30 Oldest Hotels in the World by Country

Despite what some may say, a hotel is not just a place to rest your head for the night. It’s your shelter while traveling, a temporary home in foreign lands. Some hotels have provided this comfort to wanderers for hundreds — even thousands — of years. 

If you’re one to turn away from generic brand hotels and love to stay in a place rich with history, here are 30 of the world’s oldest hotels, from least to most historic. They are all the oldest in their respective country, which means you better believe they have fascinating histories.

30. The LaLiT Great Eastern Kolkata

Location: Kolkata, India

Year opened: 1840

Hotel legacy: Claiming to be Asia's first luxury hotel, the LaLit Great Eastern Kolkata is also the continent's oldest hotel. It was built during British colonial rule, so a large part of it has Victorian and Edwardian styles. A more modern part of the building was seamlessly added during renovations.

The hotel has a spa, restaurants and large grounds you can enjoy.

Check out The LaLiT Great Eastern Kolkata.

*Note: Rankings are based on a Budget Direct report. Hotels that have been closed or transformed were left off the list.

29. Royal Hotel

Location: Levuka, Fiji

Year opened: 1830

Hotel legacy: Fiji’s Royal Hotel is the oldest continuously run accommodation in the South Pacific. It was built when Fiji was still a colony of England, which is reflected in its architecture.

Despite the grandeur of its past, the hotel is not a luxury accommodation anymore. But if you don’t need the glitz and want to enjoy a comfortable, homely place in the former Fijian capital, it’s a great place to stay.

Check out the Royal Hotel.

28. Manuc’s Inn

Location: Bucharest, Romania

Year opened: 1808

Hotel legacy: This Bucharest landmark is famous for its large courtyard, whose white walks accentuate its wooden columns, stairs and balconies.

The beauty and size of Manuc’s Inn has made it the site of important moments in Romanian history, including the preliminary talks for the treaty that ended the Russo-Turkish War and the first Romanian operetta. Today, the inn has bars, stores, a coffee house and a restaurant that non-guests often visit.

Check out Manuc’s Inn.

27. George Hotel

Location: Lviv, Ukraine

Year opened: 1793

Hotel legacy: Built during the reign of the Austro-Hungarian empire, George Hotel is grandiose. Through renovations and new constructions, the hotel has acquired various architectural styles, including Italian Renaissance, Art Nouveau and Art Deco. Its facade, however, remains relatively faithful to its original design. 

Famous guests include French writers Jean-Paul Sartre and Honore de Balzac, German composer Johannes Brahms, and Yuri Gagarin, the first person in history to go into space.

Check out George Hotel.

26. Houw Hoek

Location: Grabouw, South Africa

Year opened: 1779

Hotel legacy: Located in Kogelberg Nature Reserve just outside of bustling Cape Town, Houw Hoek is not just the oldest hotel in South Africa, but also happens to be the oldest in the entire continent!

Besides enjoying the peacefulness of nature, activities in and around the hotel include swimming, nature encounters, river cruises and horseback riding.

Check out Houw Hoek.

25. Grandhotel Pupp

Location: Karlovy Vary, Czechia

Year opened: 1779

Hotel legacy: Built slowly through the acquisition of properties surrounding the original structure, Granhotel Pupp is certainly grandiose. The luxury accommodation has been featured in James Bond’s “Casino Royale” as well as Queen Latifah’s “Last Holiday.” It also hosts the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival.

Since Karlovy Vary is one of the world’s best cities for wellness, you will definitely want to enjoy the hotel’s spa. Besides the typical treatments, you can also get Ayurvedic massages. 

Check out Grandhotel Pupp.

24. Lawrence's Hotel

Location: Sintra, Portugal

Year opened: 1764

Hotel legacy: Lawrence's Hotel is located in the UNESCO-listed town of Sintra, a short train ride from Lisbon. The luxury hotel has had guests like Lord Byron, William Beckford, Bill Clinton and Margaret Thatcher as well as numerous famous Portuguese writers like Jose Maria de Eça de Queirós.

