The 2025 Top 25 Historic Hotels of America® Most Romantic Hotels list is announced
WASHINGTON — (BUSINESS WIRE) — #historichotels — Historic Hotels of America®, the official program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation for recognizing and celebrating historic hotels, is pleased to announce The 2025 Top 25 Historic Hotels of America Most Romantic Hotels list.
At any time of the year, historic hotels are the perfect place to celebrate special occasions that create lifelong memories and are the ideal location for a romantic proposal. Couples can enjoy quality time together, or celebrate with their friends and families, to mark special milestones, including romantic getaways, engagements, weddings, honeymoons, vow renewals, and more.
The swoon-worthy historic hotels selected for The 2025 Top 25 Historic Hotels of America Most Romantic Hotels list all exude romance, and they represent a variety of experiences travelers can have—from glamorous city center icons and beachfront Grande Dames to charming mountaintop escapes and pastoral paradises. These historic hotels offer special romance, wedding, or engagement packages for couples looking to celebrate their love, whether it is an intimate getaway or a celebration with friends and family. For those planning to get engaged, these hotels offer creative planning services to craft the perfect proposal. Planning a special romantic moment in 2025? The 25 destinations described here, and many more historic hotels inducted into Historic Hotels of America, provide beautiful venues and breathtaking views to set the stage for celebrating love that makes history.
To be selected for membership in Historic Hotels of America, a hotel must be at least 50 years old; has been designated by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior as a National Historic Landmark or has been listed in or is eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places; and recognized as having historic significance. Visit HistoricHotels.org to learn more and sign up to receive Discover & Explore to stay up to date on news and specials from Historic Hotels of America.
The Omni Homestead Resort (1766) Hot Springs, Virginia
Beautiful, breathtaking views greet guests everywhere that they turn at The Omni Homestead Resort in Hot Springs, Virginia. From the gorgeous mountain scenery to the grand and glamorous interior spaces, there are numerous settings for romantic proposals and event spaces for weddings, engagement parties, and milestone celebrations. Among the many romantic settings for a proposal, the American Audubon Dining Room stands out as one of the most beloved choices. This elegant space has been an integral part of The Omni Homestead Resort experience for over a century. Adorned with custom chandeliers, an exquisite domed ceiling, and expansive windows, the American Audubon Dining Room exudes timeless charm. For those looking to make their proposal truly memorable, with advance notice, the resort can arrange for a photographer to capture this special moment in the elegant ambiance of the American Audubon Dining Room. One proposal took place during an archery lesson with a “Will You Marry Me?” message inserted into a balloon on the target. The bride-to-be popped the balloon as the groom-to-be popped the question. Activities at the resort that are perfect for couples include private carriage and sleigh rides, candlelit dinners, Afternoon Tea, horseback riding, and even a special couple’s nighttime soak in the famous Warm Springs Pools. The Omni Homestead Resort was inducted into Historic Hotels of America as a Charter Member in 1989 and dates to 1766.
Woolverton Inn (1792) Stockton, New Jersey
Nestled in the farmlands of Stockton, New Jersey, sits the charming and historic Woolverton Inn. This intimate retreat rests high above the Delaware River and is situated on 300 acres of rolling farmland and surrounded by forests. Established in 1792, the inn is a romantic escape into the pastoral countryside, allowing guests to unwind, making it a perfect place to propose. The inn recommends its Perfect Proposal package, which includes staging support from event coordinators, such as candles, flowers, and Champagne. To preserve its tranquil atmosphere, the inn can only accommodate children 12 years and older, and there are no televisions in the guestrooms. Guests can enjoy a candlelit dinner at Northridge Restaurant, located in a beautifully restored stone barn dating to the 1830s. The best places to “pop the question,” according to the inn, include the all-season veranda, by the stone bench in the fern garden near the fountain, and along the charming perimeter trail around the sheep pasture. From proposals to weddings, honeymoons, and milestone anniversaries, guests return year after year to celebrate their relationships. One couple noted in the guestbook: “We now call the Woolverton Inn our place. The entire experience takes us away each time we hide away here, and we fall deeper in love with each other.” Another guestbook entry describes: “This beautiful stay at the Woolverton reminded me of how much I love my wife and how I really am one lucky man.” Woolverton Inn was inducted into Historic Hotels of America in 2023 and dates to 1792.
