Introduction to Historic Hotels of America

Historic Hotels of America, headquartered in Washington, D.C., is the official program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation for recognizing and celebrating the finest historic hotels across the United States. As a leading authority in heritage tourism and hospitality, the organization curates a portfolio of over 300 member properties, each embodying architectural significance, cultural importance, and exceptional guest experiences. With a mission to promote historic preservation through travel, Historic Hotels of America has become a trusted brand among discerning travelers, historians, and property owners. Its market reputation is built on rigorous quality standards, educational initiatives, and partnerships with preservation advocates. The company operates at the intersection of travel, history, and luxury, serving both leisure and business travelers who seek authentic, story-rich accommodations. By leveraging the National Trust’s legacy, Historic Hotels of America influences industry trends and supports local economies through heritage conservation. The organization’s scale, with member properties spanning 47 states and territories, demonstrates its expansive reach and credibility. This company profile explores the history, values, strategies, and workplace culture of Historic Hotels of America, highlighting why it remains a top-tier entity in the travel sector.

For over three decades, Historic Hotels of America has evolved from a small preservation project to a globally recognized brand. Its role in the industry extends beyond listing historic inns; it provides accreditation, marketing support, and networking opportunities for members. Organizations such as boutique hotel groups, state tourism boards, and preservation nonprofits rely on Historic Hotels of America for expertise in heritage branding and sustainable tourism. The company also collaborates with educational institutions to promote historic preservation careers. In an era where travel experiences increasingly prioritize authenticity and storytelling, Historic Hotels of America stands at the forefront, shaping how history and hospitality intersect. This job posting invites a strategic leader to drive the next chapter of growth and impact.

Company History and Business Evolution

Founded in 1989 by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Historic Hotels of America began as a way to spotlight hotels that preserve their historic character while offering modern comforts. The founding vision was to create a curated collection that would encourage travelers to experience America’s heritage firsthand. Early development focused on identifying properties with National Historic Landmark status or listing on the National Register of Historic Places. The first directory featured just 32 hotels, a small but distinguished list that included icons like The Greenbrier and The Willard InterContinental. Over the next decade, the program expanded through rigorous application processes and site inspections, growing to over 200 members by the late 1990s. Milestones include the launch of the Historic Hotels of America website in 1996, which revolutionized marketing for member properties. In 2000, the organization introduced the annual Historic Hotels of America Awards, recognizing excellence in preservation and guest service. The 2008 recession prompted a strategic shift toward digital marketing and direct booking initiatives, helping members maintain occupancy. Acquisitions are not typical, but the program forged key partnerships: with AAA in 2012 to co-brand historic itineraries, and with the American Hotel & Lodging Association to advocate for preservation tax credits. Innovation came in 2018 with the debut of the Historic Hotels of America app, offering augmented reality tours. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated digital transformation, with virtual property showcases and contactless check-in guidelines. Today, Historic Hotels of America is in its fourth decade, serving over 300 member properties and welcoming millions of guests annually. The program’s evolution reflects broader trends in sustainable tourism, experiential travel, and digital storytelling, solidifying its position as a leader in heritage hospitality.

Key milestones include the 2015 launch of the Historic Hotels of America Foundation, a nonprofit arm supporting preservation education and grants. In 2021, the program introduced the Historic Hotels of America Global Collection, extending its reach to historic properties abroad. The business model now includes tiered membership levels, from entry-level associate to premium heritage status, each offering marketing, reservation, and consulting services. The evolution continues with a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion in historic narratives, encouraging member hotels to tell stories of underrepresented communities. This history demonstrates a consistent commitment to blending preservation with profit, ensuring that historic hotels remain viable for future generations.

Historic Hotels of America at a Glance

• Headquarters: Washington, D.C., USA
• Founded: 1989
• Parent Organization: National Trust for Historic Preservation
• CEO / Executive Director: Lawrence Horwitz (current head of Historic Hotels of America)
• Revenue: Estimated $15–$25 million annually (membership fees, partnerships, and events)
• Employees: Approximately 50–70 full-time staff
• Member Properties: Over 300 historic hotels across 47 states and territories
• Industry: Hospitality, Travel & Tourism, Heritage Preservation
• Key Services: Accreditation, marketing, reservation network, educational programs
• Awards: Historic Hotels of America Awards (annual), Best Historic Hotels lists
• Technology: Proprietary booking engine, mobile app, virtual tour platform
• Partnerships: AAA, Expedia, American Hotel & Lodging Association, Preservation groups
• Social Media: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube
• Annual Conference: Historic Hotels of America Annual Conference & Trade Show
• Publications: Historic Hotels of America magazine, blog, annual directory
• Certification: Each property undergoes rigorous historic and hospitality assessment
• Member Types: Luxury inns, iconic resorts, boutique hotels, urban landmarks
• Economic Impact: Member hotels generate billions in tourism revenue collectively
• Philanthropy: Historic Hotels of America Foundation supports preservation grants
• Website: www.historichotels.org

Mission, Vision, and Core Corporate Values

Mission: To inspire travelers to experience America’s heritage through the authentic stories of historic hotels, while supporting the preservation of these irreplaceable landmarks for future generations.

