I'm not talking a Holiday Inn built in the 60s or a run-down Ramada. I mean a bona fide historic property. One where you can tell its age by the architecture and detailing rather than the stains on the walls.
I've had the opportunity to visit a couple. While in Denver for a conference, I spent time at The Brown Palace, which many say is haunted. About a year and a half ago, when The Yorktowne went up for sale, a photographer and I spent 24 hours there to see what made the place so unique.
I can testify to the fact that there are differences. The service, for one. And the little touches. Character, personality and history seem to infuse these places, making them feel like a tourist attraction in and of themselves, rather than just a place to rest your head and grab a quick shower.
A few others nearby include The Gettysburg Hotel in Gettysburg, Admiral Fell Inn and Radisson Plaza Lord Baltimore, both in Baltimore.
To find an historic hotel near where you're going next, search on the Web site of the Historic Hotels of America.
Post a comment and tell us what historic hotel you've visited and what you thought of the place.
I didn't stay there, just went on a tour of The Boulderado in Boulder, CO. It feels like you stepped back into the old west!
I spend time in a lot of hotels. The older they are, the larger the hassle of getting heavy equipment up the narrow stairs.
I stayed at the Hacienda Vista Hermosa in Mexico which was built in the 1500's and was built for Hernan Cortes. Also, I stayed at a beutiful hotel in Florence that dates back to the 1600's. Both hotels were amazing! I wish I was there.