Grand hotels are the places of legends often where history was written and the type of hotel that all travellers aspire to stay in. Historic suites are often named after famous guests who have checked in and graced the elegant bars, restaurants and rooms.
Belmond Palacio Nazarenas Cusco, Peru
Built on Inca foundations and with colonial-era frescoes, this 55-room retreat high up in the Andes Mountains in the legendary city of Cusco is within metres of the city’s iconic central plaza.
www.palacionazarenas.grandluxuryhotels.com
Hotel Bristol Vienna, Austria
Known for its classical architecture, Vienna is home to the elegant Hotel Bristol, which has served the city’s most illustrious guests since 1892. Its 140 rooms are decorated with Art Deco styling while the Bristol Lounge has catered to guests who often sang at the adjoining State Opera. Its bar is the first and most opulent American-styled bar in the city.
Victoria Falls Hotel, Zimbabwe
Built in 1904, this graceful property overlooks the cascading Victoria Falls at the bottom of the meticulously manicured gardens. It is located at the terminus of the train from Bulawayo and is where London to Johannesburg air passengers stayed after landing in a seaplane on the Zambezi River.
www.victoriafallshotel.com
Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, Vietnam
In 1901, two French colonialists erected the Metropole Hotel to house discerning travellers. Today, it continues this tradition as being Hanoi’s finest hotel. Author Graham Green wrote sections of The Quiet American while relaxing in the bar. Start a grand evening with cocktails in Angelina Bar and finish with fine French cuisine in Le Beaulieu.
Eastern and Oriental PENANG
The E&O captures the spirit of the British colonial era and the days of grand Asian travel on luxurious steamships. Its soon-to-reopen Heritage Wing contains the rooms heritage buffs should check into. Enjoy elegant English afternoon teas in Planter’s Lounge.
Azerai La Residence Hué, Vietnam
This luxury boutique hotel on the banks of the fabled Perfume River faces the UNESCO-protected Citadel. The former residence of the French Resident is now managed by Azerai, which preserves its Art Deco heritage and combines it with modern sensibilities.
Raffles Le Royal Phnom Penh, Cambodia
This hotel opened in the Cambodian capital in 1929 and it and its sister property in Siem Reap, housed dignitaries, politicians and writers including Charlie Chaplin, Jackie Kennedy and Somerset Maugham. It featured in the movie The Killing Fields. Its Elephant Bar beckons with signature cocktails like Femme Fatale.
www.raffles.com
