Hotels with history

Fancy a break with a difference? A hotel with beautiful period features and a long tradition of pampering guests will make for a memorable stay

These grand establishments are must-stays for heritage hunters

Hotel Danieli in Venice, Italy, has a main building dating back to the 14th century, when the Palazzo was commissioned by the noble Venetian family Dandolo. In 1822, part of the palazzo was converted into a hotel, and with its sweeping views of the Grand Canal, opulent interiors and suites packed with art and antique treasures, it is the epitome of old-style Venetian splendour. danielihotelvenice.com

The Savoy, on the north bank of the Thames in London, was opened in 1889 from the proceeds of the Gilbert and Sullivan operas produced by Richard D’oyly Carte. The first luxury hotel in Britain, and the first with electric lights and lifts, the Savoy was modelled on what D’oyly Carte had seen in the US. Rooms are glitzy Art Deco or elegant Edwardian, and guests have included Clark Gable and Marilyn Monroe. fairmont.com/savoy

Raffles Hotel in Singapore, opened in 1887, is the birthplace of the Singapore Sling cocktail, and has hosted guests including Rudyard Kipling, Ava Gardner, Charlie Chaplin and Michael Jackson. It is closed until later this year for vital refurbishment of the historic, colonial architecture and antique furnishings. rafflessingapore.com

The Hôtel du Palais in Biarritz, France, was once Napoleon III’S summer mansion. The villa was converted into a casino, then a hotel in 1893, by which time Napoleon’s and European royalty’s connections with the small fishing village had transformed it into a go-to resort. Sarah Bernhardt, Frank Sinatra, and the exiled Duke and Duchess of Windsor all enjoyed stays here. hotel-du-palais.com

Budapest’s Danubius Hotel Gellért, on the banks of the Danube, is one of Hungary’s oldest and illustrious hotels, full of Art Nouveau details. Badly damaged in World War II, it was restored and soon attracted famous guests from all over the world, including Yehudi Menuhin and the Dalai Lama. The interiors and adjacent thermal spa (pictured) include tiles produced by the Zsolnay factory. danubiushotels.com