Historic National Park Hotels of the World Quiz

Answer: Banff Springs Hotel

The Banff Springs Hotel, now operated by the Fairmont chain of hotels, was modeled after a Scottish castle. It is located in the Banff Lake Louise National Park area. The furnishings in the hotel were all made by the Castle and Son Company of Montreal and were exact replicas of furniture found in European castles.

The hotel was built in the late 1800's to entice visitors to the Banff National Park, via the railway system.

Answer: El Tovar

The El Tovar was opened in 1905. It was built by the Santa Fe Railway Company as a way to attract visitors to the Grand Canyon National Park, via the railway system. It was owned and operated by the Fred Harvey Company. The architect was Charles Whittlesey who envisioned a grand lodge, rustic in appearance, fitting in to its surroundings.

Answer: Old Faithful Inn

Old Faithful Inn was built by the Northern Pacific Railway Company in 1903. The architect was Robert Reamer. In 1913 and 1927 he designed two additional wings to the hotel. The original wing is now called the "Old House". The hotel is constructed of exposed log and wood frame construction.

Its rustic appearance would influence future construction of hotels in the National Park system. It is located a short walk from Old Faithful Geyser in Yellowstone National Park. Its lobby is furnished with many pieces of the original Mission style furiniture.

It is one of the few remaining log hotels in the U.S.

Answer: The Wawona Hotel

The Wawona Hotel first opened in 1876 as a stage coach stop for visitors entering Yosemite National Park. It is built in the Victorian style. Thomas Hill, the famous landscape artist lived here and his studio is still part of the hotel. In 1932 the Wawona area was added to the Yosemite National Park. The hotel is the largest Victorian structure in the U.S. National Park system.

Answer: Painted Desert Inn

The Painted Desert Inn first opened in 1940. Its architecture design was based on the dwellings of the Pueblo Indians. It also has Spanish-Colonial influences in the design. The inn was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps using money from the WPA.

It sits on a mesa overlooking the Painted Desert portion of the Petrified Forest National Park. Famous Hopi artist Fred Kabotie painted four large murals in the hotel. The inn only operated 6 guest rooms, as well as a coffee shop and store. Since 2006, it has operated as a museum and bookstore only.

Answer: Mount Kenya Safari Club

The Mount Kenya Safari Club located a short distant from the entrance to Mount Kenya National Park and the Sweetwaters Game Reserve, was first opened by movie star William Holden as his personal retreat. He expanded the dwellings to make a private luxury club. Past members included Bing Crosby and Winston Churchill.

It is now opened as a luxury hotel for visitors to Mount Kenya National Park.

Answer: Chateau Lake Louise

The Chateau Lake Louise is now operated by the Fairmont chain of hotels. It is located deep in the Banff National Park on the shores of Lake Louise. The hotel first was opened in 1890, as a two room cabin. Its popularity with mountaineers, soon made it apparent that a larger hotel was needed.

In 1911, the Chateau Lake Louise was opened. It was modeled after chateaus in France. Many celebrities stayed there while filming in the Canadian rockies, including Alfred Hitchcock, Marilyn Monroe, Douglas Fairbanks and Mary Pickford.

It has also hosted many members of royalty, including Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip.

Answer: The Grand Chateau

The Grand Chateau sits at the base of Mt. Ruapehu. It is a classic Georgian-style hotel. The hotel is a short hike from Mt. Ngauruhoe, which recently was used as Mt. Doom in the 'Lord Of The Rings' film trilogy.

Answer: Snowdonia National Park

Snowdonia National Park was designated a National Park in 1951. It encompasses 2,171 square kilometers. The Carneddan and Glyderan Mountains are located in the park. The Ty'r Graig Castle Hotel is located at Barmouth, Gwynedd in North Wales. It sits at the edge of the National Park.

The castle is a Victorian castle architecture and has elaborate stained glass windows, decorative floors, and elaborate mouldings.

Answer: it is a tradional Japanese-style inn

A Ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn made of wood. They are characterized by traditional Japanese architecture and furnishings. Each room would feature shoji, or sliding paper doors, tatami, or mat flooring, and futons, also known as sleeping mats. The Kamon Ryokan is well known for its on site hot spring baths and Japanese gardens. Ryokans also serve their guests kaiseki-style meals, which include traditional Japanese cuisine.

The Kamon Ryokan has 32 Japanese guest rooms, and 2 which are more "westernized".

Inside the Ryokan are 2 communal hot spring baths. One for men and one for women. Outside are two other hot spring baths used for both men and women.