Built in the early 1860s, the American Hotel served as a refuge for visitors. It expanded in 1881 and included a dining room, billiards room, barber, and saloon.4 Starting in 1903, the hotel had its own transportation service where guests were able to use the horse and buggy service to travel anywhere in the village limits. Over the years, it had other names, including the North American, the Dewey, and the Golling. A new brick front was added in 1906 and was then named the Romeo Hotel which remained its name until it was demolished in 1960.8 The site where the hotel was is where the Speedway gas station is today.
This juxtaposition feature shows the evolution of The American Hotel in Romeo, Michigan. On the left, we have a historical image and on the right, the current state of the building as it stands today (March 2025). This comparison highlights the changes over the years and serves as a reminder of the area's rich history.
Drawing of Hotel
Advertisement in The Romeo Argus, July 2, 1857.
Photograph depicting the hotel as a wooden structure. Donated by Allan W. Steeter to the Romeo Historical Society.
The North American, The Romeo Observer, date unknown.
The American Hotel also had its own transportation service starting in 1903. Guests were able to use the service to travel anywhere in the village limits (McLaughlin).
A new brick front was added to the American Hotel in 1906 and was then named the Romeo Hotel. This photo, taken around 1910, shows a cafe entrance on the right and employees standing outside the front entrance (McLaughlin).
1917 photograph sent to The Romeo Observer by Mrs. Earl Hanson. The photograph was given to them by as friend when the Hansons owned the hotel. The Romeo Observer, Jan. 12, 1967.
Photograph sent to The Romeo Observer by Mrs. Slaughter. It is of an unknown celebration in front of the hotel, but the poster in the forefront says, "We are going to put Romeo on the map." The Romeo Observer, Nov. 24, 1966.
Photograph of the hotel from the 1930s/1940s.
Photograph depicting the hotel near the new WWII Military Monument and Greyhound Bus Stop. Donated by Allan W. Steeter to the Romeo Historical Society.
“For as small of a town as it is, I think it leaves a pretty lasting impression on people.”
“I still think of it as a small town with a lot of interesting history.”