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WASHINGTON, D.C. – February 7, 2020, Historic Hotels are the perfect place for celebrating special occasions that create lifelong memories and are the ideal location for a romantic proposal. These special milestones celebrated at historic hotels include romantic getaways, the ideal place to propose, the destination for the perfect wedding, the getaway for a memorable honeymoon, and the location to celebrate a special anniversary.
Here is a listing of the top 25 Historic Hotels that provide the perfect backdrop for your romantic proposal:
The Omni Homestead Resort (1766) Hot Springs, Virginia
If there was ever a destination made for making memories, the Omni Homestead Resort is it. The Omni Homestead Resort has beautiful, breathtaking views everywhere guests turn. From the gorgeous mountain scenery to the grand and glamorous interior settings, there are numerous places for romantic proposals. The associates at the hotel can accommodate unique proposals on site. One proposal took place during an archery lesson with a message “Will you marry me” inserted into a balloon on the target. The bride-to-be popped the balloon as the groom-to-be popped the question.
Blackburn Inn (1828) Staunton, Virginia
The Blackburn Inn is the perfect location for a romantic proposal. Many couples have used the backdrop of this hotel’s historic rooftop cupola which provides 360-degree view of breathtaking Staunton atop a two-story handcrafted spiral staircase. The hotel’s expansive front lawn has also been a favorite spot for one to get down on bended knee; the beauty of the Shenandoah Valley affords the perfect location for a romantic proposal.
Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa (1847) Point Clear, Alabama
Couples have been getting engaged at the Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa for more than 170 years. As the sun prepares to set into Mobile Bay, drop to one knee under majestic oaks over a century old. After a massive transformation, the Resort has even more places for proposals. Private beach and pool cabanas offer a quiet setting and the newly renovated pier with the backdrop of Mobile Bay is another coveted spot. Once your loved one says yes, stroll over to the Secret Garden where the Grand chefs have prepared a special celebratory meal.
Battle House Renaissance Mobile Hotel & Spa (1852) Mobile, Alabama
Known as Mobile's Living Room, the Battle House is an iconic landmark and the ideal place for a proposal. The eighth floor of the historic building at the hotel has a rooftop garden overlooking the downtown historic district. From this rooftop oasis, staff at the hotel can change the colors of the exterior of the building to become a favorite hue of your loved one. This is one of the most popular places for proposals. The iconic lobby at Battle House is another great place to pop the question. Afterwards, dine in a historic setting with farm-to-table cuisine.
Island House Hotel (1852) Mackinac Island, Michigan
For over a century and a half couples have said I will, I do, and I still do on the grounds of Island House Hotel. Located within the Mackinac State Historic Park, one might pop the big question on the terrace or the porch of the historic Island House Hotel with a spectacular view of boats gliding into the harbor, and carefree bicyclists wheeling and horse-drawn buggies moseying past on the street below. More intimate moments are found in the hideaway garden behind the hotel. Historic charm and timeless elegance bring love birds back to Island House Hotel year after year to celebrate weddings, reunions, anniversaries, and vow renewals: passing these traditions on to each generation.
The Sayre Mansion (1858) Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
This Victorian era mansion lends itself to romance and elegance. Popular proposal options include the formal parlor with its original marble fireplace, intricate woodwork and period furnishings. Couples may also choose the graceful surroundings of the front veranda with its sweeping views of historic Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. The Robert Sayre Library offers the ultimate in romantic seclusion. The former library of the home’s original owner is now a two-room suite that boasts a separate sitting room with the original vaulted ceiling and chandelier, floor-to-ceiling bookshelves and an electric fireplace with marble surround.
Mohonk Mountain House (1869) New Paltz, New York
Mohonk Mountain House is a Victorian Castle perched at the top of a mountain with a private lake. The hotel has 120 “summerhouses” which are rustic gazebos designed for two people to share special moments together; taking in stunning views during or after a hike on 85 miles of trails- all of which provide the perfect romantic backdrop for someone to get down on bended knee. The Sky Top Tower is a hiking destination with panoramic views of the Shawangunk Cliffs and Catskill Mountains and a very popular engagement site, along with the boat dock, which provides amazing views of serene Lake Mohonk.
