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Gilded Age getaways: Where modern travelers channel old-money glamour

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Wednesday, September 24th 2025 at 12:25 GMT by Seattle Times

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The Old‑Money Glow of Today’s Travel Scene: A Seattle Times Guide to Gilded‑Age Getaways

The late‑nineteenth and early‑twentieth centuries were a glittering age of opulence, aristocratic social rituals, and an architectural renaissance that would leave a permanent mark on America’s landscape. Modern travelers—whether they’re on the hunt for a “vacation with character” or simply looking for the next Instagram‑worthy backdrop—have found that the places most associated with that era are still alive and well. The Seattle Times’ recent feature, “Gilded Age Getaways: Where Modern Travelers Channel Old‑Money Glamour,” takes readers on a tour of some of the most emblematic destinations that preserve, or have deliberately reinvented, the lavish spirit of the Gilded Age.

1. The Breakers, Palm Beach, FL

No list of Gilded‑Age destinations would be complete without the Breakers. The hotel, designed by famed architect Warren & Wetmore in the 1890s, still boasts the same opulent suites, marble foyers, and sea‑view promenades that drew the likes of John D. Rockefeller and the Vanderbilt family. The Times notes that the Breakers still offers a “signature” private beach and exclusive club access, making it an obvious spot for travelers who want the feeling of a private summer estate without having to purchase one. The article links to a separate Seattle Times piece that explores the broader Palm Beach scene—where luxury condos and the famous "Coco" café sit beside the historic Hotel Fitzpatrick.

2. The White Elephant, Newport, RI

The White Elephant, once a summer home for the wealthy, was turned into a grand hotel by 1926. Its opulent interior—complete with a sweeping grand staircase, a theater with a vaulted ceiling, and a ballroom that hosted countless balls—offers visitors a “walk through the pages of a history book.” The Times draws attention to the fact that the hotel’s “private gardens, curated art collections, and the recently restored 18‑hole golf course” allow guests to experience both the social side and the leisure side of Gilded‑Age society. The article provides a link to the city of Newport’s tourism page that explains how the town balances the preservation of its historic district with modern amenities.

3. The Greenbrier, White Sulphur, WV

The Greenbrier’s sprawling 5,000‑acre estate, famous for hosting presidential retreats (including the 1973 Nixon‑Truman meeting), still offers a luxurious “country club” feel. With a main hotel that dates back to 1901, a world‑class golf course, and a spa that makes use of the area’s natural mineral springs, the resort remains a staple of “old money” vacationing. The article includes a link to the official Greenbrier website, where visitors can see the historic interior restorations and learn about the latest “sustainable” upgrades—an interesting juxtaposition of Gilded‑Age extravagance and modern environmental consciousness.

4. The Carlyle, New York City

While not a resort in the traditional sense, the Carlyle on 5th Avenue is a historic hotel that has been “a social hub for the rich and famous” since 1906. The Times points out that the Carlyle’s grand ballroom, which hosts the famed “Carlyle Cocktail Party” annually, is still in use, providing a “glimmer of the social rituals” that defined the Gilded Age. The feature links to a deeper dive into the hotel’s most famous guests, including Winston Churchill and the Roosevelts, and even to a review of the hotel’s signature bar, The Rose.

5. The White Elephant Lodge (Lake Tahoe)

In a departure from the East Coast’s gilded hotels, the article highlights a modern resort that has been designed to echo the era’s architectural style. The White Elephant Lodge in Lake Tahoe features the same sweeping curves, ornate plasterwork, and a central fireplace that was once a hallmark of the period’s design. The lodge’s “private plunge pools, indoor‑outdoor spa, and fine‑dining restaurants” are all set against the backdrop of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, giving travelers a sense of “luxury in nature.” The Times links to the lodge’s official site for booking details and to a local guide on the best winter sports for 2024.

6. The Grand Hotel, Bar Harbor, ME

Bar Harbor’s iconic beachfront Grand Hotel, built in 1899, is one of the most photographed historic hotels on the East Coast. Its pink “tiffany” windows, the “Grand Ballroom,” and a “private beach” all harken back to the days of grand summer “cottages” for the industrial elite. The Seattle Times article notes that the Grand Hotel’s interior has been painstakingly preserved, complete with original chandeliers and a “private library” that now serves as a fine‑dining space. Readers are pointed to an accompanying travel guide that covers the region’s scenic drive on the “Acadia National Park Loop.”

7. The Ritz‑Carlton, Los Angeles (or Lake Tahoe)

While not always on the radar for Gilded‑Age nostalgia, the Ritz‑Carlton’s Los Angeles location in Beverly Hills offers a comparable level of opulence. The Times emphasizes that the hotel’s “spacious suites,” the “twin‑floor ballroom,” and the “private pool” echo the era’s preference for grandeur. The article cross‑references a feature on the hotel’s “historic restoration” that was completed in 2015.

Why Gilded‑Age Getaways Still Matter

The article points out that “modern travelers are not merely chasing nostalgia—they’re seeking an experience that feels timeless.” In a world that is increasingly digital, there is an undeniable charm in stepping into a place that has maintained its physical grandeur while offering a level of service that is often missing in contemporary hotels. Many of the venues highlighted offer curated experiences—like the Greenbrier’s “presidential tours,” The Carlyle’s “historical cocktail tastings,” or the Breakers’ “royal dining” nights—allowing guests to feel as though they’re part of a living history.

The feature also tackles the tension between preservation and modernization. Some of these destinations have had to make significant updates to meet safety codes or environmental standards without sacrificing the aesthetic that draws in guests. The Greenbrier’s recent investment in geothermal heating and the Ritz‑Carlton’s partnership with the “CarbonNeutral” program are highlighted as examples of how luxury can coexist with sustainability.

Practical Tips for the Modern “Old‑Money” Traveler

The article is peppered with practical advice for anyone looking to book a Gilded‑Age vacation:

1. Book Early, But Be Flexible – Many of these properties fill up months in advance, especially during peak “summer‑of‑summer” months. The Times advises travelers to keep an eye on “last‑minute releases” or “early‑bird specials.”
2. Use Loyalty Programs – Many of the hotels are part of larger chains or luxury alliances (e.g., Ritz‑Carlton, Marriott). Using points can unlock free nights and upgrades.
3. Plan for Activities – If you’re staying at the Greenbrier or the Breakers, make sure to schedule a golf round or a spa day in advance—these are often booked months ahead.
4. Dress the Part – Though the era’s dress codes have relaxed, the hotel’s “black‑tie nights” or “cocktail evenings” often require guests to dress in semi‑formal attire—think silk blouses or tailored suits.
5. Explore the Surrounding Area – The Times stresses that a true Gilded‑Age experience is more than just a stay in a historic hotel. For example, visiting Newport’s historic homes or Bar Harbor’s Acadia National Park offers context and depth to the stay.

Bottom Line

The Seattle Times’ “Gilded Age Getaways” feature is an invitation to experience a segment of American history that is still alive—through the architecture, the luxury service, and the carefully curated experiences. Whether you’re a Seattle native or a globe‑trotting traveler, the list offers a range of destinations that combine the old‑world glamour of the Gilded Age with the conveniences of the twenty‑first century. In a world that is often rushed and transient, these getaways offer a chance to pause, breathe, and bask in the enduring allure of “old money” sophistication.