The Inn at Leola Village, Est. 1867 (1867) Leola, Pennsylvania
In the heart of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, The Inn at Leola Village, Est. 1867 is a timeless escape, where romance and luxury await guests. Once an Amish tobacco farm, the inn was saved from demolition and transformed into a warm and inviting countryside getaway where couples can unwind. Inducted into Historic Hotels of America in 2001, this charming retreat offers couples the perfect blend of history and modern amenities. The most historic buildings at the inn date to 1867, and these carefully preserved cottages boast original woodwork and reflect their Amish heritage. The inn provides luxurious accommodations featuring oversized whirlpool tubs, cozy fireplaces, fine linens, and thoughtful amenities that set the stage for unforgettable moments. The full-service spa offers couples massages and personalized wellness treatments, creating a peaceful sanctuary for two Dining at Osteria Avanti, with its rustic Italian-inspired cuisine, is the perfect backdrop for an evening of intimate conversation and culinary delights. Whether guests are marking a special occasion or simply cherishing each other’s company, this romantic retreat provides the ideal setting to fall even more deeply in love.
Mohonk Mountain House (1869) New Paltz, New York
Mohonk Mountain House, designated a National Historic Landmark by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior, is a beloved Victorian resort situated along the shore of a glacial lake among the Shawangunk Mountains in the Hudson Valley, offering guests breathtaking and unparalleled views. Mohonk Mountain House offers a range of special private experiences for couples. Romantic offerings include private horse-drawn carriage rides, private candlelit dining, private dining inside the lakeview summerhouse, private picnics, private rooftop dining, and private campfires. The resort offers guest activities throughout the year, but signature events around Valentine’s Day include romantic music, art, tasting events, games, and more. This year, the resort offers couples yoga, Valentine’s Day card making, Love Song Bingo, rom-com movie screenings, paint & sip events, and moonlight walks. For proposals, this historic resort offers tailored engagement packages to enhance the special occasion, such as a private carriage ride overlooking scenic landscapes, exclusive rooftop dining with a stunning five-state view, or a “Will You Marry Me?” banner dropped from across the lake. Whether the proposal is made by the fireplace of an intimate Victorian-inspired guestroom, or at an iconic outdoor location like Sky Top Tower, the natural beauty of Mohonk Mountain House’s surroundings enhances the occasion and makes it unforgettable. The destination is also perfect for weddings and vow renewals. One couple recently visited to renew their vows on their 20th wedding anniversary with an intimate ceremony at Sky Top Tower, complete with Champagne and music. Family owned for over 150 years, Mohonk Mountain House was inducted into Historic Hotels of America in 1991 and dates to 1869.
The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa (1876) Riverside, California
The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa in Riverside, California, dates to 1876 and is a premier destination for romantic escapes and events. In its first few decades, the small inn developed into a stunning European-style hotel, with expansions and additions including various architectural elements, such as castle-like towers, Mediterranean Revival-style domes, flying buttresses, and sprawling arcades, as well as great works of art. Throughout its history, this historic hotel has attracted movie stars, bestselling authors, and even future presidents. Glamorous and romantic, The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa was the chosen destination for actress Bette Davis, the Reagans, the Nixons, and many others to celebrate their marriages. Richard Nixon married Patricia Nixon at The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa on June 21, 1940 in front of the fireplace in the Presidential Suite, now known as the Presidential Lounge. Just over a decade later, future President Ronald Reagan and First Lady Nancy Reagan spent part of their honeymoon at The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa. Actress Bette Davis held her wedding reception at The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa. Today, The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa is a beautiful location for a wedding or romantic getaway, offering several sumptuously appointed chapels, ballrooms, and galleries, and with options for outdoor ceremonies and receptions. For a romantic getaway, guests can book the Alhambra Suite, where the Reagans stayed on their honeymoon. Guests can take advantage of recent additions like Kelly’s Spa, and updated dining options that include a romantic dinner on the Spanish Patio. The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa was designated a National Historic Landmark by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior, and was inducted into Historic Hotels of America in 1996.
