Guide

11 Historic Hotels for a Romantic Getaway

By Haley Somolinos and Katherine Orr

Whether you are planning a romantic getaway for a new love, celebrating a milestone anniversary, or cherishing yourself on a solo retreat, here are eleven historic hotels across the country that are perfect for your romantic weekend away.

Each of these sites holds the potential of adventure for adrenaline seekers, chocolate lovers, spa enthusiasts, and birders. Plus, history buffs will find something to love at every listing, as every resort is a member of Historic Hotels of America, the official program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation for recognizing and celebrating the finest historic hotels.

Looking for more options? Make sure to check out the full list of 2025 Top 25 Historic Hotels of America Most Romantic Hotels from Historic Hotels of America.

  2. A viw of a stately brown and gray inn. There is a fence and some sheep grazing on the green grassy lawn in front.

    Photo By: Stockton, New Jersey

    Woolverton Inn (Stockton, New Jersey)

    Secluded in farmlands high above the Delaware River, the Federal-style Woolverton Inn is a cozy escape to New Jersey’s pastoral countryside. The estate dates to 1792 and was the home of a Revolutionary War veteran. Today, it is well-preserved and perfect for a relaxing couple’s getaway. Sheep graze on the estate grounds and candlelit dinners are served in a beautifully restored 19th century barn. The inn preserves a tranquil atmosphere for guests with a “12 and up” policy and no televisions in guestrooms.

  3. A swing at the Inn at Perry Cabin overlooking the harbor.

    Photo By: Inn at Perry Cabin, Historic Hotels of America

    Inn at Perry Cabin (St. Michaels, Maryland)

    The Inn at Perry Cabin, built in the early 1800s, offers plenty of historically romantic charm. It is the perfect escape for a slow, relaxing getaway. The charming seaport town features year-round festivals. Enjoy an afternoon cruise from the harbor or watch the sunset from an Adirondack chair. Whether on a couple’s retreat or a recharging solo trip, you will experience a luxurious stay.

  4. A couple taking in the view of Charleston on the Wentworth's cupola.

    Photo By: Wentworth Mansion, Historic Hotels of America

    Wentworth Mansion (Charleston, South Carolina)

    Located in Charleston's historic downtown the Wentworth Mansion is the perfect spot for a romantic getaway. Stroll cobblestone streets, explore Charleston’s secret alleyways, or enjoy private carriage rides for two. Relax in the whirlpool tubs or enjoy a couples massage. Take in a bird's eye view of the city from the hotel’s rooftop cupola. A special romance package includes a romantic three-course dinner, couples massage, fresh flowers, and champagne with chocolate-covered strawberries.

  5. An aeriel view of a colonial style hotel amidst rolling hills dappled with fall colored trees. The hotel has two wings with a central area with a expansive driveway leading to the front.

    Photo By: Keswick Hall

    Keswick Hall (Charlottsville, Virginia)

    For an idyllic getaway in Virginia's wine country, Keswick Hall is a luxurious and romantic Italianate palace nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Guests can explore local vineyards and historic sites including Thomas Jefferson's Monticello and James Madison's Montpelier. Back at the historic hotel, relax at the spa, indulge in fine dining, and challenge your partner to a round of golf or tennis.

  6. The mezzanine level of the Palmer House

    Photo By: Palmer House, Historic Hotels of America

    Palmer House (Chicago, Illinios)

    Palmer House is a celebration of love; it was originally built as an engagement gift to Bertha Honoré from Potter Palmer in 1871. The moment you step inside, you will be awash in romantic luxurious splendor. The Mezzanine overlooks 21 awe-inspiring Grecian frescos painted by French muralist Louis Pierre Rigal—all lit by 24-karat Louis Comfort Tiffany candelabras and chandeliers. It’s a must-visit destination for chocolate lovers. Bertha Honoré tasked the pastry chef to create a chocolate cake-like dessert that would be easy to transport for the 1893 World Fair, so Palmer House Pastry Chef Joseph Sehl invented the brownie. Today, you can experience the world-famous Palmer House brownie in many forms: You can indulge in Bertha’s brownie latte, a brownie Manhattan cocktail, and a brownie cheesecake.

