Due to an exclusive lifestyle that involves lots of travelling, may it be in business or private, old money hotels are a crucial part of the lifestyle of quiet luxury. But what are those old money hotels?
As a general rule, old money hotels are timeless and luxurious establishments that have stood the test of time and offer discreet and luxurious housing at often high prices in exclusive places in the world. Additionally, many of them have played a significant role in history.
As we continue in this article, we will not only present to you 9 of the best old money hotels in the world but also give you three main criteria so you can determine an old money hotel when you see one.
If you want to get to know more about old money travel destinations, check out my recent article here.
What makes a hotel old money?
Many things make a hotel old money but let’s now break it down to three main criteria.
Rich heritage and history
Old money hotels often have a long and storied history. Typically, the the high society frequented and established this property for many generations.
Timeless elegance and classic design
Old money hotels typically feature timeless architecture, often with classic and elegant designs that have stood the test of time. Often times those designs- exterior and interior designs- come from past time periods in time as many buldings of those hotels stood long before they were used as such.
To get to know more about old money architecture, check out my recent article here.
Exclusive clientele and discreet service
As old money doesn’t like as much attention as other super-wealthy individuals do, one crucial essential of a hotel to be defined as old money is to provide a discreet service. Additionally, the best rooms in those hotels will often not appear on their website but rather will be booked via phone or during the previous stay.
11 Old money hotels around the world
With those three criteria in mind, let’s now have a look at some examples of old money hotels.
The Ritz London
The Ritz London, established in 1906, epitomizes timeless luxury with its opulent Edwardian architecture and lavish interiors. Over the years, it has hosted royalty, celebrities, and dignitaries, offering impeccable service and an iconic afternoon tea experience in the heart of London. Additionally, its interior design looks like it could just have come out of a luxurious old money house.
The Luxury and Elegance also comes with a pretty hefty price tag. Typicall, prices start at about $1,200 and often you will need to book the room in advance for 1 or 2 months to get this “low” of a price.
The Plaza Hotel New York
Dating back to 1907, The Plaza Hotel on Fifth Avenue stands as a symbol of New York City’s grandeur. Its storied history includes hosting glamorous events, famous guests, and serving as a scene for numerous films. The Plaza’s luxurious accommodations and iconic Palm Court contribute to its status as a landmark in Manhattan.
Typically, the price for a normal room starts at $900 if you book in advance about 2 months. Also, the most expensive Royal Suite offers 408 m2 of space and will cost you about $42,000.
Hotel de Paris Monte-Carlo
Dating back to 1864, the Hotel de Paris is a luxurious hotel that has been a favorite among European aristocracy and old-money individuals. It is located in the heart of Monte Carlo and has a direct view on the famous casino.
The price of this noble hotel will start around $700 and can go up to $50,000 for the exclusive diamond suite Prince Rainier III featuring 830 m2.
Belmond Hotel Caruso
Housed in an 11th-century palace, the Belmond Hotel Caruso has a history dating back to the medieval period. It has been a favorite among aristocrats and old-money families seeking a luxurious retreat on the Amalfi Coast. This timeless hotel has received dozens of architectural upgrades now featuring infinity pools and modern interior inside the historic walls.
For a simple one bedroom-room, you can expect to pay about $1,100 whereas a suite with terraces can cost up to $6,500 featuring 90 m2.
Kempinski Hotel-St. Moritz
This luxury hotel chain was founded in in Berlin, where Berthold Kempinski opened the Hotelbetriebs-Aktiengesellschaft in 1897. To this day, it features exclusive old money interior design as well as an outstanding architecture in the ski area of St. Moritz.
You will find one of their smallest rooms starting at about $900. The biggest residence featuring 5 bedrooms and a stunning 545 m2 will cost you about $9,000 a night though.
If you want to get to know more about the old money interior design check out my recent article here.
Four seasons hotel Milano
The Four Seasons Hotel Milano is located in the heart of Milan, Italy, and is housed within a restored 15th-century convent. The hotel opened its doors in 1993, and since then, it has been synonymous with luxury and sophistication in the vibrant city of Milan.
Starting at about $1,300 for the cheapest room, this hotel also features the Presidential suite which comes in at an approximate price of about $15,000 a night.
The Breakers-Palm Beach
The Breakers, opened in 1896, is a historic resort in Palm Beach, Florida. It has been a popular destination for old-money families seeking a luxurious escape. The hotel has a grand history and has undergone several renovations whilst being in an area of old money communities.
If you book 6 months in advance, you may have the chance to get yourself the cheapest room for $880. The Imperial Suite featuring 1,700 square feet (158 m2) will set you back a whopping $4,690 a night.
If you want to know more about old money communities, as Palm Beach is one of them, check out my recent article here.
Adlon Kempinski-Berlin
The Adlon, part of the same luxury hotel chain as Kempinski in St. Moritz, stands as Kempinski’s inaugural luxury resort. It has a rich history of hosting royalty, celebrities, and old-money families. The hotel has undergone renovations but has retained its historic charm.
Also, this hotel features some rather cheap rooms starting at $350 a night. You can on the other hand spend some serious money there as their Royal suite (185 m2) will cost you a whopping $16,000 a night.
Carlton Hotel St. Moritz
Let’s go back to St. Moritz again and take a look at one of the most luxurious and expensive hotels in all of Swiss. The Carlton hotel not only offers outstanding services like private shoppin in the suite but also grates access to the most exclusive events in St. Moritz like the Polo tournament on snow.
At around $20,500 the Carlton Penthouse suite is not the most expensive but also biggest Penthouse suite in St. Moritz featuring 386 m2. You can go a lot cheaper though and find yourself in a rather small room for $1,400.
Gstaad Palace
Staying in Swiss, we now take a turn to visit Gstaad Palace. The Gstaad Palace is a luxury hotel in the picturesque Swiss Alps in the town of Gstaad. The hotel has a storied history, dating back to its opening in 1913. It was built by the Scherz family and has been managed by the same family for three generations.
Whilst it is very hard to even get a room in this hotel, you can expect to start at about $1,300 a night for the cheapest room but only if you will stay a couple nights. The Tower Junior Suite will cost you about $2,700 a night and is the most expensive you can book on their website.
The Waldorf Astoria New York
Lastly on this list, we will head back to the USA, more specifically New York. Here, the Waldorf Astoria Hotel is a unique old money hotel with an elegant allure. This hotel opened in 1893 and was known for its grandeur. It has been a symbol of luxury for over a century and has been frequented by old-money families, celebrities, and dignitaries.
There are currently no rooms available in this hotel as it is closed. It will expectedly reopen in 2025.
Final thoughts on old money hotels
As you can see from this article, you can find old money hotels all over the world and will create a unique experience for anyone who decides to visit them. If you have the spare money to do so, go and book a room in one of those exquisite hotels.
FAQ
What are the best old money hotels in Europe?
The best old money hotels in Europe are the Ritz in London as well as the Charlton hotel in St. Moritz.
What are the best old money hotels in the US?
The best old money hotels in the US include the Plaza hotel in New York and the Breakers in Palm Beach.