road” was built. Located near the Route 66 corridor and at the crossroads of Interstates 35, 40, and 44, the hotel has long served as a landmark stop for motorists journeying between Chicago and California. The restored Art Deco-style architecture, historic elevators, and richly detailed interiors preserve the elegance of early-20th-century travel, offering a tangible connection to the golden age of the American road trip. Today, valet parking, EV charging stations, on-site dining, and its walkable downtown location provide convenient amenities for modern road travelers exploring Oklahoma City’s Route 66 attractions and cultural landmarks. This year, the hotel is offering a Centennial on 66 Getaway package that includes a $66 dining credit, 6,600 loyalty points, parking, and a book about the hotel’s history. Skirvin, a Hilton Hotel was inducted into Historic Hotels of America in 2008 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Lake McDonald Lodge (1914) and Many Glacier Hotel (1915) Glacier National Park, Montana
Built between 1913 and 1915 in the nascent years of Glacier National Park, Lake McDonald Lodge and Many Glacier Hotel are icons from the earliest age of scenic road travel in the American West. Positioned at opposite ends of the park, they frame one of the nation’s most famous driving experiences along the Going-to-the-Sun Road, the engineering marvel that crosses the Continental Divide and links Glacier’s eastern and western landscapes. On the west side, Lake McDonald Lodge occupies a lakeshore setting along the park’s largest lake, welcoming travelers with Swiss Chalet-inspired architecture and immediate access to boat tours, hiking trails, and mountain scenery. On the east side, Many Glacier Hotel, built by the Great Northern Railway and overlooking Swiftcurrent Lake, reflects the railroad’s vision of Glacier National Park as the “American Alps,” with a soaring Swiss-inspired lobby and dramatic alpine views. Together, the two lodges allow travelers to experience Glacier National Park beyond a day visit, connecting travelers to the park’s landscapes during the quieter hours of morning and evening, while preserving the character of early national park tourism. Lake McDonald Lodge was inducted into Historic Hotels of America in 2014, and Many Glacier Hotel was inducted into Historic Hotels of America in 2013.
Bear Mountain Inn (1915) Bear Mountain, New York
One of America’s earliest rustic-style park lodges, Bear Mountain Inn in Bear Mountain, New York, is a favorite stop for motorists exploring the scenic roads of the Hudson Valley. Developed in 1915 by the Palisades Interstate Park Commission and located near the network of parkways linking New York City with the Hudson Highlands, the inn has offered urban travelers an accessible escape into nature for over a century. Overlooking Hessian Lake at the base of Bear Mountain, the stone-and-timber lodge serves as a gateway to the Appalachian Trail, Bear Mountain State Park, Perkins Memorial Tower, and the region's best overlooks and hiking routes. Ample guest parking and access to outdoor recreation allow visitors to experience the same landscapes that have attracted travelers for more than a century, while the inn’s Adirondack-inspired architecture preserves the character of an earlier era of American travel. Listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, Bear Mountain Inn was inducted into Historic Hotels of America in 2015.
The Royal Sonesta Chase Park Plaza St. Louis (1922) St. Louis, Missouri
Situated where Route 66 crosses the Mississippi River, The Royal Sonesta Chase Park Plaza St. Louis has welcomed motorists traveling along “The Mother Road” or the Great River Road and seeking an upscale experience for a century. Founded in 1922 on the corridor that would soon become Historic Route 66, The Royal Sonesta Chase Park Plaza St. Louis helped define upscale automobile travel in St. Louis during the formative years of the American road trip. Its location in the Central West End neighborhood placed motorists within easy reach of the “Gateway to the West,” while offering elegant accommodations for travelers continuing westward along “The Mother Road” or exploring the Great River Road. Today, convenient garage parking and proximity to Route 66 landmarks such as Ted Drewes Frozen Custard continue the hotel's long tradition of hospitality for travelers exploring America's most storied roads. The Royal Sonesta Chase Park Plaza St. Louis was inducted into Historic Hotels of America in 2025.
Haywood Park Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection (1923) Asheville, North Carolina
Motorists often begin or end their Blue Ridge Parkway road trips at the Haywood Park Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection in downtown Asheville, North Carolina. In fact, the hotel's lobby pays tribute to the golden age of American road travel with a beautifully restored 1929 Ford Model A, making it a favorite photo spot for road trippers. Originally Asheville, North Carolina’s landmark Bon Marché department store, Haywood Park Hotel reflects the city’s evolution from quiet mountain town into a bustling gateway to the Blue Ridge Mountains. The building’s history is closely tied to the era when visitors arrived by train and automobile to experience Western North Carolina’s natural beauty, with the Bon Marché becoming a notable stop along the way. Today, the historic hotel offers garage parking with EV charging stations. It serves as a convenient base for exploring one of America’s most scenic drives, as well as Asheville’s thriving arts, culinary, and cultural attractions, like the nearby Biltmore Estate. Haywood Park Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection was inducted into Historic Hotels of America in 2011.
