The 10 Most Futuristic Hotels In The World & The 10 Most Historic
Ancient Walls Or Space-Age Pods?
While some hotels are just a place to sleep, others are windows into different worlds. While some are relics of the past, others push the boundaries of design, acting as glimpses into the future. Here are the 10 most futuristic and innovative hotels in the world and 10 of the most historic.
1. Henn Na Hotel, Japan
It doesn't get much more futuristic than the Henn Na Hotel, a hotel entirely staffed by robots, including dinosaur robots in the lobby. The hotel also offers VR experiences and uses facial recognition instead of a door key.
2. YOTEL, USA
YOTEL in New York City uses cutting-edge technology to deliver the ultimate, contactless guest experience. The lobby is dominated by a giant robot arm that stores luggage and provides self-service check-in, while the rooms feature motion-activated lighting and AC as well as Smart TVs and motorized beds.
3. Svart Hotel, Norway
Norway's Svart Hotel was built to produce more energy than it uses, using geothermal wells as heating, solar panels for electricity, and a zero-waste dining model. More than just energy efficient, the hotel is also stunning, its circular design also offering 360-degree views of the Holandsfjorden fjord.
4. Atlantis The Royal, UAE
Atlantis The Royal in Dubai is an impressive building consisting of six interconnected towers with a sky bridge, an impressive fountain that mixes fire and water, and over 90 rooftop pools. It's a modern architectural marvel.
5. Desert Rock Resort, Saudi Arabia
Desert Rock Resort, situated near Jeddah, is a breathtaking hotel integrated directly into the rock formations. Its blend of cutting-edge architecture and luxury gives it a futuristic sci-fi feel.
6. Blow Up Hall 5050, Poland
Blow Up Hall 5050 is a unique art hotel in Poznań, Poland, that's known for its innovative design. It has no front desk or door numbers; guests instead receive an iPhone that helps them navigate the hotel and unlock their room. The lobby features a massive video installation that fragments and recomposes your image in real time.
7. Hotel Zetta, USA
Hotel Zetta in San Francisco is known for its modern rooms, each of which is equipped with an Alexa voice-activated system. Moreso than that, what gives it its futuristic vibe is its VR room in the lobby.
8. Kameha Grand, Switzerland
Zurich's Kameha Grand is known for its avant-garde design and immersive experiences. Each of the 11 rooms has a different theme, such as a space room that features a floating bed, and the hotel offers high-tech amenities.
9. M Social, Singapore
Singapore's M Social is known for its artistic design and playful theatrical elements. Mirrored glass, pitched roofs, and mood lighting make for a unique, immersive experience.
10. Pengheng Space Capsules Hotel, China
Pengheng Space Capsules Hotel is known for its sci-fi aesthetic and robot staff. Guests sleep in capsules designed to look like spacecrafts, and robots do everything from serving meals to greeting guests.
Now that we've talked about the most futuristic hotels in the world, let's discuss the most historic.
1. Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan, Japan
Japan's Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan, established in 705, is the oldest hotel in the world. It's set in the scenic Akaishi Mountains near a hot spring, so guests can enjoy hot spring baths. It's been run by over 50 generations of the same family.
2. Zum Roten Bären, Germany
Zum Roten Bären is a historic inn in the town of Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany, dating back to the 12th century. Although it was reconstructed in the 18th century due to damage, some of the original structure still stands.
3. Hoshi Ryokan Hotel, Japan
Hoshi Ryokan Hotel in Japan is one of the world's oldest inns, founded in the year 718. Like Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan, it sits on a hot spring and has been operated by the same family for 46 generations.
4. Hotel Orso Grigio, Italy
Hotel Orso Grigio was established in South Tyrol, Italy, in the year 1300. It's one of the oldest continuously running hotels in Europe and has been in the same family since 1745.
5. The Old Bell Hotel, England
The Old Bell Hotel in Wiltshire, England, is one of the oldest hotels in the country, dating back to the year 1220. Over the years, it's hosted several English royals, including Henry III and Edward I.
6. The Maids Head Hotel, England
The Maids Head Hotel in Norwich, England, nd is one of the oldest hotels in the UK, dating back to the 11th century. Many notable figures have stayed here throughout the years, including Queen Elizabeth I in the 16th century.
7. Hotel Balzac, France
Just steps from the Champs-Élysées in Paris is Hotel Balzac. Built in the 19th century, Honoré de Balzac purchased the building for his muse and spent his final days here.
8. Jing's Residence, China
A UNESCO World Heritage Site in Shanxi Province, China, Jing's Residence is a stunning boutique hotel in a renovated mansion. It was originally built during the Qing Dynasty over 250 years ago by a wealthy silk merchant.
9. Hotel Interlaken, Switzerland
Hotel Interlaken in Switzerland was established in 1323 as a monastery inn. Many notable figures, including the celebrated poet Lord Byron, have stayed here over the years, and today, it stands as an elegant establishment steeped in history.
10. The Angel and Royal Hotel, England
The Angel and Royal Hotel in Grantham, England, nd dates back to the year 1203. It was originally established by the Knights Templar and has hosted many notable figures over the years, including Richard III and Oliver Cromwell.