The Ritz, Paris
Established in 1898, The Ritz Paris is not only a benchmark of luxury but also a repository of history. Located in the heart of Paris on the prestigious Place Vendôme, this hotel has welcomed a myriad of celebrities, aristocrats, and artists. The opulent suites named after famed guests, such as the Coco Chanel Suite, reflect its rich heritage. Walking through the grand halls of the Ritz offers a time-traveled experience into the lavish early 20th-century Parisian life.
Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai
Opened in 1903, The Taj Mahal Palace stands majestically opposite the Gateway of India, overlooking the Arabian Sea. This architectural marvel blends Moorish, Oriental, and Florentine styles. Famous for hosting maharajas, dignitaries, and renowned personalities, it offers guests impeccable service and a taste of regal hospitality. The hotel’s storied history includes an unlikely radio broadcast station during World War I, making it a fascinating feature for history buffs.
The Plaza, New York City
A cultural icon since 1907, The Plaza Hotel is synonymous with New York luxury. Overlooking Central Park, this hotel has featured in many films and has been a host to celebrities from Marilyn Monroe to The Beatles. The Plaza’s opulent ballrooms and elegant lounges offer a slice of the Gilded Age luxury, while the Fitzgerald Suite, named after frequent visitor F. Scott Fitzgerald, immerses guests in the charm and style of the Jazz Age.
Raffles Hotel, Singapore
Since opening in 1887, Raffles Hotel has become a jewel in the crown of Singapore’s hospitality sector. Known for its sublime colonial architecture and the creation of the famous Singapore Sling cocktail, Raffles has welcomed luminaries such as Rudyard Kipling and Joseph Conrad. Its extensive restoration project, completed in 2019, means guests can enjoy both archival and contemporary luxuries.
The Brown Palace, Denver
Since 1892, The Brown Palace Hotel has been a symbol of high-end hospitality in Denver. Built with its distinct triangular shape, the hotel is famed for its Victorian opulence and an atrium topped with a stained-glass skylight. Resided by countless presidents, The Beatles, and survivors of the Titanic, its historic ambiance is matched by the modern comforts provided to guests visiting this Rocky Mountain landmark.
Château Marmont, Los Angeles
Hollywood’s rebellious grandeur finds a home at Château Marmont. Opened in 1927, this castle on the hill is modeled after an actual Loire Valley château. It’s best known for its role in the golden age of cinema and the escapades of Hollywood elites who found the hotel a perfect hideaway due to its reputation for discretion and privacy. Its suites and bungalows have sheltered the likes of Greta Garbo and James Dean and continue to be a favorite among the modern elite.
The Savoy, London
The Savoy in London, opened in 1889, is heralded for introducing electricity and elevators to the English hotel industry. Situated on the banks of the River Thames, it has long been favored by high society and cultural figures including Winston Churchill, Charlie Chaplin, and Claude Monet, whose paintings of the river view from his suite are famous. The American Bar at The Savoy thrills guests with jazz tunes and tales of its historic patrons.
Belmond Hotel Cipriani, Venice
Perched on the edge of Venice in Giudecca Island, the Belmond Hotel Cipriani encapsulates the romantic essence of the city. Opened in 1958 by Giuseppe Cipriani, founder of the legendary Harry’s Bar, it exudes Venetian elegance. With its pristine gardens, vineyards, and views of the Doge’s Palace, it offers a serene escape from the bustling main islands of Venice, providing a quintessential Venetian experience with modern-day luxury.
The Imperial, New Delhi
The Imperial Hotel, opened its doors in 1931 and is a perfect amalgamation of old-world charm and modern convenience, standing proud in the heart of New Delhi. It’s a testament to colonial elegance with its wide corridors, antique furniture, and rich history displayed in framed photographs of the times gone by. The hotel has hosted several heads of state and global icons, offering them and every guest traditional Indian hospitality sprinkled with a storied past.
Visiting these historic hotels not only provides a luxurious escape but also connects travelers with the cultural and historical narratives that have shaped them. Each hotel holds stories of yesteryears, offering a unique glimpse into the past while providing all the comforts of the present.