The Peabody Memphis (1869) Memphis, Tennessee
The rooftop of this historic hotel affords a spectacular view of Memphis and a great spot to see the sunset over the Mississippi River, which makes for a perfect place to propose on bended knee. Chez Philippe has been named one of the most romantic restaurants in the US, making it a great spot for a celebratory dinner or the perfect backdrop for an engagement. In addition to these romantic spots, the iconic grand lobby of this hotel is another popular spot for couples getting engaged with the iconic Peabody ducks nearby.
St. James Hotel (1875) Red Wing, Minnesota
Proposals and romance happen at the St. James Hotel in a variety of spaces in and around the grounds, the charming town of Red Wing and the beautiful landscape of the Southern Minnesota region. There are several popular places in the hotel for couples to get engaged: in the cozy and intimate library with fireplace, outdoor patio with twinkling lights on a warm summer evening and the Port Restaurant with white tablecloths and a warm atmosphere.
General Morgan Inn & Conference Center (1884) Greenville, Tennessee
The General Morgan Inn is a gorgeous historic hotel that dates back to1884 with fine furnishings and signature service that reflect the refined era of yesteryear. The hotel also features the award-winning Brumley's Restaurant with three distinct dining rooms and the perfect location for a romantic dinner for two by candlelight. The most frequented spot for romantic proposals at the General Morgan is the beautiful second floor, rooftop Garden Terrace at night under the stars. The terrace has breathtaking views of Historic Downtown Greenville and several beautiful church steeples. The view is awe inspiring and results in many successful and surprising proposals.
1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa (1886) Eureka Springs, Arkansas
In the last several years, the most romantic place for a couple to become engaged at the 1886 Crescent is “on the ice.” Each winter the hotel transforms its fountain garden into an ice-skating rink during January and February. This attraction is so unique to this area of the country, it has become the solid birthplace of the lifetime memory of asking the one you love for their hand in marriage. A mountaintop spa resort with 15 acres of both manicured gardens and pristine forestlands, featuring trails and overlooks, make couples feel like this historic, five-story limestone edifice is a fairytale castle.
Basin Harbor (1886) Vergennes, Vermont
Basin Harbor is a family-owned resort set on the stunning shores of Lake Champlain in Vermont. It is easy to reach, yet remains remote and peaceful. Basin Harbor is steeped in tradition and there’s no better tradition than the joining of two families. This 700-acre resort has a variety of locations that provide the perfect backdrop for engagements and weddings. From the Orchard Garden, filled with flowers and greenery to the Lodge Lawn with panoramic views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains, there are plenty of places for someone to get down on one knee.
Jekyll Island Club Hotel (1887) Jekyll Island, Georgia
Built in the Queen Anne style, the Jekyll Island Club Resort is a castle surrounded by Southern charm. With sweeping Spanish moss and hundred years old live oaks, Jekyll Island is one of the most romantic spots in the South. The magic of the island will carry guests back in time to the grandeur of millionaires. From the top of the turret to quiet moments in Crane Garden, this little slice of heaven is perfect for any romantic proposal. Many couples who get engaged at the hotel have grown up coming to the Resort and wanted the destination to be a part of the proposal and eventually, the wedding.
Ledges Hotel (1890) Hawley, Pennsylvania
This hotel’s historic bluestone building and natural waterfall provide a dramatic backdrop for proposals. A life-long commitment made in the shadow of a historic landmark is symbolic of a relationship that will stand the test of time. The tiered decks overlooking Paupack High Falls are one of the most romantic spots to pop the question at Ledges Hotel. It’s a popular destination for engagements no matter the season. During winter, the frozen falls offer a stunning backdrop. Budding trees and rushing waters are a hallmark of spring. Summer by the waterfall is lush and cool, while fall foliage creates a vibrant landscape in autumn.
