A locally loved landmark with global style—welcome to Boone’s boldest stay.
Back Story
In 2019, the long-vacant building found new life as The HortonHotel, blending old-town charm with modern comfort in the heart of downtown Boone. Today, we offer 15 unique gues trooms, each with its own distinctive design, plush bedding, high-quality linens, and thoughtful touches that nod to our history and character.
And we’re not stopping there — this fall, we’re adding eight more rooms just steps away in the Hodges Building, another local landmark with stories to tell. Along with the new rooms, we’re excited to welcome a sauna, gym, and meeting space to help our guests relax, recharge, and connect. It’s all part of our promise to keep raising the bar while celebrating the best of Boone — past, present, and future.
A Historical Landmark Building
Recognized by the Boone Town Council, our storied property stands as a testament to Henry Walter Horton’s significant influence on tourism and economic development in Boone during the early 20th century.
This designation highlights our commitment to preserving the rich history and legacy of H.W. Horton, who played a pivotal role in transformingBoone from a sleepy county seat to a bustling Appalachian tourism hub after WWI.
We are honored to continue the long and rich history of this incredible property! Click here to learn more about the historical landmark designation.
What Makes Us Unique
From bespoke furnishings and bold art to Boone’s only downtown rooftop lounge, The Horton is full of surprises. We celebrate the creative, the cozy, and the unexpected—offering guests an experience that’s anything but ordinary.
Behind it all is a dedicated team who calls this mountain townhome. Fully staffed with folks who truly love this community, we’re here to share it with you — whether that’s pointing you to our favorite hidden gems or making sure your stay feels just right from start to finish.
Local Partnerships
We believe great stays grow from strong roots. That’s why we team up with Boone’s finest — from coffee wizards and crafty artists to adventure guides and wellness gurus — to sprinkle local magic into every moment. Your stay unlocks exclusive discounts with our awesome partners, and our crew’s got deep ties to all the good folks at Appalachian State University, the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Downtown Boone Development Authority. When we say we love this place, we really mean it.
So don’t be shy — ask our team for their favorite local secrets. We’re happy to spill the beans!”
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Discover Our Rich History
What is the Horton Hotel?
In 2019, this vacant space was fully renovated and developed into The Horton Hotel and is a historic boutique hotel located in the heart of downtown Boone, North Carolina. The hotel features 15 unique guest rooms, each with its own distinctive decor and modern amenities. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, featuring high-quality linens, plush bedding, and unique touches that reflect the hotel’s history and character.
In addition to the guest rooms, the Horton Hotel features a rooftop bar and lounge, offering stunning 360 degree views of the surrounding mountains and downtown area. The rooftop bar is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike, serving a wide selection of craft cocktails, beer, and wine as well as a selection of creative cocktails and artisanal wines.
Overall, the Horton Hotel is a unique and stylish destination in downtown Boone, offering a blend of historic charm and modern luxury. Whether you’re visiting the area for business or leisure, the Horton Hotel provides an unforgettable experience that is sure to leave a lasting impression. We aim to continue the Horton legacy as a great place to gather and enjoy friends, drinks, views, and the finer things.
What is the Horton building History?
- The story of The Horton Hotel begins with Henry Walter Horton, a visionary and prominent figure in Boone’s early 20th-century development. Born in 1873, Horton was a man of many talents—real estate mogul, automobile dealer, and relentless promoter of Boone as a burgeoning tourist destination. His ambition was not just to see Boone grow but to position it as a key player in the Appalachian region’s economic development.
- In 1929, Horton set out to build a structure that would embody his vision for Boone. The H.W. Horton Building, as it was initially known, was more than just another commercial property. Located at 611 West King Street, it was a sophisticated contribution to Boone’s downtown, designed to elevate the town’s architectural landscape. The building was a striking symbol of modernity and progress, boasting the highest first-floor ceiling in Boone at the time and featuring yellow brick and terracotta tile—a unique combination in the region.
- However, the timing of its completion could not have been more challenging. The stock market crash of 1929 marked the beginning of the Great Depression, a period that brought financial hardship to many, including Horton. Despite the building’s grandeur, Horton found himself overextended, and by December of that year, he lost ownership of his namesake building. It was sold at auction, and for decades afterward, it was often referred to as the Horton-Spainhour-Hodgson Building, a nod to the series of owners who followed.
Who is the man in your logo?
H. W. Horton was the original owner of the building that is now The Horton Hotel. Walter Horton built the building prior to the 1920’s, and the original business was a Studebaker Car Dealership. Walter Horton enjoyed riding his horse in town parades while wearing his uncle’s old military uniform. Our logo was inspired by a photo of Walter Horton in this regalia while astride his horse. You can see the original photo that inspired the logo on the wall behind our Front Desk!
What is the History of the Hodge’s Building:
Built in the mid-1940s by former sheriff John W. Hodges on land once home to the Carolina Pharmacy, the John W. Hodges Building has long been a cornerstone of downtown Boone. Its first floor opened as the Gateway Café in 1940 and even served as the emergency headquarters for the Watauga Red Cross during the devastating floods of that same year — a testament to its central role in the community. By 1942, the basement buzzed with life as Charlie’s Bowling Center, later known as Veterans Bowling Center, giving Boone a favorite local hangout. In 1970, a major fire damaged the Hodges Block and its neighbor, charring bricks and reshaping its facade. After the fire, the building was renovated with new windows and rustic touches while preserving much of its original character. Through floods, strikes, and fires, the Hodges Building stands as a symbol of resilience and adaptability, still woven into Boone’s story today.
Our Community
Over the years, we’ve had the privilege of creating countless incredible memories and hosting an amazing variety of guests—from travelers near and far, families, professors, professional athletes, executives, and even the ESPN Gameday crew—to earning the honor of being designated a historical landmark for preserving the rich history and legacy of H.W. Horton, whose pivotal contributions helped shape the town of Boone. This business is a way to give back to Boone and this wonderful community. Boone is not just a town; it’s a hub of incredible businesses, organizations, and people who inspire us everyday. It is our privilege to contribute to this thriving legacy by building something bigger than ourselves—a space that not only elevates luxury in Boone but also fosters opportunities for connection and growth.
As proud graduates of Appalachian State University, Boone has always been close to our hearts. Today, we are honored to continue our contribution to Boone’s dynamic culture and economy that means so much to us.
At The Horton, we strive to offer more than a place to stay—we aim to provide an experience that honors Boone’s rich history while embracing its bright future. Our goal has been to create a place where locals and visitors alike can gather, celebrate, and relax in the heart of downtown. We are excited to expand on that mission and push our community forward in the luxury space, showcasing that Boone is not only a hub of natural beauty and adventure but also a destination for refined and elevated experiences.
We are deeply thankful to be part of this community and for the support you’ve shown us throughout the years. The Horton allows us to continue growing alongside Boone, to honor its legacy, and to invest in its future.
