Sleep like a star: Iconic hotels that hosted legends

Behind grand facades and polished lobbies lie stories that shaped culture, creativity, and history. These legendary hotels have quietly hosted defining moments and unforgettable figures, offering guests more than just a stay—they offer a sense of legacy.

Some hotels have witnessed more than the passage of time. They've been the quiet backdrop to some of the most compelling pop culture, politics, and literature moments. While many travellers choose hotels for comfort and convenience, others seek something richer—places that have hosted royalty, inspired novels, and served as sanctuaries for celebrities and world leaders.

Whether it’s the hushed luxury of a royal suite, the haunting charm of a historic hallway or a lounge once filled with the sounds of musical legends, these hotels offer more than just a place to rest. They serve as portals to the past, where travellers can step into stories that once belonged to someone else—and perhaps, add their own.

Historic hotels

Walking through historic hotels is like stepping back in time. These places have been around for ages, hosting countless famous personalities while keeping their elegance intact. They’re not just places to crash; they’re living pieces of history.

Timeless elegance

Most historic hotels are known for their classic looks. You’ll see breathtaking architecture with:

• Classic designs such as detailed woodwork and grand staircases.
• Luxurious décor featuring antique furnishings and stunning chandeliers.
• A rich backstory where each room has a tale to tell.

Many of these hotels date back to the 1800s or early 1900s, preserving the original character of their interiors. In some cases, suites remain exactly as they were decades ago, complete with vintage decor and historical memorabilia. The attention to detail is not just aesthetic—it’s a tribute to the lives lived and stories made within their walls.

The best part? They mix their original charm with modern comforts. Guests can enjoy fancy amenities like spa services, gourmet meals, and top-notch fitness centers. It’s history without sacrificing convenience.

Here are a few iconic historic hotels and what makes them special:

Famous guests

Historic hotels have welcomed many celebrities. These stays certainly add to the allure of these places.

For example:

• Marilyn Monroe loved the Beverly Hills Hotel in Los Angeles as her cozy getaway.
• Winston Churchill was a frequent guest at The Ritz in London during WWII.
• Queen Elizabeth II visited the Fairmont Royal York in Toronto quite a few times.

These visits weren't just casual stays—they often became part of the hotel’s lore. Some suites have been named in honour of their most distinguished guests, and hotel staff still recount stories of star-studded moments from decades past.

You can even stay in the same rooms where these legends once slept. It's an awesome way to connect with the past. Some hotels offer guided history tours or even “celebrity stay” packages that let guests relive those golden days in style.

Celebrity hotspots

Ever wonder where your favourite stars unwind when they travel? Hotels that have been popular among celebrities are more than just a place to crash; they’re often bursting with history. From movie stars to chart-topping musicians, many of them have stayed at these glamorous spots.

Hollywood icons

These glitzy hotels are favourites for some of Hollywood's biggest names. Here are a few famous ones:

• Chateau Marmont, Los Angeles: Known for its privacy, it sheltered stars like Marilyn Monroe and James Dean.
• The Beverly Hills Hotel: This “Pink Palace” has seen the likes of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton.
• Hotel Bel-Air, Los Angeles: A serene escape favoured by Grace Kelly and Alfred Hitchcock.

These hotels weren’t just backdrops for rest—they were the locations of romance, film deals, and notorious Hollywood tales.

Check out this list of Hollywood heavyweights and their preferred hotels:

These hotels offer a unique taste of old Hollywood. Some still maintain the exact decor of rooms once used by the stars, adding an air of authenticity to the experience.

Musical legends

Musicians also have their spots where they like to stay when they’re on the road. These hotels aren’t just luxurious; they also serve as places to recharge and find inspiration.

Here are some famous hotels popular among musical legends:

• The Chelsea Hotel, New York: Known for its artsy vibe, legends like Jimi Hendrix, Patti Smith, and Leonard Cohen stayed here, where creativity thrived.
• Sunset Marquis, West Hollywood: A rockstar favorite, The Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin loved this spot, which even has a recording studio tucked away on-site.
• The Ritz, Paris: A luxurious retreat frequented by Elton John and David Bowie. Known for its elegance, it's a go-to for world tours and post-concert rest.