Lake Yellowstone Hotel & Cabins (1891) Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
As the world’s first National Park, Yellowstone’s origins trace to the 1800s, when the west was a frontier, still being explored and settled. Yellowstone was known as wonderland in its early days, so the park’s legacy is one of romance. Today, Yellowstone is essentially unchanged from what it was at its creation as a National Park which provides an amazing backdrop for romance. Wild spaces and wildlife remain, though stagecoach roads have been replaced with modern two-lane roads, and some of the original hotels and tent camps have been replaced with newer accommodations. The hotel sits along the shores of Yellowstone Lake and with the stunning views of the lake available in the lobby, dining room, and along the walking paths— there are a multitude of great places for couples to get engaged.
XV Beacon (1903) Boston, Massachusetts
XV Beacon is the perfect place to pop the question; whether it is on the exclusive roof deck overlooking the city of Boston atop of Beacon Hill or for a more intimate setting in one of the luxurious guestrooms with a rose petal turndown, and a bottle of chilled champagne next to the gas lit fireplace. The hotel is sure to make any proposal memorable. Approach XV Beacon Hotel from the cobbled, gas-lit streets of its Beacon Hill neighborhood and the past becomes tangibly present. A cordial welcome whisks guests through XV Beacon Hotel’s opaque glass doors, where a distinguished art collection not only imparts a sense of home but also echoes a commitment to honor the past while moving responsibly and imaginatively into the future.
The Otesaga Hotel and Cooper Inn (1909) Cooperstown, New York
With its majestic views, The Otesaga Resort Hotel sits on the southern shore of Lake Otsego, known as Glimmerglass in James Fenimore Cooper’s novels, which makes the lake a popular place to pop the question. The lake dock, with its quaint stillness and breathtaking views surrounded by century old oak trees is a perfect place to get down on bended knee. There are some who would rather propose in an old-fashioned boat with the resort as a backdrop and others that would prefer to be on a horse drawn carriage pulling up to the resort’s front portico. Moreover, being the home of the nation’s pastime makes Cooperstown and the Otesaga a unique venue for a baseball themed engagement site.
Francis Marion Hotel (1924) Charleston, South Carolina
The Francis Marion Hotel is in one the South’s most romantic cities, Charleston, South Carolina. The hotel is home to historic charm, romantic details and years of love being celebrated within its walls. Offering a beautiful backdrop in the lobby or even overlooking the view in one of the penthouse suites, a proposal at the Francis Marion is sure to be met with a yes. Including the historic and grand lobby, a few popular places in the hotel that couples have gotten engaged include the penthouse suites overlooking the city of Charleston or in one of the classic and elegant ballrooms.
Ashland Springs Hotel (1925) Ashland, Oregon
The Ashland Springs Hotel’s English Garden with its cobblestone ground, complete with sundial, fountain, custom designed wrought-iron gazebo, and trellises is the perfect intimate spot for those looking to propose. Ornamental garden planters spill out spectacular annual flowers all spring and summer. Garden tables, chairs, and decorative lighting invite you to enjoy this lovely outdoor setting, which is perfect for a late spring, summer and early fall gathering. Another romantic and intimate spot is the Crystal Room, named for the original crystal chandelier, an exquisite six-foot-wide crystal-laden piece that crowns the soaring ceilings of the room. The room also features grand windows, ornate wooden wainscoting, and lanterns which cast a star-lit ambience throughout the neutral Moroccan palate of the room.
Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa (1927) Sonoma, California
Celebrate the beauty and sophistication of Wine Country's most romantic destination. Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa is the only comprehensive luxury destination resort in Sonoma Wine Country, boasting championship golf, geo-thermal pools, world-class spa and fine dining. Every guest receives a complimentary bottle of wine as well as champagne upon arrival ensuring that the stage is set for romance.
