Some hotels are so grand that checking in is almost beside the point.
Sure, booking a room would be nice, but these are also places you visit even if only to admire the architecture, soak up the history, enjoy tea time or a memorable meal, and simply wander around to see what all the fuss is about.
In the U.S. there's a Victorian beachfront icon that helped inspire a Disney resort and a legendary Yosemite hotel with one of the country's most memorable dining rooms, and that's just the start. These are five high-end hotels where the experience extends well beyond guest rooms. If you find yourself in any of these locations, even just for the day, be sure to check out these properties (without needing to check in).
In this article
Hotel del Coronado
Few hotels are as instantly recognizable as San Diego’s Hotel del Coronado, the sprawling beachfront property known simply as "The Del."
Opened in 1888, the National Historic Landmark is famous for its distinctive red-roofed Victorian architecture and Pacific Ocean setting. The property is so influential, it inspired the look and feel of many elements at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa in Walt Disney World.
Today, you don't need a room to experience the resort, as non-guests are welcome to grab a meal at one of the hotel restaurants overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Or, book a treatment at Spa & Salon at The Del, stroll the historic grounds, or settle in simply to admire the sunset from any public perch in the hotel.
The Drake Hotel
At the northern end of Chicago's Magnificent Mile, The Drake Hotel gives a glamorous glimpse of old-school Chicago without requiring an overnight stay.
Opened in 1920, the landmark hotel was designed by architect Benjamin Marshall and quickly became a favorite of Chicago high society.
When I lived in the area, The Drake's afternoon tea was a must-do activity when I had out-of-town guests visiting. Reserve a seat in the Palm Court, and you can admire the ornate surroundings while indulging in finger sandwiches, scones, and sweets.
For something more casual, stop into Coq d'Or, the historic bar that opened the day after Prohibition ended in 1933.
The Don CeSar
Rising like a giant pink wedding cake along the Gulf of Mexico, The Don CeSar is hard to miss, and even harder to resist stopping to see.
Known as the "Pink Palace," the Mediterranean-inspired resort facing Florida’s St. Pete Beach opened in 1928 during Florida's Jazz Age and quickly became a glamorous playground for celebrities and high society.
The property's Gulf-front setting is reason enough to visit. Settle in for a meal or cocktail, admire the architecture, or book a treatment at Spa Oceana for a taste of resort life. The Don's restaurants range from the upscale Maritana to more casual options, while the lobby and bar provide plenty of opportunities to soak up the vintage-meets-beach-resort atmosphere.
The Ahwahnee
You don't have to stay at The Ahwahnee to appreciate one of Yosemite's most spectacular buildings.
Completed in 1927, the grand hotel was designed by architect Gilbert Stanley Underwood and combines massive granite, timber, rustic details, and Art Deco influences in a style created to complement its dramatic Yosemite Valley surroundings.
My favorite way to reward myself after a day of hiking and exploring the park is to book a meal at the property's dining room, where the 5- and 7-course dinner menus serve delicious options like Dungeness crab and roast elk tenderloin.
Another option is to grab a themed drink like the Spicy Dome or the El Capitini at the Ahwahnee Bar, where shared plates will satisfy any hungry hiker, whether or not they hold a room key.
The Stanley Hotel
Perched above Estes Park in Colorado with views toward Rocky Mountain National Park, The Stanley Hotel is one of those hotels that feels like an attraction in its own right.
Opened in 1909 by F.O. Stanley, inventor of the Stanley Steamer automobile, the grand white Colonial Revival hotel became famous after Stephen King spent a night here in 1974 and was inspired by his stay to write “The Shining.”
For guests interested in learning about the hotel's storied past, there are several tours, including ghost and movie-themed tours, and a historic hotel tour that explores the property's architecture and famous visitors. Add a drink or meal on-site, wander the grounds, and take in the mountain views to complete this spooky site visit.
The Shortcut
If you want to dine in a landmark property, The Ahwahnee's dining room and The Del's oceanfront restaurants both take non-guest reservations.
For an iconic Chicago experience, reserve The Drake's Palm Court tea. If you can't get in, you don't need a reservation at Coq d'Or, the bar downstairs.
Remember, viewing the historic lobbies is free and you can even take a ghost tour at The Stanley (a la Stephen King).