Musicians often find these hotels become part of their creative journey—where lyrics are written, albums are finished, and unforgettable nights unfold.

Take a look at some musical stars and where they liked to stay:

Staying in these hotels lets guests soak in music history—and maybe even catch the echo of a late-night jam session.

Literary retreats

Curious about where famous writers found their spark? Literary retreats are the spots where renowned authors rest, write, and draw inspiration. These hotels aren’t just for sleeping; they serve as peaceful havens for creativity.

Writers' Inspiration

Many authors seek out quiet spots to get the creative juices flowing. Here is what makes these hotels ideal:

• Quiet atmospheres are perfect for concentrating.
• Scenic views that stimulate vivid storytelling.
• Historic charm makes the connection to the past special.

Imagine chilling by a window, gazing at beautiful hills, with only the sound of rustling leaves to keep you company. Such an environment has fueled many great works of literature.

For instance, the Hotel du Lac in Switzerland is famous for its breathtaking setting by Lake Geneva, making it a beloved spot for writers seeking peace. Others, like the Gritti Palace in Venice or Pera Palace in Istanbul, offer a touch of old-world glamour to pair with literary magic.

Famous authors

A few notable authors who stayed at these literary getaways include:

These authors found not just a room but a spark of inspiration. Exploring these retreats allows fans to walk in the footsteps of literary giants—and perhaps find some creative energy of their own.

Royal residences

Staying in a hotel that royalty once frequented is like stepping into history. These Royal Residences offer a mix of luxury and tradition, letting you experience the grandeur of the past alongside modern comforts.

Palatial stays

Picture staying in a room where kings and queens once slept. Here are some famous hotels that have hosted royal guests:

• The Ritz, London: A longtime favourite of the British royal family, known for its refined atmosphere and timeless British charm.
• Hotel Danieli, Venice: With opulent decor and views of the Grand Canal, it has hosted European royalty and aristocrats since the 14th century.
• Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai: A jewel of Indian hospitality, it has welcomed royals from all over the world, including Prince Charles and Queen Elizabeth II.

These hotels often feature rooms or wings named after their most prestigious guests. They also serve as venues for state dinners and official royal visits. Staying in them offers an unforgettable brush with regal luxury.

Don’t cry for me Argentina: The Savoy’s star-studded legacy

No tour of legendary hotels would be complete without a tango through Buenos Aires’ Savoy Hotel, where the ghosts of 20th-century icons still linger in the gilded halls. Opened in 1910, this Beaux-Arts masterpiece became a stage for revolutionaries, scientists, and silver-screen sirens—all drawn to its Old World glamour and conspiratorial charm.

Eva Perón held court here long before her political ascent, rehearsing radio dramas in Room 111 while dazzling staff with her warmth. A young Albert Einstein abandoned his equations for an evening in 1925, mobbed by admirers in the lobby after lecturing on relativity. The Savoy’s guestbook reads like a history textbook: Enrico Caruso crooned arias for starstruck waiters, Jorge Luis Borges scribbled stories in its café, and Federico García Lorca toasted to poetry in its shadowy bars.

Today, the hotel pays homage to its past with a whimsical touch: vintage photographs of these luminaries adorn the elevator walls, turning every ascent into a time machine. (Keep an eye out for Evita’s smouldering gaze beside Einstein’s wild-haired grin.)

Conclusion: More than just a stay

The world’s most iconic hotels are far more than elegant architecture or lavish accommodations—they are cultural landmarks where history, art, and fame converge. Within their walls echo the laughter of movie stars, the whispers of royalty, and the reflections of literary greats. Stepping into their lobbies often feels like entering another era.

Whether you're sipping a cocktail where Hemingway once wrote or spending the night in a suite once occupied by a queen, these moments offer something beyond luxury: a sense of connection. Connection to greatness, to timeless stories, and to a world that celebrates elegance and legacy. Staying in these storied spaces means becoming part of something larger than yourself.

From opulent suites to quiet writer’s nooks and grand royal chambers, every corner of a legendary hotel tells a tale. Whether retracing the steps of a screen legend or drawing inspiration where a classic novel began, these historic havens transform every stay into an unforgettable experience.