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
Superb(21 reviews)9.5
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.
Higashiyama-ku Gojobashihigashi 6-583-51, 605-0846 Kyoto, Japan
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
Superb(33 reviews)9.5
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.
Chef David Boyer was awarded the Meilleur Ouvrier de France disctinction in 2023Recognized in the Michelin Guide
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!
5-Star
Fabulous(36 reviews)8.9
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.
1792 Route De La Corniche, 83700 Saint-Raphaël, France
Awarded the Clef Verte eco-label in 2025 for its commitment to sustainability
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(932 reviews)9.2
Interwar & Early Modern Heritage
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 Interwar & Early Modern Heritage. Click to know more about this period.
Awarded the label Jardin Remarquable in 2005 by the French Ministry of CultureRecognized as a Monument Historique by the French government
Chateaux, Chain Hotels
Chain hotels are known by their brand names, offering quality through standards set by their parent companies. However, older ones still deliver something unique for guests, such as bespoke cultural and regional experiences. If you're looking for a hotel that combines reliability with rich historical and cultural significance, explore our list of chain hotels.
4.4-Star
Fabulous(95 reviews)9.0
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.
Temple Stays & Monasteries
Shintoism’s reverence for nature and Buddhism’s quest for inner peace led to shrines and temples in remote areas. To shelter pilgrims overnight, temple lodgings called shukubo were built. Today, they offer spiritual retreats with prayer readings and meditation. Experience tranquility at a historic shukubo—explore our curated list of serene temple stays and monasteries!
3-Star
Exceptional(4 reviews)10.0
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.
3591 Minobu, Minamikoma District, Yamanashi 409-2524, Japan
Mentioned in a 1203 diary entry of Fujiwara Teika, hailed as one of the four greatest Japanese poets
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!
5-Star
Superb(982 reviews)9.1
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.
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
Exceptional(3 reviews)9.7
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.
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
Fabulous(234 reviews)8.8
Interwar & Early Modern Heritage
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 Interwar & Early Modern Heritage. Click to know more about this period.
18 Saint Thomas Street, University of Toronto, Toronto (ON), Canada, M5S 3E7