The Most Iconic Hotels in Every State

The United States is home to hundreds, if not thousands, of wonderful hotels. Over the years, a select few of them have picked up such a stellar reputation that they have graduated to become icons in their home states. What makes a hotel iconic? For starters, it must be held in such high regard that it has become ingrained in the character of the city or town it calls home. You know, the kind of place where, whether or not the residents of a town or city have stayed there personally, they know it by name and would recommend it first to any visiting friend or family member. A long and storied history helps, too. Architectural features that set it apart are always appreciated, too. From tall structures in the heart of downtowns to rural escapes perched beside natural wonders, the following list covers them all, so click on the slideshow to see each state's collection of iconic hotels. 

In Mobile, the venerable Battle House Renaissance dates from 1908 and sits atop the grounds where Andrew Jackson once commanded troops during the War of 1812. The hotel has undergone meticulous restoration to recapture its initial splendor, while its domed skylight remains a true showstopper. The Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection is located on the Gulf Of Mexico in Point Clear and is a modern-day rock star with its location on the beach, luxurious spa, golf courses and sprawling pool. Lastly, the St. James Hotel in Selma is renowned for its rich history (dates back to the 1830s) and connection to the outlaw Jesse James.  

The only lodging in the state listed on the National Register of Historic Places, The Historic Anchorage Hotel opened its doors in 1936 and has compiled a long and storied reputation for welcoming dignitaries and prominent guests. Elsewhere, Hotel Captain Cook is known for paying homage to the famous explorer who helped chart the coastline of Alaska and the Denali Backcountry Lodge offers great lodging combined with a front-row seat to one of the nation's most spectacular national parks. 

There are no two rooms alike at El Tovar, a famed hotel located directly on the rim of the Grand Canyon that dates back to 1905. Designed as a mash-up of Norwegian and Swiss styles, the hotel has become synonymous with the Grand Canyon State. In Scottsdale, the Valley Ho combines mid-century and Southwest vibes like nowhere else, while next door in Phoenix, the Arizona Biltmore, A Waldorf Astoria Resort has been a landmark since its 1929 opening due to its unique Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired architecture. Multiple restaurants, pools and bars combine with an award-winning spa and unreal views of the surrounding mountains to make The Biltmore special. Oh, and don't be surprised if you bump into a modern-day Rat Packer or political power broker during your stay

The Capitol Hotel in Little Rock opened all the way back in 1870 and has maintained its status as a top-tier stay in the Arkansas capital among politicians, rock stars and other big hitters. In Bentonville, the 10c Museum Hotel may be relatively new on the scene, but it's already made a big splash with its boutique take on luxury. No discussion of beloved Arkansas hotels would be complete without a mention of the 1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa in Eureka Springs as this Victorian beauty has been welcoming guests since the late 19th century, becoming an intricate part of the town's story. 

Perched above Rodeo Drive, the Beverly Wilshire, a Four Seasons Hotel, dates back to 1928 and is a true A-lister. Here, sumptuous, "fit for a star" experiences lie around every corner, with the fun starting the moment you pass over the cobblestoned driveway lined with dozens of gas lanterns imported from a Scottish castle. Elsewhere, the beautifully pink Beverly Hills Hotel is a sensational place to be seen staying; the Coronado Hotel has become a universal symbol of San Diego; and the Post Ranch Inn is synonymous with Big Sur.

Opened in 1909, The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park was a revered Rocky Mountain stay before it picked up a tiny bit of fame as the inspiration behind the hotel in The Shining. Rest assured, it's a work of fiction, but this grand hotel will surround you with plenty of real-world resplendence. In Aspen, The Little Nell is perenially atop the après ski power rankings (to say nothing of their oversized rooms and pretty pool), and in Colorado Springs, The Broadmoor is the definition of a destination hotel, even if for the views of the mountains alone. 

The Inn at Mystic offers superb sea views and fresh seafood while the Inn at Stonington is famed all over the East Coast for its romantic fireside ambiance. Over in Old Saybrook, the Saybrook Point Resort & Marina offers luxury amenities with a side of coastal charm in a setting that is quintessential New England. 

Home to Italian Renaissance architectural notes installed by European artisans, gorgeous carved ceilings and elegant rooms, Hotel du Pont is ingrained in the heart of Wilmington. Expect to rub shoulders with the creme de la creme of the Blue Hen State and any stars who happen to be passing through. 

