Step Back In Time At India's Oldest Hotels Housed In Centuries-Old Buildings

There is something special about staying in a place that has stood for centuries. Long before it welcomed travellers, a heritage hotel may have been a royal residence, a military stronghold or a colonial trading house. Its walls have witnessed changing kingdoms, shifting fortunes and generations of people, and today, they offer a chance to experience a little of that history first-hand.

Across India, such historic properties have been carefully restored and converted into hotels. From medieval forts in Rajasthan to a Dutch-style mansion in Kochi, these stays bring together old-world architecture, stories of the past and the comforts of modern hospitality. If you enjoy staying somewhere with a story to tell, here are five heritage hotels in India that have been around for at least 300 years.

Hill Fort-Kesroli, Alwar, Rajasthan

Perched on a hill of dark hornstone breccia rocks, Hill Fort-Kesroli is believed to date back to the 14th century. Built by the Yaduvanshi Rajputs, who trace their lineage to Lord Krishna, the fort is among the oldest heritage properties in Rajasthan to have been converted into a hotel. Over the centuries, it witnessed several changes in power, passing through the hands of the Mughals, Jats and Rajputs before eventually being restored by Neemrana Hotels.

Today, the fort offers a glimpse into Rajasthan's military and architectural past without feeling like a conventional hotel. Its stone walls, arched corridors and open ramparts retain much of their original character. One of the best things about staying here is the view. From the fort, you can look out across the agricultural plains surrounding Alwar, with the landscape changing colour through the day.

The Information

Address: Village Kesroli, Near M.I.A. Post Office-Bahala, District Alwar, Rajasthan - 301030

Tariff: Starting from approximately INR 5,400 per night; rates may vary depending on the room category and season.

Contact: +91 0124 4666 166; reservations@neemranahotels.com

Website: neemranahotels.com

Neemrana Fort-Palace, Alwar, Rajasthan

Built in 1464, Neemrana Fort-Palace is one of Rajasthan's most recognisable heritage hotels. The fortress was constructed by descendants of Prithviraj Chauhan III and remained an important stronghold for centuries. Like many historic structures, it eventually fell into disrepair and was abandoned in 1947. In 1986, it was taken up for restoration by Neemrana Hotels, becoming one of India's pioneering examples of heritage conservation through adaptive reuse.

Spread across nine wings and 14 levels, the fort is built into the Aravalli hillside. Its architecture is a maze of courtyards, terraces, narrow passageways and staircases, with each section revealing something different. The hotel has more than 90 rooms, and no two are quite alike. Period furniture, traditional artwork and antique details give the interiors a distinct character.

The Information

Address: 122nd Milestone, Delhi-Jaipur Highway, Village Neemrana, District Alwar, Rajasthan - 301705

Tariff: Starting from approximately INR 5,400 per night; rates may vary depending on the room category and season.

Contact: +91 124 4666 166; reservations@neemranahotels.com

Website: neemranahotels.com

Samode Palace, Jaipur, Rajasthan

Around 475 years old, Samode Palace began as a fortified residence in the 16th century. It was later transformed into a palace in the early 19th century by the Rawal family, the noble rulers of Samode. What started as a defensive structure gradually became a showcase of royal architecture, with elaborate interiors, decorative details and artistic influences that reflect the region's rich history.

Located in the Samode Valley outside Jaipur, the palace is particularly known for its hand-painted frescoes, intricate mirror work and colourful mosaics. One of its most celebrated spaces is the Sheesh Mahal, or Hall of Mirrors, where thousands of tiny pieces of mirror come together to create a striking effect. The interiors are a reminder of the craftsmanship that went into building and decorating royal residences of the time.

The Information

Address: Village Samode, Tehsil Chomu, District Jaipur, Rajasthan - 303806

Tariff: Starting from approximately INR 31,000 per night; rates may vary depending on the room category and season.

Contact: +91-124-4460920, 141-2632370, 2631068; reservations@samode.com

Website: samode.com

Ramgarh Heritage Hotel, Panchkula, Haryana

Not every heritage hotel in India is a sprawling fort or a former royal palace. Some began as family homes, passed down through generations before being opened to visitors. Ramgarh Heritage Hotel in Panchkula is one such property. Housed in an ancestral haveli that dates back more than 325 years, it offers a more intimate experience of India's residential heritage.

The property has remained connected to the same royal lineage over the centuries, and this history is reflected in its architecture and interiors. Its original wooden entrance gates, traditional design elements and carefully preserved spaces offer a sense of what life in an old family residence might have looked like. Inside, historic artworks, shields, antiques and other objects add to its character.

The Information

Address: The Quila, NH-73, near Sector 28, Ramgarh, Haryana - 134111

Tariff: Starting from approximately INR 11,000 per night; rates may vary depending on the room category and season.

Contact: +91 75290 74141, +91 7529074646

Website: ramgarhheritage.com

Old Harbour Hotel, Kochi, Kerala

Moving from Rajasthan's hilltop forts to the coastal lanes of Fort Kochi, Old Harbour Hotel offers a different perspective on India's architectural history. The property is believed to date back to the early 18th century and is housed in a Dutch-style mansion that has seen several uses over the years. It once served as a residence and later became a colonial trading office associated with a British tea-broking company.

Today, the building has been restored into a boutique hotel while retaining much of its original character. German architect Karl Damschen led the restoration, preserving its traditional layout, timber framework and architectural details. The high ceilings, red-tiled roof and arched openings give the property a distinctly colonial feel, while its lush garden courtyard offers a welcome break from the activity of Fort Kochi.

The Information

Address: 1/328, Tower Road, Fort Nagar, Fort Kochi, Kerala - 682001

Tariff: Starting from approximately INR 12,000 per night; rates may vary depending on the room category and season.

Contact: 0484 221 8006, 98479 27297 (direct booking); raintree@fortcochin.com

Website: oldharbourhotel.com

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