The world’s oldest hotels will indulge almost anyone’s curiosity. And that’s for good reason: Most jet-setters enjoy staying in places steeped in history. Certainly, while few openings are as highly anticipated as new hotels, there’s something nostalgic about a resort, inn, or B&B that’s been open for so many years. It’s the idea of staying in a place that’s witnessed everything from life-changing inventions in their infancy to empires growing and crumbling right on their doorstep. What’s more, centuries-old hotels have played host to more than a few of the world’s most recognized names, including dignitaries, artists, and movie stars. Though the decor may have changed a few times over the decades, the world’s oldest hotels tend to be some of the most stunning. Here, AD traverses the globe in pursuit of the oldest hotels with dapper interiors.
Grand Hotel Tremezzo
From the eastern shores of Lake Como, it’s hard to miss the massive Art Nouveau marvel known as the Grand Hotel Tremezzo—even with the eye-catching Grigne mountains nearby. The hotel, built and designed for Europe’s elite social set, has been standing since 1910. And with its three pools, private lakeside beach, and lavish private park, it’s provided guests with ample reasons to come back. So many homes and hotels across the world—especially throughout Europe—boast interiors that honor the Belle Époque, one of the continent’s most economic and artistically prosperous times. In fact, this period, which lasted from 1870 until the outbreak of the First World War, was considered Europe’s Golden Age, and the Grand Hotel Tremezzo is one shining example of the architectural feats of this time.
Raffles Hotel Singapore
Named after the founder of modern Singapore, Sir Stamford Raffles, the historic grande dame hotel opened in 1887 but wore several different hats before it became declared the national monument it is today. The Colonial-style bright white building was erected in the 1830s as a private beach house until Dr. Charles Emerson leased it in 1878 and transformed it into Emerson’s Hotel. It boasted a fair amount of success until its namesake passed away five years later. Almost immediately after Dr. Emerson’s death, the hotel closed, and the Raffles Institution moved into the building, using it as a boarding house until the doctor’s lease expired. At that point, the Sarkies Brothers leased the property from the original owner, Syed Mohamed Alsagoff, and turned it into a cosmopolitan hotel, dubbed Raffles Hotel. Because of the hotel’s proximity to the beach and its unparalleled interiors and service, Raffles was met with immediate success, becoming the go-to spot for the international elite, including Michael Jackson and Queen Elizabeth II.
Discover more stunning interiors featured by Architectural Digest here.
About Historic Hotels Worldwide®
Washington DC based Historic Hotels Worldwide is a prestigious collection of historic treasures, including more than 360 legendary historic hotels including many former castles, chateaus, palaces, academies, haciendas, villas, monasteries, and other historic lodging spanning ten centuries. Historic Hotels Worldwide recognizes authentic cultural treasures that demonstrate exemplary historic preservation and their inspired architecture, cultural traditions, and authentic cuisine. Historic Hotels Worldwide along with Historic Hotels of America are official programs of the National Trust for Historic Preservation (United States of America).
