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WASHINGTON, DC (August 26, 2020) – Historic Hotels of America® is proud to announce that The Hermitage Hotel (1910) in Nashville, Tennessee, has been selected as the 2020 Historic Hotel of the Year. This illustrious award is given annually to a historic hotel whose owners, leadership and employees are careful overseers of historic preservation, by stewarding history, heritage and stories for generations of guests to come. The Hermitage Hotel is receiving the honor of Historic Hotel of the Year for its unparalleled celebration of suffrage history and for demonstrating a long tradition of exceptional customer hospitality and service.
“The Hermitage Hotel is deeply committed to historical preservation, so to be named the 2020 Historic Hotel of the Year is our pinnacle of success,” said Dee Patel, Managing Director of The Hermitage Hotel. “Stepping into our grand lobby is like stepping back in time, as stories deeply rooted in history emerge at every turn. On behalf of our owners and our full team, we are truly honored to receive this prestigious award in tandem with our National Historic Landmark designation, acknowledging the integral role the hotel played in the suffrage movement.”
Since opening its doors in 1910 just one block from the magnificent Tennessee State Capitol, The Hermitage Hotel has served as a hotbed for local politics, with its most significant contribution in the summer of 1920 as the backdrop for the women’s suffrage movement. In August 1920, Tennessee’s 33 senators and 99 representatives arrived in Nashville for a special session called by the governor. A hotly contested issue of national importance was at stake – women’s right to vote. From all across the United States, pro- and anti-suffrage leaders, special interest groups, lobbyists and journalists descended on The Hermitage Hotel and the eyes of the nation were on Nashville. A dramatic, decades-long legislative effort came down to Tennessee as the essential state to ratify, or nullify, the 19th Amendment.
For six weeks leading up to the final vote, The Hermitage Hotel’s guest rooms, grand lobby, meeting rooms and dining spaces were filled to the brim with pro- and anti-campaigners making their impassioned pleas to the men of capitol hill. The conflict came to be known as “The War of the Roses,” with anti-ratification forces sporting red roses squaring off against yellow-rose-wearing pro-suffragists. Heated debates progressed in the state capitol, and in the halls of The Hermitage Hotel, for eight long days. Ultimately, it was a single tie-breaking vote that tipped the scales – a shining example that one vote truly does make a difference! With that single vote, the 19th Amendment of the United States Constitution was successfully passed by Tennessee on August 18, 1920 and signed into law on August 26, 1920 – one hundred years ago today –giving women the right to vote across the country.
“Congratulations to the ownership, leadership, and many associates at The Hermitage Hotel,” said Lawrence Horwitz, Executive Vice President, Historic Hotels of America and Historic Hotels Worldwide. “We are delighted to recognize this magnificent historic hotel and its historic hoteliers for their dedication, enthusiasm, stewardship, and leadership in preserving this iconic treasure and its stories for future generations.”
With an illustrious 110-year history in the heart of downtown Nashville, The Hermitage Hotel is deeply committed to protecting and preserving its ties to the past and remaining a cherished historic landmark for the city. Known as Nashville’s original million-dollar property, The Hermitage is a timeless icon of Southern hospitality and the state’s most luxurious hotel. The U.S. Secretary of the Interior recently designated The Hermitage Hotel as a National Historic Landmark. To honor the 2020 Historic Hotel of the Year, The Hermitage Hotel is the featured hotel in the inside front cover of the 2020-21 Historic Hotels of America Directory.
To learn more about The Hermitage Hotel, or to book your next stay, visit TheHermitageHotel.com.
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About The Hermitage Hotel
Set in the heart of Downtown Nashville, The Hermitage Hotel is the city’s original million-dollar property, home to a rich history deeply rooted in the spirit of the region. The cherished landmark stands as a timeless icon of refined Southern hospitality, featuring 122 luxurious guest rooms and suites and distinctive Beaux Arts architecture. The Hermitage Hotel is committed to the preservation of local heritage, demonstrated by their partnership with The Land Trust for Tennessee. Since 2008, the hotel has raised over $1,000,000 to support the conservation of over 85,000 acres, comprised of scenic trails, state parks and urban spaces. On a two-acre plot at nearby Glen Leven Farm, The Hermitage Hotel cultivates an heirloom period garden, growing produce to be utilized in seasonal cuisine at the beloved Capitol Grille and Oak Bar. For more information, please visit TheHermitageHotel.com.
About Historic Hotels of America®
Historic Hotels of America is the official program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation for recognizing and celebrating the finest Historic Hotels. Historic Hotels of America has more than 300 historic hotels. These historic hotels have all faithfully maintained their authenticity, sense of place, and architectural integrity in the United States of America, including 44 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico. Historic Hotels of America is comprised of mostly independently owned and operated historic hotels. More than 30 of the world’s finest hospitality brands, chains, and collections are represented in Historic Hotels of America. To be nominated and selected for membership into this prestigious program, a hotel must be at least 50 years old; has been designated by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior as a National Historic Landmark or listed in or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places; and recognized as having historic significance. For more information, please visit HistoricHotels.org.
Media Contacts:
The Hermitage Hotel
Murphy O’Brien
hermitagehotel@murphyobrien.com
(310) 453-2539
Historic Hotels of America
Lawrence P. Horwitz
Executive Vice President
Tel: +1 202 772 9983
lhorwitz@historichotels.org
