From Japan to Liechtenstein, we journey to 10 of the worlds oldest hotels that boast a centuries-old heritage and are destinations in their own right for visitors seeking unique stays.
Some of the oldest hotels in the world are much... older than one might imagine. Ever since people began to travel, they needed a place to stay before continuing their journey, and this is proven by the existence of certain hotels that count centuries of history. These historic hotels have many fascinating stories to tell and are destinations in their own right for visitors from every corner of the globe.
Around the world you will encounter hotels that have operated continuously for hundreds of years, even if they have changed ownership. To grasp the age of the oldest hotel in the world, just consider that it began operating about 300 years before the Vikings reached America! Travel with us to 10 of the oldest hotels in the world and discover their little-known and intriguing stories.
Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan, Hayakawa, Japan
Year of establishment: 705
The oldest hotel in the world, according to theGuinness World Records, is theNishiyama Onsen Keiunkan in Japan.It sits amid the famoushot springs of Yamanashi and has welcomed guests for 1,300 years across52 generations! Founded in705 AD, that is roughly 300 years before the Vikings made their landing in America and 225 years before the Kingdom of England was established. It is even older than the city of Kyoto. Over the years it has hosted everyone from samurai to statesmen. Today the renovated hotel offers 37 rooms and open-air baths. What enchants visitors are the blooming gardens and the healing watersthat have flowed since the day the hotel first opened.
Zum Roten Baeren, Freiburg, Germany
Year of establishment: 1120
The Zum Roten Baerenin Freiburgis the oldest hotel in Germany and in all of Europe, as it appears to have been built before the city’s official founding in 1120. This hotel has survived tragic chapters of history such as the Black Death and two World Wars. It has been renovated and changed hands many times, yet still retains its name (meaning “red bear”), first recorded in documents in 1387, as well as the original appearance of the old inn on the ground floor.
The Olde Bell Hotel, Hurley, Berkshire, England
Year of establishment: 1135
If you dream of staying in a traditional English country inn, then the Olde Belle Hotel in the village ofHurley inBerkshire,just 40 minutes from London, may be exactly what you’re looking for. The inn first opened its doors in 1135 as a guesthouse for visitors to the nearby Benedictine priory. There is even still a secret passage leading from the inn’s cellar to the village priory, which was used during theGlorious Revolution of 1688. In its heyday, the Olde Belle Hotel welcomed kings as well as ordinary travelers, and served as a meeting place for Winston Churchill and Dwight D.Eisenhower during World War II. Today, guests can live out their rustic dreams in its rooms and expansive gardens.
Hotel Alte Goste, Valdaora, Italy
Year of establishment: 1142
TheHotel Alte Goste lies in the heart of the dramatic Puster Valley in the Italian Dolomites andhas been operating continuouslysince the 12th century. Its location once served as an important trading hub between the Holy Roman Empire and the city-states that now make up Italy. It was the first hotel to open in the area and still welcomes guests today, offering Italian hospitality and cuisine to visitors who want to relax amid the Dolomites’ magnificent nature.
Hotel Interlaken, Interlaken, Switzerland
Year of establishment: 1323
The Hotel Interlakenoperated as a hospital and later as a monastery, and was first recorded as an inn in 1323. It was renovated in 1491 and received its own coat of arms, which visitors can still see on the hotel’s facade. Remnants of the original walls are also visible in the lobby, bar, and restaurant. Among its famous guests were Lord Byron and the German composer Felix Mendelssohn. The rooms where they stayed now bear their names.
Gasthof Gastagwirt, Eugendorf, Austria
Year of establishment: 1380
Built near one of the steepest passes on an important trade route, the Gastagwirt began operating in 1380, offering travelers a place to rest before the arduous journey ahead. It was once much larger, but at some point in the hotel’s long history an owner lost half the property in a game of chance. Today’s travelers will appreciate its simple rooms, hearty food enriched with produce from the hotel’s own farm, and its cosy atmosphere.
Hotel-Gasthof Lowen, Vaduz, Liechtenstein
Year of establishment: 1380
Liechtenstein,between Switzerland and Austria, is full of history and beauty that travelers often overlook. But if you ever pass through this tiny nation, it is worth stopping at the historic Hotel-Gasthof Lowen,the most interesting hotel in the country. It is located in the center of the capital, Vaduz, close to many important sights,such as the Liechtenstein National Museum and Vaduz Castle. Even if you do not stay there, be sure to book a table at the hotel restaurant or enjoy a bottle of wine from its cellar.
Grand Hotel de Draak, Bergen op Zoom, Netherlands
Year of establishment:1397
It is very likely that the Hotel de Draak in the Netherlands is in fact over 600 years old. In 1397, a great fire broke out in the city of Bergen op Zoom, destroying all the records. Only this hotel and a neighboring building were spared. Beyond the fire, Hotel de Draak has survived history’s upheavals from medieval times to the 21st century. Over the years it has hosted numerous famous guests, including the royal family of the Netherlands.
Hotel Damier, Kortrijk, Belgium
Year of establishment: 1398
Built on the central market square of Kortrijk,the Hotel Damier has stood the test of time and has transformed into one of Belgium’s most luxurious hotels. The hotel’s facade dates back to 1769. Today, Hotel Damier is a charming 4-star boutique hotel, a place where History meets the city’s energy.
