Kiwi Curated
Hotels in Historic Locations
by Darren DunneIndulging our inner history buff, we delve into a number of venerable cities, and the hotels therein, taking a look at some under-the-radar aspects that make them worth a visit.
Hotels in Historic Locations
In a city steeped with history, JW Marriott El Convento Cusco places guests within a living, breathing museum that dates back to the 16th century. The site once played host to a convent, and a lavish restoration project has created a character-rich hotel filled with pre-Inca, Incan and Colonial artifacts. The lobby offers an awe-inspiring first impression, with a centerpiece chandelier formed from 76,000 Swarovski crystals. Then, there’s the original courtyard to explore with its 26 brick arches and myriad floral arrangements. There’s plenty to see and do nearby, with Cusco’s Plaza de Armas situated less than five minutes away by foot. The nearby Museo de arte Precolombino is a must-visit, while the majesty of Macchu Pichu is easily reached by car.
Hotels in Historic Locations
Gleaming, new openings and neon-tinged cityscapes will always have their place, but there’s something to be said for staying at a hotel where history and a sense of place permeates the hallways. We begin steps from the iconic Wall Street Bull and Fearless Girl statues, where Andaz Wall Street is one such hotel, appropriately occupying the former home of Barclays Bank. In the early 1980s, lower Manhattan was undergoing a building boom the likes of which hadn’t been seen before, even in the overheated Big Apple construction market. Despite this, Wall Street had been immune to development until work began on the new Barclays Headquarters. It marked an ambitious departure for the area, and was the first development on Wall Street for over 15 years. Barclays expansion was ambitious, but ultimately steeped in hubris and the building was purchased by JP Morgan in 2008 for conversion into a mixed residential and hotel tower. Andaz Wall Street occupies the bottom 12 floors, peeking out from behind a stunning modernist base hewn from granite. In keeping with the policy of the building, dogs are welcome at Andaz Wall Street. But take note that in 2010, residents in the luxury condos above made headlines around the world for the fact their dogs were fouling the rooftop terrace – possibly something to avoid during your visit.
Hotels in Historic Locations
The late 1980s were a period of great change in West Germany. The giddy prospect of reunification loomed on the horizon, while the gentrification of cities such as Hamburg, previously on the fringes, continued apace. This industrious medieval port town was best known for being the raucous early home of The Beatles, as they worked out their kinks and grew as musicians during sweaty gigs along the notorious Reeperbahn. A new reputation as a center for tourism was forged in the late ‘80s, with palatial hotels like Grand Elysee popping up to sate demand among discerning travelers. The hotel first opened in 1985, immediately imbuing Hamburg’s Rotherbaum district with a sense of grandiosity. It’s home to one of the city’s largest private art collections, with more than 1,100 paintings, watercolors, sculptures and photographs adorning the walls. Hamburg’s storied history surrounds Grand Elysee, with the Alster, Warehouse District, and an array of museums all a short distance away.
Hotels in Historic Locations
One doesn’t tend to find history among swaying tropical palms, but Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle bucks the trend on Sri Lanka’s colorful southern coast. The island is a relatively recent entrant into the upmarket vacation sphere, with developments beginning in earnest following the end of a 30-year civil war in 2009. Until recently, the site of Anantara Peace Haven was a waterfront coconut plantation, a quiet corner of the sun-kissed island set along a golden crescent beach. The resort sprawls across 42 acres of tranquility, with easy access to a plethora of cultural sites, spectacular parks, and whale watching opportunities. Traditions haven’t been forgotten in the transformation to a luxury resort, with an on-site “Coconut Guru” hand-picking fresh coconuts each day for guests to sample.
Hotels in Historic Locations
If you’ve ever visited Prague’s Old Town, you’ll be familiar with its cobblestone streets, winding alleyways, and Medieval fixtures. It’s been the beating heart of the Czech capital for centuries, centered around the iconic “astronomical clock,” ever-present on the wall of the Old Town Hall since 1410. Prague can sometimes be overlooked when it comes to selecting European cities to visit, but to do so would be to miss one of the fastest growing tourist hotspots in the world. The opening of Buddha-Bar Hotel Prague in 2009 was a further sign of the city’s growth, introducing their swaggering mix of contemporary Asian design and French colonial spirit. Inside, reds and gold dominate the interiors, fostering a trendy, energetic vibe. A live DJ spinning records in the restaurant continues the theme, while their spa offers an array of treatments to follow a day exploring the local sights.
Hotels in Historic Locations
For generations of affluent Athenians, Vouliagmeni has been something of a hidden treasure, providing a serene beach getaway a short drive outside the Greek capital. It’s played host to the Olympic triathlon in 2004, and is a place of great import to Greek classical culture as the site of the ruins of Apollo Zoster’s temple. In recent years, word has reached international ears about this unheralded Mediterranean gem, with resorts like the mesmerizing Divani Apollon Palace & Thalasso offering a spectacular introduction. The resort offers a sun-kissed center of wellness and relaxation on the coast, with the only Thalasso Center in the Athens region. Not au fait with Thalassotherapy? We had to read up on it too—it’s a school of wellness that harnesses the beneficial effects of water to create treatments rich in healing power.
Hotels in Historic Locations
A must for history and culture lovers, Cartagena is one of Colombia’s most beautiful cities and one of South America’s most vibrant vacation destinations. The city dates back to the 16th century, with an ancient wall and fortress still standing from those days, earning the city UNESCO World Heritage Site status. Bocagrande represents the city’s most cosmopolitan ‘burb, and it’s home to the peerless Hyatt Regency Cartagena, the first Hyatt-branded hotel in Colombia. Guests at the hotel are steps from the shops, dining and entertainment, as well as the city’s stunning Caribbean waterfront. Nearby, the Old City district with its ancient wall delivers a little culture alongside all the sunshine.
