🕰️ Step Back in Time: Past Lane Travels’ Most Memorable Historic Hotels of 2025
Everyone knows I love staying in historic hotels whenever possible, so I thought I’d share a couple of my favorites from the past year with you.
Here’s Past Lane Travels’ most memorable historic hotels— a curated mix of iconic New York escapes, Colonial charm, Southern grandeur, and military academy heritage.
These timeless stays each offer a unique blend of history, modern comfort, and amazing experiences.
🏰 Mohonk Mountain House – New Paltz, N.Y.
4.5•Resort hotel
Address: 1000 Mountain Rest Road, New Paltz, NY 12561
History: Nestled high on the Shawangunk Ridge, Mohonk Mountain House is a National Historic Landmark founded in 1869 by Albert Smiley.
Its sweeping Victorian architecture and pristine setting on Lake Mohonk have welcomed guests for more than 150 years, combining wellness, nature, and historic charm.
Amenities: Indoor pool & spa, expansive trail network and gardens, farm-to-table dining, house history tours, golf, water sports, and year-round recreational activities — with most activities and three meals daily included in your stay.
Price Range: Mohonk is an all-inclusive resort, with packages that typically run higher than standard hotels (expect premium pricing seasonal and package-dependent).
Why It’s a Favorite: A historic, family-run retreat that feels like stepping into a storybook castle — ideal for nature lovers, wellness seekers, and anyone who wants history with their morning coffee.
P.S. This is not only one of my most memorable historic hotels, but I loved it so much I wrote a novel about it.
🍃 The Gideon Putnam – Saratoga Springs, N.Y.
4.1•Hotel
Address: 24 Gideon Putnam Road, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
History: Built in 1935 in Saratoga Spa State Park, this Georgian-Revival gem was part of a plan to restore Saratoga as a destination for healing and renewal. Its 90th anniversary renovation blends historic elegance with contemporary comfort.
Amenities: On-site spa & Roosevelt Baths, outdoor pool, fitness center, Putnam’s Restaurant & Bar, free Wi-Fi, banquet/meeting space, trails, and seasonal outdoor activities.
Price Range: Approximately $246 – $585+ per night for standard rooms (varies by season and room type).
Why It’s a Favorite: Perfect for history buffs and wellness travelers alike, The Gideon Putnam embodies upstate New York spa culture with classic New Deal-era architecture and serene park surroundings.
🏛 Historic Hotel Bethlehem – Bethlehem, PA
4.6•Hotel
Address: 437 Main Street, Bethlehem, PA 18018
History: Built in 1922 on the site of Bethlehem’s earliest Moravian settlement — itself part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site — this historic landmark has welcomed travelers for over a century.
Amenities: Elegant rooms with modern comforts, multiple dining options including brunch and terrace views, conference & event space, proximity to museums and colonial sites, and rich cultural programming.
Price Range: Typically $206 – $362 per night for standard rooms.
Why It’s a Favorite: A blend of Colonial history and modern boutique comfort, this hotel anchors a walkable historic district with vibrant arts, food, and heritage experiences right outside its doors. Definitely one of my most memorable historic hotels, and highly recommended over the holidays.
🏙 The Jefferson Hotel – Richmond, VA.
4.8•Hotel
Address: 101 W Franklin Street, Richmond, VA 23220 The Jefferson Hotel
History: Opened in 1895, The Jefferson has long been a symbol of Southern elegance, hosting presidents, celebrities, and world-class events. It’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places and blends storied tradition with luxurious hospitality.
Amenities: Grand rooms and suites, fine dining (including Lemaire and The Greenhouse), spa, indoor pool, fitness center, free Wi-Fi, valet & self-parking, and refined event spaces.
Price Range: Around $295 – $705+ per night, with packages and suite upgrades shifting prices higher.
Why It’s a Favorite: For lovers of luxury history — this is Richmond’s crown jewel, offering a living museum of hospitality and Southern refinement in the heart of the city.
🛡 The Thayer Hotel – West Point, N.Y.
4.5•Hotel
Address: 674 Thayer Road, West Point, NY 10996
History: Opened in 1926 on the banks of the Hudson River at the United States Military Academy, the Thayer embodies decades of military hospitality and historical milestones, honoring figures like Sylvanus Thayer and Douglas MacArthur.
Amenities: Over 150 historic rooms and suites, free Wi-Fi, fitness facilities, dining (including MacArthur’s Riverview), rooftop bar with river views, event spaces, concierge services, and wedding services.
Price Range: Approximately $147 – $316+ per night based on season and accommodations.
Why It’s a Favorite: A cherished stop for heritage travelers and cadet families alike, The Thayer blends rich military history with delicious cuisine and panoramic Hudson River views.
✨ Final Thoughts
As you can see, I’ve picked a wide variety of historic hotels, from a Victorian-era lakeside castle, to Southern urban opulence, and a military academy landmark. All of them invite you to travel back in time without sacrificing modern comforts.
American history and hospitality. What could be better?
Planning A Trip?
🛌 Find the perfect accommodations with Booking.com. From luxury hotels to budget-friendly options, they have a room for every preference, including pets and pools.
🎡 Discover the best tours and activities with Viator or Get Your Guide. Explore iconic landmarks, take guided tours and immerse yourself in history.
🚗 Rent a car with Discover Cars and enjoy the freedom to explore the town at your own pace. Discover hidden gems, explore the countryside and make the most of your trip.
✈️ Need a flight? Check FareDrop for the best deals.