The world’s most historic hotels

Play croquet amid peacocks in the gardens of a Rajasthani palace, or soak in the hot springs of a Japanese hotel that opened over a thousand years ago.

Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan, Japan

The oldest hotel in the world, Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan opened in 705 AD and has been passed down through the same family for an astounding 52 generations. But its historic pedigree isn’t the only reason to visit; with a mountaintop location in the town of Hayakawa and hot springs that pump out thousands of litres of hot mineral water a day into the hotel’s onsen, it’s a super relaxing setting. And you’ll be walking in the footsteps of all the legendary samurai and shogun that once stayed here, seeking out the healing waters to soothe their weary, post-battle muscles.

Rambagh Palace, India

The former home of the Maharajas of Jaipur, Rambagh Palace was built in 1835 for the wet nurse of the baby Sawai Ram Singh II. Now a hotel, this 47-acre complex in the centre of Jaipur retains all the regal grandeur of its previous incarnation. Staying in suites that have hosted the likes of Prince Charles and Jackie Kennedy, guests can take afternoon tea with Champagne on the verandah, play croquet amid peacocks and sip sundowner cocktails in the stately gardens.

Cliveden House, UK

Built on the banks of the River Thames, this Italianate mansion in Buckinghamshire has been the home of dukes, countesses, earls, princes and the aristocratic Astor family before it was leased to the National Trust as a lavish hotel. Pretty much every British monarch since George I has stayed here but its gold leaf walls, suits of armour and carved mahogany staircase have also seen their fair share of scandal; namely as the setting for the start of the Profumo Affair when the then Secretary of State for war, John Profumo, visited in 1961 and met Christine Keeler, a young socialite and model. This chance encounter soon developed into one of the biggest scandals in British political history, culminating in the downfall of the Macmillan government.

Copacabana Palace, Brazil

This Art Deco palace is a Rio de Janeiro landmark and was erected right on the edge of Copacabana Beach in 1923. Designed by French architect, Joseph Gire, the facade fuses Latin and European styles, partially resembling the extravagant mansions of the Cote d’Azur. It was immortalised in the 1933 film, Flying Down to Rio, starring Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, and has attracted guests over the years including Albert Einstein, Nelson Mandela, Marilyn Monroe and Princess Diana. More recently, the Rolling Stones gave an impromptu, free concert on the beach while staying at the hotel in 2006.

Imperial Hotel Tokyo, Japan

The Imperial Hotel Tokyo opened in 1890 in the Japanese capital, and was designed by revered North American architect, Frank Lloyd Wright. Though the original exterior has been demolished and renovated several times since, its hallowed halls retain many important features dating back to its opening, including terracotta tiles and priceless porcelain.