Heritage Hotels: Living Monuments of Southeast Asia
Southeast Asia, a region rich in history, culture, and colonial legacy, is home to some of the world’s oldest hotels still in operation. These grand establishments have stood the test of time—surviving wars, political upheavals, and economic shifts—while continuing to welcome guests from around the globe. More than just places to stay, these hotels are living monuments that tell stories of a bygone era, blending old-world charm with modern luxury. Below are 10 heritage hotels, one for each ASEAN country, and the remarkable tales behind them.
These historic hotels offer far more than just a place to rest your head—they serve as rare, tangible connections to Southeast Asia’s complex and layered history. Each property stands as a silent witness to the political, cultural, and architectural shifts that have shaped the region over the past century or more. From the opulence of colonial rule to the turbulence of war and the pride of national independence, these buildings have endured and evolved, preserving the spirit of their times while embracing the demands of the present.
Their walls have absorbed whispered conversations between diplomats and revolutionaries, echoed the laughter of high society galas, and sheltered weary travelers from around the world. Kings, generals, artists, writers, and everyday citizens have all passed through their halls. These hotels do not simply preserve the aesthetics of another era—they encapsulate living stories, woven into the fabric of each city’s transformation. In many cases, their very survival—through wars, regime changes, and modernization—stands as a testament to cultural resilience.
In an age where luxury often equates to uniform minimalism, these heritage hotels remind us of the enduring value of craftsmanship and individuality. Hand-carved moldings, vintage tiled floors, antique furnishings, and locally inspired art aren’t design choices—they’re historical footprints. Even the staff, often trained in the traditional manners of old-world hospitality, help preserve a mode of service rooted in grace and ceremony.
To stay in one of these establishments is not merely to enjoy a night of elegance, but to become, if only briefly, a part of a grander narrative. Whether sipping a cocktail invented a century ago in a famous bar, resting in a suite once occupied by a world leader, or gazing out over a garden that once hosted colonial officials, you’re not just indulging in nostalgia—you’re participating in history. In these rare spaces, time does not stand still—it lives on.
1. Raffles Hotel – Singapore (1887)
Perhaps the most iconic of them all, the Raffles Hotel in Singapore opened its doors in 1887. Named after Sir Stamford Raffles, the founder of modern Singapore, the hotel began as a modest ten-room bungalow before expanding into a grand colonial edifice. Over the decades, it has hosted royalty, celebrities, and literary greats—including Somerset Maugham and Rudyard Kipling. Raffles is also famously known as the birthplace of the Singapore Sling cocktail. After a careful restoration completed in 2019, the hotel continues to offer a timeless experience steeped in elegance and heritage.
2. The Manila Hotel – Manila, Philippines (1912)
Strategically located along Manila Bay and adjacent to the historic Intramuros, The Manila Hotel has been a symbol of Filipino heritage and hospitality since it opened in 1912. Designed to rival the grandeur of Malacañang Palace, it has welcomed numerous world leaders, artists, and dignitaries—including General Douglas MacArthur, who resided there during his tenure as Military Advisor to the Philippines. Despite surviving the ravages of World War II and decades of political upheaval, the hotel has retained its classic architecture and opulent interiors. Today, it stands as a proud monument to the country’s rich past and continuing resilience.
3. Hotel Majapahit – Surabaya, Indonesia (1910)
Originally known as the Oranje Hotel, the Hotel Majapahit in Surabaya is steeped in both colonial grandeur and revolutionary spirit. Founded by the Sarkies Brothers—the same minds behind Raffles and the E&O—the hotel features elegant Dutch colonial architecture with lush courtyards and whitewashed colonnades. In 1945, it became the site of a pivotal moment in Indonesia’s struggle for independence when Indonesian nationalists tore down the Dutch flag flying over the hotel, replacing it with the red-and-white Indonesian flag. Today, it operates as part of the Accor group and remains one of Indonesia’s most historic and luxurious accommodations.
4. The Strand – Yangon, Myanmar (1901)
A relic of British colonial Burma, The Strand Hotel was opened in 1901 by the Sarkies Brothers. With its Victorian architecture and polished teakwood floors, the hotel quickly became the most prestigious address in Rangoon (now Yangon). During World War II, it served as a Japanese command post, but post-war restorations have preserved much of its original grandeur. Today, The Strand remains a symbol of luxury and old-world hospitality in Myanmar.
5. Hotel Le Royal – Phnom Penh, Cambodia (1929)
Hotel Le Royal opened in 1929 as Phnom Penh’s answer to the grand colonial hotels of the era. Designed by French architect Ernest Hébrard, it was created to accommodate foreign dignitaries, journalists, and affluent travelers. During the Khmer Rouge period, the hotel fell into disuse but was later restored in the 1990s and re-opened under the Raffles brand. With its art deco influences and tranquil courtyards, it stands today as a remarkable fusion of colonial elegance and Khmer tradition.
6. Sofitel Legend Metropole – Hanoi, Vietnam (1901)
Originally named Hotel Metropole, this landmark in the heart of Hanoi was built by French investors in 1901. It became a social hub for the colonial elite and a haven for celebrities and diplomats throughout the 20th century. During the Vietnam War, it maintained a bomb shelter, which was rediscovered during renovations and can still be toured today. Now operating under the Sofitel Legend brand, the Metropole seamlessly blends French colonial style with Vietnamese heritage and remains a top choice for luxury travelers.
7. The Eastern & Oriental Hotel – Penang, Malaysia (1885)
Often referred to as the “E&O,” this waterfront hotel in George Town, Penang, was also founded by the enterprising Sarkies Brothers. With its sweeping sea views and colonial opulence, it became a favored retreat for British officers and wealthy merchants. The hotel underwent extensive restoration and modernization in the late 20th century, but much of its original architecture and interior detailing remain intact. The E&O is a living relic of British Malaya, offering guests a slice of Penang’s colonial past.
8. The Mandarin Oriental – