Step inside these legendary hotels and experience history, luxury, and a touch of mystery.
Some hotels are just a place to sleep, but others transform your stay into something unforgettable. The best historic hotels don’t just offer a room—they immerse you in a story. Grand ballrooms, century-old libraries, secret passageways, and walls that have witnessed everything from royal visits to infamous scandals make these places more than just accommodations.
Walking through their halls feels like stepping back in time. You might sip coffee in the same lounge where world leaders once debated, sleep in a suite that housed Hollywood legends, or dine beneath chandeliers that have glowed for generations. These hotels don’t just preserve history; they invite you to become part of it. If you’re looking for a stay that’s as rich in experience as it is in comfort, these historic gems belong on your bucket list.
1. The Ritz Paris isn’t just a hotel—it’s a portal to a bygone era of luxury.
Few places in the world embody elegance quite like The Ritz Paris. This legendary hotel has been synonymous with luxury since 1898, hosting everyone from Coco Chanel to Ernest Hemingway. The moment you step inside, it’s clear you’re walking in the footsteps of history. Marble floors gleam under sparkling chandeliers, and the lavishly decorated suites transport you straight into a Parisian fairytale.
But The Ritz isn’t just about opulence—it’s about stories. Hemingway supposedly helped “liberate” the bar from the Nazis during World War II (although he arrived after the Germans had left, according to writers at NDTV), and Chanel made the hotel her home for decades. Every corner holds a tale of glamour, romance, and intrigue. If you’re looking for a stay that’s more than just a hotel night, The Ritz Paris is the kind of place where history whispers through the walls.
2. Hotel Sacher in Vienna serves up luxury with a side of history—and world-famous cake.
Hotel Sacher isn’t just one of Vienna’s most luxurious hotels; it’s also home to the legendary Sacher-Torte, the famous chocolate cake that has been delighting guests since the 1800s, say writers at What’s Cooking America. Opened in 1876, this grand hotel has hosted royalty, politicians, and artists, all drawn to its elegance and old-world charm.
With its gilded chandeliers, rich red velvet decor, and classic Viennese atmosphere, staying at Hotel Sacher feels like stepping back in time. The rooms are adorned with historic furnishings, but the hotel never sacrifices modern comforts. The real treat, of course, is indulging in an authentic Sacher-Torte at the café while watching the world go by outside. Whether you’re drawn by the history, the luxury, or the dessert, Hotel Sacher is a must-visit for any traveler to Vienna.
3. At Raffles Singapore, you don’t just check in—you step into colonial-era elegance.
Since 1887, Raffles Singapore has been a symbol of sophistication, hosting the likes of Rudyard Kipling and Queen Elizabeth II. The hotel is so iconic that even its cocktail, the Singapore Sling, has become world-famous, shares Tamara Hinson, writing for the Independent. But beyond the drinks and the celebrity guests, Raffles is all about charm, history, and timeless luxury.
The white colonial façade, palm-lined courtyards, and antique-filled suites make you feel like you’ve traveled back in time. The legendary Long Bar, with its peanut-shell-covered floors, remains a must-visit spot, offering an experience you won’t find anywhere else. Service here is legendary, with a level of hospitality that has remained unchanged for over a century. If you want a stay that blends elegance with history, Raffles Singapore is a place where time slows down just enough to let you soak it all in.
4. The Fairmont Banff Springs feels like a castle straight out of a fairytale.
Hidden in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, The Fairmont Banff Springs is more than a hotel—it’s a mountain fortress of luxury. Built in 1888 to attract travelers to Canada’s west, this grand castle has stood the test of time, welcoming adventurers, dignitaries, and even a few ghosts. The breathtaking backdrop of towering peaks and thick forests makes it feel like a dream.
