Time-Travel to the Glory Days of the West at These Historic Hotels

The Sunset Travel Awards celebrate the best in travel in the West. These 20 hotels are the 2026 winners of the Where to Stay: Historic Hotels category. Check out the complete list of winners here. For our definitive and searchable travel directory to help you plan your next trip in the West, click here.

Arizona Biltmore

Courtesy of Arizona Biltmore

Few resorts are as woven into the history of the American West as the Arizona Biltmore. Nearly a century after opening, its distinctive architecture, Frank Lloyd Wright influences, storied Wright Bar, and enduring sense of glamour continue to make it one of the Southwest’s most iconic places to stay.

Hotel del Coronado

Courtesy of Hotel del Coronado

Fresh off a multimillion-dollar, multi-year upgrade, Hotel del Coronado is one of America’s most iconic properties—a Victorian masterpiece on a pristine beach that has hosted celebrities while remaining accessible and beloved by locals. Its architectural significance and timeless elegance make it perpetually award-worthy.

Inn at the Presidio

Courtesy of Inn at the Presidio

Tucked into the Presidio’s 1,500 acres of forest and trails, this restored officer’s quarters from 1904 feels like staying in history itself. Wake to Golden Gate Bridge views, trade stories by the fire pit, then step out the back door onto the Ecology Trail or head to nearby Presidio Tunnel Tops, the park’s wildly popular new destination with food, trails, and the city’s largest playground.

Los Angeles Athletic Club

Courtesy of Los Angeles Athletic Club

Part historic landmark, part boutique hotel, and part wellness club, the Los Angeles Athletic Club offers a side of downtown Los Angeles few visitors experience. Guests enjoy access to exceptional fitness and social amenities while staying inside a living piece of city history that has welcomed athletes, entertainers, and cultural figures for more than a century.

The Broadmoor

Courtesy of The Broadmoor

For over 100 years, The Broadmoor has defined Colorado luxury, pairing grand surroundings with a level of service that remains among the finest in the country. From championship golf and exceptional dining to mountain adventures and iconic attractions, it offers a uniquely expansive vision of the Western resort experience.

Grand Canyon Railway Hotel

Courtesy of Grand Canyon Railway Hotel

Just steps from the depot, the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel makes an ideal base camp for one of the West’s most memorable journeys. Blending classic railroad-era charm with modern comforts, it offers travelers an easy and inviting gateway to the Grand Canyon, Route 66, and the small-town character of Williams, Arizona.

The Legendary Dr. Wilkinson’s Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs

Courtesy of Dr. Wilkinson’s Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs

Calistoga’s wellness anchor since 1952. With Doc’s secret volcanic mud formula and naturally heated mineral springs, the quirky, unfussy approach to health extends to the open-air restaurant where nutrient-dense grain bowls sit alongside award-winning hand pies and excellent margaritas.

The Westin St. Francis

Courtesy of The Westin St. Francis

A San Francisco institution since 1904, this Union Square landmark still manages to feel like the center of the city’s social life. After a $45 million renovation, the historic rooms now blend Parisian elegance with modern comfort. It’s one of the West Coast’s greatest love stories.

The Lafayette Hotel & Club

Courtesy of The Lafayette Hotel & Club

The Lafayette Hotel brings Art Deco glamour back to downtown San Diego. The 1946 landmark was recently given a $26 million overhaul by CH Projects, the restaurant group behind Polite Provisions, Ironside Fish & Oyster, and Raised by Wolves. Now it boasts seven restaurants and bars, a vintage bowling alley, and a pool whose vibes are worth a visit on its own.

The Mining Exchange Hotel

Courtesy of The Mining Exchange Hotel

Originally built in 1902, this spot that once hosted fortune-seeking entrepreneurs at the turn of the century has had a radical top-to-bottom glow-up and now is where Colorado Springs heritage meets high-design.

La Fonda on the Plaza

Courtesy of La Fonda on the Plaza

La Fonda on the Plaza is a New Mexico landmark with more than a century of history in “The City Different.” The historic hotel embodies Pueblo Revival architectural style with guest rooms, suites, and private concierge-level accommodations featuring unique and historic design elements. A museum-quality art collection with more than 800 distinct works serves as the focal point of the hotel’s complimentary art and history tours, while three onsite dining concepts—La Plazuela, La Fiesta Lounge and The Bell Tower Rooftop Bar—position the hotel as a culinary destination in Santa Fe’s historic plaza. A courtyard pool, fitness center, and spa round out the luxury experience, and programming with local partners for tours of surrounding Pueblos and the historic Route 66 offers opportunities to immerse in Santa Fe’s rich culture, further beckoning guests to the oldest hotel corner in the country. 

Arctic Club Hotel

Courtesy of Arctic Club Hotel

Timeless, classic, and always iconic: The Arctic Club Hotel by The Oxford Collection is where high style and a sense of adventure come together for a truly exceptional hotel experience. A downtown Seattle landmark since 1916, and beautifully restored to its Gold Rush-era grandeur, the Arctic Club offers a comfortable, sustainably minded stay that’s reflective of the city’s rich heritage.

Washington School House Hotel

Courtesy of Washington School House Hotel

A National Historic Registry landmark dating to 1889, Washington School House is Park City’s most exclusive luxury boutique hotel, blending storied heritage with refined alpine living. With just 12 exquisitely designed suites and rooms, the intimate property offers a highly personalized experience, complemented by a chic ski lounge, dedicated ski valet, and a heated pool terraced into the mountainside. Guests enjoy thoughtful, anticipatory service, including 24-hour concierge, daily complimentary breakfast, and elevated après-ski with curated bites and drinks in the stunning Living Room. Distinctive design details—most notably a custom antler chandelier adorned with Swarovski crystals—create a striking sense of place. Nightly turndown service features a bespoke treat, from house-made desserts to thoughtful gifts. Located just steps above Main Street, the hotel provides effortless access to Park City’s top dining, shopping, and entertainment, while remaining a serene retreat above it all.

