Europe is a continent rich in both culture and history. When traveling throughout Europe you may feel as if you are constantly surrounded by celebrated landmarks and places, and for those looking for that extra dose of history, your hotel should be no exception. If the walls of these top 5 historic European hotels could speak, they'd have many stories to tell.
The Cadogan Hotel
If you’re a literary buff or you love a great historical scandal, this may be the hotel for you. Located in the Knightsbridge neighborhood, this boutique hotel is conveniently located right in the heart of London and has more to offer than its small size may lead one to believe. A converted Edwardian townhouse, the hotel houses the room in which the literary icon Oscar Wilde awaited his arrest, as well as another room where King Edward VII met British actress Lillie Langtry, his mistress.
Equipped with modern amenities such as free wireless internet, a fitness center, flat screen TVs, and iPod docks, you won’t feel that you’re sacrificing your comfort for history. The elegant and simplistically decorated rooms are also very luxurious.
Hotel D'Angleterre
Despite its location in Paris, the Hotel D'Angleterre was home to a historic event in American history. Preparations for the signing of the Treaty of Paris, which recognized America’s independence from England after the American Revolution were made in the inner gardens of the hotel, which formerly housed the British Embassy. As the story goes, upon seeing the British flag hanging from the building, Benjamin Franklin refused to enter which is why the signing occurred in the gardens. Franklin is not the only great American to have visited the D'Angleterre, Ernest Hemingway and Charles Lindberg were both housed at the hotel.
Hemingway stayed at the hotel on several occasions, while Lindberg stayed only once after completing his first solo non-stop flight from New York to Paris in 1927. Located in the center of Paris between the Musée d‘Orsay, the Louvre, and Notre Dame de Paris, the D’Anglettere is surrounded by some of the best attractions Paris has to offer. With complimentary breakfast, a relaxing interior garden, and free wireless internet, you can’t go wrong with this Paris hotel.
The Gritti Palace
Constructed in 1852 overlooking Venice’s Grand Canal, this hotel was originally home to the Doge of Venice, Andrea Gritti. It later became the home of the Vatican’s ambassadors and has continued to attract notable guests since. British politicians and royals including Winston Churchill have resided in the Gritti Palace throughout their Venetian stays.
Remodeled several times since its first construction, it is well-preserved offering all the amenities you'd expect from a luxury hotel. Exquisitely decorated, featuring Venetian antiques and Murano glass, the Gritti Palace epitomizes old world elegance.
Gran Hotel La Perla
Ernest Hemingway, Orson Welles, Charlie Chaplin, Pablo Sarasate, and Kings Alfonso XII and XIII have all called the Gran Hotel La Perla home during their stays in Pamplona, Spain. Located steps from the Plaza del Castillo and featuring not only a restaurant, but also a lounge and bar, this hotel is among the best of the best. Whether you are in Pamplona to run with the bulls or simply visiting, the Gran Hotel La Perla offers not only history but refined comfort and luxurious accommodations.
Hotel Negresco
Opened in 1913, the Hotel Negresco in Nice is one of the few remaining privately owned palaces still existing in the world. Housing guests such as the Vanderbilt’s, the Grand Dukes Vladimir and Dimitri, Princess Grace of Monaco, Salvador Dali, Louis Armstrong, Elton John, and the Beatles, the Hotel Negresco carries a strong history of glamour. It still carries on this glamorous tradition today, giving each of its guest’s access to endless amenities including its own private beach.
Visiting any of these places would be great, planning a trip to most locations in Europe is easy by visiting sunshine.co.uk and booking a trip!
