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Why Travelers Are Falling Back in Love With America’s Grand Hotels
These properties offer distinctive traditions, family-friendly amenities and seasonal savings opportunities
Historic hotels offer a variety of lodging and immersive activities that are perfect for multigenerational trips. Fall rates and discounts at properties, such as the Hotel Del Coronado in San Diego, make these hotels more affordable.
Courtesy of Hotel Del Coronado
Key takeaways
- Historic grand hotels are attracting families seeking nostalgic, multigenerational travel experiences.
- Many properties offer long dinners, screen-free activities and plenty of time outdoors.
- Shoulder-season deals can make iconic resorts more affordable for larger family getaways.
As more travelers look toward less-packed itineraries, multigenerational families are turning back to grand American resorts that offer an authentic historic hotel experience for the entire family. “It’s been a trend for a while, but it’s picking up that people don’t want a replica of anything,” says Bob Tagatz, the resident historian for Grand Hotel in Mackinac Island, Michigan. “They want what’s real, what’s honest, what’s genuine, the authentic experience.”
According to the U.S. Family Travel Survey 2025 by the Family Travel Association, a nonprofit association providing family travel resources, 71 percent of grandparents have taken a multigenerational trip in the last three years, and 44 percent are likely to take a multigenerational trip in the next three years. “We have … hundreds of fourth-generation [guests], six or seven fifth [-generation guests], and one family that’s seventh generation,” Tagatz says.
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While grand hotels are not typically the least expensive accommodations, historic properties offer screen-free experiences, historic architecture, porch culture, formal dining traditions and often provide a good value. Krista Heinicke, the director of public relations for the Broadmoor in Colorado, says she looked to the shoulder season to keep costs down when hosting an event at her hotel. “I organized a gathering for my family of 30 to celebrate my mother’s 90th birthday,” she says. “By carefully considering everyone’s expectations and budget, I managed to craft a truly memorable four-day experience — even for my lively, diverse and admittedly high-maintenance family!”
Travelers can find deals by booking shoulder-season travel and taking advantage of discounts. Below are six historic properties to consider for a nostalgic multigenerational getaway.
The Grand Hotel, in Mackinac Island, Michigan, is celebrating its 140th season in 2026.
Courtesy of Grand Hotel
Grand Hotel, Mackinac Island, Michigan
Just getting to Grand Hotel feels like stepping into a time machine. Located on Mackinac Island between Michigan’s Upper and Lower peninsulas, visitors have to take a ferry from the mainland, followed by a horse-drawn carriage taxi (no cars allowed) to the hotel. In 2026, Grand Hotel is celebrating its 140th season with newly renovated suites named for political figures, film stars and for Somewhere in Time, the 1980 movie filmed at the hotel. But it’s what hasn’t changed at the 1887 property that sets it apart.
Guests who came with their parents return with them again when they’re older (often with their own kids in tow) for an experience that is a nod to times past. Afternoon tea is offered in the parlor with live classical music. Meals feel like a special occasion with a nightly five-course dinner served in the main dining room, a formal dress code, a live orchestra, and dancing. Guests looking for less formal experiences can enjoy the island’s carriage tours, bike rentals and many fudge shops.
Rates drop during the fall shoulder season, making it a more budget-friendly option. Grand Hotel offers packages and events in September and October, with rates starting at $573 for fall 2026.
The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, Colorado, has three all-inclusive Wilderness Experiences. Join the mailing list to find out about the latest deals.
Courtesy of the Broadmoor
The Broadmoor, Colorado Springs, Colorado
Since 1918, guests have enjoyed the Rocky Mountain respite of the Broadmoor, founded by Spencer and Julie Penrose. In addition to this luxury escape, the couple also created the Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo and the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo.
The Broadmoor offers diverse dining options, a spa, guided tours and railway adventures. Cottages, suites and an estate house accommodate diverse family groupings. There are three all-inclusive Wilderness Experience properties for different ages and interests — Cloud Camp, Fly Fishing Camp and the Ranch at Emerald Valley.
Value-added packages are available during the shoulder season. The Broadmoor’s mailing list alerts subscribers about last-minute deals and special booking opportunities. Rates start at $330, inclusive of the daily resort charge, before taxes.
The Greenbrier in the Allegheny Mountains of West Virginia is known for its spa, bunker tours and golf.
Courtesy of the Greenbrier
The Greenbrier, White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia
Home to hidden underground bunkers made for Congress during the Cold War, the Greenbrier property has drawn visitors to the Allegheny Mountain natural springs since 1778. The secret is out, but the historic property’s allure remains.
Known for its spa, bunker tours and golf, the property also offers carriage rides, escape rooms, fishing, trap and skeet shooting, history tours, driving adventures, tennis and pickleball. Thanksgiving, Weekends With Santa and Christmas are perfect opportunities for families.
Deals for fall and beyond include three nights for the price of two for select dates through the end of 2026. The Fall for the Greenbrier package has dates available in September and October, while the Pre-Holiday package has dates for November and December. Rates for two-night weekends begin at $500 per night, and midweek nights are $400 per night.
San Diego’s mild weather makes the Hotel Del Coronado an ideal destination for families.
Courtesy of Hotel Del Coronado
Hotel Del Coronado, San Diego
San Diego’s beaches and year-round mild weather make Hotel Del Coronado a top choice for families. The Del has been welcoming guests, including Hollywood stars such as Marilyn Monroe, to the beach since 1888, and it recently completed a seven-year renovation.
The Del’s activities and experiences, and residential-style accommodation (Shore House and Beach Village) allow for multigenerational travel.
While not typically a budget travel pick, packages offer a good value — up to 30 percent off Shore House stays through Sept. 30, and 20 percent off stays of five nights or more. There are military appreciation rates for active and retired military families and veterans. The Back to the Beach special includes 10 percent off the nightly rate and a daily $100 resort credit ($150 daily credit at Shore House and Beach Village). Rates start at $548 per night this fall.
The Mills House Hotel, Charleston, South Carolina
Consistently popular with travelers of all ages, Charleston is a perfect destination for a multigenerational trip. Known for its striking pink facade, the Mills House Hotel was established in 1853 by Otis Mills, a local businessman seeking to bring grandeur to the Lowcountry. Guests appreciate the hotel’s amenities, including a rooftop pool and French Quarter location.
The Mills House rates start at $259 per night this fall, with the best rates available over late November and early December. The Southern Sweethearts package includes a $75 food-and-beverage credit, in-room flowers and champagne.
Spend time on the verandas and balconies of the Partridge Inn in Augusta, Georgia.
Courtesy of Brian Robbins for the Partridge Inn
The Partridge Inn, Augusta, Georgia
Augusta is best known for the Masters golf tournament, but the Partridge Inn, which opened in 1910, has been welcoming guests — including President Warren Harding — since before the tournament began.
“Many of our guests appreciate that the pace is slower and more intentional, allowing families to spend quality time together,” says Holly White, Partridge Inn’s general manager. She suggests spending a relaxing morning on the quarter mile of verandas and balconies, enjoying breakfast at 8595 Restaurant & Bar, taking in sunset views from Six South Rooftop Bar, or unwinding by the pool. The Augusta Riverwalk is a short drive, and there are many museums near the hotel.
Discounts are available through Hilton Honors, AAA and AARP. There are also rates for active and retired military members and older adults, as well as seasonal promotions throughout the year. After Labor Day, room rates are typically among the best of the fall season. Shoulder-season rates range from $139 to $199.
The key takeaways were created with the assistance of generative AI. An AARP editor reviewed and refined the content for accuracy and clarity.
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