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The Raffles Hotel, Singapore (1887)
The Raffles Hotel in Singapore represents the epitome of colonial elegance. Named after British statesman Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles, the hotel’s expansive verandas and lush gardens have hosted famous personalities like Rudyard Kipling and Joseph Conrad. The hotel is synonymous with the Singapore Sling, invented here by bartender Ngiam Tong Boon in 1915. Walking through its halls, one experiences the vibrant mix of Eastern and Western cultural influences that define Singapore. -
The Brown Palace Hotel, Denver, USA (1892)
Located in the heart of Denver, The Brown Palace Hotel has been operational continuously since its opening, boasting past guests like Theodore Roosevelt and the Beatles. With its distinct triangular shape and Victorian elegance, the hotel features a stained glass atrium and intricate iron railings, telling stories of the American West’s golden era through its architecture and meticulously preserved interiors. -
The Ritz, Paris, France (1898)
The Ritz Paris is more than just a hotel; it’s a symbol of luxury and history on Place Vendôme. It has been the temporary home to several notable figures, including Ernest Hemingway and Princess Diana. With its grand decor and lavish rooms, the hotel exemplifies old-world charm merged with modern luxury, reflecting the artistic and cultural narratives that have evolved in Paris over decades. -
The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai, India (1903)
Overlooking the Arabian Sea, The Taj Mahal Palace stands as a beacon of Mumbai’s cosmopolitan heritage. It has welcomed kings, dignitaries, and stars from across the globe while representing resilience, famously surviving the 2008 terrorist attacks. Its blend of Moorish, Oriental, and Florentine styles narrate the story of India’s diverse history and the influence of its British ties. -
Chateau Marmont, Los Angeles, USA (1929)
Modeled after the Royal Château d’Amboise in France’s Loire Valley, Chateau Marmont is a fixture on Sunset Boulevard offering seclusion and privacy to its high-profile guests. Known for its role in Hollywood’s burgeoning film scene, it provides a sanctuary for creativity and scandal alike, having been the favorite of figures like John Belushi, whose life and dramatic escapades are etched in the hotel’s legacy. -
The Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, Quebec City, Canada (1893)
Dominating the skyline of Old Quebec, the Château Frontenac is a grand fortress with a rich narrative encapsulating the evolution of Canadian history. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, its châteauesque architecture is as enchanting as the legends surrounding its origins and its role in historical conferences during World War II. -
Pera Palace Hotel, Istanbul, Turkey (1892)
At the threshold of East and West, Pera Palace was built to host passengers from the Orient Express and brims with tales of mystery and cross-continental escapades. Frequented by the likes of Agatha Christie and Greta Garbo, the hotel mirrors Istanbul’s intricate history and cultural diversity, wrapped in Art Nouveau luxury. -
The Savoy, London, UK (1889)
London’s first luxury hotel, The Savoy, holds a prestigious spot by the River Thames. Known for pioneering “electrified” guest rooms, it has hosted royals like Queen Elizabeth and Sir Winston Churchill. Beyond its Art Deco and Edwardian aesthetics, it is heralded for setting the gold standard in hospitality and for the creation of classic cocktails at its American Bar. -
Hotel Ritz, Madrid, Spain (1910)
Designed and built under the supervision of King Alfonso XIII, Hotel Ritz Madrid reflects the Spanish capital’s regal grandeur and cultural sophistication. Its luxurious rooms have seen discussions that shaped Spain and hosted literary figures like Ernest Hemingway, reinforcing its role not only as a hotel but as a participant in historic events. -
The Peace Hotel, Shanghai, China (1929)
Located on the Bund, The Peace Hotel symbolizes Shanghai’s dynamic history and cosmopolitan spirit. Known initially as the Cathay Hotel, it survived the tumultuous eras of World War II and the Cultural Revolution. Famous for its Art Deco interiors and jazz traditions, the hotel’s ambience reflects Shanghai’s historic openness to global influences and its resurgence as a global metropolis.
Each of these hotels offers more than just luxurious accommodations; they are portals to the past, each with a story enriched by the guests and events they’ve witnessed, making them timeless landmarks in their respective cities.
