5 Most Oldest Hotel In The World

Long before there were Motel 6 and Holiday Inn, people needed a place to stay as they traveled, and the enterprising business people had fed them hot food and a place to rest their heads. Most of these ancient hotels have long disappeared, but some have depended on all odds. This is not just an old building that has been converted into an inn (like this castle in Ireland, dating from the middle ages), but a business that has been operating continuously for hundreds of years, and in some cases, more than a thousand years. If you are a history buff (or just bored with bland and boring hotel rooms), consider staying in one of the truly time-tested hotels.

1. Nishiyama Onsen Yacht, Japan

Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan has been in business since 705, making it the oldest continuously operating hotel in the world, according to the Guinness Book of World Records. More impressively, the same family has run this ryokan built around natural hot springs for an overall existence of 1300 years.

The hotel may be quaint, but the accommodation is made to satisfy the modern traveler. "Keiunkan provides visitors with a beautiful blend of ancient Japanese customs and cool contemporary design," reports Travel + Leisure. The rooms feature rugged countryside views and the chef prepares food using fresh seasonal ingredients, while the four outdoor baths and two indoor rooms are the perfect place to let your car melt.

2. Hoshi Ryokan, Japan

Another Japanese establishment, Hoshi Ryokan was once considered the world's oldest hotel until Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan dropped him from the throne. It has been offering the weary traveler a place to rest since 718, making it only 13 years younger than the previous entry in this list. Remarkably, 47 generations in it, also still owned by the descendants of the founders.

The hot springs are also a major attraction in this hotel and spa, which can now accommodate 450 people. It offers "the perfect example of hospitality, housing, service, onsen, and Japanese cooking skills", according to one reviewer on TripAdvisor.

3. Bell Olde, Hurley, UK

In the English village of Hurley you will find The Olde Bell, which has been in operation since 1135. Originally a guesthouse for visitors of nearby Benedictine monks, it persisted for centuries and is even home to a secret passage that plays an important role. a role in the Great Revolution of 1688, which overthrew King James II.

The luxurious rooms in the main premier building feature a claw tub and soothing and understated décor by London-based Isle Crawford designer, and the on-site restaurant focuses on dishes made with local organic ingredients, many from the hotel's gardens. GQ UK declared it a "very good discovery."

4. Zum Roten Baren, Freiburg, Germany

Zum Roten Baren is probably the oldest continuously operating hotel in mainland Europe. Although the original structure is a large single-family house, it was once used as a homestead since at least the 14th century. While modern upgrades have been made, the ground floor plans remain essentially the same, which means visiting here really feels like a step back in time.

The hotel's 25 rooms and suites are comfortably furnished and the property is conveniently located in the center of Freiburg. "The Inn ... retains individual character, with very comfortable lodgings and excellent dining options," said Fodor's.

5. Beekman Arms, Rhinebeck, N.Y.

It's not nearly as old as other hotels on this list, but if you're looking for a historic place to stay a little closer to home, but The Beekman Arms in the Hudson Valley of New York may be so. It claims to be the oldest continuous operating hotel in the U.S., which has been in operation since 1766.

The rooms at Beekman Arms are furnished with a comfortable Colonial style, in keeping with the origins of its Pre-Revolutionary War, and the tap room is like where George Washington sipped soft drinks.