As I sit here, reflecting on my travels, one place stands out in my mind – the Overlook Hotel from Stephen King’s novel and film, The Shining. Its imposing presence and eerie atmosphere have left an indelible mark on my imagination. However, as I delve deeper into history, I discover that there are even older hotels that have stood the test of time.
Ancient Roots: The Oldest Hotels in Europe
From medieval inns to centuries-old establishments, these hotels have been serving travelers and locals alike for over a thousand years. Let’s embark on a journey through time and explore some of the oldest hotels in Europe.
1. Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan – Japan (705 AD)
The oldest continuously operating hotel in the world, according to Guinness World Records, is Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan in Japan. This ancient inn has been run by the same family for an impressive 1,300 years, serving travelers and locals who have come to its natural hot springs.
Did you know? The hotel’s history dates back to 705 AD, making it over 1,300 years old. It’s a testament to the enduring power of tradition and community.
2. Hoshi Ryokan – Japan (718 AD)
Located in Komatsu, Prefecture of Ishikawa, Japan, Hoshi Ryokan is said to have been built on a thermal spring with curative properties that had yet to be discovered by humans. According to legend, a divine being instructed a Buddhist priest to build this hotel.
The Story Behind the Hotel: A divine being instructed a Buddhist priest to build this hotel on a thermal spring with curative properties that had yet to be discovered by humans. The monk left the task to his disciple Garyo Houshi, whose family has been running the hotel for centuries.
3. Zum Roten Baeren – Germany (1120 AD)
The oldest hotel in Europe is actually older than the city where it’s located, having been built before Freiburg. This ancient inn has survived epidemics of black death, witch hunts, revolutions, and wars, as well as changing hands 51 times.
Surviving the Ages: The hotel still bears its original name mentioned for the first time in documents from 1387 and the wine cellar preserves original works of art and architecture.
4. The Olde Bell – UK (1135 AD)
The Olde Bell opened its doors in 1135 as a pension and stable for carriages for travelers on their way to the nearby Benedictine monastery. An additional passageway hidden within the hotel played a crucial role in the Glorious Revolution (or English Civil War) of 1688.
A Hidden Passage: The hotel’s history is filled with intrigue, from its original purpose as a pension and stable to its involvement in significant historical events.
5. Angel & Royal – UK (1203 AD)
Originally known as the Angel Inn, this hotel was an inn for the Templar Order and hosted several kings, including Edward III, Richard III, Edward IV, Charles I, and George IV. The addition of “Royal” to its name seems warranted!
A Royal Affair: This ancient inn has seen some of England’s most notable monarchs walk through its doors, leaving an indelible mark on history.
6. The Old Bell Hotel and Restaurant – UK (1220 AD)
Despite claiming to be the oldest hotel in England, we know that another Old Bell is actually older. However, the building’s construction dates back to the XIII century and originally served as a pension for visitors and dignitaries who visited Malmesbury Abbey.
A Hub of Activity: The Old Bell Hotel and Restaurant has played host to many travelers and dignitaries throughout history, earning its place in England’s rich hospitality tradition.
7. Sanct Peter – Germany (1246 AD)
It’s reported that the building’s history dates back to 600, but it was not used as an inn until 1246, when it became part of the nearby Cathedral. Travelers and visitors often gathered here to drink Sanct Peter wine, which came from a famous vineyard in the Ahr region, known for its red wines.
A Hub of Activity: This ancient hotel has been serving travelers and locals for centuries, offering a glimpse into Germany’s rich history.
8. Orso Grigio – Italy (1300 AD)
When this hotel in the Dolomites was opened as Grauer Bär (gray bear) in 1300, it was located in a scenic Austrian location. Today it is in Italy: the province was annexed after World War I, but the name has remained the same; only translated to Italian.
A Hotel with a Rich History: Orso Grigio’s history dates back centuries, with its original name still proudly displayed today.
9. Pilgrim Haus – Germany (1304 AD)
The Pilgrim Haus is believed to have been opened in 1304, but its modern decor and promotional materials give little reference to its historical period. Situated along one of the main pilgrimage routes (the Camino de Santiago), it was built to accommodate pilgrims on their way to St. James’ Cathedral in Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
A Pilgrim’s Rest: This ancient hotel has been serving travelers and locals for centuries, offering a glimpse into Germany’s rich history.
