Highlighting three of the most historic and esteemed properties that are perfect for celebrating the US’ 250th Anniversary. From Palmer House Chicago, a Hilton Hotel, the nation’s longest operating hotel and inventor of the brownie, to Birdwood Mansion, the brand-new 19th-century estate turned boutique hotel, and specialty themed packages and celebrations at the historic Willard InterContinental Washington, D.C., these are the best places to go to celebrate this monumental run.
Palmer House Chicago, a Hilton Hotel
Palmer House, a Hilton Hotel is synonymous with the US’ 250th anniversary representing the country’s Old World charm and culture with its decadent and regal design as soon as you step inside. The hotel is behind critical innovations such as being the first hotel to incorporate the lightbulb and telephone into guest rooms and the implementation of the elevator. Palmer House traces the influential legacy and inspiring future with their signature History Tour celebrating the successes of hotel founders and lovebirds, Bertha and Potter Palmer, and gives guests the opportunity to see 100-year old artifacts in the hotel museum. Visitors will also have the chance to see the Prohibition tunnels under the hotel and see the famed ballrooms that once hosted Chicago’s supper clubs and the likes of Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald. It also features a Prohibition-era inspired speakeasy, Potter’s Bar charting the hotel’s storied history during the Roaring 20s (the history tour even offers a chance to see the Prohibition tunnels!). Palmer House is an ideal stop to celebrate the country’s 250th where this historic gem harmonizes their remarkable past and future.
Birdwood Mansion
While a brand new hotel (debuted in April 2026), Birdwood Mansion is a historic 19th-century estate that just emerged from a transformative restoration that breathed new life into the seven-room boutique hotel. Great care was taken into the design as the Mansion is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The hotel’s new use is compatible with the home’s historic setup: bedrooms remain guest rooms; parlors remain parlors. Rather than impose a hotel aesthetic, the design reinforces the home’s original domestic character, creating the sense that visitors are staying at a friend’s country retreat instead of a formal lodging. In transforming the Drawing Room into a cocktail lounge for the new restaurant, the design team created custom pieces that would harmonize with the historic interiors. A standout is a bespoke bar that appears as a classic 19th-century secretary by day but opens into a fully equipped cocktail bar at night. The restored Mansion also pays tribute to the property’s full history. An exhibit designer was engaged to research the lives of the enslaved community who lived and labored on the property, ensuring their stories are present and integrated into the interpretation of the site. A commemorative plaque and history walk will debut on property in the coming months, with more details to be announced soon.
Willard InterContinental Washington, D.C.
As the nation prepares to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, few places embody the country’s living history quite like Washington, D.C., and few hotels have played as integral a role in that story as Willard InterContinental Washington, D.C.. Often referred to as the “Residence of Presidents,” and proudly listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the iconic Pennsylvania Avenue landmark has welcomed U.S. leaders, diplomats, and cultural figures for over 200 years, serving as a backdrop to pivotal moments in American history. In celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, Willard InterContinental has introduced its America’s 250th Celebration Offer, which includes a daily $250 hotel credit to enjoy spa services and food and beverage throughout the property. Available from July 1–6, 2026, the package is designed to elevate guests’ stay as they take part in the once-in-a-generation commemorations happening across the capital – from iconic monuments and museums to citywide cultural programming honoring the nation’s milestone. Guests staying over the Fourth of July can also enjoy a festive evening in the hotel’s historic courtyard featuring the signature Woodinville Willard InterContinental “250th Anniversary” Bourbon, elevated summer cuisine including seafood towers and caviar service, live entertainment, and a celebratory atmosphere just moments from the nation’s most iconic fireworks displays.
