WASHINGTON -- National Trust Historic Hotels of America added nine
members for spring 2003.
This brings total membership in the program to 200 hotels
representing 43 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and
Canada.
To qualify, properties must be located in a building that is at
least 50 years old; listed in or eligible for the National Register
of Historic Places; or recognized locally as having historical
significance. The latest additions are:
• The Blennerhasset, Parkersburg, W.Va. -- Built in 1889, the
hotel once was the location of the First National Bank of
Parkersburg, a hub for business dealings. Following a renovation in
2003, the property has returned to its original grandeur, offering
European-style decor with granite vanities, marble showers, crown
moldings and rich furnishings.
• Clifton, the Country Inn, Charlottesville, Va. -- The inn was
the residence of Col. John Mosby, the "Grey Ghost of the
Confederacy," who was able to evade Union troops by sneaking
supplies and provisions into a hiding place outside the main
house.
• Culver Hotel, Culver City, Calif. -- The munchkins from "The
Wizard of Oz" resided here during the making of the film, and
several returned in 1997 to celebrate the 59th anniversary of the
filming.
• Hotel Monaco, Washington -- The hotel offers specially
designed "tall rooms" with extra-long beds and extended
showerheads. The property occupies what originally was the Tarriff
Building in the nation's capital.
• Hotel San Carlos, Phoenix -- The city's first school was built
on this site in 1874; guests have reported hearing laughter of the
spirits of pupils of the old schoolhouse.
• The Inn and Spa at Berkeley Springs, Berkeley Springs, W.Va.
-- Early Americans, including George Washington, were devotees of
the rejuvenating powers found in the mineral springs located near
the inn and spa, which today offers a full range of spa treatments
to its guests.
• The Lombardy, Washington -- Originally built in 1929 as
private residences, the hotel overlooks Pennsylvania Avenue at 21st
and I Street, four blocks from the White House.
• Nassau Inn, Princeton, N.J. -- Norman Rockwell was
commissioned to paint a mural for the inn to celebrate its rich
colonial heritage -- it dates to 1756. The mural is on display in
the Yankee Doodle Tap Room, which draws its name from Rockwell's
painting.
• Wentworth by the Sea, A Marriott Hotel & Spa, New Castle,
N.H. -- The property's "Ship Building" was modeled after the
elegant ocean liners of the early 20th century and once offered
ocean vistas; most guest rooms now offer ocean or harbor views.
A directory of member hotels can be purchased by sending a $4
check or money order to National Trust Historic Hotels of America,
Box 320, Washington 20055-0320. Rooms at any member hotel can be
reserved by calling (800) 678-8946, visiting www.historichotels.org or via the major GDSs using
code HE.