The hotel business employs a variety of strategies to attract guests: some are distinguished by high-quality service, others by unique panoramas, and still others attract guests with a rich history. Such hotels can also be considered museums, where the memory of events that took place hundreds of years ago is preserved. Where are the hotels with the most eventful history?
Château Saint-Martin in Vence, France
Located in the south of France, this luxury 5-star hotel boasts an authentic medieval atmosphere: it is housed in a majestic snow-white castle that previously belonged to the legendary Knights Templar. In 1115, after the knights received the castle as a gift from the Count of Provence, the Order founded a monastery here in honor of St. Martin of Tours.
There is a legend that the Templars hid their treasures within these walls.
The commune of Saint-Paul-de-Vence, located just 10 km from the castle, attracted many famous artists: Henri Matisse, Chaim Soutine and Marc Chagall. Chagall even moved here in 1966, lived here for almost 20 years, and now his body rests in the local cemetery.
Chelsea in New York, USA
This famous New York hotel has served as a meeting place for cultural and art icons. Jack Kerouac, for example, wrote his cult novel "On the Road" here, in the 1960s, Salvador Dali could often be seen in the hotel with his exotic pet ocelot Babu, Andy Warhol, one of the key figures of pop art. In the same years, Bob Dylan created his song Sad Eyed Lady of Lowlands in Room 211, and in 1974, Leonard Cohen dedicated the song Chelsea Hotel No. 2 to the hotel.
Fairmont in San Francisco, USA
The Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco, a centuries-old witness to historical events, became famous for a momentous event that took place in 1945: it was here that the final meeting of the historic UN Conference was held on June 26, bringing together delegates from 50 countries. This day became the date of the signing of the UN Charter, which laid the foundation for the modern system of international relations.
Echoes of this important meeting are still preserved in the Garden Room of the hotel, where the first draft of the UN Charter was prepared. In the years that followed, the Fairmont hosted numerous celebrities, including Ella Fitzgerald and Marlene Dietrich, and every U.S. president since Harry Truman.
Mayflower in Washington, USA
The Mayflower, located near the White House, is closely intertwined with 20th-century American history. J. Edgar Hoover, the director of the FBI, and many prominent political leaders regularly dined there, and the pilot Charles Lindbergh celebrated his historic transatlantic flight.
A special page in the history of the hotel is occupied by the 32nd President of the United States, Franklin D. Roosevelt. In Room 776, he prepared his famous inaugural address, in which he famously said, "We have nothing to fear but fear itself." These words have inspired millions of Americans in difficult times.
Ye Olde Bell in Retford, UK
Established in 1135, the Ye Old Bell Hotel was the location where one of the most important events of the 17th century took place. In 1688, a landmark meeting led by Baron John Lovelace took place here: supporters of the "Glorious Revolution" gathered in this cozy hotel. This event led to the abdication of King James II and the accession of William of Orange to the throne. William's reign led to economic and social transformations that transformed England into a great world power.
Pennsylvania in New York, USA
The Pennsylvania Hotel, opened in 1919, is one of the largest hotels in the city. It is known for its history, especially related to the golden age of jazz, with many stars of the era performing in its famous Cafe Society ballroom, including Duke Ellington and Benny Goodman. Pennsylvania is also known for its exceptional location across from Penn Station and in close proximity to many of Manhattan's attractions.
Chateau Marmont in Los Angeles, USA
Opened in 1929, the Château Marmont Hotel has attracted Hollywood celebrities, writers, journalists, and artists over the years. Originally built as a luxury apartment building, this hotel has become a symbol of Hollywood's golden age. Its unique architecture and privacy make it one of the city's top attractions. Château Marmont is known for its glamorous parties and scandalous stories related to its famous guests.
Nacional de Cuba in Havana, Cuba
The National de Cuba, the country's most famous hotel, was at the epicenter of political events in the mid-20th century. Fidel Castro, who is preparing plans for the reconstruction of the country, chose this hotel as his command post.
After the victory of the Cuban Revolution in 1959, January 1 became a public holiday, Cuba Liberation Day, and Fidel Castro continued to reside in the "National de Cuba" for the next three years after his victory. The hotel has attracted many famous people, including Ernest Hemingway, Jean-Paul Sartre and Yuri Gagarin.
The Ritz in Paris, France
Founded in 1898 by César Ritz, this legendary hotel has become a symbol of luxury and elegance in the heart of Paris. The Ritz Hotel has witnessed many historical events and has attracted celebrities from all over the world. One of the most famous guests was Coco Chanel, who lived in the hotel for more than 30 years. The writer Ernest Hemingway also often stayed here. The Ritz has become a symbol of old-world glamour and grandeur and still attracts those looking for sophistication and sophistication.
Waldorf Astoria in New York, USA
This famous hotel opened in 1893, and it quickly became one of the most prestigious and luxurious hotels in New York City. The Waldorf Astoria has hosted many prominent personalities, including presidents, royalty, and movie stars. The hotel has hosted important political and social events – the place is especially famous for its balls and gala dinners.
Waldorf Astoria went down in culinary history as the place where the famous Waldorf salad was invented.
