The world of hospitality is simply fascinating. Not surprisingly, it is an industry that is maintained, renewed and always committed to innovation and service. And it is that arriving at a hotel does not only mean being in a new city, visiting streets and destinations that are not common to you. It is also putting aside the intimacy of the home to live new things, experiences that are renewing for you.
If you are one of those who pays special attention to accommodation when traveling, book a hotel room It will be a vital point in your travel planning. The options are endless. Luxurious five-star hotels, amazing views or pools, smaller and more urban hotels, aparthotels for the whole family or even great glamping in the middle of nature… the variety is infinite and obeys an industry that is developing every day. But, Do you know which was the first hotel in the world? That space that opened its doors for the first time to receive guests and strangers? Today we tell you his story. Let us begin!
The first hotel in the world, in Japan
If we talk about legendary hotels, perhaps some names come to mind. The Savoy Hotel in London, the Belmond Copacabana Palace in Rio de Janeiro, The Imperial in New Delhi, the Waldorf-Astoria in New York or the Ritz Hotel in Paris, are some of the most famous, luxurious and popular. But if you want to immerse yourself in the history of the industry, you will have to go much further. In fact, we will have to take a direct flight to the country of the rising sun.
The first hotel in the world is the imposing Nisiyama Onsen Keiunkan, in Japan, with a history that already reaches more than 1,300 years. Its foundation dates from the year 705 and, since that time, it has been operated by the same family. Specifically, for 52 of their generations.
The hotel is located in the town of Hayakawa, in Yamanashi Prefecture. It was founded by Fujiwara Mahito and It holds a Guinness Record for being the oldest hotel in the world. Throughout its centuries of history, it has accommodated important military leaders and samurai. The renovations and modernization that it has undergone over the years have not broken or altered its essence. And it is that to know it is to immerse yourself in a traditional Japanese space, in which the magic of nature prevails.
What is the Nisiyama Onsen Keiunkan like?
The first thing you have to know about the Nisiyama Onsen Keiunkan, the oldest hotel in the world, is that its location is a true privilege. The main attraction of the place are the beautiful and relaxing thermal waters that flow around the structure, and that they come from the Hakuho springs. Guests find both indoor and outdoor thermal baths, to experience an unforgettable moment of relaxation. The views of the Kai mountains and the Hayakawa and Yukawa ravines complement a natural paradise that is hard to forget. They are everywhere, from the terraces to the rooms.
But when it comes to services, the oldest hotel in the world has known how to keep up. Its spaces combine the traditional essence of Japan, with the elegance and comfort that travelers seek for their days of rest and enjoyment.
Its rooms have beautiful views of the mountains, and also usually have tatami areas and an emblematic decoration of the Japanese country. It also has a gastronomic offer characterized by local food, with native ingredients from nature. In short, it is a hotel giant with more than 1,300 years of history, which even today continues to fascinate all travelers who dare to discover it.
other old hotels
1. The Maids Head Hotel, in the UK
The Maids Head Hotel joins the list of the world’s oldest hotels, claiming it opened in the 1090s. It stands on the site of the original palace of the first Norman Bishop of Norwich, Herbert de Losinga, in Norwich, Norfolk, England. It has more than 80 rooms that, although they have been renovated, maintain the historical charm of the place.
2. The Pilgrimhaus, in Germany
The Pilgrimhaus is an old hotel that functioned as a hospice and as a pilgrim’s house. It is located in Soest, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. Its foundation dates from the year 1304, and in its history it stands out that it was used mainly by the followers of Santiago “el Mayor” on his way to Santiago de Compostela.
3. The Hotel Interlaken, in Switzerland
Another of the oldest hotels in the world is the stately Hotel Interlaken, in Switzerland. It is not known exactly who its founders were, but it is known that It opened its doors in the year 1323. It was used in its early days as a guest house for the cloister. Today it has 55 beautiful rooms, in which we immerse ourselves in history.
And you, Did you know that the oldest hotel in the world is in Japan? And did you know that there are others that have up to a millennium of history? Feel free to leave us your opinions in a comment. We will be looking forward to reading you!