Casa Madrona Hotel and Spa (1885) Sausalito/San Francisco, California
Perched atop a picturesque California hillside on Sausalito’s waterfront, Casa Madrona Hotel and Spa is a romantic destination that was once a palatial private home. The hotel features three unique guest experiences, allowing visitors to curate the perfect romantic stay in charming downtown Sausalito. Accommodation options include guestrooms with unparalleled scenic bay views, private balconies, and cozy fireplaces. The crown jewel of this historic hotel is its carefully preserved, 140-year-old mansion that showcases original woodwork, reflecting its Victorian heritage, while its guestrooms feature modern furnishings, creating an intimate, one-of-a-kind retreat that is perfect for couples. Whether celebrating an anniversary by the fireplace in a Victorian-inspired guestroom or planning a once-in-a-lifetime proposal on one of the outdoor terraces, the natural beauty surrounding Casa Madrona Hotel and Spa and its luxurious interior settings make these romantic moments unforgettable. This historic hotel is the perfect destination for weddings and vow renewals as well. Guests can also enjoy the hotel’s wellness spa, which features specialized massage offerings and bespoke body treatments, and indulge at Poggio, the hotel’s classic northern Italian trattoria. Casa Madrona Hotel and Spa was inducted into Historic Hotels of America in 2024 and dates to 1885.
Grand Hotel (1887) Mackinac Island, Michigan
For 138 years, Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island has provided the charm and beauty of a variety of romantic settings for engagements, weddings, honeymoons, and even films. Famous as the backdrop for the classic time travel romance Somewhere in Time (1980), Grand Hotel offers couples romantic experiences and amenities, including horse-drawn carriage rides, picnic baskets, chocolate fudge, candlelit dinners, and sweeping views of the Straits of Mackinac. Located at the very top of the Grand Hotel, the Cupola Bar offers breathtaking panoramic views of the island, making it a perfect place to get engaged. The world-famous Front Porch, the world’s largest, is also a great engagement location. Other locations to propose include the picturesque Main Dining Room, the lush gardens for a more private setting, or at Woods Restaurant, an opulent Tudor-style mansion with Bavarian charm, that offers private candlelit dining experiences and is just a short, romantic horse-drawn carriage ride away. To capture the moment, Grand Hotel’s photography team specializes in secret proposal photoshoots. Packages like the Grand Romance package include amenities such as a fresh-cut flower arrangement, a wine basket, and Mackinac Island’s famous fudge delivered to the guestroom. The concierge can arrange a private sunset candlelit dinner on the iconic Front Porch overlooking the Straits of Mackinac. A romantic getaway at Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island is a truly unique experience. Grand Hotel was designated a National Historic Landmark by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior and was inducted into Historic Hotels of America in 2001.
Ledges Hotel (1890) Hawley, Pennsylvania
Located along Wallenpaupack Creek in Hawley, Pennsylvania, amid the breathtaking scenery of the Pocono Mountains, Ledges Hotel is a cherished destination, offering guests tranquility and relaxation. Ledges Hotel’s Romance by the Falls package celebrates Valentine’s Day throughout the month of February. Guests arrive to their guestroom—featuring handcrafted designs, artisan touches, and unique furnishings built from the wood of the original Bellemonte Silk Mill trusses,— to find beautiful flowers, Moka Origins chocolate, and a bottle of sparkling wine. The overnight stay also includes a dining credit to savor an intimate meal at the hotel’s restaurant, Glass – wine. bar. kitchen. Guests can also add on spa services at the luxurious Vault 240, a refurbished 1920s Art Deco-style bank building on Main Avenue. The most romantic spot at this historic hotel is on the tiered decks overlooking Paupack High Falls. The Stargazer Deck in particular is popular, as the secluded location looks over the waterfall and gorge. Another outdoor space, called “the ruins,” provides an intimate setting and a secret garden atmosphere for guests, with its Bluestone walls, plants, and patio seating. The hotel staff believe—and Historic Hotels of America agrees—that “a life-long commitment made in the shadow of a historic landmark is symbolic of a relationship that will stand the test of time.” Ledges Hotel was inducted into Historic Hotels of America in 2013 and dates to 1890.