Florida is swimming in special beachside hotels, with The Vinoy Resort and Golf Club in St. Petersburg (its luxurious digs and pretty-in-pink facade transport you back to Florida's Golden Age), the Fisher Island Club and the fantastic, "straight off the silver screen" Fontainebleau being three of the finest. Then there's The Breakers Palm Beach, a true South Florida star that dates to 1896 and offers up modern Mediterranean-style glamour on the soft sand shores of Palm Beach. 

The Peach State's coastline is pretty as can be, and it's home to two of the state's legendary properties: the Jekyll Island Club Resort (offering up sea breezes and classic luxury) and The Cloister at Sea Island, which feature five miles of private beach, multiple swimming pools and three championship golf courses. In Atlanta, The Candler Hotel mixes history with modern boutique touches. 

Affectionately known as "The Pink Palace", the Royal Hawaiian stands sentry on Waikiki Beach, welcoming visitors and offering a true slice of island life. When it opened in 1927, this hotel helped usher in a new era of Hawaiian tourism, and a century later, it's still creating once-in-a-lifetime memories for guests. Elsewhere in Waikiki, ESPACIO offers sumptuous rooms and sea views, while over on the island of Maui, The Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea is even better in person than it looked in season one of The White Lotus. 

The histories of the town of Sun Valley and its namesake ski resort will be forever intertwined as back in the 1930s, The Sun Valley Lodge helped put the idea of an Idaho ski resort on the map. And after receiving a recent facelift, it's looking better than ever. On Lake Coeur d'Alene, the Coeur d'Alene offers fine views of the lake and high-quality rooms & amenities. 

In Lake Forest, the Deer Path Inn has been offering a European-style cottage ambiance for nearly 100 years, while in the heart of Chicago, The Palmer House, a Hilton Hotel, has been welcoming guests and setting trends since 1873. Thought to be the first hotel to incorporate light bulbs, telephones and elevators into the guest experience (in addition to being the birthplace of the brownie), The Palmer House offers an elevated modern take on luxury, long ago solidifying its Chicago icon status. Other wonderful stays in the Windy City include The Drake and Congress Hotel.

Surrounded by the splendor of Hoosier National Forest, The French Lick Resort is comprised of two of the nation's most historic spa hotels: The West Baden Hotel and the French Lick Springs Hotel. The former is renowned for its majestic atrium, once dubbed the "eighth wonder of the world". In Indianapolis, the Conrad Hotel has already picked up a stellar reputation for its luxurious amenities and colorful artwork from the likes of Salvador Dali and Andy Warhol. 

The Hotel Julien has stood proud in Mississippi River town Dubuque for over a century (and there's been a hotel on this spot for nearly 200 years), and in its days, it has hosted both the famous and the glamorous. It recently underwent a massive renovation and is shining brightly once again. Downriver in Davenport, the Blackhawk Hotel impresses with amenities that include a spa, bowling alley, restaurant and martini bar.  

Dating back to the 1850s, Lawrence's Eldridge Hotel has a fascinating history that includes playing a significant role in the "Bleeding Kansas" crisis in the lead-up to the Civil War. Fresh of a 21st-century renovation, it enjoys legend status in Lawrence. In Elgin, the Historic Elgin Hotel sports a lovely limestone exterior that helps make it a fine place to stay while exploring the beautiful Flint Hills.

Dating back to 1923, the Brown Hotel has an outsized impact on the history of Louisville. In addition to being a bastion of luxury and offering a warm welcome for over a century, it was the place where the iconic Louisville dish the Hot Brown was invented, and there's no place better to mull over this rich heritage in its stately lobby. Also in The 'Ville, the Seelbach Hilton's story is just as legendary, right down to its opulent, one-of-a-kind Bavarian rathskeller in the basement. 

The Royal Sonesta and its wrought iron balconies are a sight to behold on Bourbon Street, making it an icon in the city. Elsewhere in New Orleans, the Hotel Monteleone mixes a rich heritage (dates back to the 1880s) with one of the most famous watering holes in the city: The romantic Carousel Bar, which does exactly what it sounds like it: rotate while you raise a cocktail. 

Tucked away in a quiet stretch of Mount Desert Island coastline, The Claremont offers one of Maine's most iconic stays. Spread out over six coastal acres, The Claremont features a mix of cottages, cabins and standard rooms, all decorated superbly. In Portland, the Westin Portland Harborview is home to many stories and the Colony Hotel in Kennebunkport epitomizes the New England coastal lifestyle.  

The Four Seasons in Baltimore offers great views of the Inner Harbor and the Inn at Perry Cabin is the ultimate Eastern Shore experience. In Annapolis, the Governor Calvert House, Maryland Inn and the Robert Johnson House are a collection of boutique hotels that also happened to be some of the most historic in the nation.

