10 Oldest Hotels in the World -Top Historic Attractions
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Think fast: which hotels are the world's oldest? Clue: it's been around for a thousand years. Additionally, it is located in Japan. Nothing?
Okay, the correct answer is the Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan, a Japanese inn famous for its hot springs that first opened its doors to samurais in the year 705 A.D. How ludicrous! Someone had to make money off of renting out beds, even if prostitution is the world's oldest profession. As Chris Berman would say, "back, back, back, back, back!" in the hotel business.
There are many equally historic locations across the globe that have never closed, despite the fact that almost all of the world's longest-running hotels are in Japan (having never been a pub, a post office, a private residence; never burning down; never moving; never closing).
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| Hotel Interlaken. Photo: Agoda |
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What Are The Oldest Hotels in the World?
(Compiled and Recommended by KnowInsiders)
#10. Hotel Interlaken
| Year Established: 1323 Location: Interlaken, Switzerland Founder(s): Unspecified Number of Rooms: 55 |
The current iteration of the 1323-founded Hotel Interlaken has its origins as a hospital, a cloister, and a tavern. After being run as a guesthouse by monks and nuns for a while, the hotel changed hands several times to various members of the same family. In 1491, after extensive renovations, it was given its own coat of arms.
The lobby, the restaurants, and the bar all feature some of the original walls and furnishings. In addition to the excellent service, the hotel's location next to a stunning Japanese garden is a major draw for visitors. In fact, if you ask nicely, we can arrange for your room to overlook the entire garden.
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| Pilgrimhaus. Photo: Wikimedia Commons |
#9. Pilgrimhaus
| Year Established: c.1304 Location: Soest, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany Founder(s): Council of the city of Soest Number of Rooms: Unspecified |
Soest's city council established Pilgrimhaus as a hospice and pilgrims' house. Pilgrims headed for Santiago de Compostella (northern Spain) frequented the inn. On July 25th, the hotel hosts a feast in honor of Saint James.
The Pilgrimhaus was originally owned by the town until 1613, when it was sold to Thomas Merckelbach. The Bödecker family eventually took over the Pilgrimhaus and began producing beer and brandy there. The Pilmgrimhaus has been owned by the Beck family since 2008, and in 2016 it underwent a major renovation.
Check out the largest hotel in the world right now here!
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| Orso Grigio. Photo: Trip Advisor |
#8. Orso Grigio
| Year Established: c.1303 Location: Innichen, Italy Founder(s): Unknown Number of Rooms: 30 |
It was technically Austria's when Orso Grigio was founded in the 1300s. However, following Italy's annexation of the province, the hotel is now properly located in San Candido. There's a nice fusion of the two cultures on display, and the views out the windows are stunning as well. From the comfort of their hotel room, guests can take in breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and the city below, which is a vibrant melting pot of cultures.
This inn, which dates back to the 14th century, and the neighboring San Candido marketplace continue to amaze visitors to this day. Orso Grigio now offers unrivaled hospitality, service, and cuisine to its guests.
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| The Old Bell Hotel. Photo: Trip Advisor |
#7. The Old Bell Hotel
| Year Established: 1220 Location: Malmesbury, Wiltshire, England Founder(s): Abbot Loring of Malmesbury Abbey Number of Rooms: 33 |
There is another historic English hotel on this list with a name nearly identical to The Old Bell Hotel. Similar to the other hotel, The Old Bell Hotel in Malmesbury boasts that it is the oldest hotel in England despite the fact that three other English hotels are considerably older.
In 1220, Abbot Loring opened the Old Bell Hotel as a hostel for the benefit of nobles paying a visit to Malmesbury Abbey. Although some of The Old Bell Hotel has been renovated since its 1220 founding, the hotel's hooded stone fireplace in the Brasserie is original to the building.
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| The Angel and Royal Hotel. Photo: Du học Trung Quốc |
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#6. The Angel and Royal Hotel
| Year Established: 1203 Location: Grantham, Lincolnshire, England Founder(s): Knights Templar Number of Rooms: 29 |
On Grantham, Lincolnshire's High Street, you'll find the Angel and Royal Hotel. Its foundations and cellar are from the 9th century, but the building itself was constructed as a hostel in the 13th. One of the world's oldest hotels, it first opened its doors in 1203.
