September 2023
Back to school is around the corner or already in full swing for kids, students, and teachers around the world. This time is also a seasonal reset for the year ahead and preparing for new opportunities. September marks the beginning of autumn and with that brings about coziness, books, and gorgeous foliage as the leaves change and fall from the trees. Historic Hotels allow guests to stay in the same place where writers and academics found their inspiration. Historic Hotels of America and Historic Hotels Worldwide also feature many hotels for guests to retreat to the great outdoors and experience the different seasons that lie ahead.

Discover & Explore cozy autumnal locations with Historic Hotels!
Spotlight: The Red Lion Inn & Historic Hotel Bethlehem

Celebrating its 250th anniversary in 2023, a timeless tradition comes together at The Red Lion Inn. Located in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, this iconic landmark exudes warmth and character, making it one of the most charming hotels in the Berkshires. The Inn is home to a number of unique and historic accommodations, from quaint village homes to a renovated firehouse. Sit on a rocking chair on the porch and relax. Its idyllic setting, comforting atmosphere, and dedicated staff make The Red Lion Inn an exceptional example of New England hospitality. 



In 1741, Moravian Brethren built Bethlehem’s first house on the site of what is now the Historic Hotel Bethlehem. Then, in 1794, the Moravians built what became the Eagle Hotel. The hotel has hosted world leaders and renowned celebrities over the years, including Winston Churchill, John F. Kennedy, the 14th Dalai Lama, Amelia Earhart, Harry Connick, Jr., and many more. Historic Hotel Bethlehem is located in the heart of Historic Moravian Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, a National Historic Landmark District. It is within walking distance to museums, historic sites, and boutique shops. 
Historic Hotels of America® are Inspirational
How amazing would it be to stay in a Historic Hotel that was once a school or even a place where a famous writer would retreat to gather inspiration? Many Historic Hotels were once boarding schools or are still part of a university in a college town and play an integral and historical role in that town. Whether you're looking for a place to stay while on a college tour or would just love to experience staying in a resort that has a profound educational past, Historic Hotels has you covered!
(1921) Grinnell, Iowa

Erected in 1921, this unique building served as Grinnell’s junior high school until the late 1970s. Designed by a prominent Des Moines-based architectural firm named “Proudfoot, Bird & Rawson,” they oversaw its design as a beautiful Neoclassical building. The gorgeous structure stands three stories tall and as a school featured everything from state-of-the-art classrooms to a full-fledged gymnasium. 

Today, Hotel Grinnell has been repurposed into an independently owned hotel, eatery, bar, and event center. At Hotel Grinnell, guests can return to their school days and this time, not get in trouble for sleeping in class! The former classrooms now serve as guestrooms, the locker rooms have been transformed into a bar, and the old scoreboard now decorates the lounge. Find out how Hotel Grinnell merges old-school tradition with new-school attitude. 



(1929) Tucson, Arizona

In 1929, Helen and John Murphey founded a youth boarding academy called the “Hacienda Del Sol School,” a “girls only” educational institution that taught adolescent women for years. Hacienda del Sol offered a college preparatory curriculum and a true taste of western outdoor activities. Some of the most prominent families in the country sent their children to the Murphey’s’ school, including the Vanderbilts, the Westinghouses, the Spaldings, the Pillsburys, and the Kelloggs.

Today, guests can take in the simple pleasures and elegance found at this classic Arizona resort. Hacienda Del Sol is located in the heart of the Sonoran Desert and is a relaxing escape where guests can unwind and indulge in award-winning culinary experiences, spa treatments, and take a stroll through the lush botanical gardens to enjoy all this desert escape has to offer. 


(1926) Amherst, Massachusetts

The Inn on Boltwood has welcomed guests to Amherst, Massachusetts since 1926 and has been an important part of Amherst College since then. Well-known writers such as Emily Dickenson and Robert Frost were both prominent fixtures in Amherst. Emily Dickenson was born there, her grandfather was one of the founders of the college and Robert Frost, an American writer and poet, was a professor at Amherst College for over 40 years.
 
The Inn on Boltwood has been welcoming guests to the Pioneer Valley since 1926. After undergoing extensive renovations in 2011 motivated by both historic preservation and environmental sustainability, the Inn was awarded Silver LEED certification in 2013 by the U.S. Green Building Council. The transformed hotel features 49 stylish guestrooms and suites, updated and expanded event facilities, and a full-service locally inspired restaurant, 30Boltwood. 
Afternoon Tea at
Honor the tradition of Afternoon Tea:
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Historic Hotels Worldwide®:
Autumn Around the World
"Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower." - Albert Camus. Writers and authors used scenery and cultural experiences found in these cities around the world to write and inspire readers, and many of the Historic Hotels Worldwide have been the primary locations for novels and poems, especially in the fall. From cityscapes to mountainsides, there's a storybook autumn experience for all.
(18th Century) Cartagena de Indias, Colombia

Alfiz Hotel is located in the heart of Cartagena. Old town Cartagena was the inspiration for many of the novels of renowned Columbian writer Gabriel Garcia Marquez. Gabriel Marquez works such as Love in the Time of Cholera and Other Demons take place on the historic streets of the city and guests can discover his writing at Alfiz Hotel’s expansive library that carries more than 200 of his works in different languages. 

A window into the past, the elegant Alfiz Hotel captures the authentic feel of Colombia’s most celebrated colonial city, Cartagena. Nestled within The Walled City, on a historic street linking the political seats of power, the hotel boasts eight individually designed suites, each reflecting a distinct period of Cartagena’s vibrant past. Rich in heritage, Alfiz Hotel offers original period furnishings from the city’s finest antique stores and features a unique library. With unparalleled hospitality, ornate interiors, and luxury accommodations, the hotel offers an authentic gateway to the past without sacrificing the comforts of modern conveniences. 



(1911) Alberta, Canada

 Fairmont Château Lake Louise is globally recognized for its progressive environmental stewardship and responsibility. Despite its humble beginnings as a hunting lodge for outdoor enthusiasts, it has become one of the most well-known, year-round mountain resorts in Canada over the past century. During the autumn, visitors can experience colorful foliage with burnt orange and red leaves falling from the trees. The sight is truly a wonder and guests will love to experience the great outdoors during these months. 

Fairmont Château Lake Louise is a year-round outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. Enjoy some of the most spectacular views in the Canadian Rockies from one of the scenic hiking trails or paddle across the turquoise blue lake while soaking in the vistas. The resort offers guided mountain adventure experiences year-round for guests seeking to discover the area’s hidden gems and learn all about Banff National Park. Fairmont Château Lake Louise offers guests a true resort experience with the finest accommodations and amenities, unsurpassed service, and endless activity. 
History Mystery!
What hotel is located in the heart of what is now the Moravian Church Settlements?
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