10 Historic Hotels Abroad

For your next trip abroad, consider spending a night or two at an old hotel steeped in history. Maybe you could sleep in the same room as Queen Elizabeth or Pablo Picasso? Old hotels and lodgings with history, yet still luxurious and providing all modern conveniences are a wonderful addition to your overseas holiday. Here are ten historic hotels that can provide you with a history lesson along with your bed for the night.

The Hotel Windsor, Australia

The Windsor Hotel, originally named The Grand was established in 1883. The gold Rush during the 1850's created a booming city and Melbourne responded with banks, town halls and luxurious residences. Parliament House is located opposite the hotel with the theatre district close by, making the hotel popular with theatre patrons. The Drafting Committee worked at the Hotel Windsor on the Constitution of Australia. In the 1980's the hotel was extensively refurbished ensuring the authentic Victorian atmosphere of the 1800's was re-created. Room prices start from 265 AUD per night. The Hotel Windsor is located at 111 Spring Street, Melbourne, Australia. For more information visit their website.

Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois, Switzerland

Les Trois Rois officially opened as a hotel in 1844, although records for "The Three Kings" date back to 1681. In 2004 the hotel was renovated according to national heritage criteria back to the period of around 1844. Picasso, Wagner, Voltaire and the Dalai Lama are just some of the famous guests who have stayed at Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois. Each of the hotel's 101 rooms have been individually furnished and decorated with its own color scheme. Room prices start from 300 Swiss francs per room per night. Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois is located at Blumenrain 8, 4002 Basel, Switzerland. For more information visit their website.

Grandhotel Pupp, Czech Republic

It was 1701 when a hotel first opened on this site. Grandhotel Pupp actually consists of three buildings, Saxony Hall built in 1701, Czech Hall and the House of God's Eye. In 1907 these buildings were first incorporated into one establishment, Grandhotel Pupp. Many famous guests visiting the spa town of Karlovy Vary (also known as Carlsbad) have stayed at this hotel. Guests have included Napoleon III, Johann Bach, Mozart and many others. Room prices start from 200 euro per night for a double room including breakfast. Grandhotel Pupp is located at Mírové náměstí 2, 360 91 Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic. For more information visit their website.

Hotel D'Angleterre, Denmark

From its initial opening in 1755 Hotel D'Angleterre has welcomed many distinguished guests through its doors and participated in many events of Copenhagen's history. Danish politician Ditlev Gothard Monrad, presented his draft of the constitution at the hotel in June 1849, and on many occasions the hotel has acted as army headquarters and as an asylum for war refugees. All of the hotel's 123 rooms and suites are individually decorated and provide all modern conveniences. Room rates start from 367 euro for a single room. Hotel D'Angleterre is located overlooking the beautiful King's Square at 34 Kongens Nytorv, Copenhagen, Denmark. For more information visit their website.

Hotel Danieli, Italy

Hotel Danieli consists of three gorgeous Venetian palazzi from the 14^th, 19^th and 20^th centuries. Palazzo Dandolo, the oldest palace features hand-made traditional Murano glass chandeliers, hand-carved marble columns, gilded ceilings and antique furniture and rugs. While staying here, make sure to dine in Restaurant Terrazza Danieli where you can experience the same viewpoint from which Venetian merchants would watch their goods arrive on ships from the Orient. The hotel's 225 rooms and suites are decorated in traditional Venetian, Gothic or Empire styles offering a true Venetian experience. Hotel Danieli is located in Venice, Italy just a few steps away from the famed Saint Mark's Square. Rates at the hotel start from 325 euro per room per night. For more information visit their website.

Brown's Hotel, England

Brown's Hotel was the first hotel to open in London in 1837. The hotel's purpose was to provide accommodation for the gentry and has continued its reputation for exclusivity and refinement today. Brown's consists of 11 Georgian townhouses, providing 117 individually designed bedrooms. A 24 million pound restoration has returned the hotel to its rightful place as one of London's most exclusive hotels while retaining its original English elegance. Brown's Hotel is located on Albemarle Street, Mayfair, London, United Kingdom. Room prices start from 199 euro per night. For more information visit their website.

Rantasipi Imatran Valtionhotelli

The Imatran Valtionhotelli originally opened in 1903 under the name of "Grand Hotel Cascade". Reminiscent of a medieval castle, this hotel has housed many famous guests over the year such as Tsar Nicolai II. During its long and rich history, the hotel has served as a military hospital and as headquarters for the military. Between 1985 and 1987 the hotel was renovated extensively and the building restored to its former glory. The hotel features 92 rooms and 4 suites and is set against the stunning backdrop of Imatrankosi Rapids of the river Vuoksi. The rapids are part of the oldest national park in Finland. Room rates start from 95 euro per night. Rantasipi Imatran Valtionhotelli is located at Torkkelinkatu 2, FI-55100 Imatra, Finland. For more information visit their website.

Amangalla, Sri Lanka

Amangalla was originally built in 1684 by the Dutch as barracks and then converted to a hotel by the British in 1845. This hotel is today one of the oldest in Sri Lanka. Amangalla lies at the centre of Fort Galle, a historic 17^th century Dutch fort, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Amangalla's rich heritage has been preserved with many of its original features being restored while furnishings consist of beautiful antiques and period-style reproductions. Amangalla Hotel is located at 10 Church Street, Fort Galle, Sri Lanka. Room rates start from 275 USD. For more information visit their website.

Astor House Hotel

Astor House Hotel (formerly known as Richard's Hotel) was established in 1846. The hotel moved to its current address in 1857 and was one of the first Western Hotels in China. In 1907 the hotel was restored to a neo-classical Baroque structure. Famous guests have included Einstein and Charlie Chaplin. Astor House had seven of the first electric lamps in Shanghai in 1882 and the first phone call made in Shanghai in 1901 was made at Astor House. The hotel currently has 130 rooms with prices starting at 1280 RMB. Astor House Hotel is located at 15 Huangpu Road, Shanghai, China. For more information visit their website.

Bayerischer Hotel, Germany

The Bayerischer Hotel first opened in 1841 by the command of King Ludwig I of Bavaria who wished to have a place for his guests to stay. In 1897 the Volkhardt family acquired the hotel and it has been in the same family ever since. The hotel was destroyed in 1944 by bombing however was rebuilt by the family. Amazingly underneath the rubble, the Spigelsaal (Mirror Hall) was found to be virtually intact and was reopened as the first restaurant in the center of Munich. In 1969 the Volkhardt family purchased the neighboring Palais Montgelas whose historic halls and salons now serve as conference rooms and hotel suites. The hotel currently has 363 luxurious rooms and multiple restaurants and bars. Room prices start from 221 euro. The Bayerischer Hotel is located at Promenadeplatz 2-6, 80333 Munich, Germany. For more information visit their website.

Sources:

Grand 5 Star Melbourne Hotel - The Hotel Windsor Melbourne

Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois

Grandhotel Pupp

Copenhagen Hotel D'Angleterre

Hotel Danieli Venice - The Luxury Hotel - Italy Hotels

Brown's Luxury Hotel London - A Rocco Forte Collection Luxury Hotel

Rantasipi Imatran Valtionhotelli

Amangalla - Luxury hotel Galle

Shanghai Pujiang Hotel

Luxury Hotel Munich - Hotel Bayerischer Hof

Famous Hotels