From Lincoln’s stealthy 1861 arrival to Roosevelt’s wartime strategy sessions, these iconic hotels have welcomed presidents, heads of state and global leaders for more than a century.
LessOften called the “Residence of Presidents,” the Willard has welcomed every U.S. president since Franklin Pierce, including Abraham Lincoln, who stayed here under guard before his inauguration in 1861. This Beaux-Arts landmark feels grand yet current, with afternoon tea beneath soaring columns, a celebrated spa, elegant dining, and sleek rooms that blend historic detail with modern comfort.
With more stories than many small towns, The Greenbrier pairs deep history with nonstop activity. Guests can try falconry, pickleball, championship golf, or tour the once-secret Cold War bunker, then unwind in Dorothy Draper–designed interiors filled with bold color and vintage glamour. Visit the Presidents’ Cottage Museum, stop by the casino, or book time at the spa like 28 U.S. presidents before you.
Known for its ornate ironwork balconies and glowing stained-glass ceiling, The Brown Palace blends classic elegance with unmistakable Colorado character. Since hosting Theodore Roosevelt, the hotel has welcomed U.S. presidents, dignitaries, and celebrities from around the world. Guests can join a history or ghost tour, enjoy afternoon tea with live jazz, or relax at the spa using water drawn from a deep artesian well. End the night with a small-batch bourbon at the storied Churchill Bar.
The first sitting U.S. president to visit Hotel del Coronado was Benjamin Harrison, who stopped for breakfast in 1891. Since then, presidents and global figures have been drawn to its Victorian turrets, Pacific views, and iconic red roof. Today, The Del mixes history with modern SoCal luxury, from sunset bonfires and beachfront cabanas to the contemporary Shore House enclave. Room 3327, long known for its ghost stories, remains the resort’s most famous stay.
While U.S. presidents have long passed through The Peabody’s grand lobby, the real stars are the ducks. Each day at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m., they march the red carpet to and from the lobby fountain in a tradition nearly a century old. Beyond the spectacle, the hotel blends classic elegance with easy Southern hospitality, from crystal chandeliers and live music to rooftop gatherings and bourbon-forward menus.
U.S. presidents, European royalty, and Hollywood legends have all stayed at this Magnificent Mile icon, which still channels its Roaring Twenties roots. The lobby feels straight out of 1920s Chicago, updated with modern comforts and well-made martinis. Sip tea beneath the Palm Court chandelier, grab a drink at Coq d’Or, one of the city’s first post-Prohibition bars, or book a suite with skyline views for a presidential touch.
JFK’s history with the Parker House runs deep, from launching his political career and celebrating major victories to reportedly proposing to Jackie in the hotel’s namesake restaurant. The hotel is also credited with creating the Boston Cream Pie and the Parker House Roll. Inside, classic style meets a lively modern feel, while the Freedom Trail passes right outside the front door.
Established in 1766, The Homestead is one of America’s oldest resorts, welcoming 24 U.S. presidents from Thomas Jefferson to both Bushes. Set in the Allegheny Mountains, it pairs colonial-era charm with full-scale resort comforts. Guests can soak in hot-spring-fed pools, play historic golf courses, hike scenic trails, or enjoy seasonal fun like winter tubing and summer falconry or fly fishing.
Rising above Old Québec like a storybook castle, Château Frontenac hosted Franklin D. Roosevelt and Winston Churchill during the 1943 and 1944 Québec Conferences, moments that helped shape World War II. The Roosevelt Suite still marks that legacy. With copper turrets, sweeping St. Lawrence River views, and interiors of polished marble and Art Deco warmth, the hotel feels unmistakably grand. Dine at Champlain Restaurant or sip a cocktail in spaces where history was made.
Just steps from the Brandenburg Gate, Hotel Adlon Kempinski is one of Berlin’s most storied addresses, with a guest list that includes Theodore Roosevelt, Herbert Hoover, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Barack Obama. The hotel remains a symbol of European refinement, offering marble-accented suites, Michelin-star dining, and direct views of the city’s most iconic landmarks.