Top 4 World-famous British Colonial Hotels

Windamere Hotel

British colonial hotels are remnants of the bygone world, which is why they represent a nowhere-to-be-found nostalgic luxury that has been preserved with scrupulous care. Here are some of the world-famous British colonial hotels.

1. Raffles, Singapore

Raffles definitely deserves a grand shout-out in this list as the world famous colonial hotel is an institution in its own right. Raffles was built by the Sarkies brothers in 1887 and was named after Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles.

Legend has it that Rudyard Kipling who arrived at the hotel in 1887 noted the food was excellent but the rooms were not up to the mark. Since then, the hotel has gone through several changes over the years. Other great personalities including David Bowie, Elizabeth Taylor, William Golding, Ginger Rogers and Charlie Chaplin have stayed in Raffles.
  
2. Windamere Hotel, India

Situated in the quaint town of the Queen of the Hills, Darjeeling, Windamere Hotel is an exquisite old-world charm. Windamere Hotel, or originally ‘Ada Villa’, was established in the 19th century as a comfortable boarding house for English and Scottish tea planters, along with other British Raj types who worked in the local area.

Arranging a stay at the Windamere Hotel is definitely a rewarding experience as the ambience and charm of the colonial hotels is just unique. The Windamere Hotel is located on Observatory Hill – named by the British for its wonderful lookout advantages.  It is surrounded by a ‘promenade’ called ‘The Mall’, which takes the tourist on a wonderful walk around the “hill”.  Mount Kanchenjunga can be viewed on the walk!  Windamere overlooks the entire town of Darjeeling.  It should be said that visitors are often awe-inspired by the spectacular view of the mountainous skyline, including the majestic Mount Kangchenjunga.

Book hotel in Darjeeling

If you ever happen to visit Darjeeling, then make sure to stay at the Windamere Hotel – one of the best British Colonial hotels in India and the world. In fact, ‘The Sunday Times of London’ wrote that it was one of the best Colonial Hotels in the world.

3. Sofitel Winter Palace, Egypt

Sofitel Winter Palace is a jewel of a colonial hotel in Luxor, Egypt. Built by Italian construction company, G. Garozzo & Sons and architect Leon Stienon, Sofitel Winter Palace possesses a typical British colonial style. Agatha Christie is one of the notable personalities who has stayed at Sofitel Winter Palace.

4. Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel

Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel is a historic British colonial hotel as it has seen it all; the place has survived three wars and several governmental changes. Besides the profound grandeur of Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel, the breathtaking view of the Table Mountain is what gives the hotel a unique charisma.

Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel has had several notable personalities as guests including Martin Luther King Jr., Winston Churchill, Nelson Mandela, Agatha Christie, Oprah Winfrey, Robbie Williams and Charlize Theron.