Historic Hotels of America® proudly revealed the winners of the 2024 Annual Awards of Excellence during a prestigious ceremony on November 21. Held at The Omni Homestead Resort in Hot Springs, Virginia, this celebration was the crowning event of the 2024 Historic Hotels Annual Conference, which took place from November 18 to 21. Over 200 industry leaders, owners, general managers, and representatives of the nation’s finest historic hotels gathered to honor the exceptional achievements of their peers.
The Omni Homestead Resort, established in 1766 and renowned for its Warm Springs Pools and championship golf courses, provided a fitting venue. Recognized by TIME Magazine as one of the “World’s Greatest Places 2024,” this historic resort symbolizes excellence and preservation in the hospitality industry.
Celebrating Excellence Across 19 Categories
The awards ceremony celebrated 19 distinct categories, recognizing hoteliers, hotels, and programs that exemplify the best in the industry. From a pool of over 500 nominations, winners were carefully chosen based on their contributions to historic preservation, guest experience, and sustainability.
Highlights of the 2024 Winners
- New Member of the Year: Hotel Iroquois (1902), Mackinac Island, Michigan
- Best Social Media Presence: Historic Hotel Bethlehem (1922), Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
- Sustainability Champion: Mauna Kea Beach Hotel (1964), Kohala Coast, Hawaii
- Best Small Historic Inn/Hotel (Under 75 Guestrooms): The Inn at Leola Village (1867), Leola, Pennsylvania
- Best Historic Hotel (76-200 Guestrooms): The Jefferson Hotel (1895), Richmond, Virginia
- Best Historic Hotel (Over 400 Guestrooms): JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District (1912), Savannah, Georgia
- Best Historic Restaurant: Garden Court at Palace Hotel (1875), San Francisco, California
- Ambassador of the Year: Cindy White, The Omni Homestead Resort (1766), Hot Springs, Virginia
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Molly and Robert D. Hardie, The Hermitage Hotel (1910), Nashville, Tennessee
Recognizing Leadership in Preservation and Innovation
Awards also honored individuals and families for their dedication to preserving and enhancing historic properties. For example:
- Legendary Family Hoteliers of the Year: The Monteleone Family, Hotel Monteleone (1886), New Orleans, Louisiana
- Legacy of Innovation & Inspiration: Philip F. Anschutz, The Broadmoor (1918), Colorado Springs, Colorado
A Tribute to Historic Hospitality
Lawrence Horwitz, Executive Vice President of Historic Hotels of America, praised the winners, saying:
“These awards celebrate the finest historic hotels and the individuals who ensure their stories endure. From small inns to grand resorts, these properties are the guardians of history, offering memorable experiences while preserving their legacies.”
Recognizing Global Excellence
Historic Hotels Worldwide®, the international sibling program of Historic Hotels of America, also announced its award winners, highlighting the global commitment to historic preservation and hospitality excellence.
The Annual Awards of Excellence honor the vibrant history, dedication, and passion behind the industry’s most iconic establishments, ensuring their stories continue to inspire generations of travelers.
