The world of hospitality is simply fascinating. Not in vain, it is an industry that is maintained, renewed and always committed to innovation and service. And arriving at a hotel not only means being in a new city, traveling through streets and destinations that are not familiar to you. It is also about leaving aside the intimacy of home to live new things, experiences that are refreshing for you.
If you are one of those who pay special attention to accommodation when traveling, reserving a hotel room 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 sites in the middle of nature… the variety is infinite and reflects an industry that develops every day. But, Do you know what the first hotel in the world was? That space that opened its doors for the first time to welcome 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 land of the rising sun.
The first hotel in the world is the imposing Nisiyama Onsen Keiunkan, in Japan, with a history that stretches back more than 1,300 years. Its foundation dates back to 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 Hayakawa Village, 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 provided accommodation to important military leaders and samurai. The remodeling and modernization that it has undergone over the years has not broken or altered its essence. And to know it is to immerse yourself in a traditional Japanese space, where the magic of nature reigns.
What is Nisiyama Onsen Keiunkan like?
The first thing you need 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 is the beautiful and relaxing hot springs that flow around the structure, and that 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 difficult to forget. There are them everywhere, from the terraces to the rooms.
But when it comes to services, the world’s oldest hotel has known how to keep up with the times. Its spaces combine the traditional essence of Japan with the elegance and comfort that travelers seek for their days of rest and enjoyment.
Their rooms have beautiful views of the mountains, and they 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 United Kingdom
The Maids Head Hotel joins the list of the world’s oldest hotels, claiming to have opened its doors 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 a former hotel that functioned as a hospice and a pilgrim house. It is located in Soest, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. Its foundation dates back to the year 1304, and in its history it stands out that it was used mainly by the followers of Santiago «the Greater» on his way to Santiago de Compostela.
3. The Interlaken Hotel, 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!