July 4 is always an occasion for over-the-top celebrations. But this year, for the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, we’re going above and beyond. We’re swapping barbecues, parades, and fireworks, for a fabulous pampering in a historic luxury hotel. And all we have to do is take our pick, because the nation is full of exceptional and extravagant centuries-old properties, from Rhode Island to Texas, California, Virginia and more. So get booking, pack your suitcase with your best red, white, and blue outfits, and be ready to honor the country’s semiquincentennial with an opulent weekend in a legendary hotel.
The Breakers, Palm Beach, Florida
Address: 1 S County Rd, Palm Beach, FL 33480, United States
The appeal of the Floridian coastline is nothing new. Even in 1896, when The Breakers was built, those with deep pockets were keen to idle the days away with their toes in the hot sand.
After suffering two fires in the early 20th century, The Breakers was rebuilt in 1926. Renowned New York designers Shultze and Weaver, along with Italian artisans hired to make the property look like Rome’s Villa Medici, transformed The Breakers into one of the most glamorous hotels at the time. Today, you can still see the result of their hard work, including the 200-foot-long main lobby with its painted ceilings, as well as The Circle, an oval-shaped ballroom with 30-foot frescoed ceiling and murals. But let’s face it: You don’t really need to go inside to appreciate the beauty of The Breakers. The hotel’s seemingly endless palm tree-lined driveway and its symmetrical Italian renaissance facade are enough to make you swoon.
The Cloister at Sea Island, Georgia
Address: 100 Cloister Dr, Sea Island, GA 31561, United States
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: Private islands are where it’s at. That’s why The Cloister at Sea Island should be at the top of your list of historic hotels to stay at this summer. sitting on 50 acres of private island, including five miles of private beach, this 1928 palazzo-like property is what dream vacations are made of. While the rooms and suites have been decorated to instill some historical charm, it’s the lobby that will dazzle you. But because there’s only so much time you want to spend looking at, albeit gorgeous, architectural features, the hotel has a wealth of guest activities on offer, including bike tours, fishing trips, horseback rides, sailing adventures, golfing, and more.
The Hay-Adams, Washington, DC
Address: 800 16th St NW, Washington, DC 20006, United States
The Hay-Adams is hands-down the most patriotic of all the historic luxury hotels on this list. Not only is the 1927 property located in the nation’s capital, but it’s also next door to The White House. It’s so close, in fact, that many of the 145 elegantly decorated rooms and suites have excellent views of the President’s house.
Built by Armenian-American architect Mihran Mesrobian in an Italian renaissance style, The Hay-Adams is astonishingly beautiful – a quick look at the lobby’s ceiling will prove our point. For a true DC experience, make sure to enjoy a cocktail at Off The Record, a cozy and refined on-site bar, where political cartoons line the walls.
The Point, Saranac Lake, NY
Address: 222 Beaverwood Rd, Saranac Lake, NY 12983, United States
If you don’t want to vacation at the beach, and don’t want to vacation in a city, how about a little trip to the woods? The Point, built by the Rockefeller family in 1932, sits on the shore of Saranac Lake, among 75 acres of private wooded land. In short, it’s gorgeous and peaceful. And you won’t be bothered by other guests, because the property only has 11 accommodations spread over four buildings. The Point, meant to be a wilderness camp, has a rustic aesthetic that includes log buildings, stone fireplaces, and large wooden porches – no glittering chandeliers or ceiling frescoes in sight.
Our favorite guest room on the property is The Boat House – and we’re not alone. The loft ceiling with its wooden beams and maritime flags, the large wood-burning fireplace, the canopy bed, and the incredible lake views from the wrap-around porch make it The Point’s most requested accommodation.
Hotel Jerome, Aspen, Colorado
Address: 330 E Main St, Aspen, CO 81611, United States
The Jerome opened back in 1889, when Aspen was a small mining town, not one of the fanciest ski towns in the nation. While the property has hugely improved and developed in the past 130-plus years, the Old West vibe remains. Think dark woods and leather, stuffed animal heads, cowboys hats for art, and Navajo weaving-inspired patterned textiles. For throw-backs to the 19th century, visit the J Bar or enjoy a quiet rest on one of the lobby’s leather couches by the fireplace.
