They’ve starred in films, hosted royalty, witnessed historic events, and boast stunning architecture, and in the process have become tourist destinations in their own right. Here at KAYAK.sg we understand that hotels are a big part of any holiday experience and we’ve uncovered the most iconic hotels around the world to inspire you, and help you create a memorable stay of your own.
From the heart of Singapore to the streets of Sunset Boulevard in sunny Los Angeles, the stories behind these properties and their famous clientele are simply fascinating.
Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur, India
This stunning hotel, built as a winter palace for Rajasthan royalty in the mid-1700s, is set on a private island in a lake and operates a speed boat to transport guests to the hotel from a jetty at the City Palace. The Taj Lake Palace played a starring role as Octopussy’s lair in a Bond film, with the dining room, terrace and hotel barge all appearing in scenes. Given its beautifully appointed rooms and picturesque setting, it’s not surprising the property was voted most romantic hotel in India in 2013.
Prices for a double room at Taj Lake Palace start from S$362 per night
The Waldorf Astoria, New York, New York, USA
When the current Waldorf-Astoria opened on Park Avenue in Manhattan in 1931, it was the world’s tallest hotel. Marilyn Monroe, Grace Kelly, Frank Sinatra and US president Herbert Hoover all called the Art Deco landmark home for periods of their lives. The hotel is certainly secure enough for such esteemed guests; the Presidential Suite boasts bulletproof windows and there’s a secret train platform beneath the hotel for safe transport to and from. While the platform is generally not open to the public, Andy Warhol held an exhibit there in 1965. Today, foodies flock to the The Waldorf Astoria to dine on Eggs Benedict (it is said to be the birthplace of the dish) and of course its eponymous apple, celery and walnut salad.
Prices for a double room at The Waldorf-Astoria start from S$404 per night.
Raffles Hotel, Singapore
Singapore is full of stunning architecture, much of it incredibly modern. However, one of its most iconic buildings is a remnant of Singapore’s colonial past. The white marble colonnades, teak verandas and central courtyard of the Raffles Hotel are as impressive today as when it first opened its doors in 1887. The Singapore Sling was invented in the hotel’s Long Bar in 1915 and was said to be a favourite of literary greats Ernest Hemingway, Rudyard Kipling, and Joseph Conrad. During World War II, the building housed prisoners of war before being restored to its present-day five-star standard.
Prices for a double room at Raffles Hotel Singapore start from S$531 per night.
The Beverly Hills Hotel, Los Angeles, California, USA
The legendary Beverly Hills Hotel – also known as the ‘Pink Palace’ – takes up a prime location on Sunset Boulevard in sunny Los Angeles. Despite being so central, the hotel maintains an air of mystique, helped by the greenery which surrounds its bungalows and which has granted seclusion over the years for famous guests like Marilyn Monroe, John Lennon and the Kardashians. The hotel was even featured on the cover of the Eagles’ enigmatic hit single, ‘Hotel California’. The hotel’s concierge is legendary and can reportedly procure tickets to sold-out events and parties for guests.
Prices for a double room at The Beverly Hills Hotel start from S$783 per night.
The Ritz London, London, United Kingdom
This Grade II-listed, five-star property in central London near Piccadilly Circus was the city’s first steel-frame structure. Charlie Chaplin stayed in The Ritz London in 1921, throwing carnations to the great crowds of fans gathered outside, from the balcony of the Regal Suite. More recently, the hotel appeared in the romantic comedy Notting Hill, starring Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts. On a serious note, Eisenhower, Churchill, and de Gaulle met at the hotel to discuss operations during World War II. To date, the Ritz’s best known venue is the Palm Court tea room, an opulently decorated, neo-classical styled peach and cream room, where everyone who’s anyone – from Queen Elizabeth to Judy Garland – has taken afternoon tea.
Prices for a double room at The Ritz London start from S$975 per night.
We want to inspire fellow holidaymakers to dream and live big this year. These glamorous hotels have never gone out of style and there’s no time like the present to check in and see what the fuss is all about. If you’re eyeing up your dream destinations but waiting for the right time to purchase flights, we recommend signing up for Price Alerts, which notify you when flight prices change and eliminate the fear of missing out on a deal.
Note: Hotel prices are based on hotel searches on KAYAK.sg for travel dates 11 to 18 June 2016. Prices are quoted in Singapore dollars and are based on double occupancy. Hotel prices quoted may be subject to change or conversion rate fluctuation and may no longer be available.
