The Coziest Historic Hotels to Visit this Winter

Looking for a classic hotel to cozy up with a cocktail by the fireplace this winter?

Check out these award-winning, cozy places around the United States, that just happened to be the favorite getaways for guests like John Steinbeck, Benjamin Harrison, and John D. Rockefeller.  

A definite scene in the summer, Baron’s Cove is one of the coziest Hamptons spots in the wintertime.  This 67-room casually sophisticated resort offers three wood-burning fireplaces, sweeping views and an ideal location to town.  The first fireplace is located in the lobby lounge, a perfect place to unwind to live music during happy hour and sip on “The Steinbeck”, one of author Jack Rose’s favorite cocktail. The next fireplace is located in The Restaurant at Baron’s Cove, perfect for a cozy meal over a soft light of glowing embers. The third fireplace is located on the hotel’s covered veranda, the ideal spot for small plates and drinks in the warmer months. Prominent guests include John and Elaine Steinbeck, Paul Newman, Art Garfunkel, George Plimpton, Billy Joel, Richard Kind, Truman Capote, Jason Pollock, and Willem and Elaine de Kooning.

Located in the beautiful Rocky Mountain foothills of Colorado Springs, The Broadmoor has been open since 1918 and is home to over 50 sleeping room fireplaces and eight public fireplaces- not including exterior fire pits.  Not all of the fireplaces are wood-burning (there are seven fireplaces using wood located throughout the resort, including three in the resort’s luxe Estate House).  These elegantly historic hearths offer the ideal setting after a long day of exploring for an evening of relaxation.

John D. Rockefeller was the Broadmoor’s first celebrity guest at the private opening of the historic hotel back in June 1918. The striking 5,000 acre, legendary property features wilderness experiences (cattle drives, falconry, fly fishing, etc) authentic western adventures, iconic golf courses, spa and award-winning restaurants.  This property is truly unique, offering guests luxury accommodations mixed with authentic western adventures.

The cocktails get a throwback with The Broadmoor’s founder, Spencer Penrose’s favorite drink. The Fish House Punch was a nod to his membership in Philadelphia’s Rabbit Club, which was founded in 1866. Modeled after the Rabbit Club, Penrose founded the Cooking Club in Colorado Springs in 1908 and introduced Fish House Punch, which is still served there today. The Broadmoor’s “Fish House” was named in honor of that tradition and serves Fish House Punch made with the original recipe with Appleton Rum, brandy, peach schnapps, and sweet and sour mix.

Congress Hall has been welcoming visitors for more than 200 years. Elegant, charming and cozy, guests gather around the massive wood-burning fireplace in the redesigned Brown Room- a sophisticated lounge featuring crafted cocktails, small plate and live music. The signature restaurant, The Blue Pig Tavern,  showcases a farm-to-table menu with items grown from their own 62-acre farm located just a mile away. A wood-burning fireplace surrounded by brick is always burning.

Fun fact: United States Presidents Ulysses S. Grant, Franklin Pierce, James Buchanan, and Benjamin Harrison have all stayed at Congress Hall over the past two centuries and likely sipped a drink while conversing around the same fireplace guests relax around today.

What to sip fireside: The hotel offers a list of Presidential Cocktails inspired by the Commanders-in-Chief who visited the property. Try the “drunken theatrics,” inspired by Franklin Pierce, who was known to have a passion for enjoying a nice whiskey during his stay at Congress Hall.