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WASHINGTON, D.C. – February 7, 2019, 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. We believe that every day is Valentine’s Day at a historic hotel. Historic hotels are romantic destinations and many of them have a special location or package especially designed for couples to get engaged.
For a complete listing of historic hotels that will make your engagement as unique and special as your love, visit: RomanticProposals.
Here is a listing of the top 25 historic hotels that provide the perfect backdrop for your romantic proposal:
The Willard InterContinental (1818) Washington, DC
The setting, the ambiance, the storied past, the luxurious touches, amenities, and the staff that work with guests to ensure their time is as memorable as possible is what sets apart The Willard InterContinental. The most romantic place for someone to pop the big question is in the grand lobby of the hotel, particularly during the holiday season around the beautifully decorated Christmas tree. When it comes to memorable moments, whether a proposal, a wedding or an anniversary, the staff work incredibly hard to ensure no detail goes unnoticed. There are close to 30 staff members on the team who have been with the hotel since it reopened in 1986. This love and this dedication to the hotel translates into the dedicated, loving, genuine, and approachable service the hotel delivers to guests and what makes this hotel the romantic destination that it is for proposals.
Antrim 1844 (1884) Taneytown, Maryland
The 17,000-square-foot mansion, gardens and estate are spectacular and a draw for any couple who are interested in a getaway or romantic proposal. One of most romantic vignettes can be found within the beautiful drawing rooms with 14-foot ceilings accompanied by plaster medallions and crown molding, oversized Monticello windows, interior shutters and marble mantels carved by William Rinehart offset by rich heart pine floors. Through the drawn curtains, look out at the masterfully restored English tea rose gardens and stoically anchored twin fountains. This historic hotel boasts an award-winning wine cellar containing over 20,000 bottles representing over 2,700 renowned selections from famed wine regions around the world, making it a great place to toast to significant milestone or engagement. From its superb cuisine to upscale accommodations to the immersive wonder that is Antrim 1844, guests leave enthralled and enchanted by this venue.
Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa (1847) Point Clear, Alabama
Couples have been getting engaged at the Grand Hotel for more than 170 years. After a three year transformation, the resort has even more places to ask that special question. Private beach and pool cabanas offer a quiet setting for proposals. Take a knee on the renovated pier and ask your beloved to get married as the sun-sets and majestic pelicans fly above to salute the lovebirds. For nautical lovers, a sunset cruise aboard the schooner Joshua based at the Grand is an ideal way to start planning your life together. Once engaged, stroll over to the Secret Garden where the Grand chefs have prepared a special meal of her favorites in alfresco dining for two.
Omni La Mansion del Rio (1852) San Antonio, Texas
Blending Spanish colonial architecture and European style, the four-diamond Omni La Mansion del Rio surrounds guests with the romance, grace and charm of a grand hacienda. Nestled along the historic River Walk among the banks of the Paseo del Rio, the hotel is a romantic, tranquil getaway. Omni La Mansion del Rio’s courtyard transports guests away from the hustle and bustle of downtown San Antonio into an intimate and romantic garden setting. It is a popular place for couples to get engaged, get married or celebrate a special anniversary.
Mohonk Mountain House (1869) New Paltz, New York
Surrounded by 40,000 acres of pristine wilderness, set on a glacial lake, overlooking the majestic Catskill Mountains, this Victorian castle resort is the perfect setting to immerse yourself in the beauty and peace of nature. With an award-winning Spa, gourmet cuisine, handcrafted cocktails, and countless recreational offerings, Mohonk Mountain House is the perfect place to whisk away your sweetheart for a romantic getaway. Sky Top Tower is one of the most popular spots at Mohonk Mountain House for a proposal. At an elevation of 1542’, Sky Top Tower overlooks the iconic resort and gives a sweeping view of the Shawangunk Ridge and the valley below. After climbing the 100 steps to the top, visitors love this picturesque, inspirational location for popping the question. It makes for great photos and even better memories.
Wentworth Mansion (1886) Charleston, South Carolina
Wentworth Mansion is inherently romantic and perfect for couples. The newly engaged couple can relax in the lap of luxury when they are guests at this historic mansion. There have been many repeat guests who, in years past, have gotten engaged here and return regularly for anniversaries. The grounds, restaurant, ambiance, history, neighborhood, and guestrooms themselves make for a romantic experience unlike any other. The cupola on the mansion’s rooftop is the most popular place for a romantic proposal. It is the best view of the Holy City, offering a 360 degree view of Charleston.