The Colonial Inn in Concord brings both literary and Revolutionary War-era history to the table; Boston's Omni Parker House lays claim to the title of "the longest continuously operating hotel in America"; and The White Elephant is the spot to be seen docking up your vessel on Nantucket. Take your pick, you can't go wrong in the Bay State. 

The Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island is about as synonymous with Michigan as Motown, maize & blue and Marshall Mathers. This grand dame dates back to 1887 and each summer, its front porch (said to be the longest in the world) fills with vacationers from across the land. Elsewhere, the Amway Grand Plaza Curio Collection by Hilton offers a gilded step back in time in the heart of Grand Rapids. 

The handsome Mississippi River town of Red Wing's most historic digs, the St. James Hotel has welcomed guests since the 1870s, and still owns a prime position in town. In the Twin Cities, the Ivy Hotel is a solid choice, and the Saint Paul Hotel aka "The Million Dollar Hotel" dates back to owns a rock solid reputation that dates back to the late 1800s. 

Down on the Gulf, Biloxi's Beau Rivage offers a "Vegas-style" experience and in Natchez, the Monmouth Historic Inn is a true Southern Belle with its classic architecture and well-appointed rooms. And while it may be new on the scene, The Mulberry in Vicksburg is already making waves with its timeless charm mixed with an art gallery.  

In Springfield, Rail Haven has a must-stay during any Route 66 road trip, while up in Excelsior Springs near Kansas City, The Elms Resort & Spa owns a rich history and is set amongst vineyards, trails and a golf course. In St. Louis, Union Station is an absolute legend in the city as this former railway station turned hotel offers a great stay and one of the finest places to linger with a drink: The Grand Hall. Here, you can sip under stained glass and arches that will take you back to the golden age of American rail travel.

Head to Fort Benton to stay a night in one of the region's oldest hotels: The Grand Union, while Butte is home to the historic Hotel Finlen, which turns 100 in 2024. When it comes to getting out into nature, Montana has you covered there and nowhere does it better than the Many Glacier Hotel, which is located within Glacier National Park. Dating back to 1915, the hotel's design is inspired by European alpine lodges and the views over Swiftcurrent Lake are simply stunning.   

The Marriott in downtown Omaha gets rave reviews, while the Hotel Deco is a beacon of beautiful Art Deco architecture in the heart of the city. Built back in 1930 as the Redick Tower, this striking structure now welcomes guests for a taste of the past with a touch of modern-day panache.

In a city where beloved hotels ae reduced to rubble on the regular, it takes a lot to transcend the test of time and become a true icon. Sure, it's only been on The Strip since 1998, but there's a good chance when you think of Vegas, you picture The Bellagio. Other legendary digs in the Silver State include The Flamingo (now the oldest on the Strip) and The Mizpah Hotel in Tonopah, Nevada. Built in 1907, the hotel was a prime spot for luxury in the mining town and still welcomes travelers. 

Set amongst the wild & wonderful White Mountains, the Omni Mount Washington Resort, Bretton Woods offers luxury and refinement with a dash of mountain mystique—and some of prettiest front porches in New England. Also in the region, Mountain View Grand Resort and Spa dates back to 1865 and is famed for its signature yellow hue and sweeping views of the mountains.

The Claridge Hotel is the OG of AC, dating back to the 1930s, and still standing proud of the Atlantic City shores. Elsewhere, the mid-century Caribbean Motel owns a slice of Jersey Shore history, while the Westin Governor Morris in Morristown offers excellent rooms with splashes of colonial accents.  

La Posada de Santa Fe started its life as a private residence, which turned into a hotel and art school in the 1930s and hasn't looked back since. Also in Santa Fe, La Fonda on the Plaza stands on a site where there's been an inn or hotel dating back to the early 1600s, while in Cimarron, the St. James Hotel is home to a whole lot of Wild West legends. 

Do you know that elegant, chateau-style facade overlooking Central Park that you've seen in countless films & television shows? That's The Plaza, one of the nation's most famed addresses for a stay. Elsewhere in the Big Apple, The Carlyle is a favorite haunt of the cool half of the A-list, and in the Hudson Valley, the Mohonk Mountain House dates back to the 1860s and owns a jaw-dropping location beside a gorgeous glacial lake. 

