The Oldest Hotels in the World

Operating on the site of a natural hot spring since 705CE, this mountain retreat has been certified by the Guinness World Records as the World’s Oldest Inn. A half-hour drive north of Hayakawa, the inexhaustible water supply now feeds six external and internal baths, all of which have views over the lush valley. The four-storey hotel comprises 35 rooms with spring-supplied baths and a restaurant in which regional delicacies are seasoned with eight different types of salt.

The Tudor exterior of the Maids Head Hotel in Norwich belies a much longer history, as the site has been continually used for lodging since the end of the 11th century. A busy coaching inn throughout the 1700s, the oldest pub in Britain now offers rooms and suites with exposed black beams, cathedral views and floor-to-ceiling wall art depicting iconic Norwich sites. At the double AA Rosette restaurant, dishes such as Goosnargh duck breast with peas, asparagus and potato pie and apricot puree showcase top local produce.

Kelly House was opened by mariner John Harper in 1742 when Martha’s Vineyard was at the apogee of the whaling era. Perfect for groups and families, the nautical-themed accommodation consists of one- or two-bedroom suites with airy, open-plan living spaces and views of Edgartown harbour or the hotel gardens. Cosy up next to the open fire in the Newes From America Pub to enjoy local craft ale and regional classics, such as New England clam chowder. Rental bikes are available from reception, too.

The birthplace of Boston cream pie – a classic American dessert – the Omni Parker House welcomed its first guests in 1855, making it the oldest continually operating hotel in the USA. Try a slice of the most celebrated sweet in Boston in the chandelier-lit, wood-panelled dining room once frequented by Charles Dickens, or head to the leather-and-mahogany Last Hurrah for a Bostonian whisky or signature martini. Rooms feature cherry wood furniture, gold and red fabrics and reproductions of 19th-century artwork.

A watering hole for travellers on the Great North Road since the early 13th century, the Old Angel Inn received the second part of its name in 1866 – after a visit from Edward VII, the future king. Original features such as carved wood fittings, vaulted stone ceilings and blackened fireplaces are on display in the bar and restaurant, the latter of which has hosted English royalty on many occasions. For an appropriately regal stay in Grantham, book a suite with a mahogany four-poster bed.

Boasting carved wood window frames, bamboo floors and rice-paper ceilings, this 260-year-old merchant’s residence offers 14 rooms clustered around three courtyards. It lies in the Unesco-protected city of Ping Yao – the ancient rooftops of which you can see from the free-standing bathtub in the second-floor master suite. The on-site spa offers rejuvenating body and face treatments, and the restaurant specialises in the cuisine of Shanxi province. Western and Chinese breakfasts and cooking classes are also available on-site.