6 World-Renowned Colonial Hotels

There are places in this world that still stand as the silent witness of the bygone era. These places are brimming with nostalgic extravaganza where history and age-old traditions are preserved with utmost care. These celebrated Colonial hotels from all over the world are just like time machines, giving you a quick view of the Colonial era. Take a look:

1. Windamere Hotel, India

Want to explore the Colonial past of the country? If yes, then the Windamere Hotel in Darjeeling, West Bengal is a place to visit. This is the only authentic Colonial hotel in Darjeeling. Formerly known as “Ada Villa,” this place once served as a boarding house for the British tea planters. The rooms and decor of this place are carefully restored and retain the elegance of the Victorian age. If you want to book a hotel in Darjeeling then book your stay at the Windamere Hotel and bask in the nostalgia of the Raj-era.

2. Sofitel Winter Palace Hotel, Egypt

Located in Luxor, this place has a typical British colonial architectural style. Inaugurated in 1907, the hotel was temporarily closed for guests during the World War I. At that time, it was used as a hospice for recuperating soldiers. The noted guests of this hotel include Agatha Christie who wrote Death on the Nile during her stay here; Lord Carnarvon, patron of Egyptologist Howard Carter who discovered the tomb of Tutankhamun in 1922. The discovery was announced at this hotel.

3. Galle Face, Sri Lanka

This hotel was originally built by four British entrepreneurs. Primarily, this place was a Dutch villa called Galle Face House.  This hotel is one of the oldest Colonial hotels in Asia. So far, it has hosted many notable guests, including author Sir Arthur Charles Clarke. He wrote the final chapters of his famous sci-fi novel 2001: A Space Odyssey in this hotel.

4. Pera Palace, Turkey

Pera Palace in Istanbul was originally built for hosting the passengers coming arriving from Paris on the Orient Express. Located in Istanbul, this place overlooks the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn. This place is frequented by many famous personalities from all over the world. Agatha Christie also stayed in this hotel several times and also wrote her story Orient Express during her stay here.

5. Raffles Hotel, Singapore

Previously, this place was known as the Beach House until it was taken over by Armenian Sarkies brothers. They turned it into a hotel and named it after Sir Stamford Raffles, the founder of British Colony in Singapore. This place has hosted many famous personalities including Rudyard Kipling, Charlie Chaplin, and Elizabeth Taylor.

6. Mandarin Oriental, Thailand

This is the oldest and the most luxurious hotel in Bangkok. Originally this hotel was known as Oriental Hotel and was famous for introducing Siam amenities outside the Royal Palace. This grand hotel has many famous names in their guest list including David Beckham, Neil Armstrong, Mick Jagger, Elizabeth Taylor, and Princess Diana. It has total 358 rooms and 35 suites.