The iconic roadside motels in the USA are entering a second phase of popularity, but this time with a different approach than originally. The motor hotels peaked in popularity in the 1960s when car production was ramping up to record levels, and driving to distant places was the new cool. …

Long before Tel Aviv's skyline grew from the dunes, Jaffo was a bustling port city. The ancient part of Tel-Aviv-Yafo (this latter refers to the two cities' marriage) was established in 1800 BCE. Jaffa is the longest continuously inhabited city in the world, and it was built on 130 feet …

Colnbrook village in Berkshire is home to one of Britain's oldest pubs. The Ostrich was founded in 1106, at the time when Henry I was king of England. The pub that later became an inn was originally called 'The Hospice', but history changed its name and fame. The historic building …

New York's landmark, the JW Marriott Essex House, opened its door in 1932. Long before the Billionaire's row started to grow at Central Park's southern edge. Over time, the beige brick structure has taken on a monumental air. Beautiful Art Deco details and rounded-cornered windows may be seen at the …

The Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac is undeniably one of the most striking buildings of Québec City's famous skyline. The castle towers over the picturesque old town sitting high on a hill, and it was recently added to the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage List. The castle is named after Louis de …

In the heart of one of California's most famous valleys lies a hotel so magnificent and robust that it was recreated for one of the world's scariest movies. Welcome to the Ahwahnee Hotel, which opened its doors in 1927. Timberline Lodge is known for appearing as Overlook Hotel's exterior in …

Opened in 1910, Shattuck was San Francisco’s first luxury hotel. It was constructed of reinforced concrete in the mission style, which has come to epitomize San Francisco’s culture and heritage. Ever since, it has remained a hotel under different ownership and was subject to a multimillion-dollar refurbishment in 2007. Your …

In 1868, Napa Valley Railroad Company's tracks reached from Yountville through St. Helena to Calistoga. The first railway station made of brick was built in Yountville, and now it's called the Platform 8 restaurant. Today it's not welcoming any more trains but hungry visitors looking for juicy burgers, ice creams, …

The legendary Venetian hotel was built at the end of the 14th-century by the Dandolos, a noble family of the era. It adjoins several other buildings constructed in the 14th and 15th centuries. Remarkable features like the pink facade with marble sills, white turrets, and balconies with pointed arches make …

The luxurious interiors of The State Hermitage Official Hotel will take you straight back to the bygone era of an old-fashioned romance and regal opulence, very fittingly for one of the most poetic cities in the world. This 19th-century mansion was turned into a 5-star hotel, but it didn't lose …

Burg Colmberg is perfectly situated at the meeting point of Germany's two most picturesque car trip routes, the Romantic Road and the Castle Road. The 1,000-year-old hotel that used to serve Franconian kings is now ready to serve you. You can spot it from far as it sits right on …

Located in China’s Yongding County, the Tulou Fuyulou Changdi Inn is known as an “earth building.” The Hakka people built China's tulou, a Han subgroup that ventured into southern China about 2,000 years ago. Between the 12th and 20th centuries, these communal earthen buildings housed large families, providing protection from …

Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, the Crowne Plaza at Historic Union Station is housed within America’s first “union station” in Indianapolis. This unique hotel offers 273 guest rooms; the most popular feature is the 26 authentic Pullman train car rooms. Still set on their original tracks, the …

The historic United Artists Building, designed by Mary Pickford, was constructed as a film studio in the center of L.A. back in 1927. It was the tallest building in the city for one year after its completion. The building stands as a shining monument to the American artistic spirit and …

First opened in 1907, the Hotel Le Pavillon New Orleans has a rich history extending back to the Gilded Age of this iconic city. As a member of the Historic Hotels of America, it has long been a symbol of luxury. Numerous dignitaries of the “Big Easy” have enjoyed its …

Located in Anjou, France, the Fontevraud L'Hotel is fit for royalty. In fact, it’s set in the heart of the Royal Abbey and holds many, many years of history. France’s Loire Valley is actually a UNESCO world heritage site. For architecture buffs, staying at the Fontevraud is a dream come …

The Old Smock Mill was originally constructed at the beginning of the 19th century. The recent renovation aimed to keep as much of the original workings as possible. Around the first floor runs the newly re-built exterior oak staging, used as a balcony to enjoy the marvelous sunsets and British …

The designer boutique hotel, Brosundet, sits right on the waters of the harbor town of Ålesund. Snøhetta masterfully designed the interior of Hotel Brosundet. The Art Nouveau-style warehouse boasts 47 rooms that are all individually designed. They come with original wooden floors and panels, exposed brick; some even have sea …

All guests of the Peabody Memphis encounter true southern hospitality upon arrival in the “Blues City.” It is centrally located near Beale Street, music and entertainment venues, and several museums in the historic downtown area, making it a popular destination. The friendly staff, fine dining, and four-diamond accommodations have attracted …

Hotel Copernicus, located in Old Town Krakow, stands apart as a monument to Renaissance architecture and dignitaries that have slept within its walls. Once home to cathedral canons, several well-known guests, including Nicolas Copernicus, European royalty, and American presidents, have added to the hotel’s rich history. Hotel Copernicus strives to …