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Historic hotels are hotels dating at least 50 years back — usually featuring architectural styles from that particular period in history. These hotels are generally grand in their appearance and showcase well-preserved design features from their original eras. Historic hotels can also be significant landmarks turned into hotels, including palaces, forts, post offices, and so on. These accommodations are usually popular among esteemed guests, such as renowned celebrities or important politicians.
There are numerous well-known historic hotels around the world — providing a unique stay with well-maintained, age-old architecture and top-notch amenities. Each of these hotels features attributes unique to the history of the region and also provides an enriching experience. Some popular hotels include The Savoy in London, The Ritz Paris in Paris, and Gstaad Palace in Switzerland.
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A hotel is generally considered historic if it’s at least 50 years old. This means that a minimum of 50 years has to have passed since the construction or opening of the property. Historic hotels are also usually registered by the government under a list of places with historical significance.
Historic hotels are sometimes housed in buildings that are historically significant, such as original castles, palaces, or forts, or official buildings such as post offices, train stations, or even printing presses. You will find several well-preserved features in these historic hotels.
Hotels are considered historic if they’ve been frequented by historical figures, such as renowned celebrities, politicians, members of royal families, or artists. The famous French painter Claude Monet is said to have been a guest at The Savoy, while the fashion icon Coco Chanel was a long-term resident of The Ritz Paris.
There are many hotels where significant historical events took place, turning them into popular historic hotels. The Old Swan Hotel in Harrogate, UK, is a historic property where celebrated author Agatha Christie reappeared after her mysterious disappearance in 1926. Meanwhile, at Beau-Rivage Palace in Lausanne, Switzerland, the famous peace Treaty of Lausanne was signed.
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The terms historic and heritage are often used interchangeably when referring to hotels. However, heritage hotels are usually converted palaces, forts, hunting lodges, or castles that offer a deeper insight into the area’s rich cultural heritage. These hotels often offer cultural experiences such as tours, performances by local artists, cooking classes teaching authentic meal preparations, and more. As the difference between heritage and historic hotels is quite subtle, the terms are generally used to mean the same thing.
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Historic hotels are often characterized by their particular architecture, design, and decor, among other things. Most of these hotels feature a grand facade reflecting the architectural style of the period that it was built during. Some of these styles include Gothic, Victorian, Art Deco, and Romanesque Revival. The hotels also feature design and decor unique to these styles. You may find grand chandeliers, towering archways, and more in these types of hotels.
Most historic hotels retain features from their past to help guests get a feel of the period the hotel was built. These well-preserved features include original pillars, exposed brick or stone walls from the original construction, period furniture, age-old staircases, wine cellars, and more. You will surely be transported back in time when you see these features.
Rooms in historic hotels are generally bigger than regular hotels, especially if the property used to be a castle or palace. However, some hotels that have originated from smaller historic buildings, such as a printing press, might have smaller rooms. Usually, these rooms showcase period furniture and other features unique to a particular era.
While preserving original features is a common thing among historic hotels, you should also expect some renovations. Most historic hotels are renovated to fit modern standards in terms of amenities, accessibility, practicality, and many more. These renovations are made to maximize comfort and convenience without undermining the historical value of the building.
Despite their age-old features and old-world charm, historic hotels are no less furnished or equipped than regular hotels. With new renovations and additions in place, you can expect modern amenities such as Wi-Fi, TV, air-conditioning, business centers, swimming pools, and more in historic hotels. On top of that, these hotels also sometimes offer unique amenities, such as on-site art galleries or century-old wine cellars.
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Historic hotels lure history and culture enthusiasts with their storied pasts, period decor, and old-world charm. When you check into a historic hotel, it’s like walking into a different era and gaining insight into that era’s architectural style. You will feel like you’re a part of history as you explore the old corridors, see the paintings on the walls, or stand beneath elegant chandeliers. Moreover, some historic hotels have been witness to famous historical events, and it’s a great feeling to listen to these stories. Historic hotels are also generally found in a central location, allowing you to make the most of your trip to that particular city or town.
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Australia is the smallest continent in the world and offers some of the best attractions for travelers. From the iconic Sydney Opera House to the famous Bondi Beach, the country has it all. You can also visit the 19th-century Melbourne Cricket Ground, one of the largest in the world, or the world heritage site, Fremantle Prison. The state of Victoria in Australia boasts some excellent historic hotels that you can stay in. If you’re visiting Melbourne particularly, you can also check in to one of the top historic hotels in Melbourne.
These types of hotels vary in terms of year of construction or opening, architectural style, and amenities. You can pick a historic hotel by determining which historical period you wish to revisit or which architectural style you prefer. You should also check the official website or other booking sites to find out about the specific amenities available and any recent renovations. Something else to consider is the property’s location - some historic hotels may be located in the city center, while others are more remote. It's worth doing a bit of research so you can find the property that suits you best!
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Living in one of these grand, well-maintained hotels - even for just a night or two - is definitely an experience worth having. When you’re planning your next vacation, don’t forget to look for a historic hotel in your destination and make your stay one for the books.
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