15 Most Iconic Historic Hotels: Luxury Meets Legacy
Travel is about discovering new places, connecting with new people and learning about their cultures. While most people add museums, churches, popular attractions, and activities to their travel to-do lists, there is one aspect of travel that many don’t consider as part of that experience. I’m talking about historic hotels, and I don’t just mean the accommodation.
Hotels have been a staple for travellers for centuries, providing shelter and comfort in unfamiliar places. While many have come and gone, some have stood the test of time, becoming iconic landmarks. Here are 15 iconic historic hotels I think you should check out on your travels.
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Grand Hotel Excelsior Victoria, Sorrento, Italy
Perched dramatically on a cliff overlooking the Gulf of Naples, the Grand Hotel Excelsior Victoria in Sorrento is a masterpiece of timeless elegance. Since its opening in 1834, this family-owned hotel has been captivating guests with its breathtaking views, luxurious accommodations, and rich history.
The hotel’s rooms are adorned with antique furnishings and frescoes, and many offer luxurious terraces with stunning views. Beyond its opulent interiors, the hotel houses expansive Mediterranean gardens, three restaurants and a spa. This is definitely the place to live out your best La Dolce Vita fantasy.
Book your stay at the Grand Hotel Excelsior Victoria
La Mamounia, Marrakech, Morocco
La Mamounia is synonymous with Moroccan luxury and has been featured by many on social media. Originally part of the gardens of a royal prince, this iconic hotel opened its doors in 1923. Its enchanting blend of traditional Moroccan and Art Deco architecture and meticulously preserved 20-acre gardens create an unforgettable experience. With a guest list that reads like a who’s who of history and celebrity, La Mamounia continues to be a magnet for discerning travellers seeking opulence and refinement.
The Savoy, London, United Kingdom
The Savoy, located on London’s Strand, is a true icon of British luxury. When it opened in 1889, it pioneered innovations like electric lights, elevators and en-suite bathrooms, setting a new standard for hospitality. Today, you can stay here as you enjoy London or simply stop by the iconic American bar, which has been serving drinks for the last 130 years.
The Savoy has witnessed history unfold by being Winston Churchill’s favoured retreat and a popular haunt of Hollywood legends. Its recent multi-million dollar restoration has preserved its timeless elegance while incorporating modern comforts, ensuring it remains at the forefront of London’s hotel scene.
Book your stay at the Savoy in London
Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan, Japan
Holding the title Guinness title of the world’s oldest hotel, Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan in Japan has welcomed guests for over 1,300 years. Even more impressive is that the hotel has been run by the same family all this time. The hotel is located in the Yamanashi Prefecture mountains. It is the perfect place if you’re looking for a relaxing getaway while enjoying the outdoors.
This serene ryokan offers a quintessentially Japanese experience. You can enjoy the nearby hot springs, known for their healing properties, and relax in the traditional wooden interiors. The hotel offers modern amenities, but its authentic charm will make you feel like you’ve been transported back through the centuries.
Book your stay at the world’s oldest hotel in Japan
Raffles Hotel, Singapore
Raffles Hotel has become an integral part of Singapore’s heritage. It was established in 1887 by two Armenian hotelier brothers from Turkey and was named after the founder of modern Singapore, Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles. Its white façade, lofty verandas and lush tropical gardens channel the opulent style of the British colonial era in Southeast Asia. The hotel is the birthplace of the Singapore Sling cocktail and hosted literary greats like Somerset Maugham and Rudyard Kipling.
Book your stay at Raffles Hotel
Hotel Adlon Kempinski, Berlin, Germany
The Hotel Adlon Kempinski opened in 1907 near the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin. It quickly became the place to be for royalty, celebrities and politicians, including the likes of Charlie Chaplin and Queen Elizabeth II. Despite sustaining heavy damage during World War II, the hotel was meticulously rebuilt, retaining its old-world charm while incorporating modern luxuries. Its neoclassical architecture, grand marble lobby, and luxurious suites will transport you to a time of European elegance.
Book your stay at the Hotel Adlon Kempinski
Belmont Copa Cabana Palace, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
The Belmont Copa Cabana Palace is a quintessential Rio de Janeiro landmark. Opened in 1923, its Art Deco grandeur and beachfront location have made it a symbol of the city’s vibrant spirit. Over the years, it’s been a popular destination for countless celebrities and royalty. It also witnessed history unfold, and its recent renovations have ensured it remains a premier destination for luxury seekers.
