Staying at the most luxurious hotels in the world is a pleasure only awarded to a few. Yet once a visitor has taken all the spa treatments, eaten exceptional food, and rested fully, many hotels can start to look the same. That is when one steeped in history and grandeur starts to be an attractive proposition.
Something is satisfying when walking the corridors of those who have left an indelible mark on the world, or in stepping back to a bygone era, such as the Château Frontenac, built in 1892 in Quebec City, Canada. It has hosted many important moments in history, such as the First and Second Quebec Conferences, two highly secret military conferences held during World War II by the governments of Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The chief representatives were Canadian Prime Minister William Lyon Mackenzie King, United Kingdom Prime Minister Winston Churchill, and United States President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
Below, we list some of the best historical luxury hotel stays from around the globe:
Rambagh Palace, India
Few nurses can claim that they have had a palace built for them. However, this building in Rajasthan, India, started life in 1935 as a summer home for the nurse of Ram Singh II. Later, its forest location five miles outside the city saw it upgraded to a hunting lodge. To house the Maharaja, it had an extremely plush upgrade. It was then expanded once more, transforming it into a huge palace, whereupon it became his principal residence.
Most historical is its fantastic roll call of former guests. From Prince Charles to Jackie Kennedy, history oozes from each regal pillar and veranda. You can play croquet on the lawn and have afternoon tea, or just hide from the heat of the Indian sun with a cool gin and tonic.
Cairo Marriot Hotel
The Cairo Marriot Hotel and Omar Khayyam Casino reside in the former visitor’s palace. Built in 1869, it was originally the Gezirah Palace for the Khedive Isma’il Pasha. Built to house the French Emperor Napoleon III when he arrived to celebrate the opening of the Suez Canal, not only is it one of the largest hotels in the world, but it is also one of the tallest buildings in Cairo. During World War I, it was even repurposed as a hospital for the Australian army after the Battle of Gallipoli.
Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan, Japan
According to the Guinness Book of Records, The Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkanis is the oldest hotel in the world. Built in 704 AD, it was created by Fujiwara Mahito, who was the son of an aide to the emperor. Its purpose was to capitalize on the nearby hot water of Hakuho Springs.
Astoundingly, the hotel has been passed down to 52 family generations. It had a huge renovation in 1997 and 2005, as free-flowing hot springs were added to every room. Laying at the foot of the Akaishi Mountains, there is little to do apart from soaking, relaxing, and taking in the tranquil environment. Unfortunately, the hotel only has 37 rooms, so it is advisable to book well in advance.
Check back often, as we will continually update this list, with some of the most historical luxury hotels around the world.
