The US, while not being a particularly old country by worldwide standards, has been around long enough to have sprouted more than a few iconic activities, locations, and stays. From the East Coast to the West Coast and everything in between, this article introduces you to the US’s most iconic stays in truly beautiful locations. If you’re into history and luxury, these are the places across the US that you need to check out.
The Stanley Hotel – Estes Park, Colorado
Open since 1909.
One of this classic, beautiful hotel’s claims to fame is that Stephen King’s The Shining was filmed here. With that in mind, you already have an idea of the grandeur of the location and the hotel itself. While Jack Torrance likely won’t be making an appearance, there are so many other reasons to book a stay here.
There are a few different stay options at this hotel:
- The Stanley – stay in the original hotel for a classic experience.
- The Lodge at The Stanley – boutique elegance and a more intimate experience.
- The Residences at The Stanley – fully equipped luxury condos for group stays.
- Aspire Hotel and Spa – contemporary, apartment-like suites with full kitchens.
Whichever you choose, you have access to the incredible views and activities that come with staying in the majestic Rocky Mountains. There are comedy showcases, magic acts, and outdoor activities, as well as a chance to explore the enormous historic hotel. Charter a plane to get as close as possible to the hotel – landing at Broomfield Airport puts you a mere 39 miles away.
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Hotel Congress – Tucson, Arizona
Open since 1919.
Are you a fan of the strange and unusual? You may get a dose of that, along with classic Spanish luxury, when you visit the Hotel Congress. This hotel is well known for being haunted, and it even offers a “seance experience” as an extra option when you book your stay.
The hotel even advertises specific ghosts and the rooms they reside in so you can make an informed decision about your roommates or lack thereof. The rooms here harken back to a bygone era, furnished with antique rotary phones that connect to the front desk switchboard for late-night snack emergencies and anything else you need.
If you’re staying here, be prepared to get into the party mindset. There’s a taproom bar on the premises and direct access to the rock ‘n roll area of downtown, so there’s always something to do. Expect lots of rich, dark woods reminiscent of the 70s, retro uniforms on all the staff, traditional murals in desert hues, and to have a fun time from check-in to check-out.
Hotel Du Pont – Wilmington, Delaware
Open since 1913.
This mammoth building, commissioned by the wealthy chemical heir Pierre S du Pont, originally spanned the length and breadth of a full city block and housed his empire’s headquarters. When the building was beautifully renovated and expanded (yes, expanded) in the early 1910s, it became apparent that this was too beautiful a location not to house a hotel.
HOTELS
Exquisite marble floors, decadent and detailed hand-painted ceilings, and opulent touches of dark wood and gold wherever you look make this a destination experience like no other. Famous guests who have graced these hallowed halls include Amelia Earhart and Prince Rainier of Monaco. Further renovations to the tune of $40 million in the early 90s transformed this grand old lady into a beauty queen once more. An unmissable opulent, luxurious experience.
Jekyll Island Club – Jekyll Island, Georgia
Open since 1888.
Since the Gilded Age, this American dream-like location has been a winter escape for high society types from all over the country. Though the war decimated the club’s ability to draw in guests or stock its larders and rooms with the best of everything, the club’s history was far from over. Though it stood empty between WW2 and changing ownership in 1985, the club has reemerged as a beacon of good taste.
Treat yourself to incredible waterside reviews, strolls on manicured green lawns and what seems like endless sunshine and lazy days. There are three different stay options when you book a getaway on Jekyll Island:
- Jekyll Island Club – the clubhouse that started it all, fully refurbished.
- Island Cottages – the opulent southern mansion of which you can have all to yourself
- Jekyll Ocean Club – the oceanfront part of the location, with all-suite accommodations.
La Fonda on the Plaza – Santa Fe, New Mexico
Open since 1922.
Santa Fe is the third oldest city in the US, so the town itself is of historical importance and interest. That said, one of the most interesting and beautiful locales in Santa Fe has to be this very special hotel. Built at the oldest hotel site in the US, where the Santa Fe Trail and San Francisco Street meet, these lodgings have stood for more than 100 years.
The facade is a classic desert clay, with typical rounded corners and dark wood beams. All the splendor of the Southwest is brought into the spotlight in this special, intricately decorated space: adobe-style fireplaces, carved double doors, deeply comfortable leather chairs, and beautiful rugs are strewn wherever you look. You can choose your stay experience based on what you like as a traveler:
- La Fonda ON The Plaza – the oldest part of the hotel, full of historical significance.
- The Terrace Inn at La Fonda – a newly renovated boutique hotel within a hotel.
- The Residences by La Fonda – artfully decorated luxury vacation rentals within a stone’s throw of the hotel itself.
- The Spa at La Fonda – modern experiences created to soothe body and soul.
American Excellence
Luxury experiences, a wealth of history and tradition, and exquisite locations are on offer at each and every one of these iconic American hotels. Take your pick of luxurious, exemplary hotel stays across the States.
very American all of these hotels you listed here 😝