Travel Back in Time at Historic Hotels

Most travelers are drawn to and book hotels for thewith shimmering chandeliers, and windows opening
wealth of amenities they offer - from spas andout onto the city by the bay. Moreover, the
swimming pools to complimentary breakfast toproperty is widely considered the center of the city's
award-winning restaurants. However, it is the reveredliterary, social and artistic life.
history of the properties themselves that often goesBoston
overlooked. While standing the test of time, historicThe Lenox Hotel: A prestigious member of Historic
hotels have become deeply woven into the fabric ofHotels of America and Small Luxury Hotels of the
the cities they grace, many becoming focal points ofWorld, The Lenox Hotel in Boston's historic Back Bay
artistic and literary life. Select hotels have undergoneis a prime example of a property that fuses old-world
renovations that have brought them back to theircharm with modern technology. The Lenox was the
original splendor while respecting the original detailstallest building in Boston at the time of its opening in
that vacationers, business travelers and renowned1900. Over the years, the hotel has become a
celebrities alike marveled at when the hotels firstpopular refuge of big names in business,
opened their doors. You don't have to be a historyentertainment, sports and the arts, from noted opera
buff to appreciate their period furniture, timelesssinger Enrico Caruso and actress Judy Garland to
sophistication and close proximity to landmarkformer Boston Celtics basketball coach Red
attractions. Before you make your next booking,Auerbach. The Lenox has notched 12 consecutive
read on and take a trip down memory lane.Four Diamond Awards since 1998 and boasts an
New York Cityopulent ballroom, fine restaurants and sumptuous
Algonquin Hotel: Named one of "America's Ten Greataccommodations, each bedecked with mahogany
Historic Hotels" in the premiere issue of Historicfurniture, high ceilings with brass chandeliers and
Traveler Magazine, The Algonquin opened its doors atItalian marble bathrooms.
44th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues inBoston Park Plaza Hotel & Towers: Yet another Back
1902, just minutes from New York City'sBay hotel steeped in Boston's venerable history is the
world-famous Theater District. Despite undergoinglovely Boston Park Plaza Hotel & Towers. A member
renovations in 1998 and 2004, it has all but lost itsof Historic Hotels of America, the property has
original splendor. Timeless elegance will surround youdrawn a host of U.S. presidents and celebrities since
as soon as you step into the Algonquin's restoredits inception in 1927. It is located only 200 yards from
lobby, which boasts oak panels and Edwardianthe nation's first public parks, Boston Common and
furniture in jewel tones. Designated a New York CityPublic Garden, the latter of which served as the
landmark in 1987 and a literary landmark in 1996, theinspiration for the hotel's logo. It was also the first
hotel's Round Table Room is named for thehotel to feature many of the standard conveniences
celebrated group of writers, critics and actors -we find in hotel rooms today, such as guestroom
among them were Robert Benchley and Alexanderradios and telephones. Boston Park Plaza Hotel &
Woollcott - who gathered at the hotel daily to dine,Towers is conveniently located near Newbury Street
share ideas and play cards. You'll also step back inshopping, Faneuil Hall Marketplace, and Boston's
time to a more glamorous era while in the Oaktheater and financial districts.
Room, which offers dinners and performancesNew Orleans
seasonally Tuesday through Thursday each week.Le Pavillon Hotel New Orleans: A proud recipient of
With its white tablecloths, dark paneled walls andthe Four Diamond Award since 1996, this elegant
gleaming piano, the room was a launching pad forhotel in the heart of downtown New Orleans is a
such renowned celebrities as Andrea Marcovicci andmember of both the Leading Hotels of the World
Harry Connick Jr.and Historic Hotels of America. Upon opening its
San Franciscodoors in 1907, the hotel boasted the first hydraulic
Westin St. Francis: Perhaps best known for theelevators ever to be installed in New Orleans, as well
historic Magneta Grandfather Clock that adorns itsas the first basement ever built in the historic city.
lobby, this Union Square hotel is suffused with earlyThe hotel came under new ownership in 1970, a year
20th century charm. Opened in 1904, the hotel wasthat saw the addition of crystal chandeliers from
gutted in the fire that took place following anCzechoslovakia, marble railings from the Paris Grand
earthquake that rocked San Francisco on April 18,Hotel, Italian columns and statues, and antiques from
1906. Reconstruction was completed in 1907 and theall over the world to complement the hotel's quaint,
hotel in turn reopened that same year. Throughoutold-world charm.
the years, the hotel has played host to suchThere's no question that there's more to these
acclaimed figures as Douglas MacArthur, Ernesthotels than meets the eye. So, next time you book
Hemingway and several U.S. presidents. The Westina hotel room, do some research on the properties
St. Francis' rooms exude turn-of-the-centurylisted above or others you have your sights set on.
sophistication with ornate woodworking, high ceilingsYou're likely to dig up some interesting stuff!