The Garland

Courtesy of The Garland

Rooted in Hollywood history, The Garland offers a Southern California escape with 70s-inspired decor and a Mad Men allure. Named after the late, critically acclaimed actress Beverly Garland, whose husband built the property in 1972, The Garland is now overseen by Beverly’s son, James Crank, who continues to elevate the property as a top hotel in Los Angeles while still honoring his mom. When guests set foot in the property, they are surrounded by 1970s touches, from the decor to special programming offered. Featuring 258 guest rooms and 12 suites, the hotel provides elevated programming and curated guest experiences, including summer concerts, seasonal block parties, and poolside “dive-in” movies. Guests and locals can indulge in innovative dishes and sips at the chic Lobby Bar, The Courtyard, or beloved neighborhood restaurant, The Front Yard, featuring a stunning outdoor patio with a fireplace as its centerpiece.

Hotel Californian

Courtesy of Hotel Californian

Hotel Californian is a stunning hotel located steps away from the beachfront and pier that is redefining modern luxury on Santa Barbara’s American Riviera, seamlessly blending bold Moroccan-inspired design with the vibrant, art-forward cultural energy of the Funk Zone, just steps from the beach. From Majorelle Spa to rooftop sunset DJ sets and chic poolside lounging at Tan-Tan, the hotel delivers a stylish, high-energy stay that feels distinctly Santa Barbara. Culinary programming shines at signature venues Blackbird and The Society: State & Mason, where familiar cuisine, cocktails, and wine are reinvented through chef- and winemaker-driven interpretations. Featuring captivating interiors by celebrity designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard, the 121-room property is equal parts heritage and Funk Zone creativity—an unmistakably Californian escape for today’s experience-driven traveler.

The Holbrooke Hotel

Courtesy of The Holbrooke Hotel

They’ve been building character since 1852! Celebrating Grass Valley at its most authentic: unearthed, restored, and brought forward into today. Welcome to the Holbrooke Hotel: where modern luxuries blend seamlessly with a historically unique, rustic-yet-refined, one-of-a-kind property. Set in the heart of the bustling town with easy access to restaurants, tasting rooms, shops, and historical sights, this meticulously renovated California Historical Landmark offers a true break from the ordinary and an unforgettable stay. So, dust off your boots and sit a spell. After serving the community for over 150 years, the Holbrooke Hotel is back in business and ready to spend some time with you.

The National Exchange Hotel

Courtesy of The National Exchange Hotel

A California icon, yours to enjoy. Built in 1856 in what was to become the most sophisticated of the gold rush mining camps, the National Exchange Hotel is a treasured piece of Nevada City history. This grand old dame is full of rich colors and patterns, opulent furnishings, and lovingly restored original features. Whispers of stories past are to be discovered around every turn. The National Exchange Hotel invites you to spend unforgettable days and nights with her.

The Marcus Whitman Hotel & Conference Center

Courtesy of The Marcus Whitman Hotel & Conference Center

Located in beautiful Walla Walla, The Marcus Whitman is Eastern Washington’s premier luxury hotel, blending rich history, exemplary service, and contemporary comfort. Relax in a newly renovated, well-appointed guestroom, or savor distinctive Northwest cuisine at The Marc Restaurant and The Marc Bar. Or, for those looking to immerse themselves in the beauty of Washington’s heartland, the property is a stone’s throw from the adventure of the Columbia River Valley and the vitalizing experience of Washington wine country. And with the hotel’s Wine Club Member for the Stay program, enjoy exclusive wine perks, including tastings and discounts at four exceptional tasting rooms right within the hotel.

Asher Adams

Courtesy of Asher Adams

A stunning fusion of historic preservation and contemporary luxury, Asher Adams reimagined Salt Lake City’s iconic Union Pacific Depot as the city’s first Autograph Collection hotel. Named after John R. Asher and George H. Adams, the first cartographers to depict railroad routes, the property is designed as the embodiment of the people, experiences, and meaningful moments behind the past, present, and future of Salt Lake City. Opened in November 2024, this 225-room masterpiece blends the charm of the American Railroad era with modern sophistication, offering historic train station suites, an eight-story new-build tower, and nearly 20,000 square feet of event space. Guests can indulge in world-class dining at Rouser, unwind at two stylish bars, or enjoy a perfect morning at the on-site coffee house—all within steps of the Delta Center and a short drive from Utah’s renowned ski slopes and national parks.

The All Inn Hotel

Courtesy of All Inn Hotel

This iconic 1950s historic property has been reimagined as a bespoke 54-room boutique hotel, blending preserved architectural character with thoughtful, design-forward updates. Original features like exposed rock walls, vertical windows, and the neon sign remain, layered with terrazzo floors, rich walnut paneling, and refined mid-century interiors. Guests arrive through the historic porte-cochère, now a plant-filled gathering space where drinks stretch long on warm nights. Inside, the lobby functions as a vibrant third space, anchored by an elevated conversation pit and the softly glowing All Is Well lobby bar—an all-day destination for morning coffee and evening cocktails. Guestrooms are completely unique, with color themes, restored vintage furnishings, layered textures, and hand-knotted rugs. At the heart of the hotel stands FiNO, a lively restaurant that channels the spirit of the Mediterranean with seasonal shared plates, a dynamic wine program, and an outdoor wine garden.