Portland Regency Hotel & Spa (1895) Portland, Maine
Located in the heart of Portland, Maine’s historic Old Port district, the Portland Regency Hotel & Spa embodies romance, history, and coastal charm. Located in a beautifully restored building dating to 1895—once the Maine National Guard Armory—the hotel retains its rich architectural history while offering modern amenities. The 95 inviting guestrooms include accommodation options featuring fireplaces and balconies, providing guests with the perfect intimate setting. Couples can rejuvenate in the sauna or enjoy spa treatments, such as soothing couples’ massages, or enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel’s Eighteen95 Restaurant. For an even more intimate experience, guests can opt for breakfast –in bed and savor a quiet morning together, complete with a preferred late check-out. The hotel’s experienced event curator is available to help guests plan unforgettable romantic moments, from intimate proposals in their suite by a crackling fire, to grand gestures in front of the hotel’s iconic lobster trap Christmas tree. Whether planning a proposal, a wedding, a vow renewal, or an anniversary celebration, Portland Regency Hotel & Spa can help guests plan their dream romantic celebration. Portland Regency Hotel & Spa was inducted into Historic Hotels of America in 1991 and dates to 1895.
The Union Station Nashville Yards (1900) Nashville, Tennessee
From its origins as a Gilded Age train terminal, where countless couples bid farewell and were reunited, to its new life as a luxury hotel, The Union Station Nashville Yards has always been a top romantic destination in Nashville. For over a century, countless couples have been married at the terminal, and the hotel is eager to welcome guests back for their anniversaries and to help create new memories. The most romantic place to get engaged and to exchange vows at The Union Station Nashville Yards is in front of the Grand Lobby’s historic fireplace. Above the fireplace, the Grand Lobby also features an original curved stained-glass ceiling that has been a beautiful backdrop for hundreds of weddings and engagements. Romance packages for couples on their honeymoon or planning their engagement are available, offering special amenities and experiences. This includes dining on the Veranda, an enchanting setting under the glow of the city lights and the flicker of candles—an unforgettable place to declare one’s love to one another. The Union Station Nashville Yards’ culinary team is delighted to work with guests to create a proposal to remember by delivering the ring during their meal. After the engagement, the romantic honeymoon package includes a luxurious stay in one of the hotel’s premium suites, featuring romantic touches such as rose petals and candles, and a special welcome dinner at Stationairy. The Union Station Nashville Yards, built in 1900 and a member of Historic Hotels of America since 2015, was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1969.
Bellwether House (1876) Savannah, Georgia
Located in historic Savannah, Georgia, Bellwether House offers a luxurious and enchanting retreat for couples. This boutique historic hotel—encompassing two adjoining Italianate-style townhomes—offers elegantly appointed guestrooms and suites that perfectly blend comfort and sophistication, surrounded by cobblestone streets and majestic oak trees. Whether planning a romantic getaway or a special celebration, Bellwether House’s charming venues and customized services ensure an unforgettable experience. For the comfort of other guests, and due to the experiential nature of the hotel, all guests must be 21 years of age and older. The spa offers facials, massages, private yoga sessions, and its signature hot baths in copper soaking tubs. Full-service breakfast and Afternoon Tea are included every day for guests, and private, personalized dining experiences can be reserved for a meal to remember. The hotel is ideally situated for exploring the historic city, on the edge of two of Savannah’s most walkable and historic neighborhoods, the Historic Landmark District and the Victorian District, both known for their famous parks, public squares, museums, shopping, and celebrated architecture, as well as being home to the Savannah College of Art and Design. Bellwether House was inducted into Historic Hotels of America in 2021 and dates to 1876.
