**Presidential Suites with Historic Legacies Across the U.S.**
When it comes to luxury accommodations, presidential suites often provide the most opulent and exclusive experiences in a hotel. Beyond their lavish interiors, some of these suites also hold fascinating historical significance, having hosted past U.S. presidents during pivotal moments in history.
Here are five presidential suites across the United States that pay tribute to the leaders who once stayed in them.
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### **The Blackstone Hotel – Chicago, Illinois**
Nicknamed the “Presidents’ Hotel,” **The Blackstone Hotel** in Chicago has welcomed numerous U.S. presidents over the years. Guests can stay in the **Suite of Presidents**, a space that has witnessed significant historical moments.
President Harry Truman once entertained his staff here with a private performance of the *Missouri Waltz*. In 1952, Dwight D. Eisenhower watched his presidential nomination unfold on television from this suite. Additionally, in October 1962, President John F. Kennedy was dining on clam chowder in the suite when he was urgently called back to the White House during the Cuban Missile Crisis.
The suite offers stunning views of Lake Michigan and Grant Park. Its main bedroom is inspired by the Kennedy family’s White House bedroom, and the suite also includes a formal foyer, a parlor, a powder room, and a dining area with seating for eight.
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### **Hotel Colorado – Glenwood Springs, Colorado**
Located in the picturesque hot springs town of Glenwood Springs, **Hotel Colorado** once served as a retreat for President Theodore Roosevelt. During his 1905 visit, the hotel earned the nickname “White House of the West” when Roosevelt and his staff stayed for a three-week hunting trip.
A popular legend suggests that the **Teddy Bear** originated at this hotel. After a disappointing hunting day, the housekeeping staff crafted a stuffed bear from fabric scraps and presented it to Roosevelt. His daughter, Alice, named it “Teddy” in honor of her father.
While the **National Park Service** attributes the Teddy Bear’s origin to a different event—when Roosevelt refused to shoot a cornered bear during a Mississippi hunting trip—the Colorado hotel proudly displays photos of Roosevelt’s visit. The on-site gift shop even sells Teddy Bears dressed in military uniforms inspired by Roosevelt’s Spanish-American War attire.
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### **The Willard InterContinental – Washington, D.C.**
Known as the “Resident of Presidents,” **The Willard InterContinental** in Washington, D.C. has hosted U.S. presidents and foreign dignitaries for over 200 years.
In 1861, Abraham Lincoln stayed at the hotel for several days before his inauguration, as he faced assassination threats. Ulysses S. Grant was also a frequent visitor, often enjoying cigars and whiskey in the lobby. According to legend, the term **“lobbying”** originated here, as Grant was frequently approached by individuals seeking political favors.
Today, guests can choose from several presidential suites, including the **Thomas Jefferson Suite**, the largest in the hotel, and eight **Oval Suites**, which are inspired by the White House’s Oval Office and offer views of the Washington Monument.
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### **The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa – Denver, Colorado**
Since Theodore Roosevelt’s visit in 1905, **The Brown Palace Hotel** in Denver has hosted nearly every U.S. president. One of its most famous accommodations is the **Eisenhower Suite**, dedicated to President Dwight D. Eisenhower, who frequently stayed at the hotel with his wife, Mamie, a Denver native.
The hotel became known as the **“Western White House”** due to Eisenhower’s frequent visits, and it even served as the headquarters for his 1952 presidential campaign.
A unique piece of history remains in the suite: Eisenhower, an avid golfer, once practiced his swing in the living room. A miscalculated shot sent a golf ball into the fireplace mantel, leaving a dent. When the suite was renovated in 2000, the hotel preserved the damaged mantelpiece in a shadowbox as a tribute to this quirky moment. The suite also features a wall showcasing letters, photographs, and memorabilia from Eisenhower’s presidency.
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### **JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa – Paradise Valley, Arizona**
During World War II, Lieutenant John F. Kennedy, Jr. and his crew survived a harrowing ordeal when their PT-109 boat was destroyed by a Japanese destroyer. After leading his men to safety, Kennedy recuperated at what is now the **JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa** in Arizona.
A historical photograph at the hotel captures a young JFK playing checkers by the pool in the early 1940s. The resort was also a favorite vacation spot for President George H.W. Bush and First Lady Barbara Bush, who frequently visited in March.
The resort’s **Manor House**, its presidential suite, offers three bedrooms, four bathrooms, a private pool and patio, a stylish bar, and a cozy fireplace—perfect for a luxurious getaway.
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These presidential suites not only provide a luxurious stay but also offer a glimpse into the history of the U.S. presidency. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply looking for a lavish retreat, these suites provide an unforgettable experience steeped in legacy.
Source: forbes.com