  7. Exterior view of a stately hotel with white pillars and American flags along an expansive porch area in Michigan Image with gardens with yellow and red flowers in the forground.

    Photo By: Grand Hotel

    Grand Hotel (Mackinac Island, Michigan)

    For 138 years, Grand Hotel 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 all of the romantic trappings: horse-drawn carriage rides, picnic baskets, in-room deliveries of chocolate fudge and flowers, candlelit dinners, and sweeping views of the Straits of Mackinac from its historic porch.

  8. Nestled along San Antonio’s River Walk, Omni La Mansion has romantic charm.

    Photo By: Omni La Mansion del Rio, San Antonio, Historic Hotels of America

    Omni La Mansion del Rio, San Antonio

    Nestled along San Antonio’s River Walk, Omni La Mansion has the romantic charm of a grand hacienda with its Spanish colonial architecture and European flair. The most historic building at the hotel dates to 1852. The courtyard transports you into an intimate garden away from the bustle of the city. Escape from the world for a relaxing retreat.

  9. A view of the lily pads at The Broadmoor.

    Photo By: The Broadmoor, Historic Hotels of America

    The Broadmoor

    There is nothing quite as refreshing as mountain air. The Broadmoor has been offering guests a luxurious way to experience the picturesque beauty of the American West since 1918. The Italian Renaissance-style resort features curved marble staircases, crystal chandeliers, and plush carpets. Sitting on a stunning 5,000 acres, the resort has everything one could want on a vacation from two legendary golf courses, several dining options, shopping, tennis and pickleball courts, pools and hot tubs, a bowling alley, and a small movie theater, and more.

  10. Detail view of the roofline of a hotel in California's mission style - white stone with terracotta rooftiles and ping and green floral hanging over railings. In the background is orange colored dome.

    Photo By: The Mission Inn

    The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa in (Riverside, California)

    A sumptuous destination for romantic escapes and promises, The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa is a stunning ode to Gothic and Mediterranean Revival styles with castle-like towers, domes, flying buttresses, sprawling arcades, and great works of art. Bette Davis held her wedding reception at the hotel and the Nixons married here, in an event space now known as the Presidential Lounge. Guests today can take advantage of recent additions like Kelly’s Spa and updated dining options that include a romantic dinner on the Spanish Patio.

  11. A garden at the Rancho Bernardo Inn

    Photo By: Rancho Bernardo Inn, Historic Hotels of America

    Rancho Bernardo Inn (San Diego, California)

    Tucked away in the San Pasqual Mountains of San Diego’s North County, this historic resort is a verdant oasis that has been transporting guests to serenity since 1963. The lush gardens contain 19 handmade fountains imported from Italy. Enjoy a relaxing spa treatment in one of the outdoor casitas or a quiet escape in the adults-only pool. For the golf enthusiasts, tee off at the 18-hole championship golf course. The hotel also offers a solo traveler package for those focusing on self-care.

  12. View of a pink colored hotel with green window awnings overlooking the turquoise and blue waters just off Honolulu, Hawaii. There are large lush green trees in the front of the hotel of various styles.

    Photo By: The Royal Hawaiian

    The Royal Hawaiian, A Luxury Collection Resort in Honolulu, Hawaii

    The Royal Hawaiian's soaring pink turrets have lured couples from around the globe for almost a century, offering an expansive beach with stunning sunsets and lush gardens. Fully experience the traditional ambiance of the "Pink Princess of the Pacific" by staying in its historic wing. And a tip for proposals: the ideal location to pop the question is at a beachfront table at the hotel’s famous Mai Tai Bar—or on the sandy beach right near the bar for more privacy.

Haley Somolinos is the manager of email marketing at the National Trust. She has a passion for places and the stories that they hold.

Katherine Orr is the director, marketing strategy and communications at Historic Hotels of America.


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