Heritage Hotels in South Asia

Away from the hustle and bustle of the city life, heritage hotels welcome you to the world of elegance, tranquility, old-world charm and personalized attention. Whether you’re seeking a relaxed seaside escape in a royal way, witness dramatic sunsets over the Indian Ocean as Kings did or enjoy a sophisticated stay amidst lush hills, we have picked up the best heritage hotels for you.

Galle Face Hotel, Colombo, Sri Lanka , opened in 1864;

If you want to walk down the memory lane then this very personal and unique hotel should not be missed in this lifetime. Facing the Indian Ocean, The Galle Face, is famed for its stunning Victorian architecture. The hotel has played host to famous personalities like Roger Moore, Richard Nixon, Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, Emperor Hirohito and Yuri Gagarin.  It won’t be clichéd to say that staying at Galle Face is alone a sufficient reason for visiting Sri Lanka. In fact some guests have said it! And what is pleasing about staying at Galle Face is that you don’t need to break your bank to experience the old-world charm.

Eastern & Oriental Hotel (E&O), Georgetown, Penang, Malaysia, opened in 1885;

An oasis of relaxation in the city of Penang, the Eastern & Oriental Hotel is Malaysia’s one of the oldest and most famed landmark establishments. It was reopened after a major restoration and revamp programme. Brimming with stories of colonial administrators, dignitaries and celebrities who stayed here like Rudyard Kipling, Noel Coward, Douglas Fairbanks, Hermann Hess and Somerset Maugham, the Eastern & Oriental Hotel has been offering gracious hospitality since it opened in the British era. Situated in Georgetown at the intersection of Farquhar Road and Penang Road, it is 20 kilometres from the Bayan Lepas International Airport and is just 15 minutes walk away from local shops, food courts, bars and clubs of downtown Georgetown.

Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok, Thailand, opened in 1876;

One of the oldest hotels in Asia, Mandarin Oriental (formerly Oriental) will charm you with its perfect mix of classic elegance and modern amenities. Located on the banks of the Chao Phya River, The Mandarin Oriental has proudly hosted many famous guests including Gore Vidal, Barbara Cartland, Graham Greene, John le Carré, Jim Thompson and Wilbur Smith. Whether a first time visitor or a seasonal guest, you can be sure of one thing that the mystique, elegance, royal grandeur of Bangkok and the Mandarin Oriental will draw you back time and time again.

Windamere hotel, Darjeeling, India, opened in 19th century;

Situated on the Observatory hill, the famed Windamere hotel in Darjeeling certainly lives up to its reputation of excellent service and opulent luxury. Frequently visited by the colonial administrators, planters, entertainers as well as the local and international elite, the hotel has been aptly touted as "One of the three Jewels of the Raj”. One of the special features about Windamere is the special balance struck between local traditions and modern-day amenities. Each visit to Windamere is a new experience, a chance to relish the majestic beauty of the mighty Himalayas and precious moments spent in Darjeeling, “the Queen of the hills”.