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After long days of sightseeing and Travelling, sometimes the hotel you come back to is just as important as the destination. And in some cases, as in our new America’s Historic Hotels tour, the hotels play a large part in the rich history of a place. During the day you’ll experience historic sights from Virginia to Vermont, then at night stay in luxe accommodation with centuries-old tradition that have hosted the likes of presidents, dignitaries, and celebrities. Join us this coming spring--a perfect time to visit the East Coast and a great way to get away without having to go too far from home. Here’s what to expect from the hotels you’ll visit on the tour:
Omni Shoreham Hotel, Washington, DC
This Washington landmark opened in 1930 and has since hosted presidents, world leaders, and even the Beatles on their first trip to the U.S. In fact, every president from Franklin D. Roosevelt to Barack Obama has held their inauguration ball at the hotel. Located in a leafy residential section of D.C., the Art Deco-inspired hotel, with its expansive and grand lobby, gorgeous outdoor pool and patio, and the surrounding greenery of Rock Creek Park, feels like a retreat from the city. The spacious and comfortable rooms are appointed with modern but elegant touches, and you will be treated to impeccable service by the hotel’s staff.
Omni Homestead Resort, Hot Springs, VA
The historic Omni Homestead first opened in 1766, ten years before the Declaration of Independence was even signed. Originally an 18-room wooden hotel, it was named in honour of the homesteaders who built it. Just last year in 2016, the property celebrated its 250th anniversary as America’s oldest resort. Now the Homestead is a year-round destination that has opened its doors to presidents, royalty, and celebrities. As you’ll stay here two nights, with one day at leisure, take full advantage of all this luxe resort has to offer--natural hot spring-fed pools, a golf course, tennis courts, a two-acre water park, a state-of-the-art spa, several bars and restaurants, or even take a hike or bike ride through the surrounding state park--before retiring back to the guestrooms, tastefully decorated with a touch of Southern flair (think rocking chairs on sundecks).
Omni Bedford Springs Resort, Bedford Springs, PA
Rejuvenation and relaxation spring eternal at the Omni Bedford Springs, as this sprawling 2,200-acre resort was built on the site of eight mineral springs long used by the Native Americans for its unique healing properties. The resort, which has been designated a National Historic Landmark, opened one of the country’s first golf courses, as well as one of the country’s first indoor pools, and has also hosted 13 U.S. presidents. The stately red brick facade adorned by white columns recalls the resort’s long 200-year history, whilst housing gorgeous modern luxury accommodation within. In the healing tradition of the springs, be sure to pamper yourself in the exquisite 30,000-square foot spa, which uses the property’s natural spring water in all of its treatments.
Tarrytown House, Tarrytown, NY
You’d never know you were only 25 minutes outside of bustling New York City, as charming Tarrytown, named by Forbes as one of America’s Prettiest Towns, feels like a world away. Perched high on a hill overlooking the picturesque Hudson River, this tranquil inn is set in 19th-century mansions on 26 acres of beautifully manicured grounds and gardens. Enjoy a walk around the estate, have a soak in the indoor or outdoor pools, relax in the elegant guestrooms, or use it as a home base for exploring a bit of the dining, antiquing, and historic landmarks of the Hudson Valley.
Equinox Resort & Spa, Manchester, Vermont
Nestled in the scenic Green Mountains, Equinox is New England charm at its finest. This was the site of Marsh Tavern, a meeting place for American Revolutionaries back in 1769. Its signature white columns date back to 1839, when it was turned into the Munsen Inn, and the current 200-room Equinox House was then added in 1853. With highly acclaimed concierge service, contemporary amenities, and comfortable, elegant rooms, the resort embodies understated luxury. Schedule in a tee time on the picturesque 18-hole golf course, practice your serve on the tennis courts, or wind down with a glass of wine by the outdoor fire pit and enjoy the panorama of Mount Equinox directly behind the hotel.
Boston Park Plaza Hotel, Boston, MA
The Park Plaza is an institution in Boston, and since it opened in 1927, all but two presidents have stayed within its iconic walls. A pioneer in modern conveniences now found in every hotel, it was the first to put radios, telephones, individual bathrooms, built-in closets, reading lamps over beds, and even sewing kits in every room. With its original 1,300 rooms, it reigned, for five decades, as the largest hotel in New England as well as the eighth largest in the world. Now, having undergone an extensive renovation, the Park Plaza’s exemplary service combined with the guestrooms’ new sleek minimalist design provide the best in modern luxury.