Until the Sheriff of Lincolnshire took possession of it on 5 December 1307 using a writ issued by Edward II, the building had been owned and operated by the disbanded Knights Templar. From that point on, it grew in importance as a coaching inn along the Ermine Way (later renamed the Great North Road) that passed through Grantham.
The stone angel carvings on the building's facade gave rise to the building's original name, the Angel Inn. The demi-angel statues at the building's entrance now wear Richard III's crown in gold paint.
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| The Olde Bell. Photo: Agoda |
#5. The Olde Bell
| Year Established: 1135 Location: Hurley, Berkshire, England Founder(s): Hurley Priory (a monastery) Number of Rooms: 48 |
The Olde Bell is just one of many hotels across the United Kingdom that boasts the title of "oldest." The Olde Bell, unlike many of these other hotels, can claim to be the oldest in the UK thanks to its long history that dates back to 1135. In its early days, the hotel's oldest section hosted visitors to the local Benedictine Priory.
The Sanctus Bell was rung to alert the monks of a significant visitor to Hurley in need of lodgings, hence the Olde Bell's eponymous name. Famous people like Winston Churchill, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, and Cary Grant have all visited The Olde Bell over the years.
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| Zum Roten Bären. Photo: Trip Advisor |
#4. Zum Roten Bären
| Year Established: c.1120 Location: Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany Founder(s): Unspecified Number of Rooms: 25 |
Zum Roten Baeren is the oldest hotel in Germany and all of Europe, predating the city in which it now stands. This vibrant structure was around for the 30 Years' War, both World Wars, and the time of witch hunts. While the exterior has been updated, the basement has kept much of its original decor and artwork.
Even though the hotel isn't as fancy as some others, it has a rich history and a long tradition of hospitality. It is also convenient for visiting the exciting cathedral market and the world-famous Freiburg Concert Hall during your time in Germany.
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| Maids Head Hotel. Photo: Tripvago |
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#3. Maids Head Hotel
| Year Established: mid-1090s Location: Norwich, Norfolk, England Founder(s): Herbert de Losinga Number of Rooms: 84 |
Claiming to be the oldest hotel in Britain is the Maids Head. The hotel claims this is because the location has been serving guests nonstop since the 1100s. The original palace of Herbert de Losinga, the first Norman Bishop of Norwich, once stood on the site where the modern hotel now stands.
Although there was a building on the site as early as the 11th century, the current Maids Head Hotel didn't even begin to take shape until the 15th. The hotel's Oak Room, named for its oak paneling, is thought to date back to the same era. In the 16th century, a bar was installed. The owners of the Maids Head Hotel have renovated the building while preserving its historic character.
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| Hoshi Ryokan. Photo: Agoda |
#2. Hoshi Ryokan
| Year Established: 718 Location: Komatsu, Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan Founder(s): Garyo Hoshi Number of Rooms: Unspecified |
The Hoshi Ryokan, like the Keiunkan, is an ancient Japanese inn with a documented history stretching back to the year 718 A.D. The Ryokan, like the Keiunkan, is a great place to relax and soak in the hot springs after a long journey. In addition, they boast open-air baths that have thrived in popularity throughout the years.
The hotel has a classic layout and decor, and its delicious meals are prepared using a wide variety of time-tested techniques. The tranquility and harmony of this sanctuary will be greatly appreciated by all who visit.
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| Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan. Photo: Fortune |
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| Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan at night. Photo: Uniq Hotels |
#1. Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan
| Year Established: 705 Location: Hayakawa, Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan Founder(s): Fujiwara Mahito Number of Rooms: 35 |
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| Photo: Booking |
The Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan in Japan claims to be the world's oldest hotel, having opened in the year 705. During the reign of Emperor Keiun, Fujiwara Mahito opened an inn that would later become the Keiunkan Hotel. The Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan in Japan was officially named the oldest hotel in the world in 2011.
The onsen, or traditional hot springs, at this inn are a major selling point. Tokugawa Ieyasu and Takeda Shingen, among other notable samurai and shoguns, were rumored to have visited Nishiyama Onsen. Today, Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan is still run by the 52nd generation of the Mahito family.
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