Benbow Inn (1926) Garberville, California
Where the Redwood Highway winds toward the Avenue of the Giants, Benbow Inn offers road trippers a landmark stop steeped in North Coast scenery and history. Built in 1926 along the newly completed Redwood Highway, and designed in the Tudor Revival style by architect Albert Farr—best known for Jack London’s Wolf House—the hotel was commissioned by the Benbow family as the centerpiece of a resort community amid the towering redwoods of Humboldt County, California. Its location near the famed Avenue of the Giants, a scenic drive through some of the world’s most impressive old-growth redwood groves, established the inn as a favored stop for motorists discovering California’s North Coast. Over the decades, distinguished guests including Clark Gable, Spencer Tracy, Eleanor Roosevelt, and President Herbert Hoover passed through its doors. Today, complimentary parking, bicycle access, and proximity to Redwood National and State Parks continue a tradition of hospitality rooted in the romance of the American road trip. For RV travelers, note that the Benbow Inn is part of Benbow KOA Holiday, and its guests are invited to enjoy dining amenities at the inn. Benbow Inn was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983 and inducted into Historic Hotels of America in 2014.
La Concha Key West, Autograph Collection (1926) Key West, Florida
After miles of turquoise water, island bridges, and open sky, La Concha Key West, Autograph Collection welcomes travelers to a storied Duval Street landmark near U.S. Route 1’s Mile Marker 0. The historic hotel stands just steps from the road’s southern terminus, and serves as a grand finale to the Overseas Highway, the remarkable route linking the Florida Keys to the mainland. The hotel predates the road, but as automobile travel expanded and the Overseas Highway opened in 1938, Key West became one of the nation’s most distinctive driving destinations, and La Concha emerged as a landmark for travelers completing the journey. Its location places guests within easy walking distance of Mallory Square, the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum, and the island’s historic waterfront, while valet parking allows motorists to leave the car behind and explore Key West on foot. Associated with literary figures including Ernest Hemingway and Tennessee Williams, the luxury hotel continues to reflect the history and culture of the Florida Keys. La Concha Key West, Autograph Collection was inducted into Historic Hotels of America in 1991.
Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa (1927) Sonoma, California
“Magic” is a good way to describe the drive into Sonoma from San Francisco. Travelers cross the Golden Gate Bridge, pass through Marin County, the Carneros wine region, and arrive at the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa, where the pace of the city gives way to vineyards, olive trees, and the timeless appeal of Wine Country. This resort in Sonoma, California, occupies a natural crossroads along the classic Northern California Wine Country drive linking San Francisco, Sonoma Valley, Napa Valley, and the Pacific Coast. Built around the region’s famed geothermal mineral springs, the Spanish Colonial Revival-style landmark was revitalized in 1927 as a full-service resort for travelers seeking wellness, Wine Country scenery, and the leisurely pace of Sonoma Valley. Its location near Highway 12, State Route 121, and other major Northern California routes makes it a convenient base for exploring Sonoma Plaza, Jack London State Historic Park, vineyard-lined backroads, and the coastal landscapes beyond. On-site self-parking, valet parking, and bicycle-friendly amenities support both driving and cycling itineraries, while the resort’s mineral pools, spa, and historic setting encourage travelers to slow down and savor the journey. Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa was inducted into Historic Hotels of America in 2013.
The Settlers Inn at Bingham Park (1927) Hawley, Pennsylvania
Built in 1927 to accommodate the increasing number of motorists drawn to the newly created Lake Wallenpaupack, The Settlers Inn at Bingham Park in Hawley, Pennsylvania, embodies the spirit of early automobile travel along Pennsylvania’s Route 6 scenic byway. Located directly on Route 6 and near Interstate 84, the Arts and Crafts-style inn provides convenient access to the Hawley Silk Mill, Lake Wallenpaupack, and the forests, waterways, and small towns of the Pocono Mountains region. Created as a community-led project by local residents, who recognized the area's tourism potential, the inn remains distinguished by its handcrafted character, featuring native bluestone, chestnut, hand-screened wallpaper, handmade Fulper tiles, and gardens bordering the Lackawaxen River and remnants of the historic Delaware & Hudson Canal. Farm-to-table dining, complimentary parking, and an EV charging station continue its tradition of welcoming travelers seeking an authentic sense of place along their journey. The Settlers Inn at Bingham Park was inducted into Historic Hotels of America in 2010.
