History and Hospitality at Boone Tavern Hotel, Berea

Tucked into the heart of Berea, Kentucky, the Boone Tavern Hotel delivers a rare blend of historic charm, refined service, and educational spirit. Built in 1909 at the intersection of the old Dixie Highway and College Square, this Colonial Revival-style hotel stands as a legacy to Appalachian resilience and elegance. Every corner of this boutique property echoes the vision of Eleanor Frost, who dreamed of a grand space to host the growing number of visitors to Berea College. What began as a solution to a hospitality challenge has become one of Kentucky’s most distinguished hotels.

Where History Lives and Breathes

The Boone Tavern Hotel is not a relic frozen in time. It is alive with stories and accomplishments. Restored under the guidance of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the hotel has been a proud member of Historic Hotels of America since 1994. Its legacy is rooted in community, education, and an unyielding commitment to excellence.

Constructed with materials sourced from Berea College’s student brickyard and brought to life by the skilled hands of students in the Woodwork Department, the building embodies a tradition of craftsmanship and purpose. The name “Tavern” harkens back to the historical meaning of the word: a welcoming inn for travelers seeking rest and sustenance.

Throughout its history, the hotel has welcomed prominent figures such as President Calvin Coolidge and First Lady Grace Coolidge, Eleanor Roosevelt, Maya Angelou, and Henry Ford. These visits helped shape the hotel’s national reputation as a place of comfort, hospitality, and distinction.

Student-Run Excellence

Boone Tavern is more than a place to stay. It is a working laboratory where the students of Berea College learn the art of hospitality. As part of the college’s full-participation work-study program, students take on meaningful roles within the hotel as clerks, servers, bellhops, and managers in training. This experience helps them build skills in business, communication, and operations.

Berea College itself is a pioneer in progressive education. Founded in 1855 by abolitionists John Gregg Fee and Cassius Marcellus Clay, the college was the first in the South to be both racially integrated and coeducational. Every student attends tuition-free, thanks to generous endowment support, and participates in at least ten hours of labor each week across more than 130 departments.

The Boone Tavern Hotel exemplifies this commitment to learning through doing. Every guest interaction supports a larger mission of empowerment and opportunity.

Colonial Comfort with Modern Accents

The hotel features 63 guestrooms, each thoughtfully appointed with hand-made early American furniture crafted by Berea students. The warmth of fine woodwork and timeless design creates an inviting atmosphere that reflects the surrounding Appalachian character. The hotel was the first in Kentucky to earn LEED Gold certification, proving that it embraces sustainability alongside tradition.

Expect plush bedding, elegant decor, and an atmosphere that promotes rest and renewal. Whether you’re staying for a weekend getaway or attending a conference, the attention to detail is unmistakable.

A Culinary Tradition Reinvented

Dining at Boone Tavern is a rich part of the guest experience. The Boone Tavern Restaurant, long celebrated for its southern hospitality and classic Kentucky flavors, has earned accolades including the Duncan Hines Excellence in Hospitality Award. One signature dish, spoonbread—a soft, cornmeal-based delicacy—has become so iconic that Berea hosts an annual Spoonbread Festival in its honor.

From March through June, the hotel is undergoing an exciting renovation of its dining area. The new concept, Crafted, will introduce a modern restaurant, bar, and lounge that promises to elevate the dining experience. During this transition, meals continue to be served in the Skylight Room, ensuring that guests enjoy comforting dishes in a refined setting.

Berea College Visitor Center and Shoppe

Guests can extend their experience of the Boone Tavern Hotel by exploring the Berea College Visitor Center and Shoppe. Operated by students, the shop features official college gear and a remarkable selection of hand-made crafts. These pieces showcase the artistry and skill developed in the college’s various craft programs. Free campus and craft industry tours are available, offering insights into the college’s unique educational model. Live demonstrations add a dynamic touch, allowing visitors to see students at work.

Why Boone Tavern Stands Out

The Boone Tavern Hotel does more than deliver refined lodging and gourmet dining. It tells a story of determination, vision, and legacy. From its roots in social activism to its current standing as a sustainable, student-run boutique property, every guest contributes to something greater than themselves. Whether you’re drawn by architectural beauty, culinary heritage, or educational innovation, Boone Tavern offers a layered experience rooted in authenticity.

Essential Information

• Address: 100 Main Street, Berea, Kentucky 40403, USA
• Phone: 1-800-366-9358 or 1-859-985-3700
• Website: berea.edu
• Reservations: Available online or by phone
• Dining: Crafted (new concept launching soon), meals currently served in the Skylight Room
• Accessibility: LEED Gold certified, modern amenities blended with historical features

Boone Tavern Hotel invites travelers to slow down, reflect, and engage with a destination shaped by legacy, learning, and local spirit. Every stay is a chapter in an ongoing story that began more than a century ago.