Where the Past Becomes Part of the Stay
Some hotels have been welcoming guests for generations; others give historic buildings an entirely new purpose. Heritage & Historic Hotels spans centuries of architecture—from ancient monasteries, castles and coaching inns to grand mansions, Art Nouveau landmarks and Art Deco icons. Some were built as hotels, others have been brilliantly adapted. What connects them is a respect for what came before, allowing original architecture, craftsmanship and stories to remain part of the experience rather than becoming simply a backdrop.
Sofitel Sydney Wentworth, Australia A 1960s Modernist Landmark Reborn with Australian Warmth and a Touch of French Glamour Why DNA Hotels Loves It ● Sydney’s original international five-star hotel, opened in 1966, has emerged from a AUD 70 million transformation that celebrates rather than erases its mid-century identity. ● FK’s “Modern Heritage” approach retains the…
read moreThe Dolder Grand, Zürich, Switzerland A Belle Époque Landmark Elevated by Contemporary Architecture and World-Class Art Why DNA Hotels Loves It ● Norman Foster's bold contemporary wings transform a nineteenth-century palace into one of Europe's most striking examples of historic and modern architecture in dialogue. ● An exceptional art collection featuring works by Salvador Dalí,…
read moreHotel Rössli, Zürich, Switzerland A Historic Townhouse with Contemporary Calm in the Heart of the Old Town Why DNA Hotels Loves It ● A sensitively restored historic townhouse where centuries-old architecture meets understated contemporary Swiss design. ● Just 27 individually designed rooms create an intimate, residential atmosphere rarely found in central Zürich. ● Located on…
read moreHotel Arbaso | San Sebastián, Spain Basque heritage reinterpreted through stone, oak, leather, and quiet contemporary craft Why DNA Hotels Loves It ● Local studio Fiark Architecture Studio uses Basque materials, references, and craftsmanship without turning heritage into decoration. ● The 50 rooms and suites combine oak floors, linen, leather, palm fibre, steel, and bespoke…
read moreHotel Pez Espada – Torremolinos, Spain Where Costa del Sol Glamour Never Went Out of Style Why DNA Hotels Loves It ● One of the most iconic hotels on the Costa del Sol and a pioneer of Mediterranean resort culture. ● A thoughtful renovation that celebrates its 1959 origins while introducing contemporary comfort and elegance.…
read moreAliée Istanbul Where Ottoman Heritage Meets Cinematic Luxury Why DNA Hotels Loves It ● A spectacular transformation of historic Ottoman shipyard buildings into one of Istanbul’s most ambitious design hotels. ● Interiors by Dayna Lee and Ted Berner that feel part palace, part theatre set, part collector’s dream. ● A destination in its own right,…
read moreDe Plesman, The Hague Monumental Modernism with a Softer Soul Why DNA Hotels Loves It ● A former KLM headquarters transformed into a remarkable design hotel without losing the authority of its original architecture. ● Interiors by Nicemakers that soften monumental modernism through warm materials, restrained colours, and residential comfort. ● A calm, characterful base…
read moreRAN BAAS The Palace | Patiala, India Punjab's Majestic Revival Within the Walls of a Forgotten Fort Why DNA Hotels Loves It ● One of the most ambitious heritage restorations in India, transforming an abandoned 18th-century Sikh palace into a world-class luxury hotel. ● Extraordinary craftsmanship brought back to life through traditional building techniques, fresco…
read moreHotel Guaraní, Asunción, Paraguay A landmark of Latin American modernism where 1960s optimism still shapes the skyline of Paraguay’s capital Why DNA Hotels Loves It ● One of Asunción’s defining modernist landmarks, opened in 1961 and designed by Brazilian architects Adolpho Rubio Morales, Rubens Carneiro Vianna, and Ricardo Sievers. ● The extraordinary original lobby, where…
read moreEstablishment Hotel | Sydney, Australia Industrial Heritage, Contemporary Design, and Sydney Nightlife Behind One Discreet Laneway Door Why DNA Hotels Loves It ● A former 1890s warehouse transformed into an intimate 31-room hotel where original brick, timber, and iron meet understated contemporary luxury. ● One of Sydney’s original boutique hotels, still feeling remarkably relevant more…
read moreThe Grand National Hotel by Saint Peter | Sydney, Australia A Victorian Paddington Pub Reborn as Josh and Julie Niland’s Remarkable Restaurant with Rooms Why DNA Hotels Loves It ● Just 14 rooms turn one of Sydney’s great dining destinations into an intimate overnight experience built around Josh and Julie Niland’s uncompromising vision. ● Studio…
read moreHotel Julien | Antwerp, Belgium An Intimate Boutique Retreat Where Contemporary Belgian Design Meets Timeless Elegance Why DNA Hotels Loves It ● A beautifully restored collection of 19th-century townhouses transformed into one of Antwerp's most refined boutique hotels. ● Individually designed rooms where natural materials, contemporary art and understated luxury create a calm, residential atmosphere.…
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