By Julia Gsell
Lexington’s luxury boutique inn, The Georges, joined Historic Hotels of America’s collection of hotels and resorts Tuesday.
Historic Hotels of America, founded by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, is a collection of over 295 hotels and resorts. Partnering with Historic Hotels Worldwide, it recognizes hotels and resorts from around the world for their dedication to preserving history, architecture, and ambiance. Members of the collection must be at least 50 years old, a National Historic Landmark, or on the National Register of Historic Places.
“We are delighted to induct The Georges Inn, an Edwardian hotel built in 1789, to Historic Hotels of America,” said Lawrence Horwitz, Executive Director of Historic Hotels of America and Historic Hotels Worldwide in a press release Tuesday. “We welcome The Georges Inn, its owner, Ann Parker Gottwald, and its leadership team into Historic Hotels of America,” he said.
The Georges, whose name alludes to two former generals with ties to Lexington, owns two buildings on either side of Main Street in the heart of Lexington. The building at 2 Main St., known as the Washington building, was built in the mid-1800s and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. President Andrew Johnson’s wife is rumored to have stayed there, said David Groce, The Georges’ General Manager. The Washington building includes an upscale restaurant and piano bar, Haywood’s, and five guest suites.
The Marshall building, at 11 Main St., was built in 1809. Over 200 years, it has had numerous uses, including a private residence, a post office, a doctor’s office, and an inn, Groce said. The Marshall building has 13 guest suites and a bar and restaurant, TAPS.
Membership in Historic Hotels of America means two important things for The Georges, Groce said. The first is recognition.
“The Georges has been recognized as a peer to some of the most famous properties and hotels in America…and we’re really proud to be recognized with such a well known group of superior properties,” Groce said.
Other members of Historic Hotels of America include the Omni Homestead Resort in Hot Springs, Va., and Craddock Terry Hotel and Event Center in Lynchburg, Va.
The collection will also give The Georges access to new customers.
“It opens a new customer-guest distribution channel for us,” Groce said.
Members of the National Trust for Historic Preservation pay a modest entrance fee to be part of the non-profit group. Members receive an annual directory with Historic Hotels of America hotels and resorts. The Georges’ listing as a Historic Hotel of America will also help attract online traffic from travelers interested in history, Groce said.