Mount Washington Inn
Where History Sleeps In The White Mountains
At Wander Through Time, we spotlight historic destinations that transport you into another era—and Mount Washington Inn is one of New Hampshire’s most iconic and luxurious examples.
Perched at the base of New Hampshire’s highest peak, the Mount Washington Inn is more than just a luxury resort—it’s a living monument to American ambition, elegance, and world-changing history. With its red rooflines, sweeping porches, and postcard-worthy views of the Presidential Range, this Gilded Age masterpiece has welcomed guests since 1902—and the stories it holds are as vast as the mountain shadows it casts.
The iconic Mount Washington Inn, set against the dramatic backdrop of New Hampshire’s Presidential Range.
🏛️ Gilded Beginnings in the White Mountains
The idea for the inn was born from the vision (and fortune) of Joseph Stickney, a wealthy industrialist who had already made his mark on the region. Determined to create a mountain retreat that rivaled the grandeur of Europe’s finest, Stickney commissioned architect Charles Alling Gifford to design the hotel. With construction beginning in 1900, it took two years, hundreds of craftsmen, and the talents of Italian artisans to complete.
The result? A 250-room marvel made of steel and granite, filled with custom woodwork, imported furnishings, and more than a touch of old-world charm. From the very start, the Mount Washington Inn wasn’t just a place to stay—it was a destination to be seen. Many guests arrived via private railcars and stayed for weeks at a time, soaking in the mountain air and the luxury.
The 1902 Dining Room reflects the inn’s blend of mountain elegance and formal historic charm.
🌍 The World Came to Bretton Woods
In July 1944, the inn became the unlikely host of one of the most consequential financial meetings in modern history: the Bretton Woods Conference. Delegates from 44 Allied nations gathered here to create what would become the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank.
For three weeks, this serene mountain resort was transformed into a global policy stage. The Gold Room, where agreements were signed, still stands as a quiet reminder of the pivotal choices made within its walls. Delegates worked long hours crafting a framework that would stabilize currencies and promote economic recovery after World War II.
Rooms that once housed these world leaders are now elegant guest suites, lovingly preserved to honor their role in shaping the modern economic landscape. If the walls could talk, they’d speak in multiple languages about power, diplomacy, and the ambition to create a better world order.
🏛️ Architectural Grandeur
Beyond its historic legacy, the inn is a masterpiece of architecture and engineering. With 11 miles of plumbing, more than 2,000 doors, and soaring ceilings throughout, every corner is filled with craftsmanship and care.
Its iconic red roof was originally made of Spanish tiles, chosen for their fire resistance and striking contrast against the snowy landscape. The interior decor blends Beaux-Arts formality with cozy mountain-lodge elements—think massive fireplaces, grand pianos, and hand-carved woodwork.
The Hemicycle, with its arched windows and bright conservatory feel, remains a popular venue for afternoon teas and quiet reflection. Guests still admire the Tiffany-style stained glass, intricately tiled fireplaces, and sweeping staircases that whisper of another era.
The Hemicycle, or Conservatory Room, is one of the inn’s most iconic architectural spaces—bathed in light and layered with turn-of-the-century elegance.
One room in particular—Room 314—is often singled out not just for its décor, but for the feeling it gives some visitors. More on that… later.
👻 From Ghosts to Golfers
Today, the Mount Washington Inn is many things: a luxury getaway, a family resort, a ski lodge, and yes—a place where the past still lingers.
Some guests request Room 314 specifically, citing its connection to Carolyn Stickney, Joseph’s widow and the inn’s first lady of style. Rumors suggest she never truly left. Her portrait still watches over the grand staircase, and some say her presence can be felt in the elegant Princess Room, which once served as her private dining quarters.
Other echoes of the past remain too—such as the staff’s reverence for the building’s quirks, the hidden nooks of old service corridors, and the atmospheric bar known as The Cave, which has its own Prohibition-era stories. Whether you believe in ghosts or just enjoy a good story, it’s one more thread in the inn’s richly woven tapestry.
🧘♀️ The Mount Washington Experience Today
Modern guests can enjoy the best of both worlds: timeless beauty with modern comforts. There are options to stay in historic rooms or the newer Presidential Wing, which includes enhanced accessibility, private balconies, and a rooftop Observatory Bar offering panoramic views.
he Observatory Bar offers panoramic views of the Presidential Range—especially breathtaking during autumn evenings.
The resort offers an award-winning spa, fine and casual dining options such as the 1902 Dining Room and Stickney’s Restaurant, indoor and outdoor pools, golf, and access to Bretton Woods, New Hampshire’s largest ski area. In the warmer months, activities include fly fishing, hiking, horseback riding, and even ziplining.
A personal favorite? The Cave—an atmospheric, stone-walled bar originally used as a speakeasy during Prohibition. It’s the kind of place where history feels alive with every sip and the low lighting sets the mood for whispered tales.
Explore current offerings: Omni Mount Washington Resort Activities
📜 Why It Still Matters
The Mount Washington Inn isn’t just a destination—it’s a journey through American history, architecture, and memory. Whether you’re there for the skiing, the spa, the stories, or the scenery, you’ll find yourself stepping into a chapter of the past with every hallway and horizon.
And if you hear a creak in the floorboards? Well, you might just be walking alongside a ghost—or simply feeling the weight of 120 years of stories underfoot.
