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Willard InterContinental joins Preferred’s Historic Hotels label

WASHINGTON, D.C The Willard InterContinental Washington DC, one of America’s most iconic hotels, has joined Historic Hotels of America, a program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation and brand of Preferred Hotel Group.

The Willard is one of more than 230 hotels and resorts throughout the country that is recognized by Historic Hotels of America for preserving and maintaining its historic integrity, architecture and ambiance.

“The trend of cultural travel in America continues to grow,” says Thierry Roch, executive director of Historic Hotels of America. “By inviting the Willard InterContinental into our collection of distinguished properties, we are continuing to encourage historic preservation while at the same time showcasing this hotel’s rich history. Our goal is to bring these historically special hotels and their authentic experiences to the attention of the traveling public.”

To be selected for membership in National Trust Historic Hotels, a hotel must be at least 50 years old, listed in or eligible for the National Register of Historic Places or recognized locally as having historic significance.

“We are glad to join the distinguished ranks of America’s great historic hotels under the umbrella of Historic Hotels of America,” says General Manager Jim Veil. “Like the Willard, these member properties have incredible American stories to tell, and they have taken special care to maintain and highlight their legacies for current and future generations.”

The Willard is known as the “residence of presidents,” having hosted nearly every U.S. president since Zachary Taylor in 1850. Located on Pennsylvania Avenue, along the inaugural parade route, the hotel has enjoyed a long tradition as the site of presidential inaugural events.

Abraham Lincoln and his family resided at the Willard before moving into the White House. During the Civil War, Nathaniel Hawthorne described The Willard as “much more justly called the center of Washington than either the Capitol, the White House or the State Department.”

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