If you’re dreaming of Europe but can’t make a trip across the pond right now, you’re in luck. At these five American hotels, you can enjoy a slice of Europe without ever leaving the country.
DEER PATH INN: LAKE FOREST, ILLINOIS
Stepping into the Deer Path Inn is like taking a journey to the enchanting Cotswolds region of England. This historic and opulent landmark in Lake Forest, Illinois, was built in 1929. It exudes the charm of a quintessential Tudor house plucked straight out of an English countryside fairytale.
The Inn provides guests with an experience defined by genteel hospitality. Their commitment to preserving the art of English living is evident in every detail. You can have afternoon tea in a meticulously manicured English garden, an experience curated by a Master of Tea hailing from England. You’ll be served a custom tea blend crafted exclusively for the Deer Path Inn.
The Inn has three onsite restaurants. The English Room, with its elevated European cuisine, takes diners on a gastronomic journey reminiscent of a Michelin-starred experience. The Bar is known for its innovative libations and the North Shore's finest sushi, while The White Hart Pub serves countryside classics like bangers and mash. Deer Path Inn has packages that make the most of their lakeside community, from adventurous outings to unique dining experiences.
CASA MONICA RESORT & SPA: ST. AUGUSTINE, FLORIDA
Founded by Spanish settlers in 1565, St. Augustine, Florida is the oldest city in the United States. Walking the cobblestone streets of its Historic District, it’s easy to see the remnants of that European heritage.
That’s especially true when you step into the remarkable Casa Monica Resort & Spa, a hotel that is a shining example of timeless elegance. Originally built in 1886 by Franklin Smith, the Casa Monica Hotel found its true splendor when Oil and Railroad Tycoon Henry M. Flagler acquired and reopened it as the Cordova Hotel in 1888.
In the late 1990s, the hotel was skillfully restored by the Kessler Collection of Hotels and reopened in 1999. Every inch of the property was painstakingly revitalized to capture its original Moorish and Spanish Baroque Revival style, from the intricately hand-stenciled ceilings to the ornate arches, parapets, furniture, and fixtures.
This landmark hotel has 138 beautifully appointed guest rooms, as well as the innovative Costa Brava Restaurant, onsite art galleries, a luxury spa and more. The hotel’s greatest asset is its location in the heart of St. Augustine’s Historic District, which is well worth exploring. The hotel is surrounded by other former hotels -- Lightner Museum, Villa Zorayda, and Flagler College, all available for touring – that also reflect Spanish, Mediterranean and Moorish style architecture.
MOHONK MOUNTAIN HOUSE: NEW PALTZ, NEW YORK
This Victorian castle resort, built in 1869 by the Smiley Family, is surrounded by 40,000 acres of pristine forest in New York’s Hudson Valley.
Mohonk Mountain House is a National Historic Landmark. Following no specific architectural style, it is an electric mix of styles, reminiscent of some castles in Central Europe. Several exterior sections were built from hand-cut stone, contributing to the hotel’s magical look.
Guest rooms and suites blend Victorian luxury with modern amenities. The décor uses warm wood touches and soothing earth tones to reflect the natural beauty of the Hudson Valley region.
Like many European locales, the resort is all-inclusive. Its daily rate includes three meals, afternoon tea and cookies, fitness and yoga classes, guided hikes on their network of trails, nine holes of golf, lake activities, private tennis reservations, evening entertainment and more.
OMNI SCOTTSDALE RESORT & SPA AT MONTELUCIA: SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA
You can immerse yourself in the allure of southern Spain without leaving the American Southwest at the Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia in Scottsdale, Arizona. Set against a backdrop of the iconic Camelback Mountain, every aspect of the resort is infused with the rich heritage of southern Spain.
Exploring the property, you’ll see details that showcase this Andalusian style, including vibrant colors, ornate tilework, and arched doorways that reflect the essence of that captivating region.
You can relax with award-winning spa treatments at Joya Spa and dining at Prado, the resort's signature restaurant. Here, you can savor a tantalizing array of wood-fired tapas that capture the flavors of southern Spain.
FAIRMONT SONOMA MISSION INN & SPA: SONOMA, CALIFORNIA
In the heart of California's famed Wine Country, the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa offers travelers a taste of casual elegance inspired by the charming allure of Provence. Nestled among the region’s rolling hills and vineyards, the resort's interiors evoke the spirit of Provence with warm color palettes, rustic furnishings, and intricate details.
The resort's geothermal-fed mineral pools provide a unique opportunity for relaxation and rejuvenation, while the farm-to-table dining experiences delight guests with fresh, locally sourced flavors. Golfers have access to championship golf at neighboring Sonoma Golf Club.
Whether you're a wine enthusiast, a nature lover, or a connoisseur of refined relaxation, this exceptional resort promises a stay that will immerse you in the charm of California's Wine Country.
