Whilst there are numerous hotels located in historical buildings, such as old hospitals, prisons and even former churches, these are often enormous properties that are designed to welcome lots of guests at the same time.
There are very few luxury hotels housed in historical buildings, that at the same time that maintain a truly intimate and exclusive feel.
Below are some suggestions of luxury hotels around the world, housed in historical buildings, that have 13 rooms or less. In these properties guests can indulge themselves in the charming ambience of bygone eras, without missing out on comfort and luxury.
Palácio Belmonte, Lisboa, Portugal
Palácio Belmonte is about light, privacy and beautiful landscapes; it is an attitude and a lifestyle. Featuring eleven suites, seven terraces, and an infinity pool across a 3700 square-meter property, Palácio Belmonte is a sparkling oasis in the heart of Alfama. Former residence of a noble family dating back to 1449, Palacio Belmonte served as the house of the Earl of Belmonte, Cabral and the Marquis of Atalaia for the past 500 years. Palacio Belmonte is the place where classical Portugal meets contemporary decor and sustainable design. Each suite is an unforgettable experience unto itself
Hotel Montefiore, Tel Aviv, Israel
Hotel Montefiore embodies the essence of unparalleled luxury, intimacy and exquisite style in a picturesque, restored Eclectic architecture-style edifice in the heart of Tel Aviv. Built in 1922, Hotel Montefiore first existed as a private residence before undergoing three years of meticulous restoration, opening June 2008. With 12 rooms dressed in elegant dark wood furnishings, a flagship Tel Aviv restaurant and a bar serving artisanal cocktails, Hotel Montefiore satiates every desire.
Riad de Tarabel Marrakech, Morocco
Riad de Tarabel is a luxurious boutique hotel in an old colonial building, located in the heart of the old Medina of Marrakech. Riad de Tarabel counts 10 rooms only, including three suites. The Medina is the oldest part of Marrakech, with the foundation of the ancient city dating back to 1062. Riad de Tarabel itself was built in the late 1900’s. The first renovation and expansion was in 2006, followed by another renovation in 2012. The style of the house is a mixture of Colonial an French design and houses a roof terrace, three-lined patios, pool and open lounge areas.
Palazzo Daniele Puglia, Italia
Palazzo Daniele was built in 1861, the year of Italy’s reunification, by local and famous architect Domenico Malinconico, and remodeled by the owner’s family in the early 20th century. Palazzo Daniele was home to four generations of Daniele’s family. The 9 suite artist guesthouse and aristocratic palazzo boasts a pool, spa, open-air courtyard and an orange three filled garden with in the center a historical Kaffeehaus. The kitchen is a central place where guests can sit, eat, drink and chat with the chef of Palazzo Daniele while she cooks and serves breakfast, light tapas and dinner on demand
The Efendi Hotel Akko, Israel
Nestled in the picturesque narrow lanes of Akko is The Efendi Hotel, the 12 room property overlooks the historic city walls and the magnificent Mediterranean Sea. The palace in which The Efendi Hotel is built dates back to the 19th century, and contains a genuine slice of Akko’s history. These palaces were built on the remnants of ancient buildings from various historical eras and still contain Byzantine remnants from the 6th century, 12th century Crusader cellars, and remnants from the early (16th century) and late (19th century) Ottoman Empire. The property was transformed from an Ottoman Palace and holds the highest level of architectural preservation and restoration out of any private building in Israel.
Dunton Hot Springs Dolores, USA
Dunton Hot Springs is a small and exclusive resort, housing 13 cabins, and is nestled in a deserted yet romantic 1800’s town set in an extraordinary alpine valley of the Colorado Rockies. The town was originally established in 1885, and it consisted of log structures stretching for about a mile along the West Dolores River. Long before miners first entered, the Ute Indians, roaming their summer hunting grounds, lazed in the restoring waters. The original spring is still visible at the highest point in town. Today Dunton Hot Springs offers a variety of day and overnight packages, and the entire town can be rented exclusively for retreats, family events or weddings.
Hotel Julien, Antwerp Antwerp, Belgium
Located in the heart of the historic city of Antwerp, you will find the upscale and beautifully designed Hotel Julien. The 16th-century mansion, which used to be an auction house for stamps, is situated in two properties. The hotel has been lovingly restored, and authentic features are effortlessly combined with contemporary design. The hotel houses a restaurant, rooftop terrace and various meeting spaces. The spa of the hotel, is located in the 16th century cellars of the building and offers a steam bath, sauna and rain shower.
