Historic Hotels I’d Revisit in a Heartbeat

One of my favorite parts of planning a trip for myself is researching where to stay. I try to find some historic or fun hotels in the area. I specifically aim to find places that provide more than just sleeping quarters. My hope is that I will learn more about the history of the city that I am in or about the culture that is strong in the area. Below are my favorite hotels that I have stayed in so far. They are listed in no order, but they’ve left the strongest impression.

The Blue Nose Inn – Bar Harbor, Maine

Why does this make my list? The view.

The view of Frenchman’s Bay from our window was breathtaking. Especially at dawn. The Inn provides seating on the outdoor walkway so guests can sit and watch the water.  I happened to wake up early and catch the sun rising and stayed up to take photos.

The location of the Blue Nose Inn was originally a late 1800’s estate, and you can still experience some of that charm. For instance, guests can find bathrobes in their room to wear during their stay and can even purchase them to take home. During the evenings, guests can gather together in the main building for cocktails and piano music.

Although curious about the piano music, I was afraid to be underdressed, so we didn’t stop over. However, we could hear the music and lively conversation drifting in the area while in our room. Unfortunately I lost access to all of my photos from this trip.

Why do I want to go back? Well, to recapture the experience of what I remember and enjoy the view a second time. Taking more photos too!

The Peabody Hotel  – Memphis, Tennessee

Photo 1: Ducks with their Duckmaster

Photo 2: A view of the hotel lobby 

Why does this make my list? Quirky tradition

When researching where to stay while visiting Memphis, The Peabody caught my eye. In addition to offering the historic atmosphere that I enjoy, there was an added feature that made me want to stay there, a duck theme. Our hotel room also had portraits of ducks on the wall, and the pillowcases had little ducks embroidered on them. They even have ducks living inside on the premises! The resident ducks spend their afternoons swimming and playing in a fountain in the main lobby. Guests can enjoy drinks in the lobby bar while watching the ducks. Every morning guests can gather to watch the duck march from the elevator and parade to the fountain. In the evening, the ducks are coaxed out of the fountain and march back to the elevator to their sleeping quarters for the night.

The Peabody is a large hotel, taking up an entire city block. Inside the main floor of the hotel are several restaurants and boutiques.

Why do I want to go back? Our visit was brief and I feel like there is a lot more to the hotel than what I saw. Having a seat close to the duck walk would be nice too.

St. Louis Union Station Hotel Curio Collection by Hilton – St. Louis, Missouri

 Photo 1: Inside the Convention Center area of the St. Louis Union Station hotel

Photo 2: One of the designs in the Grand Hall Light show

Why does this make my list? Trains! To stay in a historic landmark that was central to U.S. transportation at the turn of the 20^th century.  

The hotel is majestic. Renovated from a Union Station train building, there are reminders of the past around every corner. From the Station Grille restaurant to the electric train model in the gift shop. There were informational panels throughout the hotel sharing the history of the station and many pictures of what it looked like when it was still an active hub of the railway. They host wedding receptions too!

In the evening, there is a light show in the Grand Hall that starts at the top of the hour from 5-10PM. I only caught the tail end of the last one, but I enjoyed what I saw. I also like the fact that it’s an added perk to return to the hotel in the evening. The hotel is also attached to a small mall, so there are shopping and fast-food options only steps away.

Why do I want to go back? The convenient location of the hotel. It is walking distance to the same train line that can take you to St. Louis Lambert International airport, Busch Stadium where the Cardinals play, and the St Louis Arch. Also, to explore the hotel more and see what changes have been made (if any) since I last visited.

The Crowne Plaza Indianapolis Downtown Union Station – Indianapolis, Indiana

Photo 1: Inside the reception area/convention hall on the lower level of the hotel

Photo 2: Newsie statue on the edge of the lobby at the hotel

Why does this make my list? Continuing the Union Station trend

Having already stayed at the Union Station in St. Louis, and visiting Union Station in Kansas City, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to stay at another Union Station hotel. Not to be outdone, this hotel encompasses some of the old railways where railroad cars are set up as hotel rooms. Although I didn’t sleep in one of the cars, I walked past one of the converted trains to get to my assigned room from the lobby.

What also makes this hotel fun are the many statues situated in the hallways and public areas depicting people who would typically be traveling by train or working in a train station. For instance, there was a statue of a photographer with old type camera outside of our room.

This location has a whole downstairs area with breakout rooms to be used during conventions. I also saw a banquet hall.

Why do I want to go back? I visited during COVID, and saw only 3 other guests, while I walked around and explored the different areas of the hotel. While I was kind of lucky to have the place all to myself, it would be nice to experience the hotel when there are more guests.

Casas de Suenos Old Town Historic Inn – Albuquerque, New Mexico

Photo 1: Living room inside the casita

Photo 2: A view in the shared garden area

Why does this make my list? Experiencing a different culture.

Quite different than the four other hotels on this list. Instead of booking a hotel room, you book a casita (adobe bungalow) with kitchen, two bedrooms, even a living room. There is themed artwork throughout each room. I enjoyed looking at the paintings and decor. Each bungalow has its own driveway and is attached to the inner courtyard which is a shared space with the other bungalows. The shared space is a beautiful garden with shaded seating areas under the trees, as well as some in the sun. Breakfast (for a fee) is served at the main house which you can walk to through the courtyard. The whole area is like a hidden, quiet sanctuary, which makes sense since it was originally an art colony.

Why do I want to go back? We only spent one night here, and we arrived late and left early.  I would love to return and spend a few days. I think it would be so relaxing.

Maison Dupuy Hotel – New Orleans, Louisiana

Photo 1: Pool and courtyard of the hotel

Photo 2: A distant view of the hot cocoa bar

Why does this make my list? Distinct atmosphere.

Maybe it was because we stayed a couple of nights at this hotel during the month of December but while there it felt like I stepped into a different world. The hotel lobby was decorated for the holidays, the fireplace was lit, and the hotel offered hot cocoa to their guests. In the courtyard by the pool, there was a Christmas tree and festive lights. One afternoon, I spent maybe an hour sitting at one of the tables conversing with a friend. The courtyard was in the center of the hotel, so the atmosphere stays steady with little interruption from the outside world.  

The hotel has a little bit of historic significance as it is the last hotel permitted to be constructed in the French Quarter. It was not obvious to me that the hotel was any newer than the others in the area.

Why do I want to go back? The location. It was perfect. It’s only like 2-3 blocks to Bourbon Street yet far enough away that you can step away from the frivolity if you like.

Writing this post and reminiscing about my visits to each of these hotels has me longing for more adventures!

Written on 6/12/26, 6/22/26, and 6/24/26

Some information, such as baseball game information and directions were sought by using ChatGPT. Brainstorming blog title posts too!