Book your stay at the Copacabana Palace today
Grand Hotel Europe, St. Petersburg, Russia
Grand Hotel Europe is a living legend, having witnessed the tumultuous history of St. Petersburg. Originally opened in 1875, it has hosted royalty, artists and world leaders. Its recent restoration has brought back its former glory while incorporating modern comforts, making it a must-stay for visitors to this enchanting city.
Book your stay at Grand Hotel Europe
Gran Hotel Inglés, Madrid, Spain
As Madrid’s oldest hotel, Gran Hotel Inglés has been around since 1886. Its elegant interiors, prime location, and commitment to excellence have made it a favourite among discerning travellers. The hotel’s recent renovation has beautifully combined its historic charm with contemporary amenities.
Book your stay at the Gran Hotel Inglés
Hotel de Crillon, Paris, France
Originally built as a private residence for foreign ambassadors in the 18th century, Hotel de Crillon has witnessed centuries of French history. Its transformation into a luxury hotel in the early 20th century solidified its status as one of Paris’ most prestigious addresses. With its recent extensive renovation, the hotel has regained its former glory while incorporating modern amenities.
Book your stay at Hotel de Crillon
The Gritti Palace, Venice, Italy
The Gritti Palace is a true Venetian masterpiece in a 16th-century Gothic palazzo. Originally built as a private residence for the Doge Andrea Gritti, it has welcomed famous guests from Ernest Hemingway to Peggy Guggenheim. It has Murano glass chandeliers, marble floors, intricate frescoes and spectacular canal views that will make you feel the magic of Venice in all its glory.
Book your stay at the Gritti Palace
Brown’s Hotel, a Rocco Forte Hotel, London
Established in 1837, Brown’s Hotel is one of London’s oldest and most prestigious hotels. This Mayfair landmark has a rich history, having hosted famous guests such as Rudyard Kipling and Stephen King. It has also been the go-to hotel for numerous celebrities and royalty. The hotel’s recent renovation has seamlessly blended its classic Victorian charm with modern amenities, offering the best of both.
Book your stay at the Brown’s Hotel
Ritz Carlton, Paris
Few hotels are as intertwined with the fabric of Parisian culture as The Ritz. Founded by César Ritz in 1898, this luxury hotel sits in the heart of the city’s 1st arrondissement. It is designed in an elegant French classical style and offers opulent interiors reminiscent of Louis XVI décor. It’s a place of legends, where Coco Chanel lived for over 30 years, and Ernest Hemingway famously “liberated” the hotel in WWII. Its gilded suites, antique furnishings, and a long list of high-profile guests make The Ritz synonymous with timeless Parisian elegance.
Hotel Sacher, Vienna, Austria
Famous for the decadent chocolate cake Sachertorte, Hotel Sacher has been a Viennese institution since 1876. Located across from the Vienna State Opera, it showcases a mix of classic Viennese and Rococo styles, with its chandeliers, red velvet, and gilded décor creating an air of imperial grandeur. The hotel’s history is intertwined with Austria’s cultural elite, making it the perfect throwback to Vienna’s imperial past.
Book you stay at Hotel Sacher in Vienna
Gstaad Palace, Switzerland
Nestled in the Swiss Alps, the Gstaad Palace has been a beacon of alpine luxury since 1913. This grand hotel, with its distinctive Renaissance-style architecture, has long been a favourite retreat for European royalty and celebrities. Its stunning mountain setting, world-class skiing, and exceptional service have earned it a reputation as one of the finest hotels in Switzerland.
Book your stay at Gstaad Palace
The allure of historic hotels
What makes historic hotels so appealing goes beyond the five star luxury they offer. For me, the buildings they are in are just as fascinating and worth visiting. They not only offer a glimpse into the past, they represent a different world. One that is filled with famous people, interesting tales, intrigue and historical events that’ve influenced the world we live in today.
So next time you travel, consider checking out a historic hotel (there are many more out there) even in you choose not to stay there. Many have bars or restaurants on premises that you can visit without being a guest. That way , you can treat yourself to a night out and imagine what the place must have looked like 100 years ago. Have fun!