Grand Hotel (1887) Mackinac Island, Michigan
Every season many couples and families choose Grand Hotel as their vacation destination. Generations of families come back every year and make it a special place for their children and grandchildren. When it comes time for special occasions like engagements and weddings they choose Grand Hotel to make their memories continue for their family. The remoteness of Mackinac Island and the charm and beauty of Grand Hotel make it the most romantic place to get engaged. It is truly special and unique and not an experience you can get anywhere else. The World’s Longest Porch overlooking the Straits of Mackinac provides the perfect backdrop for engagements. The other very special location is at the top of the hotel in the Cupola Bar at sunset.
Jekyll Island Club Resort (1887) Jekyll Island, Georgia
Built in the Queen Ann style, the Jekyll Island Club Resort is like 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. Southern charm and a fairytale setting makes Jekyll Island Club Resort a romantic haven and the perfect place to propose. From the top of the turret to quiet moments in Crane Garden, there are plenty of places that are ideal for someone to get down on bended knee.
The Pfister (1893) Milwaukee, Wisconsin
For more than 125 years, The Pfister Hotel has been an icon of excellence and luxury in Milwaukee. The hotel has helped guests from all over the world celebrate countless engagements, weddings, and anniversaries for decades. The timeless elegance and impeccable style of architecture and design is unlike any place in the city. This enchanting hotel is a fantastic location to create an unforgettable engagement experience, just like a personalized fairytale. At Blu, the hotel’s bar and lounge located on the 23rd floor, couples can take in panoramic views of the Milwaukee skyline and Lake Michigan. With its relaxing ambiance of low lighting and lounge music, this intimate space is the perfect place for a memorable, breathtaking proposal.
Pinehurst Resort (1896) Pinehurst, North Carolina
The Carolina Hotel dates back to New Year’s Eve in 1901, and is a National Historic Landmark. The Carolina has been the casually elegant social hub of Pinehurst for more than a century. The Holly Inn, a charming, intimate hotel is the centerpiece of the Village of Pinehurst, and dates back to New Year’s Eve in 1895. Also a National Historic Landmark, The Holly was Pinehurst’s first accommodation. There have been many engagements at both and popular locations for a romantic proposal at the Resort are in the gazebo, in front of the spa with multiple fountains in the background and in the Cupola at the Carolina Inn. There are many couples that take horse-drawn carriage rides through the quaint and historic village to pop the question, especially around the holidays when all the buildings are aglow with Christmas light.
Lodge at the Presidio (1896) San Francisco, California
Located in San Francisco’s national park, the Lodge at the Presidio offers various romantic places for someone to pop the big question. For a grand proposal, couples can head to the eight overlooks that have spectacular views of the Golden Gate Bridge, the bay, the ocean, and the lush Presidio forest. To catch the sunset before going down on one knee, the national park offers amazing beaches that oversee the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay. Couples will adore Lover’s Lane, an enchanting trail that was once traveled by soldiers to visit their loved ones. For a proposal within the property, The Lodge at the Presidio has a beautiful guestroom that features a unique vista of the San Francisco Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge, where couples can propose with the best scenery in the city. Couples can also head outside to the warm fire pit to enjoy a cozy proposal with the iconic Golden Gate Bridge in the background, then celebrate with a glass of complimentary wine and a selection of delicious cheeses.
Airlie (1899) Warrenton, Virginia
Originally built in 1899, Airlie has seen over a century’s worth of sunrises and sunsets. While the world continues to change, few places remain the same, untouched by the trials and tribulations of our planet. At Airlie you can truly experience the most important moment of your life at a location that sets itself apart from the rest – and feel that in this moment of question – the whole world stops along with you to await a response. Airlie has so many romantic places, from the 118-year old formal Boxwood gardens, to meandering pathways around the historic hotel offering beautiful vistas from intimate sitting areas. Airlie grounds encapsulate 300 acres of land, so the possibilities are many.
Castle Hill Resort & Spa (1905) Cavendish, Vermont
The Castle is one of the best historic hotels for a proposal because the resort is all encompassing, with all a couple would need onsite. A popular place for proposals in the summer is the gardens and in the winter is the library in front of the wood burning porcelain fireplace. Newly engaged couples can then celebrate with champagne in the library, dinner in the gourmet restaurant and then enjoy an overnight at the Castle.