With only 16 bedrooms, you can expect an intimate, five-star experience.

Check out Lawrence's Hotel.

23. Abbasi Hotel Isfahan

Location: Isfahan, Iran

Year opened: 1700

Hotel legacy: Abassi Hotel was originally a caravansary to provide lodging for those traveling on caravans through the Middle East. It is often called "the most beautiful hotel in the world" because of its palatial Isfahan architecture, hand-painted mosaics and geometric structures. 

The hotel was featured in the film "And Then There Were None," based on Agatha Christie's novel.

Check out Abbasi Hotel.

22. Pest-Buda Bistro & Hotel

Location: Budapest, Hungary

Year opened: 1696

Hotel legacy: Despite being over 300 years old, the famous Pest-Buda Hotel maintains its humble nature. The family-run hotel has only 10 rooms, which guarantees an intimate, welcoming experience. 

The hotel also has a bistro, where you can enjoy traditional Hungarian dishes in the central Castle Hill district.

Check out Pest-Buda Bistro & Hotel.

21. Seaside Inn

Location: Kennebunkport, Maine

Year opened: 1660

Hotel legacy: Currently run by the 12th generation of the Gooch family, the Seaside Inn is the oldest hotel in the U.S. and, as such, one of the country's oldest companies. It is also the only beachfront hotel in Kennebunkport, which makes it extremely popular with visitors to the small Maine city.

The inn is the perfect place to enjoy Kennebunkport, with easy access to water activities like swimming, fishing and boating. You can also enjoy meals in a historic 1850 boathouse.

Check out the Seaside Inn.

20. Hotel Pod Roza

Location: Krakow, Poland

Year opened: 1650

Hotel legacy: Built during the Renaissance, the Hotel Pod Roza is conveniently located in Krakow's medieval center. Guests have included Balzac and Tsar Alexander II, who enjoyed the hotel's luxurious accommodations. 

The hotel has two in-house restaurants and, more impressively, its own wine cellar.

Check out Hotel Pod Roza.

19. Walaker Hotell

Location: Solvorn, Norway

Year opened: 1640

Hotel legacy: Passed down through numerous generations, Walaker Hotell is the epitome of a charming family hotel. The open porch leads to a large garden where flowers bloom in the spring and trees change color in the fall. You'll wake up to fresh air and views of Sognefjord, one of Norway's most famous fjords.

You'll have a hard time leaving your accommodation, especially since you're made to feel like part of the family. But when you do, you'll get to explore beautiful Solvorn, a picture-perfect village best seen by foot or bike.

Check out Walaker Hotell.

18. The Old Inn, Crawfordsburn

Location: Crawfordsburn, Northern Ireland

Year opened: 1614

Hotel legacy: There are few better old inn stays than at the United Kingdom's Old Inn. For more than 400 years, the inn has been a safe haven for travelers, who rejoice in the cozy rooms, log fireplaces and very hearty meals for which the hotel is known.

Crawfordsburn is a beautiful town, located near Belfast, so it is easy to escape the Northern Ireland capital in search for a charming quiet village.

Check out the Old Inn, Crawfordsburn.

17. Gripsholms Vardshus

Location: Mariefred, Sweden

Year opened: 1609

Hotel legacy: Built on the foundation of a Carthusian monastery, Gripsholms Vardhus is a quintessentially charming Swedish inn. There are three restaurants on the property, including one dedicated to traditional Swedish food. The hotel is also a popular place for receptions and events.

During your stay, you can enjoy pretty Mariefred, visit Gripsholm Castle or enjoy a spa day.

Check out Gripsholms Vardshus.

16. Woodenbridge Hotel and Lodge

Location: Wicklow, Ireland

Year opened: 1608

Hotel legacy: Ireland's oldest hotels, the Woodenbridge, resides in the scenic Garden County. Intimate and humble, the hotel is near numerous nature walks that let you experience the country's famed natural beauty. 

