Checking into a historic hotel is a wonderful way to witness the grandeur of ancient architecture and get a glimpse of what life was like in a bygone era. From a medieval inn in England to an alpine villa in the Dolomites, these properties have survived wars, transitions of power, and cultural movements — all while maintaining their prestige and providing unparalleled hospitality. For an overnight experience you won’t soon forget, reserve a room at one of these six storied accommodations.
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6. Villa d’Este – Cernobbio, Italy
Year built: 1568
Nestled in the small city of Cernobbio near the Italian-Swiss border on Lake Como, Villa d’Este was originally built as a summer home for a cardinal. It later housed aristocrats including princesses, sultans, and tsars, and it opened its doors to hotel guests in 1873.
The property features 25 acres of manicured gardens and a pool often frequented by famous figures such as George and Amal Clooney, Donatella Versace, and the Heinz family. One of the most celebrated hotels in the world, the magnificent estate is akin to a fairy-tale manor and hailed for its Italian Renaissance architecture, impressive art collection, and dreamy lake views that inspire anyone lucky enough to wander the grounds.
5. Lygon Arms – Broadway, England
Year built: 1377
This 14th-century hotel located in the heart of the Cotswolds region in southwestern England hides 600 years of stories in its hallowed halls. The Lygon Arms has remained a mainstay in Gloucestershire county, hosting members of the royal family including Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth II, soldiers who served in the English Civil War, and even celebrities such as Mary Pickford and Elizabeth Taylor.
With an on-site spa, cozy castlelike interior, parlor for afternoon tea, and tavern for extravagant feasts fit for a king, the beloved stone inn would have many stories to tell if walls could talk.
4. Hotel Alte Goste – Valdaora, Italy
Year built: circa 1142
The first mention of Alte Goste was documented in 1142, but it’s possible that the famous four-star property with incredible views of the Dolomites has a history that dates back further. Once a popular resting point for those making the trek through the Pustertal Valley to travel from Rome to northern Italy, the alpine villa was managed by the same family for six generations.
Their legacy lives on, as guests still rave about the hotel’s mountain vistas, swimming pool, wine cellar filled with South Tyrolean wines, hearty European breakfast, and Turkish-style soaking tubs outside each suite.
3. Zum Roten Bären – Freiburg, Germany
Year built: circa 1120
Surviving two world wars and withstanding the elements over centuries, the “Red Bear” hotel was nicknamed for its famous red façade that signaled to travelers who couldn’t read that it was a safe place to sleep and eat. Located in Germany’s fourth-largest city, Freiburg im Breisgau, nestled near the Black Forest, the hotel has been renovated to include modern amenities and a restaurant serving Baden cuisine.
However, the property still includes remnants of its original feudal-style architecture and appears in historic depictions that prove the structure was standing when the village was settled around 1120. Today, no other inn in Germany can provide proof of such longevity.
2. Hōshi Ryokan – Komatsu, Japan
Year built: 717 CE
Run by the Hōshi family for 46 generations, this traditional ryokan (Japanese inn) near the Sea of Japan in Ishikawa prefecture dates back to 717 CE. Today’sguests can still experience tranquility in its tatami-matted rooms and soak in the nearby natural hot springs at Awazu Onsen.
It is said that the god living in one of Japan’s most sacred mountains, Haku, created the springs to heal people suffering from injuries and illnesses. The ancient property is particularly stunning come fall — when Japanese maples turn a vibrant red — and spring, when cherry blossoms turn pink.
1. Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan – Hayakawa, Japan
Year built: 705 CE
Hidden in the Akaishi Mountains, the town of Hayakawa is believed to be home to the oldest hotel in the world — Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan. Surrounded by four open-air hot springs (onsens), the ancient house of Zen was founded in 705 CE and has been run by the same family for 52 generations.
Featuring minimalist tatami-matted rooms with views of forested ravines, the property prioritizes finding quietude in nature and reinvigorating the senses with less distraction. Traditional Japanese fare such as hot pot and sushi after a day spent bathing is the ideal way to unwind just a stone’s throw from Mount Fuji and a four-hour train ride from Tokyo.
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