In a city steeped with history, JW Marriott El Convento Cusco places guests within a living, breathing museum that dates back to the 16th century. The site once played host to a convent, and a lavish restoration project has created a character-rich hotel filled with pre-Inca, Incan and Colonial artifacts. The lobby offers an awe-inspiring first impression, with a centerpiece chandelier formed from 76,000 Swarovski crystals. Then, there’s the original courtyard to explore with its 26 brick arches and myriad floral arrangements. There’s plenty to see and do nearby, with Cusco’s Plaza de Armas situated less than five minutes away by foot. The nearby Museo de arte Precolombino is a must-visit, while the majesty of Macchu Pichu is easily reached by car.
Gleaming, new openings and neon-tinged cityscapes will always have their place, but there’s something to be said for staying at a hotel where history and a sense of place permeates the hallways. We begin steps from the iconic Wall Street Bull and Fearless Girl statues, where Andaz Wall Street is one such hotel, appropriately occupying the former home of Barclays Bank. In the early 1980s, lower Manhattan was undergoing a building boom the likes of which hadn’t been seen before, even in the overheated Big Apple construction market. Despite this, Wall Street had been immune to development until work began on the new Barclays Headquarters. It marked an ambitious departure for the area, and was the first development on Wall Street for over 15 years. Barclays expansion was ambitious, but ultimately steeped in hubris and the building was purchased by JP Morgan in 2008 for conversion into a mixed residential and hotel tower. Andaz Wall Street occupies the bottom 12 floors, peeking out from behind a stunning modernist base hewn from granite. In keeping with the policy of the building, dogs are welcome at Andaz Wall Street. But take note that in 2010, residents in the luxury condos above made headlines around the world for the fact their dogs were fouling the rooftop terrace – possibly something to avoid during your visit.
The late 1980s were a period of great change in West Germany. The giddy prospect of reunification loomed on the horizon, while the gentrification of cities such as Hamburg, previously on the fringes, continued apace. This industrious medieval port town was best known for being the raucous early home of The Beatles, as they worked out their kinks and grew as musicians during sweaty gigs along the notorious Reeperbahn. A new reputation as a center for tourism was forged in the late ‘80s, with palatial hotels like Grand Elysee popping up to sate demand among discerning travelers. The hotel first opened in 1985, immediately imbuing Hamburg’s Rotherbaum district with a sense of grandiosity. It’s home to one of the city’s largest private art collections, with more than 1,100 paintings, watercolors, sculptures and photographs adorning the walls. Hamburg’s storied history surrounds Grand Elysee, with the Alster, Warehouse District, and an array of museums all a short distance away.
One doesn’t tend to find history among swaying tropical palms, but Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle bucks the trend on Sri Lanka’s colorful southern coast. The island is a relatively recent entrant into the upmarket vacation sphere, with developments beginning in earnest following the end of a 30-year civil war in 2009. Until recently, the site of Anantara Peace Haven was a waterfront coconut plantation, a quiet corner of the sun-kissed island set along a golden crescent beach. The resort sprawls across 42 acres of tranquility, with easy access to a plethora of cultural sites, spectacular parks, and whale watching opportunities. Traditions haven’t been forgotten in the transformation to a luxury resort, with an on-site “Coconut Guru” hand-picking fresh coconuts each day for guests to sample.
If you’ve ever visited Prague’s Old Town, you’ll be familiar with its cobblestone streets, winding alleyways, and Medieval fixtures. It’s been the beating heart of the Czech capital for centuries, centered around the iconic “astronomical clock,” ever-present on the wall of the Old Town Hall since 1410. Prague can sometimes be overlooked when it comes to selecting European cities to visit, but to do so would be to miss one of the fastest growing tourist hotspots in the world. The opening of Buddha-Bar Hotel Prague in 2009 was a further sign of the city’s growth, introducing their swaggering mix of contemporary Asian design and French colonial spirit. Inside, reds and gold dominate the interiors, fostering a trendy, energetic vibe. A live DJ spinning records in the restaurant continues the theme, while their spa offers an array of treatments to follow a day exploring the local sights.
For generations of affluent Athenians, Vouliagmeni has been something of a hidden treasure, providing a serene beach getaway a short drive outside the Greek capital. It’s played host to the Olympic triathlon in 2004, and is a place of great import to Greek classical culture as the site of the ruins of Apollo Zoster’s temple. In recent years, word has reached international ears about this unheralded Mediterranean gem, with resorts like the mesmerizing Divani Apollon Palace & Thalasso offering a spectacular introduction. The resort offers a sun-kissed center of wellness and relaxation on the coast, with the only Thalasso Center in the Athens region. Not au fait with Thalassotherapy? We had to read up on it too—it’s a school of wellness that harnesses the beneficial effects of water to create treatments rich in healing power.
A must for history and culture lovers, Cartagena is one of Colombia’s most beautiful cities and one of South America’s most vibrant vacation destinations. The city dates back to the 16th century, with an ancient wall and fortress still standing from those days, earning the city UNESCO World Heritage Site status. Bocagrande represents the city’s most cosmopolitan ‘burb, and it’s home to the peerless Hyatt Regency Cartagena, the first Hyatt-branded hotel in Colombia. Guests at the hotel are steps from the shops, dining and entertainment, as well as the city’s stunning Caribbean waterfront. Nearby, the Old City district with its ancient wall delivers a little culture alongside all the sunshine.