Discover 8 places to stay in historic buildings around the world and see how former palaces, monasteries, and mansions have been transformed into charming hotels
Submitted at Mar 17, 2026, 3:30 PM
Belmond Copacabana Palace – Brasil. (Hoteis.com/Divulgação)
Traveling can be even more special when the destination includes not only scenery and culture, but also places steeped in history. In various parts of the world, ancient buildings that marked different eras have been restored and transformed into hotels that preserve the original architecture and offer unique experiences to visitors. Palaces, monasteries, fortresses, and historic mansions have undergone adaptation processes to become accommodations full of personality, where every corridor tells a bit of the past.
Taj Lake Palace – Índia. (Taj Hotels/Divulgação)
These hotels usually bring together the best of both worlds: the charm of historic architecture and the comfort of modern hospitality. In addition, staying in a place like this allows the traveler to dive more deeply into local history, experiencing spaces that have had different functions over the centuries. Below, discover 8 accommodations set in historic buildings around the world, including a Brazilian option that shows how architectural heritage can gain new life.
Parador de Granada - Espanha. (Tripadvisor/Divulgação)
Located within the complex of the famous Alhambra palace, Parador de Granada occupies an old convent built in the 15th century over the ruins of a Moorish palace. The historic structure was carefully preserved, maintaining interior courtyards, stone arches, and gardens that recall the building’s religious past. Today, the hotel combines the historic atmosphere with comfortable rooms and prime views of the city of Granada.
Giraffe Manor – Quênia. (Timbuktu Travel/Divulgação)
Giraffe Manor is one of the most curious places to stay in the world. The mansion was built in the 1930s in a colonial style and transformed into a boutique hotel decades later. In addition to its elegant architecture, the place became famous because giraffes that live in the surrounding reserve often appear at the windows during breakfast, creating a unique experience that blends history and nature.
Taj Lake Palace – Índia. (Taj Hotels/Divulgação)
Built in 1746 as a royal palace in the middle of Lake Pichola, Taj Lake Palace is one of the most iconic places to stay in India. The white marble building seems to float on the water and was the residence of Udaipur’s royal family before becoming a hotel. Carefully restored, the property preserves ornate halls, carved columns, and inner gardens that recall the luxury of Indian royalty.
Hotel Danieli – Itália. (Hotels Veneto/Divulgação)
Situated in a 14th-century Venetian palazzo, Hotel Danieli is one of Venice’s most historic hotels. The main building was originally the residence of a noble family and retains elements such as monumental staircases, colorful stained glass, and decorated ceilings. Staying there means literally sleeping inside a work of Venetian architecture.
Pousada do Convento de Évora – Portugal (Hoteis.com/Divulgação)
Housed in a 15th-century convent, Pousada do Convento de Évora is an example of how religious buildings can gain new uses without losing their identity. Located within the walls of the historic city of Évora, the hotel preserves cloisters, corridors of stone, and former cells that have been adapted into rooms. The tranquil atmosphere reinforces the feeling of being in a place full of memory.
The Liberty Hotel – Estados Unidos. (Visa Luxury Hotel Collection/Divulgação)
In Boston, a 19th-century prison was transformed into a sophisticated hotel. The Liberty Hotel kept striking elements of the original construction, such as bars, metal walkways, and the prison’s central structure. The contrast between the building’s former function and the current luxurious setting has made the hotel one of the most curious in the city.
Ashford Castle - Irlanda. (Hoteis.com/Divulgação)
Ashford Castle began as a fortress built in the 13th century and, over the centuries, underwent several expansions until it became a grand castle. Today it operates as a luxury hotel surrounded by gardens and impressive natural landscapes. The lodging preserves halls with fireplaces, antique furnishings, and architectural details that make guests feel as though they’re in another era.
Belmond Copacabana Palace – Brasil. (Donatas Dabravolskas/Wikimedia Commons/Divulgação)
In Brazil, one of the most emblematic examples of lodging in a historic building is Belmond Copacabana Palace, in Rio de Janeiro. Opened in 1923, the hotel became an icon of the city’s architecture and cultural life. With its classic facade and elegant interiors, the building has welcomed celebrities, artists, and world leaders over the decades, maintaining to this day the charm of one of Latin America’s most traditional hotels.
CASACOR Publisher is an exclusive content creator agent, developed by the CASACOR Technology team from the knowledge base of casacor.com.br. This text was edited by Yeska Coelho.
