Some properties are more than hotels; they are living legends. Welcome to our round-up of some of the best luxury properties in the past 100 years.
Hotel Imperial Vienna
Hotel Imperial Vienna
The Hotel Imperial in Vienna has stood the test of time as one of Europe’s most distinguished properties. Built in 1863 as a palace for Duke Philipp of Württemberg and his wife, Archduchess Marie Therese, the building was transformed into a luxury hotel in time for the 1873 World Exhibition. The conversion coincided with the 25th anniversary of the reign of Emperor Franz Joseph I, when Vienna hosted the World’s Fair.
From its earliest days as a hotel, the Hotel Imperial attracted heads of state, royalty and cultural leaders, securing its reputation as one of the most elegant establishments in Europe. In 2023, the Hotel Imperial celebrated its 150th anniversary, marking a century and a half of its role as a meeting place for power and influence. The interiors of the Hotel Imperial retain much of their grand 19th-century character, with marble features, hand-carved statues and glittering chandeliers. The lobby remains a focal point, where the Royal Staircase leads to suites and rooms under ceilings adorned with stucco decoration.
The combination of architectural detail and craftsmanship reflects the grandeur of the period in which the building was first constructed. The best suite at the property is aptly called the Royal Suite (pictured). Once the palace chambers of Duke Philipp of Württemberg, the suite unfolds over approximately 160 m², complete with crystal chandeliers, seven‑metre‑high stucco ceilings and silk‑upholstered walls. Three bedrooms and lavish salons evoke Baroque palace living. The Hotel Imperial is also home to a trio of acclaimed restaurants, including the Café Imperial Wien, a restored coffee‑house since 1873, offering Viennese classics (such as Tafelspitz, Wiener Schnitzel and the celebrated Imperial Torte) crafted in honour of Emperor Franz Joseph I. Elsewhere at the property there Restaurant OPUS, the hotel’s gourmet dining destination, and the Imperial Bar with live piano and jazz performances.
Ritz Paris
The Ritz Paris has stood at the heart of the French capital since its founding in 1898, when Swiss hotelier César Ritz and chef Auguste Escoffier opened its doors. Built behind the façade of an eighteenth-century townhouse designed by royal architect Jules Hardouin-Mansart, the hotel was among the first in Europe to offer en suite bathrooms, electricity, and telephones in each room. These innovations, combined with its opulent interiors, quickly attracted royalty, statesmen, writers, film stars, and singers. Over its history, the Ritz Paris has undergone two major renovations.
Most recently, in 2012, for a four-year, multi-million-dollar refurbishment, reopening in June 2016. Today, the hotel operates with 140 rooms spread across the Vendôme and Cambon buildings, offering views over Place Vendôme. Its facilities include a Michelin-starred restaurant, two bars, and a casual dining venue. The hotel’s history and clientele are reflected in its interiors. Several suites are named after prominent past guests, such as Coco Chanel, while Bar Hemingway commemorates writer Ernest Hemingway. The Imperial Suite, regarded as the finest in the hotel, has been designated a French national monument.
Its décor includes six-metre ceilings, Versailles-inspired furnishings, and eighteenth-century panelled walls. The suite also contains a former boudoir converted into a bathroom overlooking the Vendôme garden. Cuisine remains central to the Ritz’s identity, a legacy of Escoffier’s early influence. Today, chef Eugénie Béziat oversees the kitchen of the Michelin Star restaurant Espadon, where she blends influences from her African upbringing with Mediterranean flavours. Her signature dishes include grilled oyster with brousse cheese and paracress, and lobster with spinach and manioc, seasoned with bissap and raspberries.
Hotel Danieli
Standing on the Riva degli Schiavoni in Venice, Hotel Danieli has long been regarded as one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks. Its history is spread across three adjoining palaces that represent more than six centuries of Venetian architecture and culture. The oldest of the three, the 14th-century Palazzo Dandolo, was once home to the powerful Dandolo family.
Enrico Dandolo, the first of four members of the family to serve as Doge of Venice, is remembered for leading the conquest of Constantinople in 1204.
He returned with treasures including gold, marble and Byzantine artwork, much of which was displayed in the palazzo. Today, Hotel Danieli remains a symbol of Venetian legacy and luxury, combining its historical setting with contemporary facilities. Dining is centred on the top floor of the property, Terrazza Danieli, the hotel’s Mediterranean restaurant.