The Otesaga Hotel (1909) Cooperstown, New York
Every historic hotel is unique in its offerings, location, and architecture for memorable engagements, but with Otsego Lake as its backdrop, The Otesaga Hotel provides a particularly majestic and enchanting location for an engagement. Sharing the charming village of Cooperstown, New York, with the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum makes The Otesaga Hotel a unique venue for a baseball-themed engagement. A popular location to “pop the question” is on the back lawn of the resort, overlooking the lake and surrounded by century-old oak trees. The lake dock, with its breathtaking views of the lake, is another popular location to get down on bent knee. Some couples have requested to be out on the lake in an old-fashioned boat, with the resort as a backdrop, and others prefer to be on a horse-drawn carriage pulling up to the resort’s front portico. The concierge has assisted couples with everything from reserving a special spot at the resort, to arranging a horse-drawn carriage. There are unique ways to make a proposal memorable at The Otesaga Hotel, and the hotel staff welcomes guests’ creativity. For example, if the couple are baseball fans, the resort offers a baseball base for the ring presentation or can wrap the ring around a baseball. The Otesaga Hotel has also enlisted dogs to deliver the ring. Guests can enjoy intimate candlelit dinners, winter sleigh rides, flowers and chocolate delivered to the guestroom, and Afternoon Tea with views of the lake. Dedicated to creating memorable and personalized experiences, The Otesaga Hotel was inducted into Historic Hotels of America in 1994 and dates to 1909.
The Hermitage Hotel (1910) Nashville, Tennessee
Since 1910, The Hermitage Hotel has been the premier choice of couples desiring an elegant and memorable Nashville experience. Warm surroundings, exemplary service, careful planning of the finer details, an award-winning culinary team, and beautiful Nashville honeymoon suites are just a few of the five-star ingredients that make the guest experience at The Hermitage Hotel spectacular. The Hermitage Hotel was designated by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior as a National Historic Landmark in 2020. There have been many engagements at this historic hotel over the years, and some of the most sought-after locations are at the top of the staircase leading into the historic lobby, next to a cozy fire, or in front of the holiday tree in December. The Veranda and mezzanine area are also stunning spaces for engagements. For couples planning an engagement, The Hermitage Hotel can arrange special experiences like custom-designed desserts, photography, and specialty ring placement. For example, when a guest asked his fiancée to marry him in December, the ring was hidden among the ornaments in the Christmas tree, and he played a game to help her find the surprise hidden in the tree. (She said “yes.”) The hotel has also arranged specialty, private dinners out on the Veranda, a historic space designed with ceilings painted like the sky and filled with natural light. The Hermitage Hotel, the iconic Grande Dame of Tennessee, was inducted into Historic Hotels of America in 1996 and dates to 1910.
Keswick Hall (1912) Charlottesville, Virginia
For an idyllic getaway in Virginia’s wine country, couples can visit Keswick Hall, a luxurious and romantic Italianate-style palace nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The resort’s story began during the early-20th century, when Robert and Florence Crawford commissioned the construction of a grand estate that they named Villa Crawford. Inspired by the stately 18th-century manors of Europe, the Crawfords envisioned a residence that would embody sophistication and grace. When the grand home was transformed into a luxury resort, it retained its historic elegance and provided modern amenities. Today, couples can escape to Keswick Hall for special occasions, holidays, or “just because,” to enjoy relaxing at its spa, indulging in fine dining, and playing on its exceptional Full Cry golf course and tennis courts. Cultural and heritage travelers have enjoyed visiting Keswick Hall not only for its impressive character, but also its proximity to notable cultural landmarks close to Charlottesville, like the University of Virginia and Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello. Keswick Hall was inducted into Historic Hotels of America in 2015 and dates to 1912.
HOTEL DU PONT (1913) Wilmington, Delaware
At HOTEL DU PONT, love is not just a luxury; it is a time-honored tradition.
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Historic Hotels of America | Historic Hotels Worldwide
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