Rockwood Motor Court (1929) Springfield, Missouri
Few places are more closely tied to the American road trip than Rockwood Motor Court in Springfield, Missouri, the oldest continuously operating motor court on Historic Route 66. Built in 1929, it is located directly on the legendary highway and near the city recognized as the birthplace of Route 66. In fact, the historic motor court was created specifically to serve the growing wave of automobile tourists exploring America by car. Unlike the large hotels found in urban centers, motor lodges like the Rockwood Motor Court were designed for convenience. For instance, guests could park their vehicles directly in the private garage next to their cabins, which was a revolutionary concept at the time. Today, its restored stone cottages, iconic neon signage, vintage Shell station canopy, and collection of Route 66 memorabilia preserve the atmosphere of a classic roadside stop. Guests can book any of the motor court’s ten guestrooms and suites, appointed with handpicked vintage memorabilia, antique furniture, and themed décor to complete each unique space. For group tours, the historic Rockwood Motor Court is available to be booked as an official itinerary stop on a Route 66 tour for guided groups of 15 or more. Rockwood Motor Court was inducted into Historic Hotels of America in 2025.
La Posada (1930) Winslow, Arizona
One of “The Mother Road’s” best-preserved Southwestern landmarks is La Posada in Winslow, Arizona. Opened in 1930 along both Route 66 and the Santa Fe Railway, the historic hotel was designed by renowned architect Mary E.J. Colter as the final and most ambitious hotel developed for the Fred Harvey Company. (Learn more about Mary E.J. Colter and other historic hotels she designed in The 2024 Top 25 Historic Hotels of America® Where Women Made History.) Conceived as a gateway to the American Southwest, La Posada welcomed both rail passengers and automobile tourists exploring destinations such as the Painted Desert, Meteor Crater, and the White Mountains. Its Spanish Colonial Revival-style architecture, expansive gardens, and carefully restored interiors continue to evoke the romance of early-20th-century travel. After a remarkable preservation effort restored the hotel to its original vision in the 1990s, La Posada once again became a destination for travelers seeking an authentic Route 66 experience. La Posada was listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 1992 and inducted into Historic Hotels of America in 2026.
Arizona Inn (1930) Tucson, Arizona
Arizona Inn in Tucson, Arizona, has welcomed travelers exploring the American Southwest since 1930. Conceived by Isabella Greenway—Arizona’s first congresswoman—during the rise of automobile tourism, the hotel offered motorists a refined alternative to the roadside motor courts of the era, pairing Spanish Colonial Revival-style architecture with lush gardens, courtyards, and casitas across 14 acres. Located near Interstate 10, the historic hotel provides convenient access to Saguaro National Park, Mission San Xavier del Bac, the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, and scenic drives such as the Catalina Highway and Arizona State Route 83. Complimentary self-parking and valet parking support modern road-trip itineraries, while award-winning dining, clay tennis courts, a heated swimming pool, and furnishings crafted by disabled World War I veterans make the historic hotel one of a kind. Greenway’s guiding ideals of privacy, quiet, and sunshine, and her commitment to veterans’ welfare all shaped her approach to hospitality. The inn stands not only as a hotel, but also as a living testament to her broader legacy of rest and revival. Listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, Arizona Inn was inducted into Historic Hotels of America in 2026.
Piñon Court by La Fonda (1930) Santa Fe, New Mexico
One of America’s most historic motor courts in one of the nation’s most historic cities, Piñon Court by La Fonda in Santa Fe, New Mexico, is an enduring link to America’s road trip heritage. Originally developed in 1930 as a motor court and known as the Galisteo Inn, it was purpose-built to serve motorists traveling through the Southwest on Historic Route 66, even operating a gas station in its early years for guests arriving by car. Located near Interstate 25 and historic driving routes, including Route 66 and the Turquoise Trail National Scenic Byway, the historic hotel remains a convenient base for exploring Santa Fe Plaza, Canyon Road, Museum Hill, and the cultural landscapes of Northern New Mexico. Its Spanish Colonial-inspired architecture, authentic regional character, and walkable downtown setting reflect the distinctive sense of place that has drawn travelers to Santa Fe for generations. The motor court further honors its connection to “The Mother Road” through its Route 66 Experience Package, which includes discounted accommodations, daily breakfast, a Route 66 travel magazine, signature Mother Road Margaritas, and a commemorative Piñon Court pin. As its name implies, Piñon Court by La Fonda is associated with La Fonda on the Plaza, a larger historic hotel on Santa Fe Plaza with amenities available for Piñon Court guests. Piñon Court by La Fonda was inducted into Historic Hotels of America in 2022.