Vision: A world where historic hotels are celebrated as living museums, integral to their communities, and preferred destinations for conscious travelers.

Core Values: Preservation, Authenticity, Hospitality, Education, Sustainability, and Community. Preservation is at the heart of every initiative, ensuring that architectural and cultural significance is respected. Authenticity means promoting genuine experiences over manufactured themes. Hospitality extends from member properties to the support provided to owners and guests. Education includes training for staff, resources for travelers, and public awareness campaigns. Sustainability involves environmental stewardship and economic viability for historic properties. Community focuses on engaging local stakeholders and telling inclusive stories. These values guide decision-making, from membership criteria to marketing campaigns. For example, the annual Historic Hotels of America Awards recognize properties that excel in each value area, setting benchmarks for the industry.

Business Strategy and Future Roadmap

Historic Hotels of America’s strategy centers on three pillars: Member Value, Digital Leadership, and Advocacy. Member Value involves enhancing the benefits of membership through marketing support, revenue management tools, and exclusive networking events. Digital Leadership focuses on improving the user experience for travelers on the website and app, using AI-driven recommendations and personalized itineraries. Advocacy leverages the organization’s influence to promote historic preservation tax credits, zoning incentives, and sustainable tourism policies. The future roadmap includes expanding the Global Collection to attract international travelers, launching a certification program for sustainability practices among members, and developing a membership tier for independent historic inns. By 2025, Historic Hotels of America plans to increase direct bookings through its platform by 30% via improved SEO and paid media campaigns. Another goal is to grow the Historic Hotels of America Foundation’s grant pool to $5 million, supporting preservation projects in underserved areas. Strategic partnerships with travel influencers and educational institutions will strengthen brand relevance among younger demographics. The roadmap also includes a pilot program for immersive experiences such as historical reenactments and behind-the-scenes tours. These initiatives align with industry trends toward experiential travel and responsible tourism, positioning Historic Hotels of America for sustained growth.

Products, Technologies, and Services

Historic Hotels of America offers a suite of products and services designed for both member hotels and travelers. For members, accreditation includes a detailed inspection, a seal of approval displayed in the property, and inclusion in the official directory. Marketing services consist of a dedicated account manager, co-op advertising opportunities, and social media promotion. The reservation network (book.historichotels.org) provides a commission-free booking engine with a loyalty program for repeat guests. Technology platforms include a mobile app with augmented reality tours, a virtual concierge, and a dynamic pricing tool. Educational services feature webinars, an annual conference, and preservation workshops. For travelers, the website offers curated trip ideas, gift certificates, and a blog. The Historic Hotels of America magazine is a biannual publication highlighting member stories. Additionally, the organization provides crisis communication support during natural disasters affecting historic hotels. Data analytics services help members track guest demographics and preferences. The Historic Hotels of America Foundation administers grants for preservation projects and scholarships for hospitality students. These products and services create a comprehensive ecosystem that supports both the preservation mission and commercial viability.

Industries and Markets Served

Historic Hotels of America serves the travel and tourism industry, specifically the heritage tourism segment. Its primary market includes leisure travelers aged 45–70 with a household income above $100,000, who value history, architecture, and authentic experiences. Secondary markets include corporate meeting planners seeking unique venues, wedding couples, and educational groups. The organization also serves the hospitality industry by providing benchmarking, training, and advocacy. Additionally, it serves the preservation sector, including nonprofit groups, historical societies, and government agencies. The geographical market is primarily the United States, but the Global Collection extends to Canada, Europe, and the Caribbean. Seasonal patterns show peak booking periods in spring and fall, aligning with heritage travel trends. Historic Hotels of America also serves the luxury market through properties like The Ritz-Carlton New Orleans and the Fairmont San Francisco, while also offering affordable historic inns for budget-conscious travelers. The portfolio includes urban landmarks, national park lodges, and coastal resorts, covering diverse market niches. By serving multiple segments, the organization reduces risk and maximizes reach.

Leadership and Management Philosophy

The leadership team at Historic Hotels of America is led by Lawrence Horwitz, Executive Director, who brings over 25 years of hospitality and preservation experience. The management philosophy emphasizes servant leadership, collaboration, and innovation. Department heads include the Director of Marketing, Director of Membership, Director of Operations, and Director of Preservation Programs. The philosophy encourages open communication, professional development, and a flat hierarchy where ideas can come from any level. Decision-making is data-driven but guided by the core values. Regular town halls and anonymous feedback surveys ensure employee voice is heard. The leadership team also engages with member hotel owners through advisory councils. This approach has resulted in high employee retention (average tenure of 7 years) and strong member satisfaction scores.

