Hotel Riceland (Closed)
Stuttgart, AR Photo courtesy Stewart Isbell
Take a drive through downtown Stuttgart and you'll spot the Hotel Riceland standing proudly along Main Street. Even though the doors have been closed for years, the old streamline sign still catches your eye and hints at a time when this was one of the finest places to stay in town. 04-09
The hotel opened in 1923 after local residents came together to build a first-class hotel for their growing community. During its heyday, duck hunters, business travelers, and even a few famous guests, including Ernest Hemingway and Clark Gable, passed through the lobby. It was also a popular gathering place for military personnel stationed nearby during World War II.
The hotel closed in 1970, but the building has remained one of Stuttgart's best-known landmarks. With its faded brick exterior and classic vertical sign, it's easy to picture the days when the rooms were full and the lobby was bustling with activity.
UPDATE: Although restoration plans have been discussed in recent years, the Hotel Riceland remains vacant, and its iconic sign continues to overlook downtown Stuttgart. 08-26
The Carolina Hotel
Pinehurst, NC Photo courtesy Richard Weiss
Driving into Pinehurst, it's hard to miss the grand Carolina Hotel. With its wide verandas, towering white columns, and distinctive cupola rising above the trees, it looks like the kind of place where guests have been arriving in their Sunday best for generations. If old hotels could talk, this one would probably have more than a few stories to tell. 02-08
The Carolina Hotel opened on New Year's Day in 1901 and quickly became the centerpiece of the young Pinehurst Resort. At the time it was the largest frame hotel in North Carolina, welcoming visitors looking to escape the harsh northern winters. From the beginning, the hotel offered comforts that were considered remarkably modern for the day, helping establish Pinehurst as one of the South's premier resort destinations.
The Carolina Hotel
Pinehurst, NC Photo courtesy Richard Weiss
Over the years the hotel became affectionately known as the "Queen of the South," and it's easy to understand why. The sweeping porches seem to go on forever, rocking chairs invite guests to slow down for a while, and the beautifully landscaped grounds create the feeling that you've stepped into another era. It's the sort of place that encourages you to put away the car keys for a bit and simply enjoy the surroundings.
Of course, Pinehurst is also one of the most famous names in American golf. Through the years, countless golfers, spectators, and champions have stayed here while visiting the nearby courses, especially legendary Pinehurst No. 2. Even if you've never picked up a golf club, there's something special about standing in front of a hotel that has welcomed travelers for well over a century.
Fortunately, unlike so many grand hotels of its era, the Carolina has never lost its place on the roadside. It continues to welcome guests much as it did in 1901, making it one of those rare places where history isn't locked behind museum doors. It's still very much alive.
UPDATE: The Carolina Hotel remains the centerpiece of Pinehurst Resort and continues welcoming guests more than 125 years after opening its doors. 08-26
Central Hotel
Eden, NC Photo courtesy Richard Weiss
The old Central Hotel sign still hangs above Washington Street, catching the eye of anyone passing through downtown Eden. Faded with age but still full of character, it's a nice reminder of the days when nearly every small town had a hotel welcoming travelers. 04-08
The building was constructed in the mid-1920s and later became home to the Central Hotel. For years it was one of downtown's most prominent buildings, with shops on the first floor and hotel rooms upstairs. Like many old hotels, it eventually closed and sat vacant for decades, but the familiar sign remained behind.
Fortunately, the building escaped demolition and has been restored as apartments while keeping much of its historic appearance. Best of all, the old hotel sign is still there, giving motorists one more reason to slow down for a look.
UPDATE: The former Central Hotel has been restored, and its vintage sign continues to overlook downtown Eden. 08-26
Tutwiler Hotel (Closed)
Birmingham, AL Photo courtesy Richard Weiss
Take a look at the Tutwiler Hotel in downtown Birmingham. The classic hotel sign and handsome brick building make it easy to believe this has been welcoming travelers for generations. At first glance, you'd probably never guess there's more to the story. 04-09
The original Tutwiler Hotel opened in 1914 with the goal of becoming Birmingham's finest hotel. It served the city for decades before being demolished in 1974 as modern office towers began changing the downtown skyline. Rather than letting the famous name disappear, it found a new home a few years later when the nearby Ridgely Apartments were converted into the new Tutwiler Hotel.
The building was extensively restored in 2007, blending its historic character with modern comforts. Today it operates as a Hampton Inn and remains a member of Historic Hotels of America, giving travelers another chance to spend the night beneath one of Birmingham's best-known hotel names.
UPDATE: The Tutwiler is now a Hampton Inn & Suites. 05-17
UPDATE: The former Tutwiler continues welcoming guests in its restored historic home, keeping one of Birmingham's classic hotel buildings alive. 08-26
Chattanooga Choo Choo (Closed)
Chattanooga, TN Photo courtesy Tony Craig
It's hard to miss the giant locomotive sitting on the roof of the Chattanooga Choo Choo. The famous sign has been catching the eyes of travelers for decades, and even without its glowing neon, it's still one of Chattanooga's best-known landmarks. 11-10
The station opened in 1909 as Chattanooga's grand railroad terminal before the last passenger train departed in 1970. Rather than disappearing, the depot found a new life as the Chattanooga Choo Choo Hotel in 1973, complete with shops, restaurants, gardens, and restored Pullman rail cars. The old rooftop train quickly became just as memorable as the station itself.
Today the historic terminal remains the centerpiece of the property, while the hotel's lodging has been reimagined as The Hotel Chalet. Whether you're a railroad fan or just passing through town, it's worth stopping by for a look.
UPDATE: The Chattanooga Choo Choo is permanently closed and the famous rooftop locomotive sign no longer lights up at night. 08-26
Hotel Riceland (Closed)
The Carolina Hotel
The Carolina Hotel
Central Hotel
Tutwiler Hotel (Closed)
Chattanooga Choo Choo (Closed)
