10 Incredible Historic Hotels in Converted Buildings
Amazing Places to Stay with a Storied Past
Where history meets luxury: 2026’s Hotels of the Year
Step inside the world of heritage hotels, where history isn’t just remembered, it’s lived. From candlelit corridors once walked by monks to grand railway stations reborn in velvet and brass, these remarkable stays transform storied buildings into unforgettable escapes.
Think crumbling stone facades now gleaming with modern elegance, and echoes of the past woven into every plush pillow and polished floorboard. In this guide, we’ll uncover some of the most breathtaking conversions across the globe, each one a masterclass in preserving history while embracing modernity.
1. Hotel Seiryu Kyoto Kiyomizu, Kyoto, Japan
A schoolhouse reborn in the heart of Kyoto
Good for: History, Nightlife
Perched on the hillside of Higashiyama, Hotel Seiryu Kyoto Kiyomizu offers rare spaciousness in one of Kyoto’s most historic districts. Housed in a 1933 school building, its original structure, complete with wide corridors and high ceilings, has been lovingly restored to showcase Japanese craftsmanship and Western elegance.
Each of the 48 rooms is uniquely designed, and the rooftop bar, curated by Kyoto’s legendary bartender Minoru Nishida, offers sweeping views of Yasaka Pagoda. While you’re here, can enjoy maiko performances and kintsugi workshops that make this repurposed hotel not just a place to stay, but a gateway into Kyoto’s culture.
Hotel Seiryu Kyoto Kiyomizu, Kyoto, Japan
2. Bodmin Jail Hotel, Cornwall, UK
Cornwall’s dark past reimagined in luxury
Good for: History, Food
Once home to hardened criminals, Bodmin Jail Hotel now provides one of the UK’s most dramatic and unique heritage accommodations. This 18th-century prison has been transformed into an elegant boutique hotel, where thick granite walls and original cell doors frame 70 rooms, each crafted from former cells.
You’ll be left awestruck by the soaring glass atrium and the moody Chapel Restaurant, which adds theatrical flair to dinner. Enjoy history with a plush twist with underfloor heating, Egyptian cotton sheets, and even dog-friendly stays.
Bodmin Jail Hotel, Cornwall, UK
3. Sandi Hotel, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Colonial charm on Brazil’s Emerald Coast
Good for: History, Food
Sandi Hotel in Paraty is a centuries-old colonial mansion turned serene retreat, found within the heart of one of Brazil’s most enchanting towns. Its vivid interiors will leave you spellbound: tropical prints, antique woodwork, and bursts of color that mirror the town’s artistic soul.
The building’s original architecture remains intact, with cobbled courtyards and leafy verandas offering quiet corners to unwind. Just steps away from Paraty’s UNESCO-listed historic center, this historic boutique stay blends old-world glamour with modern comforts like a spa, fitness center, and a gelato bar that the locals love. Spend the day sightseeing and shopping and then relax with a massage before heading out to dinner.
Sandi Hotel, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
4. Fontevraud L’Ermitage, Anjou, France
A royal abbey retreat in the Loire Valley
Good for: History, Photo
For a rare chance to sleep within the walls of one of Europe’s largest monastic complexes, book a stay at the Fontevraud L’Ermitage. Set in the Saint-Lazare priory of the 1000-year-old Royal Abbey, this restored heritage hotel combines medieval serenity with a sleek, eco-conscious design. Vaulted stone ceilings meet oak furnishings and soft lighting, creating a cocoon of calm across its 54 rooms.
A stay here feels timeless yet effortlessly refined. Wander the cloisters after dark, dine at the Michelin-starred restaurant, and wake to birdsong echoing through ancient courtyards.
Fontevraud L'Ermitage, Anjou, France
5. The Union Station Nashville Yards, Nashville, USA
Gilded grandeur in Music City’s former train station
Good for: History, Nightlife
A masterfully restored 1900s railway terminal, the Union Station Nashville Yards now teems with modern sophistication. Once a bustling stop on the Louisville and Nashville Railroad, where even Al Capone passed through, this converted historic property retains its Romanesque Revival architecture, complete with soaring turrets and a 65-ft barrel-vaulted stained-glass ceiling.
nside, marble floors, limestone fireplaces, and gold-leaf medallions evoke the golden age of travel. Located steps from Broadway’s live music and nightlife, make the most of your stay and explore Nashville’s storied past with its vibrant present.
