Looking for suggestions for unique accommodation options that are out of the ordinary? Travel back in time to rooms and luxury areas in hotels that have hosted everyone from the Queen of England and Winston Churchill to Alfred Hitchcock and Arnold Schwarzenegger.
- Claridge’s, London, United Kingdom (1856)
Since opening its doors in the 19th century, this famous hotel has hosted celebrities such as Jackie Kennedy Onassis, designers such as Diane von Furstenberg and David Lindley, as well as royalty and politicians. Even Queen Victoria and Winston Churchill have stayed at Claridge’s.
- Hoshi Ryokan, Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan (717)
Built near the Sea of Japan, this century-old hotel has been run by the same family for 46 generations. In the millennium since its establishment, its owners carried out a major expansion, adding 100 rooms.
- Hotel Balzac, Paris, France (EU) (1875)
Although it was originally built as the home of the director of the Paris Opera and was the home of the famous author Honoré de Balzac, this building was only converted into a hotel in 1875. After more than 150 years, Balzac was renovated in 2007, with decorative touches reminiscent of its neoclassical roots. In addition to luxurious accommodation, it offers its guests the best view of the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe and many other sights of the city from its suites.
- Zum Roten Bären, Freiburg, Germany (EU) (1120)
It even managed to survive centuries of wear and tear, its many owners and two World Wars. Its name means “the red bear” and has had it since it was converted into a hotel in the 14th century.
- Cliveden House, Berkshire, United Kingdom (1666)
The first owner of the 300-year-old English building, George Villiers, also known as the second Duke of Buckingham, extended his property with an impressive 160-acre garden. Cliveden has seen many changes since it was purchased by William Waldorf Astor in 1893 and was finally converted into a hotel in 1984.
- Rambagh Palace, Jaipur, India (1835)
The 19th century Rambagh Palace has been called the “Jewel of Jaipur” and not without reason. It was the home of one of the women of the then queen’s personal entourage, later it was converted into a royal guest house, a hunting lodge and finally a hotel. Many of the hotel’s luxurious touches, such as the marble corridors, rich carpets and gardens transport guests to the palace’s glorious past. The Steam restaurant is located in a restored vintage train.
- Villa d’Este, Lake Como, Italy (EU) (1568)
This impressive building in one of Italy’s most famous tourist resorts was originally built in the 16th century as a summer residence for an Italian Cardinal and converted into a hotel over three centuries later. Since then, Villa d’Este has attracted the rich and famous, including Mark Twain, Alfred Hitchcock, and Arnold Schwarzenegger.
