Travel
Historic Stays: 10 Hotels That Take You Back In Time
Slide Nr 1Travel inherently entails a change in geography, but what if you’re looking to move through time? From a cosy ryokan in charming Kyoto to a dazzling hacienda on the Yucatán peninsula, these splurge-worthy hotels and resorts take you back decades and even centuries, keeping history alive through their extraordinary architecture, unique experiences and deep connection to the destination.
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Historic Stays: 10 Hotels That Take You Back In Time.
Slide Nr 2Hartwell House in Buckinghamshire, UK – Make your Downton Abbey fantasies come true at this regal estate about an hour northwest of central London. The history of Hartwell House begins in the 17th century, when Sir Alexander Hampden completed construction; in 1809, it would serve as home to exiled French King Louis XVIII, among its many remarkable residents. These days, the restored property welcomes guests with 48 uniquely designed rooms and suites – think elegant wallpaper, heirloom paintings and exquisite antiques. Spend your days strolling around the gardens and unwinding in the large swimming pool at the spa.
[Image courtesy of Hartwell House © Nigel Harper Photography]
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Historic Stays: 10 Hotels That Take You Back In Time.
Slide Nr 3Hacienda Santa Rosa de Lima in Santa Rosa, Mexico – A treasure from the 1600s, Hacienda Santa Rosa de Lima transports travellers to the days of “green gold” fever, when Yucatán thrived with the production of sisal fibres used for items like ropes and hammocks. The hacienda, restored in 1998, is tucked into a tranquil Maya community near Mérida, ideal for exploring the beautiful colonial city and the breathtaking Celestún Biosphere Reserve. Immerse yourself in the region’s rich culture and nature with a tour of the hotel’s botanical garden, a traditional Maya massage at the spa, and a Yucatec feast at the restaurant.
[Image courtesy of Hacienda Santa Rosa de Lima]
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Historic Stays: 10 Hotels That Take You Back In Time.
Slide Nr 4Hilton Molino Stucky in Venice, Italy – Travelling to Venice always feels like a journey through time. This stunning hotel on Giudecca Island will take you back to the late 19th century, when it was serving as a flour mill commissioned by local businessman Giovanni Stucky. Abandoned in the 1950s, the building was restored and transformed into a luxury hotel in 2007, offering an incomparable location just a short boat ride away from Piazza San Marco. Live like royalty for a day: wake up in stylish suites outfitted with modern furniture and local touches, like Murano glass details, and embark on a private gondola tour along the city’s romantic canals. Later, relax by the rooftop pool before feasting on seafood pasta at the hotel’s Bacaromi restaurant.
[Image courtesy of Hilton Molino Stucky]
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Historic Stays: 10 Hotels That Take You Back In Time.
Slide Nr 5Alvear Palace Hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina – This gorgeous hotel stands in the lively Recoleta neighbourhood, where European refinement meets local energy; Alvear Palace was, in fact, built to welcome European travellers in 1932. Today, its suites exude classical grandeur, with Carrara marble bathrooms and touches of wool and velvet. After a day of exploring gems like El Ateneo Grand Splendid bookstore and the Floralis Generica steel sculpture, crown your evening with a drink at the Lobby Bar, where a majestic wooden counter and crystal chandelier will make you feel like one of the original guests from nearly a century ago.
[Image courtesy of Alvear Palace Hotel © Michelle Chaplow]
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Historic Stays: 10 Hotels That Take You Back In Time.
Slide Nr 6Sumiya Ryokan in Kyoto, Japan – Ryokans are the epitome of traditional Japanese hospitality. Open for more than 100 years, Sumiya Ryokan in the heart of Kyoto boasts Japanese suites that bring history to life through iconic elements like tatami mats and sliding doors – though guests searching for a more familiar vibe can opt for the Western-style suites. Experience tradition at its finest with a Kyo-kaiseki, a multi-course dinner prepared with fresh ingredients and served right in your room, followed by a soothing tea ceremony to prepare you for a night of deep slumber. A stay well worth splashing out on.
[Image courtesy of Sumiya Ryokan]
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Historic Stays: 10 Hotels That Take You Back In Time.
Slide Nr 7Heritage Hotel Kaštelet in Tučepi, Croatia – Bathed by the waters of the Adriatic Sea, this enchanting hotel was built in 1766 as a summer residence for writer Klement Grubišić. Two centuries later, the stone building was transformed into a boutique hotel, welcoming guests into an intimate atmosphere with only 28 guest rooms. With a privileged location by the promenade, the hotel is ideal for romantic sunset strolls and city centre explorations. If you want to venture further, head on a tour of nearby wonders like Split or the Plitviče Lakes National Park.
[Image courtesy of Heritage Hotel Kaštelet]
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Historic Stays: 10 Hotels That Take You Back In Time.
Slide Nr 8The Royal Hawaiian in Honolulu, USA – Lovingly nicknamed “the Pink Palace”, this Waikiki icon was built in 1927, inaugurating a new era of luxury travel in Hawaii. Soak up the history with a stay in the Historic Wing, and get in the Hawaiian spirit with charming activities like hula lessons, surfing classes, storytelling sessions and tours of the property’s most notable corners. Not to be missed: a mai tai (or three) at the Mai Tai Bar, where bartender Trader Vic Bergeron introduced the cocktail to Hawaii in 1953.
[Image courtesy of The Royal Hawaiian]
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Historic Stays: 10 Hotels That Take You Back In Time.
Slide Nr 9Castlemartyr Resort in Cork, Ireland – An idyllic countryside escape, Castlemartyr Resort features a manor house from the 18th century built next to the ruins of an 800-year-old castle, all surrounded by 90 hectares of gardens, forests and streams. Open as a hotel since 2008, the resort features 108 rooms and suites, as well as 36 residences for longer escapes. With an 18-hole golf course designed by Ron Kirby, as well as a modern spa and seven dining outlets – including the two Michelin-starred Terre, by Chef Vincent Crepel – there is no shortage of indulgent experiences.
[Image courtesy of Castlemartyr Resort]
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Historic Stays: 10 Hotels That Take You Back In Time.
Slide Nr 10Hacienda El Carmen in El Carmen, Jalisco, Mexico – Hailing from the 16th century, this stately hacienda belonged to wealthy local families and a religious order before reaching its current owners, the Baeza Serrano family, who restored it and opened it as a hotel in 2001. These days, Hacienda El Carmen blends viceregal architecture and antique-filled guest rooms with expansive lawns and views of the surrounding mountains. Located an hour from Tequila, Hacienda El Carmen is a strategic starting point for exploring the area’s agave fields and many distilleries. Back at the hacienda, enjoy a refreshing margarita in the lovely courtyard before a dinner prepared with fresh, local ingredients, many of which grow on the property.
[Image courtesy of Hacienda El Carmen]
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Historic Stays: 10 Hotels That Take You Back In Time.
Slide Nr 11Bodysgallen Hall in Llandudno, UK – Placed on Pydew Mountain amidst 90 hectares of parkland, this impressive property holds centuries of history within its walls. Today, the 31 rooms and suites are divided among the 17th-century main house and cosy cottages outfitted with antiques and prints. Delve into timeless classics like Sunday Luncheon, with a menu that changes weekly, and a Welsh Afternoon Tea featuring freshly baked scones and finger sandwiches. Recharge at the spa, learn how to play croquet on the lawn, and explore the intricately manicured gardens, featuring a lily pond and a 17th-century parterre.
[Image courtesy of Bodysgallen Hall © Annapurna Mellor]
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