While The United States doesn’t have the royal history of countries like France or India, it doesn’t mean there aren’t castle hotels in America. From Gilded Age mansions to rustic mountain getaways, some of the grandest homes in the country have been converted into hotels, allowing visitors to live like American royalty, if only for a night. Journalist Teddy Minford shares her favorites:
Biltmore Estate (Asheville, NC):
At 178,926 square feet, the Biltmore Estate is the largest privately owned house in the United States. Built in 1895 by George Vanderbilt in the style of a French chateau, the property became a hotel in 2001. (📷: Alex)
Melrose Mansion (New Orleans, LA):
This 1885 Victorian mansion in New Orleans’s Marigny neighborhood has had many incarnations—once a wealthy merchant’s home, it later became a secret bordello and a seedy apartment building until it was converted into a glamorous contemporary hotel in 2011. (📷: Brittany Brady)
The Chanler (Newport, RI)
A summertime retreat for the great-granddaughter of John Jacob Astor, the Chanler is one of the most famous historic homes in the country. Imbued with history, the 30-room hotel has retained its original elegance with antique furniture and sumptuous fabrics.
Hayes Mansion (San Jose, CA):
One of the most affordable hotels on this list, the former home of mining heiress Mary Hayes Chenoweth has been turned into a contemporary 214-room hotel. Now part of Hilton’s Curio Collection, the Mission-style mansion boasts a heated pool and 6.2 lush acres in downtown San Jose.
The Point Resort (Saranac Lake, NY):
The former summer home of the Rockefellers, The Point Resort is the first Relais & Chateaux property in the United States, offering guests a one-of-a-kind luxury experience in the Adirondacks. Guests can explore the area with the resort’s private hiking trails or charter a cruise on the lake, champagne included.