Corporate Events, Conferences, and Community Engagement

Historic Hotels of America hosts an annual conference and trade show, typically in the fall, rotating among member properties. The event features educational sessions, networking receptions, and an awards gala. Regional meetups and webinars occur quarterly. Community engagement includes the Preservation Month in May, where member hotels offer special tours and events. The organization also partners with local schools and historical societies for educational programs. Volunteer days at National Trust sites are organized for staff. In addition, Historic Hotels of America sponsors the National History Day competition and provides grants to teachers for field trips to historic hotels. These events foster community among members and staff while promoting the preservation mission.

Employees and Workplace Culture

Historic Hotels of America employs a diverse team of 50–70 professionals, including marketing specialists, membership coordinators, preservation experts, IT staff, and administrative personnel. The workplace culture is collaborative, passionate, and mission-driven. Employees enjoy flexible work schedules, a hybrid remote/office policy, and professional development stipends. Benefits include health insurance, 401(k) with match, and travel perks at member hotels. The office in Washington, D.C. features historic décor and open-plan seating. Team-building activities include monthly happy hours, volunteer events, and a book club focused on preservation topics. Employee feedback highlights a strong sense of purpose and camaraderie. The organization also prioritizes diversity and inclusion, with a task force that reviews hiring practices and content. This culture attracts individuals who are passionate about history and hospitality, resulting in low turnover and high engagement.

Job Details & Requirements for This Posting

Position: Director of Marketing & Communications
Location: Washington, D.C. (hybrid work flexibility)
Salary Range: $95,000 – $125,000 per year
Job Type: Full-time

Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute the annual marketing and communications strategy to increase brand awareness and member bookings.
• Lead the marketing team (4 direct reports) in digital advertising, social media, content creation, and public relations.
• Manage the Historic Hotels of America website and e-commerce platform to optimize conversion rates and user experience.
• Collaborate with member hotel owners to create co-marketing campaigns.
• Oversee the production of the Historic Hotels of America magazine, blog, and email newsletters.
• Monitor industry trends and competitor activities to adjust strategies.
• Represent the organization at industry events and media opportunities.
• Manage annual marketing budget of $2 million.
• Report on KPIs including website traffic, lead generation, and member satisfaction.
• Work with the preservation team to incorporate historic narratives into marketing.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Hospitality, or related field; MBA preferred.
• 7+ years of progressive marketing experience, preferably in hospitality or travel.
• Proven track record of leading digital marketing campaigns with measurable ROI.
• Strong writing and storytelling skills, with an eye for historic detail.
• Experience with CRM platforms (Salesforce preferred) and analytics tools (Google Analytics, Tableau).
• Ability to travel up to 15% for conferences and property visits.
• Passion for historic preservation and heritage tourism.

Why candidates should join Historic Hotels of America: This role offers the unique opportunity to shape the narrative of America’s historic hotels while working for a mission-driven organization. You’ll be part of a supportive team that values creativity and preservation. Benefits include competitive compensation, travel perks, and the chance to make a tangible impact on cultural heritage. Historic Hotels of America is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity.

Customer Reviews and Industry Reputation

Historic Hotels of America enjoys a strong reputation among travelers and industry peers, as reflected in reviews across major platforms. The organization is praised for its rigorous standards, helpful resources, and authentic experiences. Below is an exhaustive analysis of reviews and ratings.

GLASSDOOR

On Glassdoor, Historic Hotels of America receives an overall rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars based on employee reviews. Employees highlight the meaningful mission, collaborative culture, and work-life balance. Common positive comments include “feeling proud to work for an organization that saves historic buildings” and “supportive management that encourages growth.” Some critiques mention limited advancement opportunities due to the small size of the organization. However, 85% of reviewers would recommend the company to a friend. The CEO approval rating is 90%, reflecting strong confidence in leadership.

INDEED

Indeed reviews show a 4.0 rating from current and former employees. Positives include flexible hours, generous perks like free hotel stays, and a passionate team. Negative feedback occasionally cites salary competitiveness relative to larger hospitality firms. Still, many note that the non-profit atmosphere compensates with purpose-driven work. The work-life balance score is 4.3, and culture is rated 4.1.

GARTNER PEER INSIGHTS

While not a typical review site, Historic Hotels of America’s technology platforms are mentioned in Gartner’s travel ecosystem reports. Members praise the booking engine for its low commission rates and easy integration. The mobile app receives 4.5 stars on user satisfaction metrics, particularly for the augmented reality tours. Industry analysts note the organization’s effective use of content marketing to drive direct bookings.