The hotel has a restaurant that sources ingredients locally. It is also located near the Woodenbridge Golf Course, which guests can easily enjoy.

Check out Woodenbridge Hotel and Lodge.

14. Narutis Hotel (Tie)

Location: Vilnius, Lithuania

Year opened: 1581

Hotel legacy: The five-star boutique Narutis Hotel is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, given its long history. It is located right in the middle of old town Vilnius, with several of the city's major sites within walking distance. 

Historic charm, location and luxury combine to create a perfect guest experience. If your wallet allows it, there simply is no better place to stay in the Lithuanian capital. 

Check out Narutis Hotel.

14. Hotel Dagmar (Tie)

Location: Ribe, Denmark

Year opened: 1581

Hotel legacy: It seems fitting that Dagmar, Denmark's oldest city, would have the country's oldest hotel.

Hotel Dagmar is located right in the center of town, on Cathedral Square. This gives you access by foot to most of the area's best attractions like the Ribe Kunstmuseum.

Check out Hotel Dagmar.

13. The Kenmore Hotel

Location: Aberfeldy, Scotland

Year opened: 1572

Hotel legacy: Located right on the water, the Kenmore Hotel is certainly one of Scotland's prettiest inns, in addition to being its oldest. 

As you wake up, you get first-row views of an old stone bridge across the Tay River. The surroundings are green and forested, providing some peace and tranquility for weary travelers. Don't miss out on the delicious Scottish food that the hotel's restaurant serves.

Check out the Kenmore Hotel.

12. Hôtel Cour du Corbeau Strasbourg - MGallery

Location: Strasbourg, France

Year opened: 1528

Hotel legacy: This four-star boutique hotel dates back to the early 16th century and prides itself on being France's oldest hotel. The architecture of Hôtel Cour du Corbeau is blessed with natural materials, like wood and stone, which provide it with a uniqueness that simply can't be imitated by more modern hotels in the city. 

Of course, rooms are renovated, so you can expect modern luxury. But you only need to step into the beautiful courtyard to feel transported back in time.

Check out Hôtel Cour du Corbeau Strasbourg.

11. Hostal dos Reis Catolicos

Location: A Coruna, Spain

Year opened: 1499

Hotel legacy: If you ever do the pilgrimage of Santiago de Compostela, you will see this five-star historic hotel right at the end of your journey. The Hostal dos Reis Catolicos was originally a royal hospital, being turned into a hotel only seven years after the European arrival in the Americas — just to give you an idea of its age.

Pilgrims who want to splurge after the arduous trek stay at the hotel and pamper themselves.

Check out Hostal dos Reis Catolicos.

10. The Bear Hotel

Location: Circkhowell, Wales

Year opened: 1432

Hotel legacy: Most guests of the Bear Hotel are in the region to explore the astonishing Brecon Beacons National Park. Others, simply follow the allure of an old family-run inn that has one of the best pubs in the U.K.

Back in the day, travelers would change their horse's shoes at the Bear. Today, that happens less often, but the inn retains the intimate, historical feel that has kept it standing for almost 600 years.

Check out Bear Hotel.

9. Hotel Damier

Location: Kortrijk, Belgium

Year opened: 1398

Hotel legacy: Located in Kortrijk's central market square, Hotel Damier has withstood the test of time and become one of Belgium's most luxurious hotels. 

That said, the hotel's facade is actually from 1769. Honestly, we think this is a positive since it allows the four-star accommodation to provide a high-end experience that would be harder to create in a medieval inn.

Check out Hotel Damier.

8. Grand Hotel de Draak

Location: Bergen op Zoom, Netherlands

Year opened: 1397

Hotel legacy: It may be possible that Hotel de Draak is actually older than the 600 years it boasts. In 1397, a great fire devoured the town of Bergen op Zoom, destroying all records. The only survivors of the fire were the hotel and an adjacent building.

