23 Sep 2025
Words
John Miller Informer
World History
Here are three of our favourite regional heritage stays from around the globe.
Keiunkan
Hayakawa, Japan
Recognised by Guinness World Records as the oldest hotel in the world, this traditional Japanese inn, called ryokan, was built by an aide to Japan’s Emperor Tenji in 705. Located in the tiny alpine village of Hayakawa, about three hours’ drive west of Tokyo, Keiunkan hosts guests who come to luxuriate in nearby mineral hot springs, called onsen. The 37-room ryokan is the epitome of Japanese hospitality, complete with staff who wear traditional kimonos. For 1,300 years, Keiunkan was continuously operated by generations of the same family until 2017. While the line of succession was broken, Keiunkan is sure to carry on as long as the spring waters flow.
keiunkan.co.jp
The Olde Bell
Hurley, United Kingdom
Around a half dozen establishments claim bragging rights as “England’s oldest hotel,” but we’re plumping for The Olde Bell in Berkshire, if only because it has a secret passage. Established in 1135, The Olde Bell has a storied history, having hosted real royalty and the Hollywood variety, including Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, Cary Grant and Errol Flynn. The secret passage runs 320 metres from the cellar of The Olde Bell to a nearby Benedictine Priory. Most notably, it was used as an escape route by Lord Lovelace of Hurley, a plotter of the Glorious Revolution of 1688 that deposed King James II. Today, The Olde Bell is part of BW Signature Collection by Best Western.
theoldebell.co.uk
Maryland Inn
Annapolis, United States
America’s longest-running, continually operating hotel isn’t nearly as old as its European or Asian counterparts, but this inn has still seen some history. Built in 1772, the 39-room four-storey brick hotel dates back to the end of the American War of Independence. Delegates of Congress stayed here when George Washington ratified the Treaty of Paris on 23 December 1783, formally ending the war and paving his way to become the first president of the United States of America. Maryland Inn is independently owned by Historic Inns of Annapolis, a trio of hotels that includes Governor Calvert House and Robert Johnson house.
www.historicinnsofannapolis.com