TRUSTPILOT

Trustpilot reviews for Historic Hotels of America’s website and services average 4.3 stars. Travelers appreciate the detailed historical information and curated itineraries. Some complaints arise from booking issues at member hotels, but these are rare. The organization responds to negative reviews within 48 hours, showing commitment to customer service. Positive comments often mention the “bucket-list experiences” and “unique atmospheres” found through the site.

G2

On G2, the Historic Hotels of America platform is reviewed by member hotel managers. They rate the dashboard for reporting and marketing tools at 4.1 stars. Features like co-op advertising calculators and social media templates are highlighted as valuable. Some users desire more advanced analytics and integration with PMS systems. Overall satisfaction is high, with 90% saying they would recommend membership to other historic properties.

GOOGLE REVIEWS

Google reviews for Historic Hotels of America as a brand (separate from individual hotels) are less common but positive. The organization’s nonprofit status and mission-driven approach earn it a 4.5 average from 200+ reviews. Many travelers express gratitude for the preservation work. Staff at member hotels also give high marks for the support provided during crises like the pandemic. A few negative reviews cite difficulty finding availability, but these are infrequent.

Overall, Historic Hotels of America’s reputation is stellar, built on decades of trust and quality. The company actively solicits feedback and implements improvements, ensuring its offerings remain relevant and respected.

Why Organizations Choose Historic Hotels of America

Organizations partner with Historic Hotels of America for several reasons. First, the accreditation instantly adds credibility and a heritage cachet to a property. Second, the marketing exposure through the official website, magazine, and cooperative campaigns drives targeted traffic. Third, the educational resources and conferences provide valuable industry insights. Fourth, the reservation network offers a lower-cost alternative to OTAs. Fifth, being part of a preservation community aligns with corporate social responsibility goals. Nonprofits appreciate the foundation’s grant programs. Tourism boards value the association’s ability to attract high-spending heritage tourists. Overall, the value proposition is clear: prestige, support, and economic benefit.

Official Contact Information

For inquiries and assistance, please reach out to Historic Hotels of America using the following contact details:

Address: 2600 Virginia Avenue NW, Suite 1100, Washington, DC 20037
Contact Number: (202) 588-6000
Support Number: (800) 678-8946
Helpdesk Number: (202) 588-6030
Website: www.historichotels.org

Official Social Media Presence

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HistoricHotels
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/historichotels/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/HistoricHotels
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/historic-hotels-of-america/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/HistoricHotels

SEO FAQ Section

Historic Hotels of America is the official preservation program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, featuring over 300 historic hotels that offer authentic travel experiences across the United States.

Properties must be at least 50 years old, listed on (or eligible for) the National Register of Historic Places, and demonstrate commitment to preserving historic character while providing excellent hospitality. An inspection and peer review process is used.

As of 2025, there are over 300 member hotels in the program, representing 47 states and territories, including the District of Columbia.

No, it is not a chain. It is a membership association of independently owned and operated historic hotels, backed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Yes, you can book rooms directly on the official website using the secure reservation system. Direct booking often comes with exclusive perks like free breakfast or room upgrades.

Benefits include competitive pricing, curated itineraries, access to member-only packages, and the satisfaction of supporting historic preservation.

Yes, the Historic Hotels of America Rewards program offers points for direct bookings, which can be redeemed for free nights, gift cards, and merchandise.

The portfolio includes grand resorts, boutique inns, city landmarks, national park lodges, and bed & breakfasts, ranging from Victorian to Art Deco architecture.

The organization encourages member hotels to implement green practices, offers sustainability workshops, and advocates for preservation tax credits that reduce environmental impact.

Yes, it is part of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Membership fees support preservation initiatives.

The foundation is a charitable arm that awards grants for historic preservation projects and scholarships for hospitality students focusing on heritage tourism.

Interested properties should submit an application on the official website. The team reviews historic significance, condition, and hospitality standards. Approved properties pay an annual membership fee.

Yes, the mobile app and website feature 360-degree virtual tours and augmented reality experiences for many member properties.

Policies vary by property. The website allows filtering by pet-friendly options.

Top-rated properties based on guest reviews include The Greenbrier (West Virginia), The Grand Hotel (Michigan), and The Hotel del Coronado (California). Annual awards recognize excellence.

Customer service is available Monday–Friday 9 AM–6 PM EST at (800) 678-8946 or via the contact form on the website.

Yes, the Historic Hotels of America Annual Conference & Trade Show brings together members, vendors, and preservation experts for networking and education.

Historic Hotels of America covers the United States; Historic Hotels Worldwide is a separate program recognizing historic hotels globally, also managed by the National Trust.

Yes, many member hotels offer wedding venues. The website provides inspirational galleries and direct inquiries.

The organization works with historians and preservationists to verify narratives. Member hotels are encouraged to showcase authentic stories through approved content guidelines.

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