Lovingly restored or preserved, these quick escapes are filled with old-school charm If historic architecture allows passersby to catch a glimpse of local culture, than staying in historic hotels and inns gives visitors a chance to experience history, if only for a few nights. Grand hotels?often elaborate and extravagant turn-of-the-century structures?are some of our big cities?s most famous buildings. But it?s often the small inns that contain some of the most charming examples of antique architecture. Here?s a (far from complete) list of ten of the nation?s more storied places to stay.

National Trust
Officers working out at what would become the Inn at the Presidio

Inn at the Presidio (San Francisco, California) Built in 1903, this quaint, three-story inn was formerly known by the bland moniker Building 42 due to its past life as part of a large Army base, which has now been turned into a National Park in the midst of the city. Named in honor of General John J. ?Black Jack? Pershing, this Georgian-revival style building once provided quarters for unmarried offices, but has been retrofitted into a 22-room retreat complete with fireplaces and a wide porch. The inn is a short stroll from Cow Hollow and the Marina District.

Dana Miller

Historic Park Inn (Mason City, Iowa)
Built roughly 15 years before the Imperial Hotel complex in Tokyo, this Iowa landmark prefigured design elements and ideas utilized in architect Frank ...