The Inn on Biltmore Estate offers up a mixture of the Biltmore Estate's Gilded Age glamor and modern style, while in the Blue Ridge Mountains, the historic Green Park Inn is one of the oldest hotels in the state (dates back to 1891) and the last remaining hotel able to claim the "Grand Manor Hotel" title. In Cary, The Umstead Hotel and Spa draws inspiration from both the surrounding wilderness and striking works of art.   

Dating back to the 1890s, Hotel Donaldson sits at the hub of the action in Fargo—one of the nation's most unique small cities—and its most recent renovation has seen it turn into a boutique property, with rooms designed by a local artist. On Devil's Lake, the Woodland Resort offers a range of outdoor activities for every type of traveler. 

The most historic hotel in the Buckeye State, Lebanon's Golden Lamb Inn has welcomed travelers (including a dozen American presidents!) for over two centuries. Elsewhere, the Cincinnatian Hotel boasts remarkable French-inspired architecture and a history that traces back to the 1880s; The Ritz-Carlton Cleveland offers remarkable views of Lake Erie and luxury at every turn; and the LeVeque Tower has been a beacon of luxury on the Columbus skyline for over 90 years, boasting great views of the city and a host of Art Deco touches. 

When the Colcord building opened in Oklahoma City in 1910, the 12-story structure was the city's first skyscraper. Fast forward a century, and the Colcold Hotel has taken over the space, mixing some of the glamor of yesteryear with modern flourishes. Elsewhere in Oklahoma, The Mayo Hotel in Tulsa owns one of the most handsome brick facades in the state and Inn at Price Tower in Bartlesville resides in the only skyscraper ever designed by the famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright. 

Sitting atop one of the most iconic mountain peaks in the Pacific Northwest, the Timberline Lodge is most well-known for its use as the hotel exterior shots in the movie The Shining. But there’s no nasty goings-on here in real life—
only high-octane snow sports, delicious dining, an outdoor pool and hot tub, roaring fires and timber-clad accommodations. In the heart of downtown Portland stands the iconic Heathman Hotel, which has been open since the 1920s and was built in a Jacobean Revival architectural style. Unique artworks adorn the walls of the communal spaces and modern guest rooms, but the building still manages to retain its unique historical charm. Being within walking distance of most of Portland’s great shopping, dining and attractions doesn’t hurt, either.

The Rittenhouse is the place to see and be seen in Philadelphia. This luxury property constantly tops polls of the best hotels in the city, and with its range of first-class dining, spa and modern guest rooms, it’s not hard to see why. The Historic Hotel Bethlehem is another Pennsylvania icon as there has been a hotel on this site since 1741, and it even served as a rest stop for soldiers during World War I. Anyone who is anyone has stayed here, which could explain why hospitality and amenities remain top-class. 

Ocean House is perhaps the most cherished of all Rhode Island hotels. With a commanding location perched atop one of the bluffs of Watch Hill, this seaside resort is housed within a Victorian mansion and allows guests to step inside and leave the modern world behind. Play a game of shuffleboard or croquet on one of the many expansive lawns, or simply sit in a chair at sunset with a chilled glass of wine in hand. The Hotel Viking is the historic jewel in Newport’s crown. It’s just a short walk from the harbor and boasts contemporary luxury that’s perfectly in keeping with its Gilded Age roots. There's a Nordic-inspired spa, a rooftop lounge bar with sweeping views of Narragansett Bay and a beautiful collection of rooms and suites.

It doesn’t get much more historic than the John Rutledge House Inn in Charleston, the only hotel to boast national historic landmark status and be the former home of a signer of the United States Constitution. The building’s beautiful exterior architecture offers plenty of social media-worthy photo opportunities and despite the fact it’s located just steps from some of Charleston’s most famous attractions, you may want to just stay in and enjoy the delicious daily afternoon tea offerings. If "luxury" and "oceanfront" are two non-negotiables for you when it comes to hotels, then The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort just shot to the top of the list. This expansive beach resort is packed with a spa, a plethora of accommodations (spanning from rooms and suites to villas and private homes), tennis, watersports, dining, and, of course, golf. 

Few hotels are quite as unique in design as the Hotel Alex Johnson, whose fusion of Germanic Tudor architecture and Native American artifacts cannot be rivaled. This historic Rapid City landmark has welcomed many famous visitors over the years, but perhaps the most famous of all are the ghosts of previous guests and owners who supposedly roam the building to this day. Set on a commanding peak in the Black Hills, The Lodge at Deadwood is an award-winning casino resort where you can decide whether to rest or play. There are plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventure and historical exploration on the hotel’s doorstep, or simply make a splash at the onsite waterpark before enjoying the stunning views with a glass of wine in hand. 

