Historic Lodging in Europe

The United Kingdom has hundreds of old hotels for visitors to choose from. Hotels and history are the perfect combination. After all, visiting old hotels lets you absorb the history around you. Not sure where to start? This top ten list of British historic lodging will provide some inspiration.

Pretend you are Queen for the day while staying in Queen Anne's Summerhouse in Bedfordshire, England. This restored building is newly opened in September 2009. It puts a whole new twist on the notion of historic lodging.

The phrase 'puttin' on the Ritz' is derived from the world famous Ritz London. It stands out among old hotels for its fascinating history. Created by Edward VII in 1906, the Ritz has accommodated countless historical figures and luminaries. You can read more about this high-profile option for old hotels at the Ritz London website here.

For people who love the work of the Scottish designer, Charles Rennie Mackintosh, staying in the apartment at Hill House near Glasgow is a dream come true. The house and contents were designed by Mackintosh, so it is a chance to experience the a combination of hotels and history in the best sense.

Beamsley Hospital in England is an unusual blend of hotels and history. This choice of old hotels is housed in the circular stone building, an almshouse which was founded in 1593 as a refuge for the poor.

You should feel safe while staying in the Martello Tower in England, because it was originally built to keep out Napoleon. This travel option for hotels and history sleeps four.

Piazza di Spagna is located in Rome, Italy. You might be surprised to learn that this beautiful choice of old hotels is connected to the British poet Keats. He occupied the building in 1821 and died in a room in the lower level. How is that for hotels and history?

Another choice of old hotels relates to English poetry. Once owned by Elizabeth and Robert Browning, the Casa Guidi is a beautifully restored apartment in Florence, Italy.

Maesyronen Chapel is located near the Black Mountains in Wales. The chapel dates from 1696 and the cottage attached to it dates from 1750. This choice of old hotels is located near Hay-on-Wye, Powys. Staying here while visiting the world famous Hay-on-Wye book festival makes is the ideal way to combine hotels and history.

The distinctive clock tower and dazzling architecture of the Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh, Scotland makes it a great choice among old hotels. Many of the rooms give you a great night view of the city. Be prepared for luxury prices at this five star option for old hotels.

The final entry on the list of unique hotels is not a single unusual lodging, but many. The Landmark Trust in Great Britain provides the opportunity to stay in a range of unique hotels from lighthouses, to towers, to castles.