I've traveled a lot for work over the years, and while business trips don't always mean luxury resorts or beachfront suites, they've given me something just as valuable: The chance to experience cities through their architecture, neighborhoods and history.
I've found that some of my favorite travel memories came from wandering through historic buildings, learning how a place came to be and seeing the stories that still shape it today.
When planning a vacation, the hotel is often just a place to sleep between sightseeing stops. But some hotels are attractions in their own right, preserving the architecture, people and events that helped define the communities around them. Whether you're traveling for business or leisure, staying somewhere with a story can make the trip feel that much more memorable.
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These five Hilton hotels have hosted presidents, welcomed legendary entertainers, served as political gathering places and occupied some of America's most recognizable historic buildings. If you're looking for a getaway with a little more character, these properties let you experience history before you even step outside.
1. Capital Hilton – Washington, D.C.
Built: 1943
Address: 1001 16th St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20036
Reservations: (202) 393-1000
Located two blocks from the White House, the Capital Hilton has been intertwined with American politics since opening in 1943. Every U.S. president since Franklin D. Roosevelt has visited the hotel, which has hosted inaugural balls, political gatherings and election night events over the decades.
History lovers can stay in the Harry S. Truman Suite, where the former president once relaxed during visits to the nation's capital. The hotel also famously featured a hidden automobile lift built so President Roosevelt could reach the ballroom without climbing stairs.
Beyond its presidential connections, the Capital Hilton has witnessed other notable moments in American history. In 1947, Larry Doby became the hotel's first Black guest shortly after breaking the American League's color barrier with the Cleveland Indians. Movie buffs might also recognize the hotel from the 1950 classic Born Yesterday, which filmed scenes in the lobby and outside the property.
With the White House, National Mall and Smithsonian museums all nearby, it's an ideal starting point for exploring the nation's capital.
2. St. Louis Union Station Hotel – St. Louis
Built: 1894
Address: 1820 Market St., St. Louis, Missouri 63103
Reservations: (314) 231-1234
Before it became a luxury hotel, this National Historic Landmark served as one of America's busiest railroad stations and was considered the gateway to the West.
When Union Station opened in 1894, it was the largest railroad station in the world. At its peak during the 1940s, more than 100,000 passengers passed through the terminal each day before the rise of commercial air travel gradually brought the golden age of rail travel to an end.
Today, visitors can still admire the station's soaring Grand Hall, intricate mosaics, stained-glass windows and historic architecture that welcomed generations of travelers. Each guest floor carries its own railroad theme, and every evening, the Grand Hall's 65-foot vaulted ceiling comes alive with a multimedia light show that celebrates the station's history.
Staying here offers a chance to experience one of the country's most iconic transportation landmarks while remaining in the heart of downtown St. Louis.
3. Hilton Santa Fe Historic Plaza – Santa Fe, New Mexico
Built: c. 1670s (restored as a Hilton in 1973)
Address: 100 Sandoval St., Santa Fe, New Mexico 87501
Reservations: (505) 988-2811
Few hotels can claim roots stretching back centuries. The Hilton Santa Fe Historic Plaza is housed within a restored 350-year-old hacienda that reflects the region's distinctive Southwestern heritage.
The property occupies part of what was once the estate of Captain Nicolás Ortiz III, who arrived in Santa Fe during the Spanish reconquest in 1693 and later commanded the city's Spanish military garrison. His son, Antonio José Ortiz, helped shape early Santa Fe by supporting the construction and restoration of several of the city's historic churches, leaving a legacy that can still be seen throughout the city.
Traditional adobe architecture, handcrafted details and a kiva fireplace help preserve the property's historic character while placing guests a short walk from Santa Fe Plaza, museums and local galleries. For travelers interested in the cultural history of the American Southwest, it's an immersive way to experience one of the country's oldest cities.
4. The Skirvin Hilton – Oklahoma City
Built: 1911
Address: 1 Park Ave., Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73102
Reservations: (405) 272-3040
When it opened in 1911, The Skirvin was billed as "the newest, finest hotel in the Southwest." Named for entrepreneur William Balser "Bill" Skirvin, the hotel quickly became a symbol of Oklahoma City's growth.
During Oklahoma's early years of statehood, the hotel became a gathering place for politicians, oil executives and prominent visitors. Theodore Roosevelt addressed supporters from one of the hotel's balconies during his 1912 Bull Moose Party presidential campaign, while later guests included Presidents Harry Truman and Dwight Eisenhower, along with entertainers such as Frank Sinatra, Bob Hope and Elvis Presley.
After sitting vacant for nearly two decades following its 1988 closure, the hotel underwent an extensive restoration that returned it to its early 20th-century grandeur. Today, the restored Art Deco landmark blends historic elegance with modern amenities in the heart of downtown Oklahoma City.
5. Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center – Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Built: 1927
Address: 201 Lafayette St., Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70801
Reservations: (225) 344-5866
Originally built in 1927 as the Heidelberg Hotel, this Mississippi River landmark was closely associated with Louisiana Governor Huey Long and remains one of Baton Rouge's most recognizable historic buildings. Long was a frequent guest and maintained a personal suite at the hotel while overseeing many of the political initiatives that shaped the state.
The Capital Center blends its historic architecture with modern accommodations while placing visitors within minutes of the Louisiana State Capitol, museums and downtown attractions.
Beneath the hotel, The Tunnel once connected the Heidelberg Hotel to the King Hotel across the street, allowing staff to provide room service, valet and laundry between the two properties. Today, the restored passage hosts seasonal Great Gatsby-inspired events where visitors can sip Prohibition-era cocktails, enjoy live entertainment and experience a glimpse of the Roaring Twenties.
Like many century-old hotels, the Capitol Center has also developed its share of local legends. Some employees and guests have reported unexplained paranormal experiences through the years, adding another layer to the hotel's colorful history. Whether you're drawn by the architecture, the political legacy or the stories that surround it, it's an ideal base for exploring Baton Rouge's riverfront and historic downtown.
Choose a stay with a story
A great hotel can do more than provide a comfortable place to sleep. It can tell the story of a city, preserve its architecture and connect travelers to the people and events that shaped it. Whether you're traveling for business or planning your next vacation, these historic Hilton properties offer a chance to step back in time before you even begin exploring the destination itself.
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