In Music City, The Hermitage has hosted a who's who of country music royalty and political movers and shakers since its opening in 1910 and still stands tall as one of the best stays in the city. Also located in Nashville, the Union Station Hotel blends railway history with modern luxuries effortlessly, and no mention of iconic hotels in the Volunteer State would be complete without the Peabody Hotel in Memphis and its famous ducks.  

Strolling into The Driskill (dates back to 1886) is a true Texas experience, as you are greeted by spurs, stuffed cattle and artworks that celebrate the landscapes and characters of the Lone Star State immediately. In San Antonio, Hotel Emma is a true beauty in the heart of the city, and the Omni La Mansion del Rio resides in a historic Spanish Colonial Revival style structure that dates back to the 1850s.  

The closest hotel to the entrance of majestic Bryce Canyon, Ruby's Inn has been welcoming travelers and helping them make special trip memories for over 100 years. In Salt Lake City, the Grand America Hotel is a signature part of the city's skyline, and in Canyon Point, Amangiri sits enveloped by the beauty of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Park.  

The Shelburne Farms Inn is a historic farmhouse that now operates as a sustainable working farm and guesthouse. Visitors can stay in a series of cottages while enjoying meals made from ingredients grown right there on the grounds. Accommodations are only open seasonally, which makes a stay here all the more special. Set in the heart of Woodstock and boasting superb views of the Green Mountains, the Woodstock Inn and Resort is a timelessly elegant retreat. Previously owned by Mary and Laurance Rockefeller, the hotel’s sumptuous rooms still pay homage to the hotel’s former owners’ love of nature and historic preservation. Just 90 minutes from Burlington, Twin Farms is nestled in lush countryside and features gourmet farm-to-table meals and luxurious self-contained cottages.  

If gastronomy dictates your travel planning, then look no further than The Inn at Little Washington, whose restaurant boasts a whopping 3 Michelin Stars. Featuring only 23 guest rooms, this intimate and cozy inn is a stay that will stay with you long after you've checked out. Nestled among the stunning natural landscapes of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Primland Resort is a private estate whose grounds stretch as far as the eye can see. Here you can fish, golf, immerse yourself in a yoga retreat or simply enjoy the dining experiences and extensive wine cellar while gawking at the fabulous vistas. 

The Mayflower Park Hotel is a beautifully restored historic gem that has been a staple on the Seattle hotel scene for over 95 years. Its design draws on European influences and it is still proudly independently owned and operated. If you’re looking for something a little bigger, but no less historic, then the Fairmont Olympic Hotel in Seattle fits the bill perfectly. Its iconic architecture houses modern interiors that recently underwent a multi-million dollar refurbishment while boasting a location close to all of Seattle’s most famous tourist attractions.

How can you make a list of iconic hotels and not mention The Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs? This National Historic Landmark is one of the most famous hotels in the whole country and for good reason. It was built in 1778 and boasts 10 lobbies, a huge casino, a PGA-approved golf course, 11,00 acres of land and is surrounded by stunning mountain scenery. Need we say more? The Blennerhassett Hotel and Spa oozes history and charm. Located just a few blocks from the Parkersburg Arts District in The Mid-Ohio Valley, the hotel is designed in a distinctive Queen Anne style, but the interior is pure modern-day class.

Milwaukee’s Pfister Hotel is where art and architecture combine. The hotel exterior boasts an impressive Romanesque Revival design, while inside, the walls are adorned with Victorian artwork (some say it’s the largest hotel collection in the world). This timeless elegance extends to the stunning interior design, from which guests can revel in the views of the nearby Lake Michigan. Located on the edge of Lake Mendota, The Edgewater Hotel isn’t your typical boutique hotel. It’s one of the only hotels in Madison that can boast stunning water views while also being only a stone’s throw from both Capitol Square and the vibrant downtown. So whether you’re into water skiing or walking, you can find it all here.

It’s not often that a hotel can boast a geyser view from its rooms, but that’s exactly what one historic hotel in Yellowstone National Park provides. Open since 1904, the Old Faithful Inn is considered to be the largest log structure in the world and was once an important cowboy outpost in the West. Come here to enjoy soaring ceilings, roaring fires and fantastic natural landscapes. While we’re on the subject of awe-inspiring views, it would be remiss not to mention the Amangani resort in Jackson Hole. This luxury hotel and ski resort sits in the foothills of the Teton Mountains and offers unique modern furnishings and the option to take private wildlife viewing excursions.