Mirrors and rich fabrics decorate the interior, but a standout feature is the outdoor terrace itself, which is open from May to October. The rooftop offers incredible panoramic views across the lagoon and nearby islands. Back in the kitchen, the restaurant changes its menu seasonally. Fresh, local ingredients form the basis of the cuisine, with flavours occasionally enhanced by exotic spices. From its origins as a noble residence to its current status as a luxury hotel, Hotel Danieli continues to represent both the history and the living culture of Venice.
Taj Mahal Palace
The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai, stands as one of India’s most recognisable iconic landmarks. Located in Colaba, adjacent to the Gateway of India and overlooking the Arabian Sea, the hotel has been a symbol of luxury and service since it first opened its doors in 1903. Built in the Indo-Saracenic style, it was originally named the Taj Mahal Hotel and quickly became one of the finest hotels in the East during the British Raj.
The property has a long-standing reputation for hosting dignitaries and royalty from around the world. Its heritage status and historic role in the city have cemented it as an enduring part of Mumbai’s cultural and architectural identity. Today, the Taj Mahal Palace combines heritage with the latest amenities and technology within the hotel’s 285 individually decorated guest rooms and suites. Guests have access to a range of leisure and wellness facilities, including an outdoor pool, a fitness centre and the J Wellness Circle spa, which offers massages, body treatments and facials.
Dining is a central feature of the Taj Mahal Palace experience. The hotel houses seven restaurants offering a range of cuisines. These include contemporary Indian dishes and refined Chinese fare, as well as Japanese cuisine at Wasabi by Morimoto. Two cafés and three bars, along with 24-hour room service, ensure guests have varied options throughout their stay.
Hotel de Paris
The Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo, located on Place du Casino in the heart of Monaco, first opened its doors in 1864 and continues to stand as one of the French Riviera’s most distinguished destinations. The hotel is known for its palatial interiors, where lighting, materials and facilities are carefully designed to deliver a five-star experience. Its most prestigious offerings are the Princess Grace and Prince Rainier III Diamond Suites, regarded as among the most exclusive on the Côte d’Azur.
Dining remains a central feature of the hotel. Le Louis XV – Alain Ducasse at the Hôtel de Paris holds three Michelin stars and is recognised internationally for its refined celebration of Mediterranean cuisine. Alongside it, Le Grill, which carries one star, offers panoramic views of the Mediterranean from the eighth-floor terrace, with a menu centred on dishes from the grill. Other highlights at the property include The Jewellers’ Courtyard for afternoon tea, while Le Bar Américain offers live jazz and signature drinks in a classic atmosphere.
For those seeking relaxation, the rooftop pool at the Wellness Sky Club provides an opportunity to unwind with views over the principality. In addition to its in-house attractions, the hotel sits within close reach of Monte-Carlo’s latest luxury retail development, One Monte-Carlo. The district brings together a range of designer boutiques and new experiences, complementing the hotel’s established position as a hub for visitors seeking both leisure and luxury.
The Langham, Fifth Avenue
New York has no shortage of legendary addresses, yet few capture the spirit of the city quite like The Langham, Fifth Avenue. Perfectly positioned between the Empire State Building and Bryant Park, the hotel offers the ideal blend of Midtown energy and refined tranquillity. It provides the rare luxury of being steps away from the city’s hustle and bustle, but being able to escape into an atmosphere of calm sophistication.
This year, the Langham brand turns 160, a milestone that began in London. When The Langham opened in 1865, it defined the modern grand hotel with innovations in comfort and service that became industry standards. That heritage matters in New York: you feel it from the moment you arrive. The brand’s signature rituals translate seamlessly to Fifth Avenue, making the property a highly sought-after destination for Manhattan tourists.
Rooms and suites are among the city’s most generous, framed by floor-to-ceiling windows that pull in Manhattan’s skyline like a living artwork. If you’re lucky enough to bag an Empire State view room, you’ll have one of the most exclusive views in the city. The room’s design language is refined and contemporary with clean lines, tactile materials, and intelligent lighting. For GCC families and business travellers alike, the residential-style layouts will also make longer stays feel uncomplicated. The hotel’s Langham Club is, in our opinion, an absolute must – located on the fourth floor, it provides all-day refreshments for guests, as well as a sanctuary for working or relaxing throughout the day. While the hotel’s higher category rooms come with complimentary access to The Langham Club, access can also be purchased on a daily rate by all guests.
