Cue the sounds and smells of summer.
10 All-American Hotels For Memorial Day Weekend
Cue the sounds and smells of summer.
A symbolic kickoff for the carefree months ahead, Memorial Day Weekend is marked by a distinct air of excitement. The holiday is billed as the unofficial start to summer, and celebrating the beginning of this new season is cause enough for a sun-dappled, picturesque getaway replete with outdoor activities and culinary classics. But where to?
When looking for a destination that exudes summertime ease and is well-suited for a long weekend, the country’s most iconic hotels feel aligned with the moment. Rooted in history and imbued with an all-American spirit, the hotels below are perfect for skipping town for a few days to soak in the Memorial Day Weekend vibes.
Ahead, discover 10 properties that offer strong nostalgia, memorable design, and all the amenities you’ll ever need to ensure your vacation leaves you restored and ready for summer.
1. The Brown Hotel (Louisville, Kentucky)
Built in the Georgian Revival style, this 1923-era hotel in the heart of downtown Louisville exudes an old world atmosphere. The interiors reflect English Renaissance style, with glamorous Adams period detailing (think: historic grandeur and opulence). The property was built by Louisville businessman J. Graham Brown and quickly became the cornerstone of the so-called ‘Magic Corner’ of town, where other local businesses cropped up soon after The Brown Hotel was erected. Now, guests can step back in time at this American icon, sleeping in the same suites where the likes of Harry Truman, Elizabeth Taylor, and Muhammad Ali have all stepped foot and within the same brick walls that withstood The Great Depression, the Ohio River Flood of 1937, and World War II.
2. Chatham Bars Inn (Cape Cod, Massachusetts)
What better locale to kick off the summer season than from a waterfront address in Cape Cod? Chatham Bars Inn has been welcoming guests since 1914, before the region was established as a leading holiday destination. It was originally built as a hunting lodge for the wealthy, and would go on to host prominent figures such as Henry Ford and William Rockefeller. After a major renovation in 2006, it’s as breathtaking as ever. Be sure to take note of the property’s on-site farm, which provides fresh produce for the restaurant and a farm stand for the local community.
3. The Greenbrier (White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia)
This National Historic Landmark sits in front of West Virginia’s breathtaking Allegheny Mountains and was founded in 1778 as a natural healing retreat due to its nearby mineral springs. Billed as a ‘village in the wilderness,’ The Greenbrier hotel has hosted multiple sitting presidents, served as a hospital in both the Civil War and World War II, and was a leading property in the golden age of grand resorts during the early 1900s. These days, guests can choose from activities like golf, fishing, bowling, biking through a picturesque trail network, a carriage ride, and even a tour of the property’s declassified bunker from the Cold War.
4. Hotel del Coronado (San Diego, California)
Sun dwellers have flocked to this Southern California beachfront hotel since its opening in 1888, having hosted celebrities, US presidents, and royalty alike. The wooden Victorian beach resort is designated as a National Historic Landmark and its highest point soars 120 feet in the sky. Be on the lookout for original details, like the stained-glass window titled ‘The Woman in the Window.’ Also of note is The Crown Room with its 33-foot high ceilings and unobstructed views of the ocean. And if you’re a film buff, you’ll be pleased to know Some Like It Hot was filmed on property in the 1950s.
5. The Omni Homestead Resort (Hot Springs, Virginia)
With origins dating back to 1766, its unsurprising The Homestead is among the most beloved historic hotels in the entire country. The region is famed for its healing waters, and the first iteration of the property was an 18-room wooden hotel designed with bathhouses to soak in the natural hot springs. Over the years, ownership has changed hands, fires have spurred rebuilding, and expansive restorations have taken place – but even after over 250 years, it retains its prestigious title as America’s first resort.
6. The Hermitage Hotel (Nashville, Tennessee)
A Nashville icon since its opening in 1910, The Hermitage Hotel is a Beaux Art architectural landmark that is steeped in American history and located across the street from the state capitol. In fact, the hotel played a pivotal role in the ratification of the 19th Amendment, securing women’s right to vote in 1920. The property (which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places) underwent a substantial makeover a few years ago, further punctuating its grandeur. Guests can still admire original marble, Ionic columns, and ornamental plaster detail within this historic landmark, while enjoying sumptuous amenities like large bathrooms, a Jean-Georges restaurant, and five-star service.
7. The Wauwinet (Nantucket, Massachusetts)
It doesn’t get much more all-American-summer than a trip to sun-drenched Nantucket, a storybook island off the coast of Cape Cod. If you’re searching for a classic stay, look to The Wauwinet, an island institution since 1875. This historic hotel is set on the northeast end of Nantucket Island and features 32 guest rooms, suites, and four cottages. Guests can enjoy a bevy of summertime activities, from kayaking and paddle boarding to complimentary bicycles for hunting down the perfect lobster roll.
8. Mohonk Mountain House (New Paltz, New York)
This 1869-era Victorian castle sits on 40,000 acres of protected forest and overlooks a glacial lake, no doubt a picture-perfect setting for a Memorial Day Weekend getaway. It was originally a 10-room inn, but has since expanded into a travel destination for natural-lovers in search of a unique experience. The historic property has played host to five presidents and is even part of the Historic Hotels of America program. A stay at the resort offers inclusive pricing with farm-to-table cuisine and numerous activities, ranging from fishing on the lake to hiking the 85 miles of trails surrounding the property.
9. Grand Hotel (Mackinac Island, Michigan)
Opened in 1887 as a summer retreat for vacationers who journeyed to Michigan via train and arrived at Mackinac Island by steamer and boat, Grand Hotel is oozing with old world charm. The property still maintains its sense of nostalgia – it’s the kind of place where guests can hire a horse-drawn carriage from the boat dock to the hotel, or savor afternoon tea in the parlour. While here, don’t miss the opportunity to dress up for dinner and dance the night away to a live orchestra, or simply relish an afternoon on one of the porch’s rocking chairs overlooking the Straits of Mackinac.
10. Colony Hotel (Kennebunkport, Maine)
If the idea of sprawling ocean views and wafts of salty sea breeze sounds up your alley, this historic hotel in one of Maine’s most beautiful cities ought to pique your interest. The property is a member of the Historic Hotels of America and is also a founding member of Green Hotels and is certified as a Maine Environmental Leader. Colony Hotel originally opened in 1914 and was designed by architect John Calvin Stevens. It’s located within walking distance of Kennebunkport Square and many of Maine’s fascinating tidal pools.