The Otesaga Hotel and Cooper Inn (1909) Cooperstown, New York
Every historic hotel is unique in its offerings, location, and architecture for unique engagements, but with Lake Otsego as its backdrop, The Otesaga provides the most majestic and enchanting location for an engagement. Known as “Glimmerglass” in James Fenimore Cooper’s Letherstocking Tales, Lake Otsego is rich in history and its views are truly spectacular. In addition, being the home of the nation’s pastime makes Cooperstown and The Otesaga a unique venue for a baseball themed engagement site.
The Hermitage (1910) Nashville, Tennessee
Since 1910, The Hermitage Hotel has been the best choice for couples desiring an elegant Nashville experience. Warm surroundings, exemplary service, careful planning of the finer details, an award-winning culinary team, and beautiful Nashville honeymoon suites are just a few of the five-star ingredients that make the experience at The Hermitage Hotel spectacular. There have been many engagements at this historic hotel over the years, and some of the most sought after locations are at the top of the staircase leading into the historic lobby, next to a cozy fire, or in front of the Christmas Tree during the holidays. The Veranda, and Mezzanine area are also stunning space for engagements. Lastly, the restaurant Capitol Grille has also been a wonderful setting for many engagements over the years.
HOTEL DU PONT (1913) Wilmington, Delaware
Legend has it Prince Rainier of Monaco engaged in the complex marriage negotiations for the hand of Grace Kelly at the HOTEL DU PONT in 1955. Miss Kelly said yes to Rainier, initiating her career-change from Oscar-winning actress to her most enduring role as Her Serene Highness Princess Grace of Monaco. Since then the hotel has partnered with countless couples on their engagements and takes pride in fulfilling romantic dreams from the lavish to the low-key for all couples. From a bespoke private dining experience in the recently renovated Green Room bar to an all-out over the top takeover of the legendary Gold Ballroom, there are a variety of options for these soon to be betrothed couples.
The American Club (1918) Kohler, Wisconsin
The American Club is set in a picturesque Village, often compared to a Norman Rockwell painting. A guest will not lack options for private, cozy, beautiful settings to ask such an important question. The biggest decision will be where to propose. In a private dining experience, a stunning courtyard, on a carriage ride throughout the quaint Village, on the golf course or dining at Whistling Straits – that overlooks gorgeous Lake Michigan, the options truly are endless. One of the most popular location is the Gazebo courtyard in The American Club. It’s picturesque and offers a stunning backdrop. The Alcove seats in the Immigrant Restaurant are also quite popular for engagements.
The Broadmoor (1918) Colorado Springs, Colorado
There are many locations at this historic resort that are great places for popping the question but one of the most breathtaking is atop Cheyenne Mountain at Cloud Camp. At the flag post location there are 360 degree views from the plains to the mountains, making it a proposal that won’t be forgotten. In addition to the numerous places on the main resort that are fantastic for a proposal, there is no limit to what kind of custom chocolate amenity could be created on site at Café Julie’s Chocolate Kitchen. There have been many proposals featuring a custom created chocolate piece. The attention to detail and guest experience is what makes The Broadmoor so unique and a special place to get engaged.
OHEKA CASTLE (1919) Huntington, New York
The European ambiance of the palatial French Chateau-style estate and the beautiful French-inspired formal gardens make OHEKA CASTLE one of the most beautiful and unique places for a couple to get engaged. The staff at this historic hotel are delighted to explore any unique requests to deliver the ring from simple to extravagant. The most lavish to date was a beautiful engagement whereby the groom-to-be reserved the formal gardens exclusively, hired a florist to create a gorgeous backdrop, and a videographer to capture the moment on video.
La Fonda (1922) Santa Fe, New Mexico
The city of Santa Fe has an atmosphere of history, romance and intrigue that just does not exist in many other places. La Fonda on the Plaza, sits at the center of this stage, on a historic Plaza, where weddings and engagements have taken place for centuries. There are many places at this historic hotel that are romantic. One of the most popular places with romantic ambiance is in the historic restaurant, next to the water fountain, under the large skylight and twinkling lights in the trees.
Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa (1927) Sonoma, California
Sonoma Valley is the quintessential get-away and Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa has always been the first choice for romance in Northern California. Literally hundreds of couples have asked the big question at the iconic resort. This historic hotel is the ultimate destination for a romantic proposal, with some amazing amenities including co-ed geo-thermal spa, Michelin-rated dining, easy access to hundreds of world-class wineries and our lauded romance-inspired Mission Suites. All of these make wonderful places to pop the question. Other popular engagements have included a private picnic in the vineyards, hot air balloons, and engagements on horseback.
