Awarded Five AA Gold StarsAwarded Two AA Rosettes and Restaurant with Rooms 2025 for WalesGood Hotel Guide — César Award (2026)
Boutique Hotels
Although smaller that most mainstream and chain hotels, boutique hotels offer standout touches like eye-catching decor, unique experiences, and personalized services. Many heritage properties are given a makeover to turn into charming boutique hotels. If you want a one-of-a-kind stay, check out our curated list of heritage boutique hotels!
4-Star
Superb(189 reviews)9.5
Early Modern & Colonial Expansion
Every historic hotel tells a unique tale of its time. From Renaissance’s Gothic cathedrals to Japanese simplicity, each location reflects the culture, way of life, and architectural style of its era. This property belongs to Early Modern & Colonial Expansion. Click to know more about this period.
Bontnewydd, Dinas, Caernarfon, United Kingdom, LL54 7YF
Machiya
Machiya are traditional Japanese townhouses, especially in Kyoto, but also found in Naraijuku, Kanazawa, Takayama, and Kurashiki. Although construction ceased after the 1950 Building Standards Act, many historic machiya remain, offering visitors a glimpse into Japan’s architectural heritage. Check our list of machiyas for a memorable vacation!
4-Star
Fabulous(5 reviews)8.6
Industrial & Imperial Era
Every historic hotel tells a unique tale of its time. From Renaissance’s Gothic cathedrals to Japanese simplicity, each location reflects the culture, way of life, and architectural style of its era. This property belongs to Industrial & Imperial Era. Click to know more about this period.
Shimogyo-ku Shimozaimokucho 446, 600-8017 Kyoto, Japan
Recognized as a 4‑star property by The AA and Scottish Tourist Board for excellence
Castles
Once home to kings and knights, castles were fortified estates with towering walls. Today, many historic castles have been transformed into heritage stays, offering guests a taste of medieval grandeur. Some castle hotels in Ireland, the UK, and Germany also serve as wedding venues. If you're a history buff, explore our list of the most breathtaking heritage castle hotels.
4-Star
Very good(637 reviews)8.3
Early Modern & Colonial Expansion
Every historic hotel tells a unique tale of its time. From Renaissance’s Gothic cathedrals to Japanese simplicity, each location reflects the culture, way of life, and architectural style of its era. This property belongs to Early Modern & Colonial Expansion. Click to know more about this period.
Invergordon, Ross-Shire, Invergordon, Invergordon, United Kingdom, IV18 0LF
Awarded AA Five Stars (2026)Awarded Two AA Rosettes (2026)Awarded One Michelin Star (2026) — Ugly Butterfly
Historic Hotels
Recognized for their venerable age and for being steeped in history, heritage hotels are seen as icons in their locality. They are often emblematic of certain time periods due to the architecture, or for hosting significant events. They are differentiated further from modern hotels by providing meaningful cultural experiences. Take a look at our recommendations!
5-Star
Superb(4 reviews)9.4
Industrial & Imperial Era
Every historic hotel tells a unique tale of its time. From Renaissance’s Gothic cathedrals to Japanese simplicity, each location reflects the culture, way of life, and architectural style of its era. This property belongs to Industrial & Imperial Era. Click to know more about this period.
Headland Road, Newquay Harbor, Newquay, United Kingdom, TR7 1EW
Chateaux
Once palaces, manors, or castles of French aristocrats, châteaux were often found in rural communes. Considered historic landmarks, many are now private hotels with restored architecture, while others have been converted into museums or remained government-managed royal estates. Discover the rich heritage of France’s châteaux—explore our curated list to learn more!
4-Star
Fabulous(134 reviews)8.8
Ancient to Early Medieval
Every historic hotel tells a unique tale of its time. From Renaissance’s Gothic cathedrals to Japanese simplicity, each location reflects the culture, way of life, and architectural style of its era. This property belongs to Ancient to Early Medieval. Click to know more about this period.
Features a thatched roof made with special kaya grass
Ryokans
Ryokans are traditional Japanese inns known for native architecture, authentic cuisine—especially kaiseki-ryouri dinners—and serene onsen baths. Often run by the same family for generations, they preserve Japan’s rich hospitality heritage and offer an immersive cultural experience Choose a ryokan from our list for an authentic experience!
3-Star
Fabulous(20 reviews)8.78
High Medieval to Renaissance
Every historic hotel tells a unique tale of its time. From Renaissance’s Gothic cathedrals to Japanese simplicity, each location reflects the culture, way of life, and architectural style of its era. This property belongs to High Medieval to Renaissance. Click to know more about this period.
Honored with a Michelin star in the 2024 Michelin Guide for its on-site restaurant
Boutique Hotels
Although smaller that most mainstream and chain hotels, boutique hotels offer standout touches like eye-catching decor, unique experiences, and personalized services. Many heritage properties are given a makeover to turn into charming boutique hotels. If you want a one-of-a-kind stay, check out our curated list of heritage boutique hotels!
4-Star
Superb(103 reviews)9.1
High Medieval to Renaissance
Every historic hotel tells a unique tale of its time. From Renaissance’s Gothic cathedrals to Japanese simplicity, each location reflects the culture, way of life, and architectural style of its era. This property belongs to High Medieval to Renaissance. Click to know more about this period.
61 Lieu Dit Cambelong, 12320 Conques-en-Rouergue, France
Site of the Utkal Sammilani conferences, Odisha's unification and independence movement
Palaces
Palaces began as royal residences designed to impress, like Schönbrunn, City Palace, and Versailles. With grand halls and ornate decor, they hosted guests based on status and ties. Modern media highlights their opulence, a vision embraced by historic palace stays worldwide. Live your royal dream and explore our catalog of historic palace stays for your perfect getaway!
4.7-Star
Superb(4 reviews)9.5
Early Modern & Colonial Expansion
Every historic hotel tells a unique tale of its time. From Renaissance’s Gothic cathedrals to Japanese simplicity, each location reflects the culture, way of life, and architectural style of its era. This property belongs to Early Modern & Colonial Expansion. Click to know more about this period.
Good Pub Guide — Pub of the Year (2018)Good Pub Guide — Inn Of The Year (2020-2021)
Historic Hotels
Recognized for their venerable age and for being steeped in history, heritage hotels are seen as icons in their locality. They are often emblematic of certain time periods due to the architecture, or for hosting significant events. They are differentiated further from modern hotels by providing meaningful cultural experiences. Take a look at our recommendations!
4-Star
Fabulous(606 reviews)8.9
High Medieval to Renaissance
Every historic hotel tells a unique tale of its time. From Renaissance’s Gothic cathedrals to Japanese simplicity, each location reflects the culture, way of life, and architectural style of its era. This property belongs to High Medieval to Renaissance. Click to know more about this period.