Ojai Valley Inn (1923) Ojai, California
The natural grandeur of the surrounding location makes the Ojai Valley Inn a great place for a romantic proposal. With 220 acres of sprawling greens spotted with hundreds of years old oak trees and surrounded by the Topatopa mountains, this hotel offers the most stunning backdrop for a romantic memory. Just before sunset, the Topatopa mountains light up pink in what's known as the famous Pink Moment as the light from the setting sun reflects on the mountains. Each of the most popular proposal locations is quite private and isolated from other resort guests creating an intimate romantic oasis for these special couples.
Omni Shoreham Hotel (1930) Washington, DC
This historic hotel is entrenched in natural elegance with 11 acres of lavish gardens, a gazebo, and terraces creating the perfect ambiance for a romantic proposal. Stunning gardens and terraces create an idyllic setting for a romantic proposal. The event staff can coordinate special touches, including the delivery of champagne to the couple in the gazebo after the proposal. Some of the greatest love stories unfolded at the Omni Shoreham, including John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Bouvier during their courtship.
The Hotel Hershey® (1933) Hershey, Pennsylvania
Known for its refined elegance, signature services and abundant amenities, The Hotel Hershey is the perfect destination for a romantic getaway with beautiful locations to get down on one knee. The Hotel is rooted in its own romantic love story. Guests can find portraits of the town’s founder Milton S. Hershey and his wife, Catherine, throughout the resort, and they can spend time together in the beautiful Fountain Lobby, which was inspired by the couple’s travels. The Formal Gardens behind the hotel are a popular spot for proposals. There, guests can find a quiet, romantic, picturesque area with beautiful flower beds, pergolas, fountains and reflecting pools. Inside the Hotel, the Fountain Lobby is another picturesque location worthy of popping the question. It was designed to look like a Spanish-style courtyard with palm trees, a beautiful fountain and a painted sky on the ceiling
The Graham Georgetown, Tapestry Collection by Hilton (1962) Washington, DC
The rooftop at this historic hotel has hosted many engagements. At eight stories tall, the rooftop has stunning views of the Rosslyn skyline, Georgetown University Cathedral and sunsets from the West Terrace of the Rooftop, as well as the federalist architecture for which the neighborhood is renowned. The Graham makes it easy to host a memorable romantic evening. The Alex Speakeasy is widely regarded as one of DC’s most intimate dining experiences and the catering team will help keep proposals a surprise and work with guests to plan a customized event for friends and family to celebrate this once in a lifetime occasion. All this with the backdrop composed of DC’s first neighborhood, steeped in history, romance, and intrigue.
Mauna Kea Beach Hotel (1965) Kohala Coast, Hawaii
As a long sought-after romantic destination on the big island of Hawaii, Mauna Kea Beach Hotel provides special touches and amenities that help dreams become reality. These touches include welcoming guests with a fresh flower lei and cooling tropical punch, offering large oceanfront suites and oceanfront guest rooms with dramatic views, among many others. There are three standout locations at the hotel that have been favorites for more than 50 years. The first is the grand staircase fronting the enormous, ancient 12th century Buddha. The original historic third tee at Mauna Kea’s golf course, perched above the ocean’s edge, secluded and dramatic, particularly at sunset. And lastly, the Vista Decks overlooking the soft white sands of Kauna’oa Bay with views to the ocean’s far horizon.
“Every day is Valentine’s Day at Historic Hotels of America. We are pleased to announce the Historic Hotels of America 2020 Top 25 Historic Hotels for a Romantic Proposal. These romantic historic hotels range from intimate to grand and opulent,” said Lawrence Horwitz, Executive Director, Historic Hotels of America and Historic Hotels Worldwide. “Proposing at a historic hotel is a wonderful opportunity to create an ever-lasting memory and increases the chance that the answer will be ‘yes.’ From historic destination resorts with romantic gardens to city-center legendary historic hotels, each provides the setting, the backdrop, and the ambience for making and hearing yes to the perfect proposal.”
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 CONTACT:
Lawrence P. Horwitz
Historic Hotels of America | Historic Hotels Worldwide
Executive Vice President
Tel: +1 202 772 9983
lhorwitz@historichotels.org
