The Icons of Hospitality: Top 20 Most Famous and Historic Hotels in the USA

The United States is home to some of the world’s most legendary hotels. These are not just places to sleep; they are living museums, architectural masterpieces, and settings for some of history’s most significant moments. From the "Pink Palace" of Hawaii to the "Grand Dame" of Washington D.C., here are the top 20 hotels that every traveler should know.

1. Hotel del Coronado (Coronado, California)

Known affectionately as "The Del," this Victorian beachfront masterpiece opened in 1888. Its red-shingled turrets and white wooden walls have hosted royalty, presidents, and Hollywood stars like Marilyn Monroe.

• Best For: Classic luxury and beach vibes.

2. The Plaza Hotel (New York City, New York)

Located at the edge of Central Park, The Plaza is arguably the most famous hotel in the world. It is the symbol of New York high society and has appeared in countless films, from Home Alone 2 to The Great Gatsby.

3. The Grand Hotel (Mackinac Island, Michigan)

Famous for having the world's longest porch, this hotel takes you back in time. No motorized vehicles are allowed on the island; guests arrive by horse-drawn carriage.

• Historical Fact: Built in 1887 as a summer retreat for Victorian elites.

4. The Broadmoor (Colorado Springs, Colorado)

A 5-star resort at the gateway to the Rockies. The Broadmoor is legendary for its European-style elegance and world-class golf courses.

5. Willard InterContinental (Washington, D.C.)

Often called the "Residence of Presidents," the Willard has hosted every U.S. President since Franklin Pierce. It is where Martin Luther King Jr. finished his "I Have a Dream" speech.

6. The Beverly Hills Hotel (Beverly Hills, California)

The "Pink Palace" on Sunset Boulevard. Famous for its signature banana-leaf wallpaper and the private bungalows where Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton spent their honeymoons.

7. The Breakers (Palm Beach, Florida)

Founded by tycoon Henry Flagler, this Italian Renaissance-style resort is the epitome of Gilded Age glamour. It sits on 140 acres of private oceanfront property.

8. Waldorf Astoria (New York City, New York)

A pioneer in luxury, the Waldorf was the first hotel to offer room service. Its Art Deco architecture remains a global standard for sophistication.

9. The Royal Hawaiian (Honolulu, Hawaii)

The original "Pink Palace of the Pacific." Opened in 1927, it redefined luxury travel in Hawaii and remains a stunning contrast to the modern skyscrapers of Waikiki.

10. The Stanley Hotel (Estes Park, Colorado)

The inspiration for Stephen King’s The Shining. This colonial revival hotel offers breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountain National Park and a touch of the paranormal.

11. Palace Hotel (San Francisco, California)

A symbol of San Francisco’s resilience, this hotel was rebuilt after the 1906 earthquake. The Garden Court, with its glass dome, is one of the most beautiful dining rooms in America.

12. Omni Parker House (Boston, Massachusetts)

Founded in 1855, it is the longest continuously operating hotel in the U.S. It is the birthplace of the Boston Cream Pie and where Parker House rolls were invented.

13. The Driskill (Austin, Texas)

The oldest operating hotel in Austin, built in 1886. It represents the height of Texas cattle baron wealth and Southern hospitality.

14. West Baden Springs Hotel (West Baden Springs, Indiana)

Once called the "Eighth Wonder of the World," this hotel features a massive 200-foot domed atrium that has to be seen to be believed.

15. The Greenbrier (White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia)

Known for its bright, Dorothy Draper-designed interiors, this resort also houses a massive secret underground bunker built during the Cold War to house the U.S. Congress.

16. The Jefferson (Richmond, Virginia)

A stunning example of Beaux-Arts architecture. It is famous for its grand staircase, which inspired the one in the movie Gone with the Wind.

17. The Ahwahnee (Yosemite National Park, California)

Nestled inside Yosemite Valley, this hotel’s design reflects the surrounding granite cliffs and giant sequoias. It is the ultimate "National Park Lodge."

18. Mission Inn Hotel & Spa (Riverside, California)

An architectural marvel that combines various styles (Mission Revival, Spanish Gothic). It features a "Presidential Lounge" where many U.S. leaders have stayed.

19. Hotel Chelsea (New York City, New York)

The legendary home of artists, writers, and musicians. From Bob Dylan to Patti Smith, the Chelsea is the spiritual heart of New York’s bohemian history.

20. The Biltmore Hotel (Coral Gables, Florida)

A Mediterranean Revival masterpiece with one of the largest hotel pools in the world. During WWII, it served as a military hospital before being restored to its former glory.

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