For a hundred years, Hotel Morgan has stood as a cornerstone of downtown Morgantown. This year, it’s being recognized not just for its history, but for its remarkable comeback. The Morgantown Area Partnership has named Hotel Morgan the 2025 Mid-Sized Business of the Year, honoring its restoration, continued growth, and deep connection to the community.
Originally opened in 1924, the boutique hotel underwent a full renovation in 2021—reviving its signature charm while creating a space ready for the next century. From the original wood-paneled ballroom with marble floors to its upcoming eighth-floor event space, the hotel blends timeless elegance with modern hospitality.
“There’s a deep, rich history here,” Clinton Kinder, general manager, said. “JFK stayed here. So did Harry S. Truman and Eleanor Roosevelt.”
Today, Hotel Morgan serves as more than just a place to stay. It’s a go-to spot for everything from state government meetings to school groups, weddings, and corporate events. As the only hotel of its kind in the area, it fills a unique role in both the lodging market and the city’s identity.
“The work the Thrash family did to restore and renovate this hotel to its former glory is immeasurable,” Mark Downs, former president of Main Street Morgantown, said. “It’s critical not only to downtown Morgantown, but to the university, families, and visitors from across the region.”
In 2024, the hotel celebrated its 100th anniversary—welcoming a new generation of guests while preserving the stories of those who came before.
“When that building was built, there were elevator operators. There’s a penthouse suite above the eighth floor. There’s nothing cookie-cutter about this place,” Susan Riddle, president and CEO of Visit Mountaineer Country CVB noted. “It has a sense and style of being classic and timeless.”
Hotel Morgan’s team says the award is a reflection of their staff’s hard work and hospitality-first mindset.
With more renovations underway and a steady stream of new visitors, Hotel Morgan continues to write the next chapter in its legacy—rooted in elegance, experience, and a deep commitment to the community it serves.
