4 Iconic Hotels with a Colonial Heritage

Colonial heritage hotels have their own perky old-world charm which is absolutely priceless. These hotels are reminiscent of the days gone by which we’d all love to treasure.

Here are the 4 iconic hotels with a Colonial heritage that lets you bask in the old-world glow.

1. Raffles – Singapore

Raffles is one of the most popular Colonial hotels in the world. It was established in 1887 by the Sarkies Brothers and got its name from the founder of Singapore, Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles.

Raffles have had legendary guests including the likes of Rudyard Kipling, Charlie Chaplin, David Bowie, William Golding, and Ginger Rogers. The hotel is now a flagship property of Raffles Hotels and Resorts.

2. Galle Face Hotel – Sri Lanka

Galle Face Hotel has been considered as the masterpiece of Victorian architecture. The hotel was built by four British entrepreneurs in 1864. Apart from the staggeringly beautiful exterior work of Galle Face Hotel, the dramatic view of the Indian Ocean is what makes the Colonial hotel a one-of-a-kind.

Some of the famous personalities that Galle Face Hotel has had as guests include Mahatma Gandhi, Jawahar Lal Nehru, Prince Philip, Alexandra, Countess of Frederiksborg, and Yuri Gagarin.

3. Sofitel Winter Palace Hotel

The Sofitel Winter Palace Hotel (aka Old Winter Palace Hotel) is another popular Colonial hotel which is recognised worldwide.
Sofitel Winter Palace Hotel also has a reputation of having iconic guests – one of them being Agatha Christie. The hotel has 86 rooms and 6 suites which all cater to luxury.

4. Windamere Hotel – India

The epic history of British dominance in India is well known all over the world. During the British rule, numerous establishments were built in all parts of India, including Darjeeling.

As the town served as a retreat for English officers and the Bengal Government, a boarding house, known as ‘Ada Villa’ was built on Observatory Hill – a promenade possessing wonderful outlook advantages. The establishment was restored to its former glory a few years ago and is now one of the Asia Pacific’s truly authentic Colonial Hotels

The hotel now runs as smooth as ever it did before and caters to offers a Colonial experience not found in many places.  It is like “a home away from home”.

Book hotel in Darjeeling

Visitors from the West come to India for learning more about the British Raj. Darjeeling attracts thousands of international tourists every year with its Colonial charm. So, next time you visit India, make sure to book your stay at the Windamere Hotel – one of the best British Colonial hotels in India.