The World's Best Historic and Heritage Accommodation
Published on: September 5th, 2017
Last updated: September 24th, 2024
Here at Jacada we enjoy a touch of Old World style.
Whether it's African camps echoing bygone days of a colonial era or gorgeous art deco Vietnamese hotels, we are always on the lookout for the best heritage accommodation to add a touch of history to your adventure.
Take a look below for some of the world's best historic and heritage accommodation.
1) Hotel Monasterio, Cusco, Peru
One of our all-time favourite hotels in Latin America, Hotel Monasterio is a former monastery which has been lovingly restored to beautiful effect. Decorated with antiques of Spanish design and built on Incan foundations, this renowned and luxury hotel is protected by the National Institute of Culture.
In the heart of the magical and magnificent city of Cusco, and just minutes away from the main plaza with all the best restaurants and museums, the hotel also offers extra-luxurious comfort in the form of oxygen enriched bedrooms to help guests acclimatise to the high altitude.
2) Palacio Astoreca, Valparaiso, Chile
Based atop a hill in Valparaiso, Palacio Astoreca is a striking red and white 1920s mansion that has been restored into a lovely boutique hotel. The historic building’s design is contrasted with contemporary furnishings which include pieces of modern art plus a luxury steam room and massage rooms.
Enjoy the hotel’s stunning restaurant and wine bar, head out on explorations of Valparaiso’s colourful 19th century architecture and faded coastal grandeur, or dip into the nearby vineyards of the Aconcagua and Casablanca Valleys.
3) Hacienda Zuleta, Otavalo Area, Ecuador
The former president’s home in the stunning Otavalo countryside, this seventeenth century property is now a beautiful hotel boasting guestrooms adorned with antiques and libraries decorated with historical paintings and photographs. The estate produces its own cheese onsite and there is an exciting program for the rehabilitation of Condors.
Based in an impressive 2,000 hectares of countryside, when you are not admiring the heritage furniture and ornaments, spend your time horse riding, mountain biking and hiking around the surrounding pastureland. For the ultimate in authentic Ecuadorian culture, head over to the Otavalo Market on your way there.
The best of the rest
4) Sofitel Santa Clara, Cartagena, Colombia
Found in the lovely Colombian city of Cartagena, the grand Sofitel Santa Clara is an original colonial convent featuring cloistered gardens, terracotta walkways and arches, and strewn with gorgeous antique furniture. The luxury guestrooms here offer modern comfort, while the colourful colonial suites combine a nostalgic sense of old and new.
5) Hacienda Xcanatun, Merida, Mexico
Surrounded by exotic gardens, Hacienda Xcanatun is found just outside Merida and brims with history, charm and character. The authentic hacienda provides private, spacious rooms that are designed with rural old-world affluence mind. Its extensive grounds add to the feeling of timeless seclusion.
6) Hub Porteno, Buenos Aires, Argentina
This historical property in Buenos Aires has been wonderfully renovated to create a lovely hotel. A mix of original antiquities and modern, quality artisan works including hand crafted mirrors grace the spacious guestrooms here at Hub Porteno, while the renowned restaurant promises delicious Argentine cuisine.
7) The River Club, Livingstone, Zambia
Sitting on the banks of the Zambezi River, this graceful hotel is a restored 1940s farmhouse giving it an authentic colonial feel. While The River Club nods to the Edwardian era with touches such as croquet on the lawn, the luxury chalets and communal area provide complete modern-day comfort.
8) Jack's Camp, the Makgadikgadi Pans, Botswana
Located in the Makgadikgadi Pans, Jack’s Camp is decked out with original antiquities, offering plenty of colonial themed indulgences. The sumptuous tents here are home to four poster beds and Persian carpets, while the activities range from quad biking to time with the local Bushmen.
9) The Mount Nelson, Cape Town, South Africa
This large heritage property is regarded as one of Cape Town’s premier hotels. Set in pretty, landscaped grounds, the Mount Nelson boasts elegant colonial interiors. A visit here would not be complete however without enjoying the extravagant afternoon tea which takes place in the sophisticated, imperial sitting room and observatory.
10) Sofitel Metropole, Hanoi, Vietnam
Sofitel Metropole oozes old world sophistication with its deluxe heritage rooms and suites which combine colonial grandeur with modern-day comforts. What’s more, its prestigious location in the French Quarter just steps from the Opera House ensures plenty of opportunity to explore the city of Hanoi.
11) La Residence, Hue, Vietnam
Echoing the Imperial city in which it is located, La Residence is the original home of the former French colonial governor and still retains its stately splendour. Art deco design and 1930s architecture adorns the hotel which is based on the banks of the Perfume River.
12) Cameron Highlands Resort, Cameron Highlands, Malaysia
Surrounded by flourishing tea plantations, Cameron Highlands Resort is styled as a sumptuous colonial country club. The traditionally designed guestrooms here enjoy furnishings such as four poster beds and bespoke furniture, while the Jim Thompson Tea Room offers a nostalgic spot for the classic English afternoon tea.
13) Amantaka, Luang Prabang, Laos
This boutique property is made up of fifteen converted French colonial buildings, all of which exude utter elegance and luxury. Old world charm and grace is prevalent throughout Amantaka, which is a mere stroll from the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage city of Luang Prabang.
14) Raffles Singapore, Singapore
The iconic Raffles hotel in Singapore is steeped in history, most commonly known for its invention of gin-based cocktail, the Singapore Sling. This flagship hotel opened in 1887 on the site of a privately owned 10-bedroom beach house attracting wealthy clientele. Now, after various expansions, it hosts 103 beautifully decorated suites featuring art deco style, historic memorabilia and even rooms dedicated to famous figures associated with the hotel’s illustrious past.
15) Otahuna, Christchurch, New Zealand
Nestled amongst the Christchurch hills, this 1895 Victorian house has now been beautifully restored in the style of an English country estate with dark wood, elegant antique furniture, ornate fireplaces and a whitewashed veranda that boasts sweeping views across the plains.
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