Historical Hotels

When you are on vacation chances are you will be spending your nights in hotels along the way. Not only do hotels provide a place to sleep for the night, they often become a significant part of your vacation. Picking a hotel with character and charm can greatly add to the value of your trip, and one of the best ways to do this is to stay in a historic hotel. These often have a rich history and a variety of stories that go along with them, and a wealth of knowledge can be gained from speaking to someone who works there or to the owner. Ask about when the hotel was built, interesting stories or famous guests that have stayed there: you may find yourself surprised at how much of the past a hotel can carry.

While there are usually a few significant historical hotels in each city in the world, listed below are a few that have special significance.

Amberley Castle, England
900-year-old Amberley Castle is rated one of the top 10 hotels in the world, and provides visitors with the unique experience of staying in an actual medieval castle. This beautiful stone building in Sussex has been converted into an exclusive hotel, and has an impressive history. The original manor house was built in 1100 by Bishop Luffa of Chichester, and in the 14th century the curtain wall and gatehouse was erected. The castle's lease has been held by various British royals, including Queen Elizabeth I. Today, it is divided into 19 suites and rooms which have Jacuzzi bathtubs and four poster beds. The dining room is spectacular, and serves up incredible meals made with fresh local produce. If you are looking for a once in a lifetime experience, than this is definitely the place to go.

Argyle Hotel, California
Located in one of the most important Art Deco structures in LA, the famous Argyle Hotel is one of the most well-known hotels in the USA. It was designed in 1929 by architect Leland A. Bryant, and has since been one of the Sunset Strip's most recognizable landmarks. It has been a hotspot for celebrities since its construction, and some of the most famous movie stars of the century have spent nights in its rooms. Today it is still one of Hollywood's most happening places, and its stylish interior draws an endless stream of visitors.

Hotel Metropole, Venice
This lovely Venice hotel has a long history, one which the hotel tries to incorporate into its present-day charm. Its origins date back to the 1500's, first as an orphanage, then a church, until finally it became established as a hotel sometime in the late 1800's. It was used as a military hospital for a brief period during World War II, and then was re-established as a hotel once again. Today it is one of Venice's most popular hotels, and is located in the heart of the city, overlooking the Bacino di San Marco, which is the lagoon behind the fantastic St. Mark's Square.