The term ‘presidential suite’ was said to be coined by Woodrow Wilson during his time in office. The then-Commander-in-Chief was a challenging hotel guest, only staying in rooms that met his specific preferences. The outcome? The presidential suite was born. Unlike other rooms and suites, this type of accommodation is defined by having more space (think including living rooms and office spaces) as well as en-suite bathrooms, which was uncommon at the time.
As for what makes these suites really shine? They’ve hosted notable figures throughout the years, including presidents (of course), celebrities, and other big names. Ahead, learn more about some of the most famous boutique hotels that have made history.
The Brown Palace Hotel & Spa, Autograph Collection (Denver, Colorado)
In the heart of downtown Denver lies the Brown Palace Hotel. Opened in 1892, this iconic hotel has hosted numerous U.S. presidents throughout the years, including Dwight D. Eisenhower, Teddy Roosevelt, and Ronald Regan (all of which have suites named after them). Each suite features elegant draperies, crystal chandeliers, plush seating, cozy beds, large fireplaces, and stunning bathrooms.
Fun fact: Eisenhower and his family stayed at this hotel so often that it became known as the “Western White House.”
John Rutledge House Inn (Charleston, South Carolina)
Located in Charleston, the John Rutledge House Inn dates back to 1763. John Rutledge, a well-known jurist and politician, built this house for his wife, Elizabeth. Rutledge was the chairman of the drafting committee for the United States Constitution, and he wrote several iterations of it in the second-floor drawing room, now known as the Signer’s Ballroom. He later signed the Constitution with the other founding fathers.
When George Washington was in office, he visited the Inn, making it one of the few surviving historic hotels he graced while in office. In the 1920s, President William Taft stayed here while visiting the mayor. During that time, She Crab Soup was said to have been invented as the mayor wanted to surprise Taft with a different take on the traditional dish. For guests staying here, they can choose between the Main House Mini Suite or the Main House Grand Suites.
The Menger Hotel (San Antonio, Texas)
When The Menger Hotel opened in 1859, it was known as “the finest hotel west of the Mississippi River.” Since then, this San Antonio hotspot has only continued to make history. It has hosted a slew of U.S. Presidents, including Ulysses S. Grant, Theodore Roosevelt, William McKinley, William Howard Taft, and Dwight D. Eisenhower. Its Victorian lobby, cozy rooms, and Spanish courtyard garden make it a top stay for anyone in the area. Plus, it has the largest heated pool in San Antonio. Guests can stay in the Teddy Roosevelt Luxury Suite, named after the President who recruited the “Rough Riders” in the Menger Bar.
The Hermitage Hotel (Nashville, Tennessee)
Opened in Nashville in 1910, The Hermitage Hotel was named after Andrew Jackson’s nearby property. Woodrow Wilson, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Richard Nixon, John F. Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Jimmy Carter all graced the property, making it one of the most popular among presidents. Guests can choose from Studio Suites, Parlor Suites, or the luxury Hermitage Suite.
The Blackstone Hotel, Autograph Collection (Chicago, Illinois)
The Blackstone Hotel in Chicago has a rich history. The Suite of Presidents, one of the nicest rooms available, is filled with stories of presidents who have stayed. Here, Harry Truman did a private piano performance, Eisenhower watched his 1952 nomination for president on TV, and Kennedy ate Boston clam chowder when he learned he had to go back to the White House during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Plus, the master bedroom was inspired by JFK and Mrs. Kennedy’s bedroom at the White House.
The US Grant, a Luxury Collection Hotel (San Diego, California)
The US Grant opened in 1910 and has hosted 15 presidents, including Woodrow Wilson, John Kennedy, Dwight Eisenhower, and George H.W. Bush. This gorgeous hotel offers what it calls the Presidential Palaces, which are bi-level suites designed to cater to those who like the finer things in life. Choose from the Presidential Glamour suite or the Presidential Leisure suite–both are two-story, one-bedroom suites with sweeping views of San Diego.