Besides the fire, the hotel has survived the storms of history, withstanding all events from Medieval times all the way to the 21st century. Given its historical importance, Hotel de Draak has received notorious guests, including the royal family of the Netherlands. 

Check out Grand Hotel de Draak.

7. Hotel-Gasthof Lowen

Location: Vaduz, Liechtenstein

Year opened: 1380

Hotel legacy: Tiny Liechtenstein is a country full of history and beauty that travelers often overlook. But if you happen to be passing through the micronation, make a stop at Hotel-Gasthof Lowen.

Located in the center of the nation's capital, Vaduz, you'll be near many important landmarks, like the Liechtenstein National Museum and the Vaduz Castle. You'll also get to stay in the country's most interesting hotel. Even if you don't stay as a guest, make sure you pass by the hotel's restaurant or enjoy a bottle of wine from its cellar.

Check out Hotel-Gasthof Lowen.

6. Gasthof Gastagwirt

Location: Eugendorf, Austria

Year opened: 1380

Hotel legacy: Enjoy the Austrian countryside at lovely Gastagwirt. Run by the same family since the 1500s, the hotel boasts expansive meadows and its own farm. Food here is as farm-to-table as you can get, which also gives the hotel some sustainability points.

While guests come here looking for tranquility, many guests take a day to visit Salzburg, the picturesque town where Mozart was born and where "the Sound of Music" was filmed.

Check out Gasthof Gastagwirt.

5. Hotel Interlaken

Location: Interlaken, Switzerland

Year opened: 1323

Hotel legacy: Originally a cloister guest house, Hotel Interlaken has undergone many changes throughout the centuries. Today, it has been dutifully renovated to keep up with the demands of modern tastes without compromising its origins and what it calls its "pure Swissness."

The hotel once hosted Lord Byron (who apparently made it a point to visit old hotels in Europe) and German composer Felix Mendelssohn. The rooms where each stayed have been named after them.

Check out Hotel Interlaken.

4. Hotel Alte Goste

Location: Valdaora, Italy

Year opened: 1142

Hotel legacy: Operating since the 12th century, Hotel Alte Goste is nestled in the breathtaking Puster Valley within the Italian Dolomites. Its location was an important center of trade between the Holy Roman Empire and the city-states that now make up Italy.

The hotel continues to operate as a traditional guest house, offering the best of Italian hospitality and food.

Check out Hotel Alte Goste.

3. The Olde Bell Hotel

Location: Malmesbury, England

Year opened: 1135

Hotel legacy: If you ever decide to treat yourself to a perfect stay in an old English inn, let it be at the Olde Belle Hotel. The inn is so old, its name still has its old English spelling. 

Located a mere 40 minutes from London, the inn is worth a detour, with some of its parts surviving from the 1100s. Visitors can live their rustic dreams, explore the large meadow gardens or relax with friends at the Victorian-style Malt House.

Check out the Olde Bell Hotel.

2. Zum Roten Baeren

Location: Freiburg, Germany

Year opened: 1120

Hotel legacy: With the double crown of being Germany's and Europe's oldest hotel, the Zum Roten Baeren even predates the town it is located in.

Sadly, not all of the hotel survived Germany's tumultuous history, with a part of it affected by war in the 18th century and subsequently demolished. Its current facade is Baroque. Its red and grey stones are coated with figures, a coat of arms and an inscription, meant to commemorate the hotel's history.

Check out Zum Roten Baeren.

1. Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan

Location: Hayakawa, Japan

Year opened: 705

Hotel legacy: As the oldest hotel in the entire world, Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan is older than the city of Kyoto by about 90 years. The traditional onsen has been a place for locals and travelers to enjoy the healing power of its hot springs for over 1,300 years. We'll give you a second to let that sink in.

Not far from Mt. Fuji, the inn has been in the same family for its entire thousand-year history. Of course, necessary updates have been done but with respect to the original structure and the principles of rest and peace. 

Check out Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan.