The National Trust for Historic Preservation works to identity and support hotels and other historic buildings that meet its criteria for excellence: The criteria requires that hotels maintain "historic architecture and ambiance." Hotels must also be at least 50 years old and they must already be on or eligible for the National Register of Historic Places or, at minimum, they must be "recognized locally as having historic significance."
The Fairmont Copley Plaza, a 383-guestroom hotel in Boston, first opened with a grand gala in 1912 and has been in operation ever since. It is centrally located and is within walking distance of historic sites such as Beacon Hill and the world-famous Freedom Trail. The hotel also features the Oak Room, an award-winning restaurant, as well as the Oak Bar and Wine Room. The Fairmont is a popular destinations for weddings and receptions
The Fairmont Copley Plaza
138 Saint James Ave.
Boston, MA 02116
617-267-5300
fairmont.com/copleyplaza
The Hotel Hershey and Spa in Pennsylvania, a 278-guestroom hotel, first opened in 1933. It's famous for its lavish Mediterranean architecture and 300 acres of gardens, woodlands and reflecting pools. The Hotel Hershey is on the National Historic Preservation list because its longstanding commitment to preserving the original architecture of the building. The Hotel Hershey features several restaurants and bars, including The Circular Dining Room, Harvest and the Iberian Lounge. In addition to dining, the Hotel Hershey features The Chocolate Spa, a spa which offers treatments such as a whipped cocoa bath and a chocolate fondue wrap.
The Hotel Hershey and Spa
100 Hotel Road
Hershey, PA 17033
717-533-2171
thehotelhershey.com
According to its website, The Palmer House Hilton is "the longest continuously operating hotel in North America," and has welcomed every United States president since Ulysses Grant. Located on the Loop, the Palmer House is near Lincoln Park Zoo, the Sears Tower, Lake Michigan and the Magnificent Mile. It also features several dining options, including the Lockwood Restaurant and Bar--which features French and Italian cuisine--and Potter's Lounge. For weddings and other special events, the Palmer House Hilton offers the Empire Room, the Grand and State ballrooms.
The Palmer House Hilton
17 E. Monroe St.
Chicago, IL 60603
312-726-7500
hilton.com
The Sofia Hotel, a 211-guestroom hotel located in downtown San Diego, has maintained its historical integrity since it first opened in 1928 when it was known as one of the Pickwick hotels. The Pickwick Corporation, which later merged with Greyhound to form the Greyhound Corporation, was a famous stagecoach company based in California. The hotel was renovated and reopened as the Sofia in 2006. Today, the Sofia Hotel features Currant Brasserie-a French-inspired restaurant-a full-service spa and fitness center as well as 24-hour yoga.
The Sofia Hotel
150 W. Broadway
San Diego, CA 92101
619-234-9200
thesofiahotel.com