WASHINGTON, D.C., April 1, 2004 - National Trust
Historic Hotels of America announces the addition of two members. This
selection brings the total number of members in the program to 203 hotels,
representing 41 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Canada.
"Staying at a Historic Hotels of America member is all about the experience,"
said Thierry Roch, executive director of National Trust Historic Hotels
of America. "The range of American travel experiences is perfectly showcased
with our two new members: a 1850s former coastal New England tavern and
a 1950s university campus hotel in middle-America. Historic Hotels of America
members trace the history of this great country and prove the travel journey
is even better when staying at a hotel or inn with local flavor or tradition."
Emerson Inn by the Sea, Rockport, Mass.
In 1856, tavern owner William Norwood
found his livelihood destroyed when local temperance advocate Hannah Turner
led 200 female cohorts on a raid to rid the town of the evils of alcohol-an
exploit so successful, the town of Rockport remains dry to this day! Officially
out of the tavern business, Norwood began operating Pigeon Cove House,
an inn that catered to the growing number of summer visitors who had discovered
the charms of Cape Ann just 30 miles northeast of Boston. |
Emerson Inn by the Sea
1 Cathedral Avenue
Rockport, Massachusetts |
The property was subsequently sold, relocated to its present location and
named the Hotel Edward. Among those who frequented the property was noted
essayist and poet Ralph Waldo Emerson. The inn evolved in size and scale,
but continued to welcome guests for the next one hundred and fifty years.
In 1964, the inn was renamed the Ralph Waldo Emerson Inn. Then in 1998,
following a painstaking renovation to its original seaside charm, the inn
was reopened as the Emerson Inn by the Sea. Although Rockport is a dry
town, guests may supply their own alcoholic beverages or the inn can arrange
for delivery. (36 guest rooms in a smoke-free environment; rates from $179-oceanview,
$95-non oceanview)
The Atherton at Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Okla.
This Georgian-style gem originally
opened in 1951 as the Union Club. Boasting the latest in comfort and convenience,
it even offered ice water on tap in every room. Over the past fifty years,
the beloved property has hosted countless alumni and visitors and served
as the backdrop for cherished family traditions and memorable events. However,
unlike most of its counterparts, this gracious hotel is also a first-class,
hands-on classroom for students of OSU's School of Hotel and |
The Atherton Hotel at OSU
H103 Student Union
Stillwater, Oklahoma |
Restaurant Administration Oklahoma State is one of only five universities
in the U.S. to offer hospitality students a hotel laboratory on campus.
A recent $5 million renovation, spearheaded by OSU alum Bill Atherton,
has imbued the hotel with a stately elegance and sophistication in a warm
and inviting atmosphere. The Atherton is dedicated to offering hospitality
with quality, style and sophistication founded in a rich heritage and tradition.
By providing students with the opportunity to be a part of this unique
learning experience, the Atherton truly creates a legacy of distinction.
(81 guest rooms and suites, all equipped with high-speed internet access,
voice mail and DVD players; rates from $93.95)
A program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Historic
Hotels of America is a marketing association. To qualify for membership,
hotels must be at least 50 years old, listed in or eligible for the National
Register of Historic Places or recognized locally as having historic significance.
Established in 1989 with 32 original hotel members, Historic Hotels of
America recognizes and promotes these hotels for their historic integrity,
architectural quality and outstanding preservation efforts made by owners
and managers.
Representing more than 35,000 rooms, Historic Hotels of America ranks
as the 16th largest consortia in the world, according to Hotels magazine
(July 2003). |