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Historic East Coast Hotels

Book a bus ticket and visit these historic hotels.

An east coast bus trip promises to be nothing short of memorable, especially when you consider the many historic sites you’ll encounter along the way. Whether you’re limited to a specific state or want to navigate the region and soak up everything it has to offer, you’ve got plenty to explore — especially if you include the many beautiful, historic East Coast hotels dotted all over the coastline. Here are 10 of the most iconic, must-see accommodations to keep in mind.

1. Lord Baltimore Hotel

Designed by famed hotel architect William Lee Stoddart, the legendary Lord Baltimore Hotel in downtown Baltimore, Maryland, opened in 1928. It’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places — and stepping through the doors into the grand two-story lobby, it’s easy to understand the hotel’s impact. A luxurious Murano glass chandelier illuminates a space dotted with a grand piano, hauntingly beautiful oil paintings, and an impressive fresco ceiling. The rooms were reimagined several years ago, and today they combine hints of the past — think handsome dark woods and old-world artwork — with warm, contemporary accents that give them a refreshed feeling.

2. The Spa at Norwich Inn

Founded in 1929, The Spa at Norwich Inn was a hotspot for many of the world’s elite. The hotel counts the Prince of Wales and Frank Sinatra among its many famous guests. Set in the eastern part of Connecticut on 42 lush acres dotted with charming gardens and a shimmering reflecting pool, the intimate hotel still draws on its illustrious past — it’s hard to miss the stately touches in the cozy, country-style rooms equipped with warm mahogany furnishings. Its main draw today is the full-service spa and wellness program, which includes an indoor pool, a fitness center, a salon, and dozens of treatments designed to rejuvenate the body and mind.

3. The Willard InterContinental

Since 1818, the Willard InterContinental has made its mark on Washington, DC. Over the decades, the hotel has welcomed numerous illustrious guests, including President Franklin Pierce in 1853, and, notably, President-elect Abraham Lincoln in 1861, who stayed at the property in the 10 days leading to his inauguration. It’s impossible to overstate the luxe grandeur and sophistication of the guest rooms, awash in cool blues, swatches of gold, and warm lighting. Most rooms offer exceptional views of Pennsylvania Avenue and some of the city’s most well-regarded landmarks.

4. Williamsburg Inn

Few hotels can match the grandeur and sheer elegance that the Williamsburg Inn exudes at a glance. The Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia, hallmark is renowned for its regal neoclassical architecture, which incorporates imposing arches, lush drapery, and old-world furnishings that set the tone for a comfortable stay. If you’re feeling especially adventurous, book a stay in the Queen’s Room, where Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip stayed in 1957 and 2007, or consider the Rockefeller Suite, which honors the famed Rockefellers, who built the hotel in 1937. Take note: the hotel offers free shuttle service around the area.

5. Caribbean Motel

Set in the Wildwoods Shore Resort Historic District in New Jersey, the Caribbean Motel was founded in 1957. Its “Googie” architecture was characteristic of the time—a post-World War II statement with glowing neon signs, fake plastic palm trees, and a now-iconic crescent-shaped outdoor pool. Today, visitors can enjoy the full retro experience: the motel features a shuffleboard court, a quirky lounge space, and plenty of live entertainment from a wide range of throwback cover bands. If you’re taking a bus trip to Atlantic City, make a pit stop here for a little trip back in time.

6. Beekman Arms & Delamater Inn

Dating from 1766, the exquisite Beekman Arms & Delamater Inn is located in the Rhinebeck Village Historic District in New York. For those who appreciate original architecture, it’s noteworthy that few details have changed since the building was constructed — its distinctive oak beams and wide plank floors still remain. Among the property’s many illustrious guests are George Washington, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, and countless personalities in the worlds of sports and entertainment. Touted as America’s “oldest continuously operated hotel,” the property’s rooms are cozy, traditional, and inviting.

7. Wentworth Mansion

With just 21 rooms, the Wentworth Mansion is an intimate choice situated in the heart of Charleston, South Carolina. Built in 1866, the mansion is renowned for its exquisite rooftop views, top-tier dining, and lavish spa. The rooms, with their original Tiffany glass accents, grand chandeliers, gilded décor, handsome woods, and gas fireplaces, recollect a bygone era known for its rich architecture and attention to detail. Despite its ornate features, there’s a quaint warmth and feeling of generosity that envelops you as soon as you set foot inside this historic east coast hotel.

8. Wentworth by the Sea

Since 1874, Wentworth by the Sea has commanded attention from its throne in New Castle, New Hampshire. The hotel is recognized as the location where the Japanese and Russian delegations met in 1905 to bring to a conclusion the Russo-Japanese War. Today, it’s known as a romantic honeymoon spot, a prime family vacation getaway, and an intimate hideaway to escape from it all. On-site pools, dining options, and a spa lend the hotel modern appeal. If being a stone’s throw from the water’s edge doesn’t draw you, the proximity to historic downtown Portsmouth certainly will.

9. Hotel Du Pont

A vision of Italian Renaissance luxury brought to life in 1913, the grand Hotel Du Pont is a lavish example of old-world architecture in Wilmington, Delaware. As one of the most historic east coast hotels in existence, it’s renowned for its magnificent ballroom and ornate lobby, which is almost breathtaking in its ornate decoration. The intricacy of the medallion-stamped ceiling, the depth of the rich, warm woods, the thoughtfully appointed furnishings, and the commanding chandeliers create a space well worth the visit — and that’s only for starters. The rooms are classic and simple, and destined to put you at ease right away.

10. Sofitel Washington, DC, Lafayette Square

Firmly ensconced in the annals of Washington, DC, history, the remarkable Sofitel Washington, DC, Lafayette Square energizes guests with its unique combination of French charm and contemporary flair. Founded in 1925, the hotel is conveniently located just minutes from the White House and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. The rooms are sleek and sophisticated, with a modern edge — think hip furnishings, avant-garde artwork, and upscale bathroom amenities. In the mix is a chic brasserie, a posh ballroom, and a lavish front garden that beckons at a glance.

Book Your Ticket at BusTickets.com

If you’re ready to enjoy a world-class trip and a stay at one or two historic east coast hotels, book your ticket on BusTickets.com today. Whether you’re headed to a luxury resort in New England or are ready to explore the nation’s capital, you can find a great deal at an outstanding price. Explore your options and prepare for the trip of a lifetime!

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