Keystone Historic Hotels

Historic hotels give guests the opportunity to stay in buildings that have been officially recognised with a national historic designation. Historic hotels can take the form of castles, stately homes, palaces or even pubs, lodges, old police stations or skyscrapers – any building that’s been identified as being of special interest.

Many historic hotels occupy buildings that were originally built for a different function, and later re-established as a hotel. The previous function or architecture of the buildings themselves represent something important in the country’s historical timeline. Such hotels typically retain original characteristics such as period features or traditional architecture, in their communal spaces and/or bedrooms.

Yes. Keystone historic hotels provide a balance between an authentic experience in traditional surroundings, with a very comfortable stay. Hotel interiors are fitted with modern conveniences and updated safety features, while every effort is made to preserve historic facades and treasured traditions. Historic does not mean its run-down or uncomfortable for guests. In fact, many historic hotels are luxurious.

Guests can expect the usual amenities you’d get from a hotel such as WiFi, heating and air conditioning, good bathroom facilities and so on. The facilities depend on the design and layout of the building – historic hotels are often protected and any changes are subject to many rules and restrictions. Things like windows and pillars are more likely to be old-fashioned.

The Guinness Book of World Records lists Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan in Yamanashi, Japan, as the oldest hotel in the world. Fujiwara Mahito opened the hot-spring hotel to guests in 705 CE – over 1,300 years and 52 generations later it is still run by the same family. The hotel, which has 37 rooms, is at the foot of the Akaishi Mountains in central Japan.