While you’re abroad, there’s just something special about staying somewhere that didn’t pop up last year with a rooftop bar and a generic logo.

Historic hotels? They’ve earned their keys. These are the places where the floors creak a little, the walls have stories, and you half-expect to see a name you recognize in the guestbook – because you probably will. Some of these properties opened before the 1920s. Others took shape inside buildings that have been around even longer. Think old monasteries, colonial mansions, grand train stations, even the occasional fortress.

What ties them together is staying power. Original woodwork, restored ballrooms, secret courtyards, and maybe a cocktail lounge where famous guests made headlines are all still part of the experience. And the best part? You don’t need to give up your creature comforts either. So, pack your curiosity and an extra charging cable. We’re heading to some of the most interesting historic hotels you can actually stay in today.

Casa Monica Resort & Spa — St. Augustine, Florida

Casa Monica Hotel (Cordova Hotel), King Street, St. Augustine, FL by Warren LeMay licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

In America’s oldest city — St. Augustine, Florida, founded back in 1565 — it’s fitting that the Casa Monica offers both luxury and longevity. First opened in 1888 under the name Casa Monica’s architecture reflects the city’s Spanish colonial past. As you stroll through the lush grounds, you’ll enjoy the intricate Moorish columns, decorative ironwork, and arched windows.

Originally a venture by Franklin W. Smith, a businessman with a taste for exotic design, the hotel was later sold to Henry Flagler, the railroad tycoon who played a massive role in Florida’s development. The hotel was shuttered mid-20th century and repurposed as a courthouse for decades before reopening as a hotel again in the late ’90s. That transformation brought life back to the original design. Today, you’ll find updated rooms inside a structure that once shaped the rise of Florida tourism.

Ojai Valley Inn — Ojai, California

In Southern California’s inland hills, Ojai Valley Inn enjoys over 280 days of sunshine a year, making it an ideal winter escape. Though technically built in 1923, the resort lies on land that functioned as a spiritual retreat and ranch property for decades before the inn was established. From the beginning, the resort was designed as a luxury escape for city-dwellers — especially those from Los Angeles — and continues that tradition today with world-class spa services and golf.

But it’s the Spanish Colonial-style buildings and rustic arches that give Ojai Valley Inn its classic charm. The whitewashed exteriors and red tile roofs are true to the region’s architecture. The original bell tower still stands, and the property has avoided overwrought modern renovations. Even with enhancements added over the years, most of the buildings have retained their early 20th-century footprint. If quiet starlit nights, palm trees, and history-shaped adobe walls sound like your kind of reset, this hotel delivers it without fuss.

La Posada de Santa Fe — New Mexico

La Posada Hotel by QuesterMark licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

What makes La Posada de Santa Fe stand out is its initial structure — a classic 1882 mansion built by merchant Abraham Staab. His wife, Julia, is said to still be floating around as a friendly ghost. The home expanded into a hotel over the following decades, gradually growing into a full resort while preserving its adobe-style bones. The warm reddish tones of the buildings, hand-carved wooden details, and exposed ceiling vigas give the property a texture that modern developments just can’t replicate.

Staying at La Posada will put you within walking distance of Santa Fe’s historic district while keeping the quiet elegance of a retreat away from the heavier foot traffic. Landscaped gardens, outdoor fireplaces, and centuries-old buildings updated just enough will make this destination ultra-memorable.

Hotel del Coronado — San Diego, California

One of the true architectural icons of America’s historic hotel scene, the Hotel del Coronado opened its grand wood-framed doors in 1888. It was one of the largest resort hotels in the world when it debuted, and today it remains one of the few surviving examples of a wooden beach resort from that era. Located on Coronado Island across the bay from San Diego, its red-turreted roof and white exterior are recognizable by even those who’ve never stepped foot on southern California sand.

Presidents, royalty, and movie stars have stayed at “The Del,” and it even found its way into pop culture fame when it served as the filming location for the 1959 classic Some Like It Hot. The hotel’s original elevator still runs, and many of the rooms feature Victorian details you won’t find at chain properties. If you’re looking to walk through a bit of living American history while your toes sink into the sand, the Del might just be the grand old dame you’re looking for.

Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Cartagena — Colombia

Hotel Santa Clara. Cartagena, Columbia. by Ron Frazier licensed under CC by 2.0

The building that houses the Sofitel Legend Santa Clara in Cartagena, Colombia dates back to 1621 when it served as a convent. The immense stone structure sat quietly for centuries before being carefully transformed into a luxury hotel in the 1990s. What makes it stand out is how the renovation kept the original skeleton: arcades, courtyards, and even the old chapel walls remain.

Now part of an upscale collection, the Sofitel Legend Santa Clara brings together colonial architecture with modern touches that don’t fight the history. Rooms open into former monastic halls and courtyards filled with tropical trees. You’ll find more architectural history in this hotel than in most Colombian museums, and you can take it all in while sipping a fresh piña colada by the pool. It’s sunny, warm year-round, and keeps its history impressively intact.

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Hotel Nacional de Cuba — Havana, Cuba

While the Hotel Nacional de Cuba hotel itself officially opened in 1930, it was built on the site of the Santa Clara Battery, a defensive Spanish fortress dating back to the late 1700s. This hotel in Havana has enjoyed quite the guest list. Frank Sinatra, Ava Gardner, and Winston Churchill all walked its marble corridors, each adding to the hotel’s lore. The architecture is a blend of Art Deco and neoclassical touches, and the sea views from the garden patios haven’t changed much in a hundred years.

Today, the hotel serves as a museum of its own legacy, with hallways lined in photographs and stories from decades past. You’ll still find live bands in the open-air bar, and the mojitos are made with just the right kick of lime. Don’t be surprised if you spot a classic car pulling up out front or catch a vintage film screening in one of the lounges. The whole place feels like a love letter to another era – with room service, of course.

FAQs:

Q: Are these historic hotels family-friendly or better suited for adults?
A: Most welcome families, but some offer a quieter setting that may appeal more to adults. Always check ahead for amenities like rollaway beds or kids’ menus.

Q: Do these historic hotels have modern amenities like Wi-Fi and air conditioning?
A: Yes, most have updated facilities including Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and modern bathrooms, though some older rooms may be more basic. It’s worth confirming when booking.

Q: Are there accessibility accommodations in these older buildings?
A: Many renovated historic hotels offer accessible rooms and elevators, but not all older buildings are fully ADA-compliant. Contact the hotel directly for specific details.

Q: Is parking usually available at these properties?
A: Parking is typically available, but it may be valet-only or limited in historic city centers. It’s smart to ask about availability and extra fees beforehand.

Q: Do these hotels offer onsite dining or room service?
A: Most of these historic hotels feature onsite restaurants or bars, and many offer room service. Some properties are near walkable dining options too.

Q: Do I need travel protection when booking a stay at a historic hotel?
A: Travel protection is a good idea, especially for non-refundable reservations. Inclement weather and personal emergencies can affect your travel plans.

Did we leave any of your favorite historic hotels off our list? Tell us in the comments section below!