Historic Hotels of America®, the official program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, has proudly revealed the Nominee Finalists for the 2025 Historic Hotels of America Annual Awards of Excellence. This distinguished program, rooted in the mission of the National Trust—a nonprofit organization chartered by the U.S. Congress in 1949—continues to honor, preserve, and celebrate the finest historic hotels across the United States. Each year, these awards shine a spotlight on the most remarkable historic properties, hoteliers, and leadership practices, affirming their role in keeping America’s rich heritage alive while adapting to the evolving expectations of modern travelers.
Honoring Excellence in Historic Hospitality
The Annual Awards of Excellence are among the most highly regarded accolades in the hospitality and preservation sectors. They recognize hotels and hoteliers that demonstrate exceptional stewardship of history and culture, combined with innovation, service excellence, and leadership. Categories include Best Historic Resort, Sustainability Champion, and Best Historic Hotel, with distinctions made according to property size to ensure that both intimate inns and grand resorts are recognized.
Nominee Finalists reflect the highest levels of achievement in areas such as historic preservation, guest experience, community involvement, and sustainable practices. These honorees represent the gold standard of hospitality, embodying the dual mission of honoring the past while creating memorable stays for today’s guests.
The Nomination Process
The 2025 Nominee Finalists were selected through a rigorous evaluation process. Nominations poured in from a wide array of sources, including hotel owners, preservation advocates, prior award winners, community leaders, and representatives of Historic Hotels of America. Each nominee was carefully considered for its dedication to preserving architectural integrity, telling the stories of its past, and engaging both local communities and international travelers.
As an official program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Historic Hotels of America ensures that its awards not only celebrate excellence but also elevate awareness about the importance of preserving historic spaces. To travelers, civic leaders, and heritage tourism markets around the world, these awards provide assurance that Nominee Finalists represent the very best of America’s historic hotels.
A Prestigious Stage for Celebration
This year’s winners, chosen from among the distinguished list of finalists, will be announced at the 2025 Historic Hotels Annual Awards of Excellence Ceremony & Gala. The event is scheduled for Thursday, October 30, 2025, at the Fairmont Olympic Hotel (1924) in Seattle, Washington.
The Fairmont Olympic itself is a celebrated member of Historic Hotels of America and a fitting host for this prestigious gathering. Opened in 1924, the hotel is an architectural treasure listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. Nestled near Seattle’s iconic Pike Place Market and within walking distance of landmarks such as the Seattle Art Museum and the Seattle Great Wheel, the property embodies the blend of history and vibrancy that defines Historic Hotels of America. The Fairmont Olympic will also serve as the central hub for the 2025 Historic Hotels Annual Conference, which takes place from October 28–31, 2025, culminating in the awards gala.
Attendees at the ceremony will include owners, general managers, senior decision-makers, preservationists, and distinguished guests from across the globe. Together, they will celebrate the enduring legacy of historic hotels and the people who keep their stories alive.
A Competitive Year for Nominations
The level of competition in 2025 underscores the growing recognition of historic hotels as cultural and economic assets. More than 700 nominations were received this year, demonstrating the passion and dedication of the hospitality community in preserving historic properties. From these submissions, the awards committee—comprised of hospitality leaders, preservation experts, and industry professionals—narrowed the field to an elite group of finalists.
Nominee Finalists represent a diverse array of properties: from coastal resorts that have welcomed generations of vacationers to urban hotels that have witnessed pivotal cultural and political moments. Many of these hotels have stood for more than a century, serving as living museums that provide immersive connections to the past. Others have been revitalized through careful restoration projects, blending historic architecture with modern amenities to appeal to today’s discerning travelers.
The Broader Impact of the Awards
Beyond recognition, the Annual Awards of Excellence play a vital role in raising awareness about the importance of preservation in the hospitality industry. Historic hotels are more than places to stay—they are repositories of culture, design, and community identity. They tell stories of the past while remaining active participants in the economic vitality of their regions.
By highlighting leadership in sustainability, stewardship, and guest experience, the awards inspire other hotels and organizations to prioritize preservation and innovation. This year’s finalists embody values that resonate deeply with travelers seeking authenticity, connection, and meaning in their journeys.