Inside, the grand stone architecture, massive fireplaces, and elegant ballrooms transport guests to another world. Whether you’re enjoying high tea with a view of the mountains or soaking in the outdoor hot springs, every moment here feels magical. Some even say the hotel is haunted, with stories of ghostly housekeepers and mysterious figures roaming the halls, suggests Nicholas Sharkey in an article for The Best Calgary. If you’re looking for a historic stay wrapped in natural beauty, Banff Springs is unforgettable.
5. Hotel del Coronado in California has been dazzling guests since 1888.
Few places capture old-school California glamour quite like the Hotel del Coronado. Sitting right on the beach in San Diego, this Victorian beauty has hosted everyone from Marilyn Monroe to U.S. presidents. The red-roofed architecture and sweeping ocean views make it a postcard-perfect destination, but the hotel’s charm goes far beyond its looks.
With its grand wooden interiors, seaside verandas, and timeless elegance, staying here feels like stepping into another era. The hotel even has a touch of mystery—legend has it that the ghost of a woman named Kate Morgan still lingers in one of the rooms. Whether you’re lounging by the waves, sipping a cocktail at sunset, or exploring its haunted history, The Del is a place where the past and present blend seamlessly into an unforgettable experience.
6. The Savoy in London has defined luxury for over a century.
Walking into The Savoy feels like stepping into a world of timeless elegance. Since 1889, this legendary London hotel has set the standard for luxury, hosting figures like Winston Churchill, Marilyn Monroe, and Frank Sinatra. The Art Deco interiors and signature black-and-white floors create an atmosphere that’s equal parts regal and glamorous.
One of its biggest claims to fame? It’s the only hotel in London where cars drive on the right side of the road instead of the left, a quirky nod to its history. The Savoy’s iconic American Bar is one of the best cocktail spots in the world, and the Thames views from the suites are unbeatable. If you want a stay that mixes history with pure sophistication, The Savoy is a London legend worth experiencing.
7. Château Frontenac in Québec City is North America’s most photographed hotel.
If you’ve ever seen a postcard of Québec City, chances are you’ve spotted the Château Frontenac. Perched high above the St. Lawrence River, this castle-like hotel has dominated the skyline since 1893. Its grand towers and turrets give it the look of a European fairytale, but its history is just as fascinating.
Winston Churchill and Franklin D. Roosevelt met here during World War II, and the hotel’s stunning location makes it a favorite among travelers looking for old-world charm in North America. Inside, its rich wood paneling, grand staircases, and elegant dining rooms make every guest feel like royalty. Walking through its halls feels like traveling back in time, and the views over Old Québec are simply breathtaking. If you want a stay that blends history with romance, this is the place.
8. The Peninsula Hong Kong brings old-world grandeur to modern luxury.
The Peninsula Hong Kong isn’t just a hotel—it’s an institution. Opened in 1928, it has long been the go-to spot for diplomats, celebrities, and business tycoons. With its colonial architecture and impeccable service, this hotel has a timeless elegance that stands out even in Hong Kong’s modern skyline.
Afternoon tea at The Peninsula is a tradition in itself, with guests gathering in the grand lobby under sparkling chandeliers. If you want to arrive in style, the hotel offers Rolls-Royce transfers from the airport, a nod to its long-standing reputation for luxury. The views of Victoria Harbour from the suites are nothing short of spectacular. Whether you’re here for the service, the atmosphere, or just to soak in the hotel’s rich history, The Peninsula is an unforgettable stay.
9. Ashford Castle in Ireland lets you live out your royal fantasy.
If you’ve ever wanted to sleep in a real-life castle, Ashford Castle in Ireland is the place to do it. Dating back to 1228, this breathtaking fortress-turned-hotel offers a one-of-a-kind experience. Once home to the Guinness family (yes, that Guinness), the castle has hosted royalty, presidents, and celebrities over the centuries.
The interiors are nothing short of spectacular, with medieval-style woodwork, massive fireplaces, and rich tapestries lining the walls. Guests can enjoy falconry, horseback riding, and even boating on the scenic Lough Corrib. Despite its historic roots, Ashford Castle provides five-star luxury, ensuring every stay feels fit for a king or queen. If you’re looking for a hotel that blends history, grandeur, and Irish charm, this castle is worth every penny.
