The National Trust established Historic Hotels of America in 1989 to identify quality hotels that have faithfully maintained their historic integrity, architecture and ambience. To be accepted into Historic Hotels of America, hotels must be located in a building that is at least 50 years old and listed in, or eligible for, the National Register of Historic Places or recognized locally as having historic significance.

Members of Historic Hotels of America represent the diverse heritage and development of America, in settings that range from the rustic countryside to refined urban centers and everything in between. Members must faithfully maintain their historic integrity, both inside and out, so that the accuracy of the period in which they were originally built shines through.