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Historic
Hotels of America® Announces
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The
2019 Top 25 Historic Hotels for a Romantic Proposal
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Washington,
DC – February 2019 / Newsmaker Alert / 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: www.HistoricHotels.org/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, San Antonio (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. The 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.
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(L) Mohonk Mountain
House (R) Jekyll Island Club Resort
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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. Simmons 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.
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Contact:
Heather
Taylor
Historic
Hotels of America
Senior
Manager, Marketing Communications
202-772-8333 |