The Mimslyn Inn (1931) Luray, Virginia
The Mimslyn Inn in Luray, Virginia, has served travelers as an elegant gateway to the scenic roads of the Shenandoah Valley and Shenandoah National Park for nearly a century. Built in 1931 by Henry and Elizabeth Mims in the Georgian Revival style, the historic inn offered early motorists a refined retreat along their journeys through Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. Its location near Skyline Drive and Luray Caverns continues to make it a natural stop for travelers exploring one of the East Coast’s most popular road-trip destinations. Beyond its architectural distinction, including the beautiful spiral staircase designed by J.R. Mims Sr., the inn provides a comfortable base for experiencing the region’s outdoor recreation activities, historic downtowns, cultural attractions, and mountain landscapes. Expansive grounds, walking paths, pools, dining venues, and parking further enhance the experience for travelers pausing along their journey. The Mimslyn Inn was inducted into Historic Hotels of America in 2008.
The Eden (1940) Santa Monica, California
Perched above the Pacific Ocean in Santa Monica, California, The Eden occupies a singular place in American road-trip history at the western terminus of Historic Route 66. Originally opened in 1940, the Streamline Moderne-style landmark welcomed motorists arriving in Southern California at the end of their cross-country journeys, and remains closely connected to the enduring legacy of “The Mother Road.” Its location near the famed Santa Monica Pier, where generations of travelers celebrated reaching the Pacific Ocean, places guests at the intersection of Route 66 and the Pacific Coast Highway. Designed by architect William E. Foster, the hotel’s striking architecture continues to embody the optimism and adventure that made Santa Monica a road-trip destination. That heritage is reflected in the hotel’s Route 66 Experience Package, which commemorates the golden age of American road trips through experiences inspired by the journey West, including access to Pacific Park, discounted parking, tickets to the Getty Museum, and Americana-inspired treats recalling classic roadside hospitality. The Eden was inducted into Historic Hotels of America in 2025.
The Wort Hotel (1941) Jackson, Wyoming
Located along the scenic highway network connecting Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park, The Wort Hotel in Jackson, Wyoming, has welcomed visitors exploring the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem since 1941. Built during the rise of automobile tourism in the American West, the hotel became a cornerstone of downtown Jackson for travelers journeying through Wyoming’s mountains, national parks, and wide-open landscapes. Its location just off U.S. Highways 26, 89, and 191 places guests within easy reach of the region’s famed destinations, while a dedicated guest parking lot, valet service, and bicycle amenities support modern road-trip itineraries. The hotel’s longstanding tradition of placing a yellow rose in every guestroom reflects a distinctive expression of Western hospitality, welcoming guests after a day on the road. Listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places and just steps from Jackson’s Town Square, hotel offers an authentic Western experience in the heart of the town of Jackson. The Wort Hotel was inducted into Historic Hotels of America in 2002.
Colony House Motor Lodge (1959) Roanoke, Virginia
Colony House Motor Lodge in Roanoke, Virginia, was purpose-built in 1959 for motorists exploring the scenic roads of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Located just minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway, the historic motor lodge reflects an era when the journey itself became a central part of the travel experience. Its striking Googie-style architecture, designed by the architectural firm Kinsey and Motley, features folded-plate roofs, geometric gable motifs, and the iconic neon “VACANCY” sign that has welcomed generations of travelers. Complimentary parking directly outside guestrooms, drive-up accommodations, and a restored midcentury pool preserve many of the conveniences that originally defined roadside lodging. Today, easy access to Mill Mountain, Carvins Cove Natural Reserve, and the surrounding Blue Ridge region continues to make the hotel a memorable stop along one of America’s picturesque scenic drives. Traveling through Roanoke in October? Colony House will host The Virginia Wine Detour, Oct. 9–11, a weekend celebrating the people, wines and food that make Virginia distinctive. Colony House Motor Lodge was inducted into Historic Hotels of America in 2026.
About Historic Hotels of America®
Historic Hotels of America® is the official program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation for recognizing and celebrating the finest historic hotels from across the United States of America. The National Trust for Historic Preservation was chartered by U.S. Congress in 1949 and is a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The National Trust for Historic Preservation is leading the movement to save places where our history happened. To be nominated and selected for membership in this prestigious program, a hotel must be at least 50 years old; designated by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior as a National Historic Landmark or listed in or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places; and recognized as having historical significance. Of the more than 300 historic hotels inducted into Historic Hotels of America from 44 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, all historic hotels faithfully preserve their authenticity, sense of place, and architectural integrity. For more information, please visit HistoricHotels.org.
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