Traditional hotels have been built from locally sourced materials and long-established methods. Historic architectural heritages that are open to visitors. The list includes the oldest ryokan in Japan through rock-cut architecture in Turkey to thatched-roof buildings in the United Kingdom.
Traditional
Hotels

'21mar16
Gangtey Lodge
Bhutanmore
The Kingdom of Bhutan remains one of the most mysterious and least visited countries in the world. The country has opened its doors to tourism in 1974 when a total of only 287 tourists arrived. Even today the government of Bhutan tries to restrict mass tourism to protect its unspoiled ...

'20nov30
Hostal Sa
Rascassamore
Located in one of Costa Brava’s best coves, Hostal Sa Rascassa is a quaint guesthouse with a well-regarded restaurant attached. The pine-surrounded building is quiet and peaceful with the coastline a short walk away. If you prefer longer ambulations there are various paths you can take to explore the dramatic ...

'20nov26
Gearrannan
Blackhouse Villagemore
In Scotland, you don’t need to travel far to feel like you’ve stepped back in time. The rugged landscape stretches as far as the eye can see and life at local villages goes at a different pace. But if you want to fully immerse yourself in the spirit of the ...

'20nov4
Emerson
on Hurumzimore
When coming to Stone Town, a UNESCO site famous for virtually intact architectural heritage, it only makes sense to fully immerse yourself in the experience by staying in one of those historic buildings. Emerson on Hurumzi, housed in a property with a rich history, is the perfect candidate for the ...

'19nov27
The Fife Arms
Braemarmore
This impressive former Victorian coaching inn in the Scottish Highlands has freshly undergone a complete renovation. Hotel Fife Arms is located within the pristine nature of the Cairngorms National Park in a historic village called Braemar. This place hosts the Braemar Gathering every year since 1832 at Princess Royal and ...

'19oct29
Al Bait
Sharjahmore
Sharjah has a new surprise within Emirate’s largest historical preservation project. The most luxurious new hotel of UAE is the Al Bait Sharjah Resort. A number of historic manor houses have been converted into a 5-star luxury resort with 53 rooms and unparalleled hospitality. Part of the project, Souq Al ...

'18aug2
Ahn Luh
Zhujiajiaomore
It’s impossible to look at Ahn Luh Zhujiajiao and not be impressed. Housed partially in a 600-year-old courthouse from the Ming Dynasty, this hotel looks like the film set for Raise the Red Lantern. The historic building, which had been beautifully restored, now serves as the hotel lobby and will ...

'18jul3
Douar Samra
more
Forget the anonymous and characterless hotel stays. At Douar Samra, you will know everyone’s name (even the donkey’s!) and you’ll be a part of the family. It’s a traditional Berber home which had been restored as a guesthouse but didn’t lose its original character. Set in Imlil Valley, in the ...

'18jan31
Talist Siwa
more
Talist Siwa in Egypt is an ecological lifestyle experience. Talist means ‘Lake’ in the local Amazig language and that’s exactly where this lodge is located – next to the Siwa Lake close to the Libyan border. It has a stunning view of the Jafar and Al Gary Mountains. This family ...

'17jun22
Inkaterra
La Casonamore
Less than a five-minute walk from Peru’s Plaza de Armas, the Inkaterra La Casona is the first boutique hotel in the city of Cusco. Built in a 16th Century manor house on an old training ground for the Incan army, guests will truly feel as though they’ve stepped back in ...

'16sep26
Hotel Arbez
more
Hotel Arbez is an unusual place – half is in France and half in Switzerland. When a new border between the two countries was drawn in 1862 it happened to run down the middle of a field owned by one Mr. Ponthus. He built a shop that straddled the border ...

'16aug2
Nishiyama Onsen
Keiunkanmore
The Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan spa hotel was originally opened in 705 AD and in 2011 it was declared the oldest hotel in the world by Guinness World Records (currently 1311 years old). The hotel has been owned and operated by the same family for 52 generations, since its inception. As ...

'16jul7
The Himalayan
Villagemore
Tucked in India’s Parvati valley travelers will find the eco-friendly Himalayan Village; a perfect spot for adventure seekers and those who want to find the ultimate fairytale retreat. The valley offers treks, blooming flower valleys, thick flora and fauna, crystal clear waterfalls, and calming rivers set in the Deodar forest. ...

'16apr4
The Bath
Priorymore
Located just a short walk away from the city centre of Bath (UK), this luxury hotel and spa is set in an 1835 Georgian manor in a residential area. Privately owned, this country house hotel built on land once owned by The Priory of Bath Abbey, is warm and welcoming ...

'16feb13
Genuine Draft
Horse Ranchmore
The Genuine Draft Horse Ranch is located in the high desert of California’s Morongo Valley and spreads across five acres. Just a twenty minute drive from Palm Springs, this ranch will have you transported to the Wild West. While this horse ranch is host to weddings, photo shoots and field ...

'15dec9
Cappadocia Cave
Suitesmore
Let’s go to the fairy chimneys where the cavemen used to live! No this is not the beginning of your favorite bedtime story. I am talking about a place that really exists and you can stay there too… no fooling. Fairy Chimneys exist all over the world. They are sometimes ...

'15nov30
Follonico
more
Billed as a “four suite B&B” the Follonico bares only a loose resemblance to the shabby seaside experience of the usual B&Bs found in Europe. It is run by a husband and wife team and is perfect for a quiet getaway in the Toscana countryside. Breakfast is served reassuringly late ...

'15sep21
Locanda
Rosa Rosaemore
The Locanda Rosa Rosae is a truly magical place nestled in the Venetian countryside. Surrounded by indescribable natural beauty, this bed and breakfast is a hidden gem waiting to welcome travelers. In a secluded locale between Treviso and Venice, this unique guesthouse is the embodiment of rustic charm. Originally built ...

'15jun18
Herangtunet
Hotelmore
Nestled in Norway’s highest mountain range, the enchanting village of Heggenes is perched between two picturesque national parks. At an altitude of 500 meters, you will find the exclusive boutique hotel Herangtunet. This stunning estate seems as if it was taken from the pages of a fairytale. Set amid an ...

'15jun5
Berghaus Sulzfluh
Alpenhüttemore
Sulzfluh Mountain Inn seems as if it came directly from a classic piece of literature; it is tucked into the end of a valley basin offering a magnificent view of the Swiss Alps, the mountain scenery of the Partnun Valley, and the community of Graubünden below. The hotel offers a ...