10. The Waldorf Astoria in New York defined high society for decades.
Few hotels in the world carry the prestige of the Waldorf Astoria. Originally opened in 1893 (and later rebuilt in 1931), this New York icon has been synonymous with wealth, power, and high society. From hosting every U.S. president since Herbert Hoover to being the birthplace of the Waldorf Salad, this hotel is packed with history.
The Art Deco interiors ooze sophistication, while the grand lobby and towering chandeliers create an unforgettable first impression. The hotel has played a role in pop culture, appearing in everything from movies to royal visits. Even though it’s currently undergoing renovations, its legacy as one of the most famous hotels in the world remains unshaken. If you ever get the chance to stay here, you’ll be walking in the footsteps of history.
11. The Gritti Palace in Venice is where Venetian opulence meets history.
Sitting right on the Grand Canal, The Gritti Palace is the definition of Venetian luxury. Originally built in the 16th century as a noble residence, this stunning hotel has hosted everyone from European aristocrats to Hollywood royalty. Its richly decorated interiors, filled with antique furniture, Murano glass chandeliers, and Renaissance artwork, make it feel like a living museum.
Every suite offers a front-row view of Venice’s enchanting canals, creating a setting straight out of a dream. Dining at the hotel’s Club del Doge restaurant feels like stepping into another era, where candlelit tables reflect off the shimmering waters outside. The Gritti Palace isn’t just a place to stay—it’s an experience that immerses you in the timeless beauty of Venice. If you want to feel like Venetian nobility, this is the hotel for you.
12. The Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai is India’s most iconic luxury stay.
Few hotels in the world hold as much historical and cultural significance as The Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai. Opened in 1903, this legendary hotel has been a symbol of India’s rich heritage and resilience. Over the years, it has hosted dignitaries, Bollywood stars, and even survived tragic events, emerging stronger than ever.
The grand Indo-Saracenic architecture, sweeping staircases, and hand-woven carpets make the hotel feel like a royal palace. The views of the Gateway of India from the luxury suites add to the experience. The service here is legendary, with staff treating every guest like royalty. Whether you’re here for the history, the luxury, or simply to experience one of India’s most iconic landmarks, a stay at The Taj Mahal Palace is nothing short of unforgettable.
13. La Mamounia in Marrakech is a palace fit for royalty.
La Mamounia isn’t just a hotel—it’s an Arabian Nights fantasy brought to life. Since 1923, this Moroccan palace has enchanted travelers with its breathtaking mosaics, lush gardens, and opulent décor. Winston Churchill called it “the most beautiful place in the world,” and once you step inside, it’s easy to see why.
The scent of orange blossoms fills the air as you walk through its courtyards, past carved cedarwood archways and intricate tilework. The hotel’s hammam spa, complete with marble steam rooms and traditional treatments, makes for a deeply immersive experience. At night, lantern-lit pathways and live Moroccan music add to the hotel’s magical atmosphere. If you’re looking for a historic hotel that feels like a dream, La Mamounia is a place you’ll never forget.
14. Hôtel de Crillon in Paris is where French royalty meets modern luxury.
Few hotels in the world can claim as much history and prestige as Hôtel de Crillon. Built in 1758 at the request of King Louis XV, this grand Parisian landmark has hosted everyone from Marie Antoinette to modern-day celebrities. Located on the Place de la Concorde, it stands as a symbol of timeless French elegance.
Stepping inside, you’re greeted by opulent chandeliers, gilded mirrors, and plush furnishings that make every corner feel like a palace. The hotel seamlessly blends its historic charm with contemporary luxury, offering Michelin-star dining, a world-class spa, and some of the most breathtaking suites in Paris. Staying at Hôtel de Crillon isn’t just about luxury—it’s about experiencing a piece of French history in one of the most beautiful cities in the world.