The Union Station Nashville Yards, Nashville, USA
6. The Old Clare Hotel, Sydney, Australia
Sydney’s stylish tribute to its industrial history
Good for: History, Nightlife
The Old Clare Hotel in Chippendale, Sydney, is a bold fusion of two historic buildings: a 1940s pub and the former Carlton & United Breweries administration block. This heritage hotel doesn’t just preserve its past, it celebrates it with exposed brick, amber-glass accents, and a 4-story glass atrium that links the two structures in striking style.
It’s a stay that feels edgy, glamorous, and unmistakably Sydney. The repurposed hotel’s 69 rooms mix vintage industrial charm with contemporary design, while the rooftop pool and bar are ideal for unwinding above the city’s buzz. Enjoy the city views and stunning sunsets while sipping a refreshing cocktail or mocktail.
The Old Clare Hotel, Sydney, Australia
7. Hotel Place d’Armes, Montreal, Canada
Old Montreal’s neoclassical jewel
Good for: History, Luxury
Occupying four 19th-century neoclassical buildings directly across from the iconic Notre-Dame Basilica, Hotel Place d’Armes is a standout among heritage hotels. Inside, you’ll find exposed brick, rich woodwork, and period stalls seamlessly paired with sleek design and upscale amenities.
The Hotel Place d’Armes is a refined retreat that captures Montreal’s historic charm with a fashionable flair. Its 133 rooms range from cozy to lavish, some featuring fireplaces and deep soaking tubs. After a busy day of sightseeing, unwind at the rooftop terrace with city views or indulge at the Rainspa’s relaxing hammam.
Hotel Place d’Armes, Montreal, Canada
8. Nine Orchard Hotel, New York City, USA
Beaux-Arts beauty in Manhattan’s Lower East Side
Good for: History, Photo
Bringing new life to the century-old Jarmulowsky Bank, the Nine Orchard Hotel is a Beaux-Arts landmark now reimagined as one of New York’s most refined historic hotels. Its 113 rooms feature original moldings, heart pine floors, and oversized windows that flood the surroundings with natural light.
The Swan Room, once a bank teller hall, dazzles with pink Tennessee marble and vaulted ceilings, while the luxurious Blue Room adds a romantic flourish to your stay. Nestled in the vibrant Lower East Side, it’s a unique heritage accommodation with bold character, ideal for travelers who seek restored hotels with an interesting story. Stroll through the highly walkable neighborhood, stopping at cozy cafes and browsing market stalls for unique finds.
Nine Orchard Hotel, New York City, USA
9. Bank Hotel, Stockholm, Sweden
Art Nouveau opulence in Stockholm’s financial hub
Good for: History, Photo
The Bank Hotel in Stockholm reimagines a grand early 20th-century bank building into one of Scandinavia’s most stylish heritage hotels. Located in the upscale Östermalm district, it’s surrounded by designer boutiques, museums, and waterfront promenades.
Step inside and you’ll discover bronze doors, mahogany-paneled walls, and a stunning lobby that begs to be photographed. Velvet chairs, marble floors, and green scagliola vaults nod to the hotel’s opulent past, while curated art adds a fresh edge. Enjoy the hotel’s grand bars, the gym, and rooms that blend Art Nouveau glitz with modern comfort and make your stay both timeless and cosmopolitan.
Bank Hotel, Stockholm, Sweden
10. Canfranc Estacion, Royal Hideaway, Canfranc, Spain
A monumental station turned mountain getaway
Good for: History, Food
The Canfranc Estación, a Royal Hideaway Hotel, transforms one of Europe’s grandest and most mysterious railway stations into a 5-star retreat in the heart of the Aragonese Pyrenees. It’s a historic hotel that channels espionage-era intrigue with contemporary luxury. Originally opened in 1928 and nicknamed the “Titanic of the Mountains” for its monumental scale and dramatic history, the building now offers 104 rooms steeped in Art Deco elegance, with brass accents, velvet textures, and views of forested peaks.
The former customs hall is now a chic dining space, and the Michelin-starred restaurant showcases Aragonese haute cuisine. For the full experience, order a tasting menu or for a smaller appetite, savor the suckling lamb “Ternasco de Aragón”, or the exquisite turbot.
Canfranc Estacion, Royal Hideaway, Canfranc, Spain
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