Twelve hotels include a newly-restored resort famous for its healing waters, a converted 19th century tobacco warehouse and a hotel envisioned by John D. Rockefeller, Jr.
"This collection represents a variety of American travel experiences," said Thierry Roch, executive director of Historic Hotels of America, "from the wild west in California to the serene coast of Maine and in big cities and small towns."
Here's a sampling of interesting facts highlighting the history and architecture of the hotels as well as personalities who have walked through the doors.
The Golden Gate Saloon at The Holbrooke Hotel in Grass Valley, Calif., dates to the 1850s and is reputedly the oldest continually operating saloon west of the Mississippi.
Built in 1926, The Brazilian Court in Palm Beach, Fla., was adopted by the Palm Beach elite including Marjorie Merriweather Post, Charles Munn and Ambassador Stanton Griffis.
The original glass windows of the Crystal Ballroom at the Bedford Springs Resort in Bedford Springs, Pa., have been etched by the diamond rings of brides married at the resort, some dating to the mid-19th century.
New members:
• The Holbrooke Hotel in Grass Valley, Calif.
• The Brazilian Court in Palm Beach, Fla.
• Newagen Seaside Inn in Southport, Maine
• The Jefferson Clinton Hotel in Syracuse, N.Y.
• Bedford Springs Resort in Bedford Springs, Pa.
• Lancaster Arts Hotel in Lancaster, Pa.
• Hotel Fauchère, Milford, Pa.
• Independence Park Hotel in Philadelphia
• Warwick Melrose Hotel in Dallas
• Tazewell Hotel & Suites in Norfolk, Va.
• Hawthorn Hotel & Suites at the Governor Dinwiddie in Portsmouth, Va.
• Williamsburg Lodge in Williamsburg, Va.
A program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Historic Hotels of America is a marketing association. To qualify for membership, hotels must be at least 50 years old, listed in or eligible for the National Register of Historic Places or recognized locally as having historic significance. Historic Hotels of America recognizes and promotes these hotels for their historic integrity, architectural quality and outstanding preservation efforts made by owners and managers.