Where History Still Checks You In

For travelers who believe luxury is defined by marble lobbies and smart keys, think again. Long before modern hotels, weary merchants, monks, and nobles rested in humble inns that have stood for centuries. These ancient sanctuaries witnessed empires rise and vanish—yet still welcome guests today. Journey through history’s most time-honored lodgings in our list of the 20 oldest hotels in the world.

WebKay on Wikimedia

1. Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan, Japan – 705

Hidden in Japan’s Yamanashi Prefecture, this centuries-old inn once hosted samurai and shoguns seeking its legendary hot springs. For over a thousand years, it remained under one family’s care—an unbroken line of hospitality that only changed hands in the 21st century.

Boltor on Wikimedia

2. The Olde Bell, England – 1135

In the quiet village of Hurley stands The Olde Bell, an inn surrounded by whispers of secret tunnels leading to a nearby priory. Its history may be partly uncertain, but its 12th-century walls still welcome modern travelers searching for warmth and charm.

Acabashi on Wikimedia

3. Zum Roten Bären, Germany – 1120

Older than Freiburg itself, the “Red Bear Inn” has witnessed centuries of change in Germany’s Black Forest. Beneath the ancient structure lies a medieval wine cellar, still in use today—a lasting reminder of hospitality that began long before the Renaissance.

JoachimKohler-HB on Wikimedia

4. Hotel Alte Goste, Italy – 1142

Hotel Alte Goste’s architecture blends Italian elegance with Alpine tradition in South Tyrol. Its history dates back to the Middle Ages, when travelers first found rest here. After nearly nine centuries, its mountain hospitality continues to define the region’s timeless charm.

Hotel Alte Goste | Oberolang | 2022 by Moving Pictures 360° Foto- und Videoagentur

5. Hotel Interlaken, Switzerland – 1323

First built as a small hospice for pilgrims, Hotel Interlaken evolved into a beloved Swiss retreat. Once managed by monks, it now combines history and comfort beneath the Alps. And every stay reflects the inn’s centuries-old promise of rest in a spectacular setting.

WebKay on Wikimedia

6. Gastagwirt, Austria– 1380

Few places capture Austrian hospitality like Gastagwirt, an inn that has served travelers through countless Alpine winters. Its walls have witnessed six centuries of history, yet the warm meals, cozy rooms, and welcoming spirit remain as inviting as ever.

Landgasthof Gastagwirt by Gastagwirt

7. Parador De Santiago De Compostela, Spain – 1499

Built as a royal hospital for pilgrims journeying along the Camino de Santiago, this magnificent parador was later transformed into a luxurious hotel. Despite its modern comforts, it still holds true to its founding purpose—offering weary travelers rest and renewal.

MARIA ROSA GR on Wikimedia

8. Hôtel Cour Du Corbeau, France – 1528

Step into Strasbourg’s old quarter and you’ll find a hotel that feels straight out of a history book. Its carved wood galleries and Renaissance courtyard whisper stories from centuries past. Even its name, “Courtyard of the Raven,” carries a quiet mystery.

Ji-Elle on Wikimedia

9. Seaside Inn, United States – 1660

Before the United States even existed, this Maine inn was already welcoming travelers to the coast. Generations later, the Seaside Inn still greets guests with ocean breezes and small-town warmth—a living link to America’s earliest chapter of hospitality.

Seaside Inn Kennebunk Beach Maine by VisitME21

10. Hotel De La Soledad, Mexico – 1752

Not far from Oaxaca’s famous Santo Domingo Church, Hotel de la Soledad wraps visitors in Spanish colonial beauty. Its stone courtyards and arched corridors tell stories of tradition and artistry. Every corner feels like a love letter to Mexico’s cultural spirit.

Hotel La Soledad, Morelia, Mexico. by FlyCruiseStay

11. The LaLiT Great Eastern Kolkata, India – 1841

Once called the Auckland Hotel, this Kolkata landmark has hosted royalty and dignitaries alike. With Queen Elizabeth II among its guests, it earned the nickname “Jewel of the East.” Today, it remains a proud symbol of India’s timeless hospitality and charm.

Daniel Bourne on Wikimedia

12. Abbasi Hotel, Iran – 1700

This Isfahan masterpiece was originally built as a roadside inn for merchants traveling through Isfahan. Intricate tiles, vaulted ceilings, and serene courtyards create a feeling of quiet grandeur. Each stay reminds visitors how deeply beauty and tradition run in Iranian culture.

Koohkan on Wikimedia

13. Houw Hoek Hotel, South Africa – 1779

High in the South African mountains, the inn became the nation’s first licensed hotel. Travelers once stopped here on horseback; today, they come for its calm surroundings and rustic comfort. Few places capture such a long, unbroken story of welcome.

Zaian on Wikimedia

14. Hotel Continental, Morocco – 1870

The Hotel Continental, perched above Tangier’s busy port, has hosted artists, explorers, and dreamers. Its mix of European and Moroccan design mirrors the city itself—vibrant and layered. More than a hotel, it’s a cultural meeting point that never loses its charm.

Diego Delso on Wikimedia

15. Gran Hotel Del Paraguay, Paraguay – 1873

Once a grand colonial mansion, this Asunción hotel has been a stage for Paraguay’s history. Political figures and artists used to gather under its elegant arches. Today, it remains one of the few places where the 19th century still feels alive.

Cmasi on Wikimedia

16. Astor House Hotel, China – 1846

At a time when China’s travelers stayed mostly in teahouses, Shanghai unveiled something new—a Western-style hotel. The Astor House transformed local hospitality with grand architecture and modern service, becoming the meeting ground where Chinese tradition met the world’s growing fascination with the East.

Shanghai88 on Wikimedia

17.Mena House Hotel, Egypt – 1869

At the edge of the Giza Plateau, beneath the watchful pyramids, a royal lodge grew into one of Egypt’s most iconic hotels. Once a desert retreat for nobility, the Mena House has hosted figures like Winston Churchill amid breathtaking views of ancient wonders.

Paul Mannix on Wikimedia

18. Stallmästaregården, Sweden – 1600s

Just outside Stockholm, the lakeside retreat has welcomed guests since the 17th century. Its timbered design and classic Swedish interiors speak to simpler times. Generations later, it continues to offer locals and visitors a peaceful escape filled with warmth, comfort, and Scandinavian charm.

FriskoKry on Wikimedia

19. Grand Hotel De Draak, Netherlands – 1397

In the old town of Bergen op Zoom, a dragon once inspired a name that would last six centuries. Grand Hotel de Draak, the Netherlands’ oldest, still stands proudly among cobbled streets, its history intertwined with the myths and spirit of its city.

Ger Barbiers on Wikimedia

20. Lawrence’s Hotel, Portugal– 1764

Set in the hills of Sintra, this elegant hotel became a favorite of artists and poets, including Lord Byron. With creaking floors, cozy lounges, and historic rooms, it remains a true piece of living heritage—where centuries of European hospitality have never lost their charm.

Thomas from Vienna, Austria on Wikimedia