4 of The World's Best Colonial Hotels

Colonial hotels are the quintessential remnants of the by-gone world. History buffs can call themselves lucky as there are several Colonial hotels around the world that offer nostalgic luxury. These Colonial memorials have been preserved with meticulous care – only to give visitors a priceless experience.

Here are the 4 best Colonial hotels in the world:

1. Windamere Hotel – India

Windamere Hotel is one of those rare Colonial hotels that have stayed true to its vintage Colonial charm as it has been restored and not renovated. Perched on the picturesque hilly landscape of Darjeeling, Windamere Hotel is located on Observatory Hill, a promenade that overlooks the entire town.

 Windamere Hotel is revered as the best British Colonial hotel in India. The hotel takes each of its guests by fascination with its authentic English conduct. The vintage English rooms and villas combined together with a warm hospitality is something you definitely cannot resist. So, next time you visit India, do make your stay at the Windamere Hotel. 

2. Raffles Hotel – Singapore

Raffles, apart from being a renowned Colonial hotel around the world, is no less than an institution in Singapore. Raffles was built in 1887 by (then popular) Sarkies Brothers. The first impression of the Colonial hotel is set by its cream white facade. 

Raffles is widely revered for its literary associations as Rudyard Kipling, Somerset Maugham, Alfred Hitchcock, and Ernest Hemingway have all drank at the hotel’s bar.

3. Mount Nelson Hotel - South Africa

Mount Nelson Hotel is a one-of-a-kind Colonial hotel as it has survived three wars and several government changes.  The Colonial hotel is surrounded by breathtaking views of the Table Mountain, offering visitors a magical experience during their stay.

 The Colonial hotel also boasts a reputable portfolio of guests including the likes of Agatha Christie, Martin Luther King Jr., Oprah Winfrey, Robbie Williams, Nelson Mandela, and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

4. The Strand – Myanmar (Burma)

The Strand is another Sarkies brothers’ creation. The mansion-like property was renovated by a group of hoteliers and reopened in 1993.  The Colonial hotel is widely recognised for its intriguing exterior.

Similar to the Windamere Hotel, The Strand offers an authentic Colonial experience to guests as there are no modern additions