The Bear Hotel, Circkhowell, Wales
Year of establishment: 1432
Most guests at The Bear Hotel come to the area to explore the breathtaking Brecon Beacons National Park. Others are there simply to succumb to the charm of an old family-run inn that boasts one of the best pubs in the United Kingdom. In years past, travelers would have their horses reshod on the hotel grounds. Today that happens less often, but the Bear Hotel retains the cosy feel and atmosphere that has kept it thriving for nearly 600 years.
Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan, Hayakawa, Japan
Year of establishment: 705
The oldest hotel in the world, according to theGuinness World Records, is theNishiyama Onsen Keiunkan in Japan.It sits amid the famoushot springs of Yamanashi and has welcomed guests for 1,300 years across52 generations! Founded in705 AD, that is roughly 300 years before the Vikings made their landing in America and 225 years before the Kingdom of England was established. It is even older than the city of Kyoto. Over the years it has hosted everyone from samurai to statesmen. Today the renovated hotel offers 37 rooms and open-air baths. What enchants visitors are the blooming gardens and the healing watersthat have flowed since the day the hotel first opened.
Zum Roten Baeren, Freiburg, Germany
Year of establishment: 1120
The Zum Roten Baerenin Freiburgis the oldest hotel in Germany and in all of Europe, as it appears to have been built before the city’s official founding in 1120. This hotel has survived tragic chapters of history such as the Black Death and two World Wars. It has been renovated and changed hands many times, yet still retains its name (meaning “red bear”), first recorded in documents in 1387, as well as the original appearance of the old inn on the ground floor.
The Olde Bell Hotel, Hurley, Berkshire, England
Year of establishment: 1135
If you dream of staying in a traditional English country inn, then the Olde Belle Hotel in the village ofHurley inBerkshire,just 40 minutes from London, may be exactly what you’re looking for. The inn first opened its doors in 1135 as a guesthouse for visitors to the nearby Benedictine priory. There is even still a secret passage leading from the inn’s cellar to the village priory, which was used during theGlorious Revolution of 1688. In its heyday, the Olde Belle Hotel welcomed kings as well as ordinary travelers, and served as a meeting place for Winston Churchill and Dwight D.Eisenhower during World War II. Today, guests can live out their rustic dreams in its rooms and expansive gardens.
Hotel Alte Goste, Valdaora, Italy
Year of establishment: 1142
TheHotel Alte Goste lies in the heart of the dramatic Puster Valley in the Italian Dolomites andhas been operating continuouslysince the 12th century. Its location once served as an important trading hub between the Holy Roman Empire and the city-states that now make up Italy. It was the first hotel to open in the area and still welcomes guests today, offering Italian hospitality and cuisine to visitors who want to relax amid the Dolomites’ magnificent nature.
Hotel Interlaken, Interlaken, Switzerland
Year of establishment: 1323
The Hotel Interlakenoperated as a hospital and later as a monastery, and was first recorded as an inn in 1323. It was renovated in 1491 and received its own coat of arms, which visitors can still see on the hotel’s facade. Remnants of the original walls are also visible in the lobby, bar, and restaurant. Among its famous guests were Lord Byron and the German composer Felix Mendelssohn. The rooms where they stayed now bear their names.
Gasthof Gastagwirt, Eugendorf, Austria
Year of establishment: 1380
Built near one of the steepest passes on an important trade route, the Gastagwirt began operating in 1380, offering travelers a place to rest before the arduous journey ahead. It was once much larger, but at some point in the hotel’s long history an owner lost half the property in a game of chance. Today’s travelers will appreciate its simple rooms, hearty food enriched with produce from the hotel’s own farm, and its cosy atmosphere.
Hotel-Gasthof Lowen, Vaduz, Liechtenstein
Year of establishment: 1380
Liechtenstein,between Switzerland and Austria, is full of history and beauty that travelers often overlook. But if you ever pass through this tiny nation, it is worth stopping at the historic Hotel-Gasthof Lowen,the most interesting hotel in the country. It is located in the center of the capital, Vaduz, close to many important sights,such as the Liechtenstein National Museum and Vaduz Castle. Even if you do not stay there, be sure to book a table at the hotel restaurant or enjoy a bottle of wine from its cellar.
Grand Hotel de Draak, Bergen op Zoom, Netherlands
Year of establishment:1397
It is very likely that the Hotel de Draak in the Netherlands is in fact over 600 years old. In 1397, a great fire broke out in the city of Bergen op Zoom, destroying all the records. Only this hotel and a neighboring building were spared. Beyond the fire, Hotel de Draak has survived history’s upheavals from medieval times to the 21st century. Over the years it has hosted numerous famous guests, including the royal family of the Netherlands.
Hotel Damier, Kortrijk, Belgium
Year of establishment: 1398
Built on the central market square of Kortrijk,the Hotel Damier has stood the test of time and has transformed into one of Belgium’s most luxurious hotels. The hotel’s facade dates back to 1769. Today, Hotel Damier is a charming 4-star boutique hotel, a place where History meets the city’s energy.
The Bear Hotel, Circkhowell, Wales
Year of establishment: 1432
Most guests at The Bear Hotel come to the area to explore the breathtaking Brecon Beacons National Park. Others are there simply to succumb to the charm of an old family-run inn that boasts one of the best pubs in the United Kingdom. In years past, travelers would have their horses reshod on the hotel grounds. Today that happens less often, but the Bear Hotel retains the cosy feel and atmosphere that has kept it thriving for nearly 600 years.