While summer isn’t the most obvious time of the year to visit Aspen, The Jerome makes sure that guests have fun no matter the season by offering a host of experiences. There are food masterclasses for those who want to learn more about the art of coffee making, caviar eating, and champagne drinking, as well as more outdoorsy activities, such as fishing tours, shooting classes, hot air balloon rides and more.
The Inn at Little Washington, Virginia
Address: 309 Middle St, Washington, VA 22747, United States
The Inn at Little Washington opened in 1978, so it hardly qualifies as a historic property. But, it’s The Inn’s location that got it a spot on this list. The village of Little Washington, only 70 miles away from DC (AKA Big Washington) dates back from 1796 and is on the National Register of Historic Places and the Virginia Landmarks Register. It’s probably the quaintest village in all of the United States and a visit is almost guaranteed to lower your blood pressure.
The Inn at Little Washington is famous the world over, mostly because of its culinary offerings. The two-Michelin-starred restaurant led by Chef Patrick O’Connell is the stuff of legends among foodies and you’d be remiss to pass on it. But the accommodation part of the property is also not to be missed. The main building has 24 rooms and suites, all perfectly decorated to match the village’s historic-but-cute vibe. Those who want more privacy and space can opt to rent one of The Inn’s four houses: The Cardinal’s Nest, The Claiborne House, The Gamekeeper’s Cottage, and The Mayor’s House.
Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek, Dallas, Texas
Address: 2821 Turtle Creek Blvd, Dallas, TX 75219, United States
This 1925 Italian Renaissance-inspired mansion is where the Rosewood hospitality empire began. In the late 1970s, Caroline Rose Hunt (once the nation’s wealthiest woman and the founder of Rosewood Hotels & Resorts) purchased the Rosewood Mansion, injected many millions of dollars into restoring it, and opened it as a hotel in 1981. In the past four-plus decades, renovations have modernized the mansion, but the historic charm remains with stained glass, ornate ceilings, huge stone fireplaces and more.
While there’s much to love at the Rosewood Mansion, we keep a special place in our hearts for the gorgeous library. Book a Heritage Afternoon Tea (Saturday and Sunday only) to experience its historical charm.
San Ysidro Ranch, Santa Barbara, California
Address: 900 San Ysidro Ln, Montecito, CA 93108, United States
San Ysidro Ranch is, hands down, in the top five of the most romantic hotels in the US. After all, it is where Vivien Leigh and Sir Laurence Olivier got married, and where John and Jackie Kennedy honeymooned. But you don’t have to be in the throes of love to check in at the 1893 property – any occasion will do.
San Ysidro Ranch sits on 550 acres of lush gardens overlooking the Pacific Ocean and Channel Islands — so it’s a good place to retreat if you need a break from your busy day-to-day life. Because the accommodations consist of 38 private cottages, you also won’t be bothered by other guests. Our favorite of the cottages is The Kennedy, named as such because it is where John and Jackie stayed back in 1953 after their glamorous wedding. The views from this particular accommodation are spectacular. That said, the vistas are even better from the 17 miles of trail surrounding the property.
The Vanderbilt, Auberge Resorts Collection, Newport, Rhode Island
Address: 41 Mary St, Newport, RI 02840, United States
Built as a mansion for the Vanderbilt family in the early 20th century, The Vanderbilt now houses 33 rooms and suites for guests looking for an elegant New England experience. The property, with its eye-catching portico and brick facade, might look splashy from the outside, but it’s far from ostentatious inside. The interior decor is tasteful and pared back. The views and the architecture of the mansion do the heavy lifting so there’s no need for bling.
The roofdeck (open seasonally) is our favorite place for food and drinks. The views, sea air, and fresh oysters are sure to heal whatever hails you. The gorgeous conservatory is another good dining option if you prefer garden views.
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FAQs
Q: When will the USA celebrate its 250th anniversary?
A: The 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence will take place on July 4, 2026.
Q: What is the most requested room at The Point in Saranac Lake?
A: The most requested accommodation at The Point is The Boathouse.
Q: When did The Inn at Little Washington open?
A: The Inn at Little Washington opened in 1978.
