2026 Historic Hotels Annual Awards of Excellence Presented
News related to:Historic Hotels of America · 3 min read
WASHINGTON, Oct. 15, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- On Thursday, October 15, the 2026 Historic Hotels Annual Awards of Excellence were presented at the Williamsburg Lodge, Autograph Collection in Williamsburg, Virginia. The event, attended by over 240 hospitality industry leaders, celebrated the finest historic hotels across the United States. Williamsburg, marking its 100th year as the world’s largest American history museum, hosted the gala, which honored 18 exceptional historic hotels and hoteliers.
The awards, recognizing the pinnacle of historic hotel excellence, spanned various categories. The Marcus Whitman Hotel (1928) in Walla Walla, Washington, was named the New Member of the Year, highlighting its immediate engagement and passionate support of Historic Hotels of America. The Wigwam (1929) in Litchfield Park, Arizona, took home the Best Social Media of a Historic Hotel award, for its active engagement and sharing of historical facts through social media.
The Gasparilla Inn (1913) in Boca Grande, Florida, was honored as the Sustainability Champion, for its innovative green initiatives and programs. The Gunter Hotel San Antonio Riverwalk, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel (1909) in San Antonio, Texas, was recognized as the Best City Center Historic Hotel, celebrating its history in the guest experience and providing exceptional customer hospitality and service.
Moana Surfrider, a Westin Resort & Spa (1901) in Honolulu, Hawaii, was awarded the Best Historic Resort, while Castle Hot Springs (1896) in Morristown, Arizona, received the Best Small Historic Inn/Hotel (Under 75 Guestrooms) award. The Otesaga Hotel (1909) in Cooperstown, New York, and Skirvin, a Hilton Hotel (1911) in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, were honored as the Best Historic Hotel (76-200 Guestrooms) and (201-400 Guestrooms) respectively. The InterContinental New York Barclay (1926) in New York, New York, was named the Best Historic Hotel (Over 400 Guestrooms).
The Wye Oak Tavern by celebrity chefs Bryan and Michael Voltaggio at the historic Visitation Hotel Frederick, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel (1846) in Frederick, Maryland, was awarded the Best Historic Restaurant. Andre Richardson and Leslie Shotwell of Colonial Williamsburg Resorts: Williamsburg Inn (1937) and Williamsburg Lodge, Autograph Collection (1939) in Williamsburg, Virginia, were named Ambassadors of the Year for their 25+ years of service.
The von Trapp Family at von Trapp Family Lodge and Resort (1942) in Stowe, Vermont, received the Legendary Family Historic Hoteliers of the Year award. Susan Wilson of the Omni Parker House (1855) in Boston, Massachusetts, was honored as the Hotel Historian of the Year, for her passion in preserving and interpreting the hotel’s history. Terry Haney of Presidio Lodging: The Lodge at the Presidio (1894) and Inn at the Presidio (1903) in San Francisco, California, was recognized as the Historic Hotelier of the Year, for his leadership and innovation.
Chuck Franz, Chief Executive Officer of French Lick Resort, was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award for his lifelong dedication to preserving and celebrating the history of legendary historic hotels. The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation was honored with the Steward of History and Historic Preservation Award, for its commitment to ensuring future generations can experience the history and stories of historic hotels. Andrew N. Todd, President and Chief Executive Officer of Xanterra Travel Collection®, received the Legacy of Innovation and Inspiration Award, for his pioneering concepts and exceptional stewardship in the hospitality industry.
The awards underscore the commitment of these historic hotels and their leaders to preserving America’s architectural and cultural treasures, delivering exceptional guest experiences, and inspiring future generations.