- Hardcover Book
- National Geographic (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
10. Hotel Interlaken – Switzerland (1323 AD)
Originally an hospital, then a convent, and finally a tavern, the Hotel Interlaken was first mentioned as a pension in 1323. Renovated in 1491, it was able to receive its own coat of arms, still visible on the façade.
A Hub of Activity: This ancient hotel has been serving travelers and locals for centuries, offering a glimpse into Switzerland’s rich history.
11. Hotel Elch – Germany (1342 AD)
The building’s construction date is not clear today, but the first recorded use as an inn dates back to 1342. Its façade remains entirely authentic, as do its wooden beams.
A Testament to Tradition: This ancient hotel has been serving travelers and locals for centuries, offering a glimpse into Germany’s rich history.
12. Al Cappello Rosso – Italy (1375 AD)
Located outside city walls, Al Cappello Rosso was opened in 1375 to host and protect Jewish travelers. The law required them to stay there for a maximum of three days.
A Shelter for the Traveler: This ancient hotel has been serving travelers and locals for centuries, offering a glimpse into Italy’s rich history.
13. Gastagwirt – Austria (1380 AD)
This hotel is located near one of the steepest passages on a major trade route and was built specifically to provide rest to weary travelers before they continued their journey.
A Resting Place: This ancient hotel has been serving travelers and locals for centuries, offering a glimpse into Austria’s rich history.
14. Goldener Adler – Austria (1390 AD)
Mozart, Goethe, and practically every Austrian king and noble, including Joseph II and Louis I of Bavaria, stayed here. Today the rooms are decorated in modern style, but the history of the building is visible through its thick walls, wooden ceilings, and stained glass windows.
A Hub of Activity: This ancient hotel has been serving travelers and locals for centuries, offering a glimpse into Austria’s rich history.
15. Hotel Stein – Austria (1399 AD)
Photo by Tibor. Where it is located: Salzburg, Austria
It may seem like a fortress, but the Hotel Stein was opened as a tavern and inn in 1399. In the XVI century, it became famous for its homemade beer, and from 1945 to 1950, it was occupied by American troops.
A Taste of Tradition: This ancient hotel has been serving travelers and locals for centuries, offering a glimpse into Austria’s rich history.
As I reflect on my journey through time, I am struck by the enduring power of tradition and community. These ancient hotels have stood the test of time, serving travelers and locals alike for over a thousand years. Each one tells its own unique story, filled with intrigue and history.
Conclusion:
The oldest hotels in Europe offer us a glimpse into the past, showcasing the resilience and adaptability of human communities. As we travel through these ancient establishments, we are reminded that hospitality has been an integral part of human society for centuries.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the oldest hotel in Europe?
The oldest hotel in Europe is actually older than the city where it’s located, having been built before Freiburg.Which country has the most ancient hotels?
Both Germany and Austria have many ancient hotels, with some dating back over 1,000 years.What is the history of Hotel Stein?
Hotel Stein was opened as a tavern and inn in 1399 and became famous for its homemade beer in the XVI century.Can I still stay at these hotels today?
Yes, many of these ancient hotels are still operational and offer accommodation to travelers.What is the significance of Orso Grigio hotel?
Orso Grigio’s history dates back centuries, with its original name still proudly displayed today.How did Pilgrim Haus come into existence?
The Pilgrim Haus was built in 1304 to accommodate pilgrims on their way to St. James’ Cathedral in Santiago de Compostela, Spain.What is the history of Goldener Adler hotel?
Mozart and Goethe stayed at Goldener Adler, as did many Austrian kings and nobles.Can I visit Gastagwirt hotel today?
Yes, Gastagwirt hotel is still operational and offers accommodation to travelers.What is the history of Al Cappello Rosso hotel?
Al Cappello Rosso was opened outside city walls in 1375 to host and protect Jewish travelers.How did Hotel Interlaken come into existence?
The Hotel Interlaken was originally an hospital, then a convent, and finally a tavern, first mentioned as a pension in 1323.
By exploring the oldest hotels in Europe, we gain a deeper understanding of the importance of hospitality and community in human society. These ancient establishments have stood the test of time, serving travelers and locals alike for centuries, and continue to offer us a glimpse into the past, filled with intrigue and history.