Dining at The Langham reflects New York’s cosmopolitan palate: elegantly executed, service-forward, and unpretentious. Breakfast becomes a ritual; cocktails are mixed with precision; and the kitchen’s seasonal sensibility nods to the city’s markets. Throughout, the tone is resolutely Langham, tasteful, cosmopolitan, and never showy. What makes this hotel iconic isn’t simply its address; it’s the way heritage and modernity are held in careful balance throughout. The Langham, Fifth Avenue feels at once timeless and current. As the brand celebrates 160 years, this Manhattan outpost stands as a compelling chapter in a legacy defined by quiet excellence, an urban haven in the world’s most vibrant city.
Raffles Singapore
For more than 130 years, Raffles Singapore has stood as a symbol of luxury since first opening its doors in 1887. What began as a 10-room boutique property overlooking the beach and the South China Sea has become one of the most iconic hotels in the world. The property has hosted an array of distinguished guests over the decades, including Queen Elizabeth II, Rudyard Kipling, Charlie Chaplin and Elizabeth Taylor. Its reputation for elegance and cultural significance is further underlined by the presence of Resident Historians, who guide visitors through the many stories and legends spanning more than a century. In a modern metropolis characterised by skyscrapers, Raffles Singapore maintains a distinct identity.
The hotel’s beautifully preserved colonial architecture was recognised in 1987 when it was declared a National Monument. Inside, spaces such as the living room, dining room and suites are adorned with antiques and artworks that reflect the property’s storied past. The hotel underwent an extensive two-year restoration project, reopening in 2019. The work was designed to balance preservation with modern expectations, maintaining the distinctive character and ambience while upgrading rooms and facilities to meet contemporary luxury standards. Today, the all-suite property offers 24-hour butler service, reinforcing its reputation for bespoke hospitality. Guests and residents of Singapore can choose from six restaurants and three bars.
These include longstanding favourites such as The Tiffin Room and The Long Bar, as well as contemporary additions led by renowned chefs. Anne-Sophie Pic’s Le Dame de Pic and 藝yí by Masterchef Jereme Leung represent the hotel’s commitment to innovation alongside tradition. Wellness is another central aspect of the modern Raffles experience. The on-site spa provides a range of restorative treatments, further enhancing its appeal to discerning travellers seeking relaxation alongside cultural heritage.
Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc
The Grand Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc, located on the southern tip of Cap d’Antibes, has been associated with luxury, creativity and discretion for more than 100 years. The origins of the hotel trace back to 1869, when Hippolyte de Villemessant, founder of the French newspaper Le Figaro, built the Villa Soleil as a retreat for writers seeking inspiration.
In 1887, Italian hotelier Antoine Sella purchased the property and opened the Grand Hôtel du Cap two years later. It soon became a sought-after destination for artists, aristocrats and travellers drawn to the Riviera. The property has since expanded into five distinct buildings. The Hôtel du Cap, a Napoleon III château, houses 117 suites. Eden-Roc, a pavilion at the water’s edge, complements the main residence. Les Deux Fontaines offers 32 rooms across two floors, while Villa Eleana and Villa Les Cèdres provide private accommodation within the grounds.
The estate covers nine hectares and overlooks the Mediterranean, midway between Cannes and Nice. Current owner Maja Oetker has overseen the decoration of its rooms and suites, maintaining the hotel’s reputation for understated luxury. While staying at the property, guests can choose from three restaurants, including the Michelin-starred Louroc, Eden-Roc Restaurant and Le Grill, each offering panoramic sea views. The property also features six bars, ranging from the piano bar La Rotonde to the Eden-Roc Pool Bar and the Bellini Bar. Stand-out features include the infinity pool with heated seawater carved into the rocks, and the Dior Spa Eden-Roc. From its beginnings as a sanctuary for writers to its current role as a celebrated palatial hotel, the property’s history reflects both the glamour and tradition of the Côte d’Azur.
