Unless one embarks on a trip which consumes less than a full day round trip, one must stop and rest his or her weary head while traveling — and as long as human beings have existed, they have travelled. After all, when people wander, they need a place to stay.
I have been given express written permission to use the maps and the verbatim text from this article from Budget Direct, which highlights the oldest surviving hotel or resort property in nearly every country in the world — plus a couple of fun lists which you might find interesting. While Budget Direct has endeavored to ensure the information provided is accurate and current, it cannot guarantee it. Neither Budget Direct nor The Gate accept liability for the information which is presented in this article.
The Oldest Surviving Hotel in Nearly Every Country in the World
An often cited myth regarding the past is that most people never journeyed more than 20 miles from home. This is plain foolishness.
In Japan, the traditional inn culture (called “ryokan”) sprang up 1300 years ago. In the Middle East, the Turks developed “caravanserai” for merchant caravans. In medieval Europe, most would prefer to stay at a monastery, but inns were an important option for merchant towns. Some of these historical way-stops still exist to this day. Thus, we proudly present to you the oldest operating hotels in (nearly) every country.
We found:
- Japan’s ryokan seemed to have survived the ravages of history best. Three of the world’s oldest hotels are in Japan.
- On the country-by-country list, Europe is the champion of historical hospitality, filling nine of the top ten spots.
- Outside of Europe and Japan, no pre-17th century hotel both survives and still operates as a hotel.
- Vatican City is the country with the youngest “oldest hotel.” Residenza Paolo VI was founded in the year 2000 (albeit in a much older Augustinian monastery). It was the first hotel in the heart of Christendom, and remains the only one to this day.
The Top Ten Oldest Hotels in Their Country
We partnered with artists to evoke the charm of the world’s most venerable hotels. Virtually explore these treasures of hospitality, from the monastic-inspired coziness of England’s Olde Bell to the fine wines of Liechtenstein’s Gasthof Löwen. Four centuries older than its European competitors, Japan’s Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan takes the top spot.
(Note that this top-ten gallery is not of the oldest hotels in the world but the oldest surviving hotels in each country. On a list of the oldest hotels in the world, Japan would take at least the top three spots.)
North America: America’s Seaside Inn is Older than America
While it may seem like small potatoes compared to Japan’s ryokan, Seaside Inn of Kennebunkport, Maine, has been operated by the same family since 1756. The Gooch-Mason family is so established in Maine lore that their members appeared in Kenneth Roberts Revolutionary War novel Arundel. The inn itself is even older, dating back to 1660.
The oldest hotel in the Caribbean has an even more colourful history. First a 17th century Anglican Church, then a pirate captain’s mansion (so the story goes), Nassau’s Graycliff Hotel has hosted the likes of Winston Churchill, former King Edward VIII, and the Beatles.
South America: The Gran Hotel Del Paraguay Provides a Presidential Getaway
Asuncion, Paraguay, is the home of two venerable way-stops. The Asuncion Palace Hotel was built in 1858, and the Gran Hotel Del Paraguay was built sometime before 1870; however, both started life as private residences. As the Palace Hotel is tight-lipped about when it began operating publicly, the Gran Hotel Del Paraguay is likely the oldest hotel in South America.
In 1873, Italian eye-doctor doctor Silvio Andrazzi emigrated to Paraguay and purchased a private estate for the purposes of founding a hotel. His establishment entertained Paraguayan presidents with its theatre, ballroom, and gardens; a dedicated rail line likely assisted in acquiring this prestigious patronage. Known as the ‘Cancha Sociedad’ under Dr Andrazzi, the Gran Hotel del Paraguay was given its current moniker in 1921.
Europe: Gasthaus zum Roten Bären Is an Old Friend with a New(ish) Face
In the Black Forest of Germany waits an extremely hospitable bear. Parts of Gasthaus zum Roten Bären (“Red Bear Inn”) have existed since before the surrounding city was founded in 1120. Though most of the inn was rebuilt in 1718 (after suffering an unfortunate encounter with the French), it possesses a basement pillar that has stood for 1,000 years. There are records of the building operating as an inn since at least 1387.
On the European map, England and Italy’s oldest hotels also date from the 12th century. In fact, Europe rounds out nine of the top ten spots worldwide.
Middle East & Central Asia: Sultans, Silk, and School at the Abbasi Hotel
Nearly all surviving historic hotels in the Middle East date from less than 150 years ago. There is one luscious exception: Iran’s Abbasi Hotel. It was built in 1700 by the mother of Shah Sultan Hasayan, who would later donate it to a theological school. As it was built along the Silk Road, Abbasi was technically a ‘caravanserai’—that is, a traditional Middle Eastern inn with a central courtyard built to shelter caravans along trade routes.
Abbassi was renovated in the 1950s as a modern hotel. However, it still treats travellers to a truly dazzling display of traditional Iranian decor.
Oceania and East Asia: 52 Generations at Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan
Asia boasts a strong showing of hotels from the 19th century, but Japan’s Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan makes them all look like infants. Founded in 705, it has been operated by the same family for its entire history! For 1300 years, Emperors and Shoguns have luxuriated in the natural hot springs feeding the inn’s baths.Renovations in 1997 preserved the original layout. The inn offers guests a true ryokan experience—traditional woodwork, tatami mats, low Japanese seating…and no wifi.
Africa: Houw Hoek Houses Guests Underneath the Blue Gum Tree
Africa’s oldest hotel is the Houw Hoek; it was built as a small inn for travellers heading to and from Capetown in 1779. Today Houw Hoek has expanded into a large complex of tennis courts, swimming pools, conference centres, and wedding venues. The centrepiece, however, remains a massive blue gum tree planted in 1850.
The oldest surviving hotel in North Africa got its start nearly a century after Houw Hoek. Tangiers’s Hotel Continental treats visitors to traditional Moroccan architecture, a lush common area, and a panoramic view of the bay.
Travel in (Virtual) Style
Nothing compliments a hard day of raiding Spanish galleons or driving camel caravans like a rest at a luxurious inn. From sensational hot spring baths to humble seaside stays, hotels represent some of the most successful and enduring institutions across the world. Feeling the wanderlust of our historical forebears? Travel the paths of the past with ourmaps.
Summary
Apparently, I have never stayed in any of the aforementioned hotel and resort properties which are listed in this article. Have you?
If you enjoyed reading this article, perhaps the following articles will interest you as well:
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- The Oldest Town in Each State in the United States
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- Reykjanesviti: The Oldest Lighthouse in Iceland
- Dining at the Oldest Restaurant in Florida: Columbia Restaurant in Ybor City
- I Dined at The Oldest Restaurant in the World For Lunch
Photograph ©2015 by Brian Cohen.