The Heathman Hotel (1927) Portland, Oregon
Nothing says Romance like the written word. The Heathman Hotel has a historic collection of books in a cozy library setting that is the perfect place to pop the question. This library is unique, with over 4,000 volumes of books, all signed by the author and most of them first editions. There is only one way an author can get a book in the collection: they must spend a night in the hotel. There have been many engagements that have taken place in this historic library often incorporating a couple’s favorite book or author. Or a private, candlelit dining experience in the library is another fun and unique proposal offering at The Heathman.
The Dunhill (1929) Charlotte, North Carolina
There are many locations in this uptown Charlotte hotel that are the perfect backdrop for a proposal. Being a smaller hotel there are a lot of intimate spots for a romantic retreat. A table for two at the award winning Asbury restaurant is a popular engagement location, as is one of the Penthouse suites, or on the Penthouse balcony overlooking uptown Charlotte’s skyline. Some have gone down on one knee in the bar area that flanks the lobby with friends and family looking on.
The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort (1935) St. Simons Island, Georgia
The King and Prince has been a hidden gem on the Georgia coast for nearly a century, offering enduring Southern culture, unspoken elegance and authentic island ambience that reflects a timeless love affair. The quiet natural beauty, serenity, stately oaks and island atmosphere brings guests back time and again to create their own lifetime of traditions that begin with a proposal. An original 1930s hidden garden courtyard is one of the King and Prince’s secret spots. Picturesque lampposts and tall arched windows set the scene, dressed with seasonal flowers and a little table for two awaiting the time for a secret rendezvous.
Mauna Kea Beach Hotel (1965) Kohala Coast, Hawaii
For more than 50 years, generations of travelers have reveled in the balmy tropical paradise that is Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. Among those generations are many that were engaged, then honeymooned, and now bring their families to the iconic and timeless resort on the white sandy shores of Kauna’oa Bay on Hawaii Island. As couples become ever more creative when asking the pivotal “Will you marry me?” question, Mauna Kea Beach Hotel works hand-in-hand to ensure the moment is magical. The hotel’s Romantic Proposal Package is called Ho’okupu. In the Hawaiian language, ho’okupu refers to an expression of Aloha (greeting, love) and one’s desire to strengthen a relationship with another. The aptly named package comes inclusive of romantic location of choice to set the stage for the important point in time. Options include a beautiful Vista Deck overlooking the tranquil bay and blue Pacific, the total privacy of the historic and original Third Hole tee box promontory above the ocean on Mauna Kea’s golf course, or nestled in the shaded green lawn alcove above Mauna Kea’s “Manta Point.”
In addition to the top 25 historic hotels in America that here are a few romantic destinations worldwide:
Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise (1911) Alberta, Canada
Situated in Alberta’s beautiful Banff National Park, the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise provides for a truly romantic getaway. The majesty of the surrounding Canadian Rockies radiates an alluring vibrancy that casts this magnificent historic hotel in an enchanting aura. Romance is practically ingrained in the building’s storied past, as the movies Eternal Love and Springtime in the Rockies were filmed within its hallowed walls. Happy couples have adored the hotel’s cozy accommodations for over a century, and its spectacular restaurants—like the Walliser Stube—are the site of many passionate proposals. Weddings in particular can be an especially moving experience at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Its glamorous venues, such as the Lakeview Terrace and the Victoria Ballroom, possess a sophisticated charm well-suited for hosting the wedding of a lifetime. There is no place better to fall in love all over again than at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.
Fairmont Le Château Frontenac (1893) Quebec, Canada
Grand elegance has long been associated with the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac. Originally opened in 1893 in the heart of Old Quebec City, this spectacular hotel has hosted many preeminent international dignitaries like King George VI, U.S. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, and French General Charles de Gaulle. As such, the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac is a fantastic destination for a romantic escape. Guests can relax in pure luxury inside any one of the hotel’s spectacular accommodations as they prepare for an intimate vacation in La Vielle Capitale. The Fairmont Le Château Frontenac also features several gourmet dining establishments that are terrific for a passionate dinner date, such as the Champlain Restaurant and Bistro Le Sam. Couples may even reserve an exclusive spa session for two at the luxurious Message Therapy Salon. Come experience a grand romantic holiday at the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, one of Canada’s most prolific historic hotels.
“We are pleased to announce the Historic Hotels of America 2019 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 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 that have all faithfully maintained their authenticity, sense of place, and architectural integrity in the United States of America, including 45 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 properties. 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. To learn more, 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
