Time travel: The ultimate guide to Asia’s heritage hotels

By Kate Springer, CNN
Published 7:45 PM EDT, Mon September 3, 2018
<strong>Rambagh Palace, India: </strong>The Rambagh Palace will transport you back in time to the days when wealthy mahajaras ruled Jaipur. A palatial lobby opens into a majestic courtyard and the 47-acre grounds where princely peacocks roam free all day.
Rambagh Palace, India: The Rambagh Palace will transport you back in time to the days when wealthy mahajaras ruled Jaipur. A palatial lobby opens into a majestic courtyard and the 47-acre grounds where princely peacocks roam free all day.
courtesy Rambagh Palace
<strong>Rambagh Palace, India: </strong>Originally constructed in 1835, it wasn't until 1957 that the mahajaras decided to convert the palace into a hotel, which eventually came under the umbrella of Taj hotels.
Rambagh Palace, India: Originally constructed in 1835, it wasn't until 1957 that the mahajaras decided to convert the palace into a hotel, which eventually came under the umbrella of Taj hotels.
courtesy Rambagh Palace
<strong>Eastern & Oriental, Malaysia:</strong> Sitting right on the coastline of eastern Penang, the Eastern & Oriental hotel was the very first hotel project by the Sarkies brothers, who were also behind The Strand in Yangon and Raffles Singapore. When the hotel opened in 1885, the busy port city regularly welcomed wealthy merchants and travelers to its shores.
Eastern & Oriental, Malaysia: Sitting right on the coastline of eastern Penang, the Eastern & Oriental hotel was the very first hotel project by the Sarkies brothers, who were also behind The Strand in Yangon and Raffles Singapore. When the hotel opened in 1885, the busy port city regularly welcomed wealthy merchants and travelers to its shores.
Eastern & Oriental Hotel
<strong>Eastern & Oriental, Malaysia: </strong>Well-heeled travelers rest their heads at the E&O, sipping on G&Ts at the wood-clad Farquhar's Bar or relaxing along the seafront. After World War II, the hotel shuttered for a few decades until it was restored in 1996 and reopened in 2001 by the E&O Group.
Eastern & Oriental, Malaysia: Well-heeled travelers rest their heads at the E&O, sipping on G&Ts at the wood-clad Farquhar's Bar or relaxing along the seafront. After World War II, the hotel shuttered for a few decades until it was restored in 1996 and reopened in 2001 by the E&O Group.
Eastern & Oriental Hotel
<strong>The Peninsula, Hong Kong</strong>: If the fleet of custom "Peninsula Green" Rolls-Royces in the driveway and white-capped pageboys standing guard by the door are any indication, The Peninsula has long been a top meeting place for Hong Kong's upper crust.
The Peninsula, Hong Kong: If the fleet of custom "Peninsula Green" Rolls-Royces in the driveway and white-capped pageboys standing guard by the door are any indication, The Peninsula has long been a top meeting place for Hong Kong's upper crust.
Peninsula Hong Kong
<strong>The Peninsula, Hong Kong</strong>: It's also one of the oldest hotels in the territory: The Pen, as it's nicknamed, opened in 1928, overlooking Victoria Harbour from its prestigious plot in Tsim Sha Tsui.
The Peninsula, Hong Kong: It's also one of the oldest hotels in the territory: The Pen, as it's nicknamed, opened in 1928, overlooking Victoria Harbour from its prestigious plot in Tsim Sha Tsui.
Courtesy Peninsula Hong Kong
<strong>Raffles Singapore:</strong> Originally opened in 1887 by the four Sarkies brothers -- savvy merchants and entrepreneurs -- the hotel has welcomed every manner of celebrity and diplomat over the years. It's so rooted in Singapore history that the government declared the building a protected National Monument in 1987.
Raffles Singapore: Originally opened in 1887 by the four Sarkies brothers -- savvy merchants and entrepreneurs -- the hotel has welcomed every manner of celebrity and diplomat over the years. It's so rooted in Singapore history that the government declared the building a protected National Monument in 1987.
Raffles Hotel
<strong>Raffles Singapore:</strong> The hotel has long been associated with old-world comforts -- not to mention the famous Singapore Sling, which was invented at the hotel's Long Bar.
Raffles Singapore: The hotel has long been associated with old-world comforts -- not to mention the famous Singapore Sling, which was invented at the hotel's Long Bar.
Raffles Hotel
<strong>Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, Vietnam:</strong> A beautiful example of colonial architecture in Hanoi, the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi is easily the most luxurious place to stay in the city.
Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, Vietnam: A beautiful example of colonial architecture in Hanoi, the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi is easily the most luxurious place to stay in the city.
Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi Hotel
<strong>Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, Vietnam:</strong> The hotel opened in 1901 during colonial times. Back then, visiting dignitaries and celebrities -- think Charlie Chaplin and writer Graham Greene -- would descend upon the hotel's street-side restaurant, often staying for the entire afternoon.
Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, Vietnam: The hotel opened in 1901 during colonial times. Back then, visiting dignitaries and celebrities -- think Charlie Chaplin and writer Graham Greene -- would descend upon the hotel's street-side restaurant, often staying for the entire afternoon.
Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi Hotel
<strong>The Strand, Myanmar:</strong> Having emerged from a major renovation in 2017, The Strand in Yangon balances old-world vibes with new-world style. It was built in 1901 by the prolific Sarkies brothers.
The Strand, Myanmar: Having emerged from a major renovation in 2017, The Strand in Yangon balances old-world vibes with new-world style. It was built in 1901 by the prolific Sarkies brothers.
The Strand Hotel
<strong>The Strand, Myanmar: </strong>For a period during World War II, the hotel was overtaken by Japanese forces and used as living quarters. Afterward, the hotel was left to decay until Indonesian hotelier Adrian Zecha took up the reins in 1989.
The Strand, Myanmar: For a period during World War II, the hotel was overtaken by Japanese forces and used as living quarters. Afterward, the hotel was left to decay until Indonesian hotelier Adrian Zecha took up the reins in 1989.
The Strand Hotel
<strong>Raffles Hotel Le Royal, Cambodia:</strong> Phnom Penh's most luxurious hotel is the Raffles Hotel Le Royal, seen here. First opened in 1929, it's welcomed an impressive roster of guests over the years, including former US First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy.
Raffles Hotel Le Royal, Cambodia: Phnom Penh's most luxurious hotel is the Raffles Hotel Le Royal, seen here. First opened in 1929, it's welcomed an impressive roster of guests over the years, including former US First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy.
Raffles Le Royal