Many hotels from our today's selection began to work in such ancient times that it is difficult to imagine that they could have survived to this day! Yes, there are those that were almost completely destroyed, but turned into museums, but there are also those that are tens of centuries old, and they continue to receive guests.
History tells us about the very first hotel houses in Pompeii, which appeared before our era, but those hotels to which we are more or less accustomed began to appear from the VIII century.
Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan, Japan, 705
It is not known for certain what prompted Emperor Tenji's entourage to open a hotel there, but we know exactly what the name of its founder, Fujiwara Mahito, was. It was he who decided to build a hotel there at the beginning of the VIII century. And he was right! Almost instantly, this place became a point of attraction for everyone: from the smallest samurai to high-ranking politicians. Perhaps it was this "environment" that helped the hotel to survive to this day.
It may seem impossible, but the hotel is more than 13 centuries old! Recently, it was awarded the title of the oldest hotel on earth and this achievement was included in the Book of Records.
Now it is managed by the 52nd descendant of the same Mahito. The hotel is located close to Mount Fuji in Yamanashi Prefecture, just a couple of hours' drive from the mountain. Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan has 40 rooms, every corner of the building is steeped in culture and history, and some rooms boast their own springs or a small terrace where you can gaze at the night sky.
When visiting, guests are asked to take off their shoes and are even offered national exquisite clothes. Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan uses a hot spring for water and domestic use, filling the fonts and a decorative fountain at the entrance.
Hoshi Ryokan, Japan, 718
Hoshi Ryokan is the next record-breaking hotel, one might say, a neighbor of Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan. Here, too, history dates back to the VIII century – it was probably fashionable then to open hotels for millennia to come! It has been ruled by one family for 13 centuries: the last male heir died in 2013, leaving behind a daughter, Hisae Hoshi.
The history of the hotel worried many residents of Japan so much that they began to cover it in the media and even made a documentary.
The history of the hotel is not over, it still welcomes guests with a traditional interior, with a restaurant offering authentic Japanese breakfasts. In addition to hot mineral water tubs, you can also enjoy wellness treatments, and if you come in September, you can get to the colorful festival.
Gamirasu Cave Hotel, Turkey, VIII century
In the beautiful village of Ayvali, in picturesque Cappadocia, there is a unique "Cave Hotel". Its history goes back centuries: at first there was a monastery hidden from everyone, and now the rooms, carved in the soft rock of volcanite, have turned into cozy atmospheric rooms. On the territory you can see an ancient church built in the X century, ancient paintings and frescoes of that era have been preserved nearby.
The Caves Hotel opened its doors in 1999 and has been delighting guests ever since. In total, there are 30 cave rooms, each with its own unique design: from modest dungeons with real stone beds to luxury apartments. You don't have to worry that you will be left without communication there - the Internet was installed there for your convenience.
Maid's Head Hotel, England, 1090-1246
In the historical chronicles of Norwich, the inn was first mentioned in the XII century, but the Maid's Head Hotel itself claims that the history of the institution began in the XI century. At that time, the estate of the Bishop of Norwich was located on this site - most likely, he is the founder of the hotel. There are documents from the V century, confirming that the first building originates from those ancient times, but the new part was built only from the VI century.
Princes, the famous Anne Boleyn, and even Queen Elizabeth I of England and Ireland once stayed here.
In 1724, the Freemasons of Norwich gathered in the halls of the hotel, preserving the spirit of mystery and brotherhood. Also here you can find a book number inspired by the work Tombland, where the author Christopher Sansom describes the life of the rebel Robert Ket.
Guests at Maid's Head Hotel can relax in a classic room or choose a themed room. Immerse yourself in the post-medieval period by staying at this unique hotel, where every corner is permeated with historical events and literary masterpieces!
Luna Baglioni, Italy, 1118
Italy is famous for its old hotel located in Venice. The history of this place began in the XII century, when during the Crusades and campaigns there was a "recreation center" for knights. In the historical records of the 13th century, a manuscript has been preserved mentioning a tavern and inn called "The Moon". Despite the restoration of the hotel in 1992, the modern part of the hotel has retained details of the interior of 1700.
There are 105 rooms for your convenience, a small pier for vaporetto (Venetian waterbuses) and the beautiful St. Mark's Square.
Zum Roten Bären, Germany, 1120
The hotel is famous primarily for the fact that Queen Marie Antoinette of France often stayed here on her wedding train. At the same time, the hotel hosted a large-scale reception for more than 200 people! According to Peter Kalchthaler, the hotel itself was first documented in 1310. In addition to the queen, the existentialist philosopher Heidegger and the German-Austrian film actress Marika Rökk also visited here.
Now the hotel is famous for its 25 rooms and a restaurant with German cuisine, but the seats in the restaurant are often occupied - the locals appreciate this place very much.
Château Du Domaine St. Martin, France, 1300s
The Provencal Castle, the monastery chapel - all this was founded by the Knights Templar in the XII century and has been preserved to this day. St. Martin's Abbey is a castle belonging to the order. In the XIV century, it was partially destroyed, but later it was restored and rebuilt, turning into a hotel.
Many believe that artifacts belonging to the order are hidden somewhere in the territory.
The castle is located near the Nice district, so you can often meet celebrities there. The hotel is located on a hill, offering a beautiful panorama of the city and the sea. Locals also love to visit the hotel for its unique Michelin-starred restaurant - La Commanderie, and the interior will pleasantly delight you with antiques and furniture preserved after the reign of King Louis XV.
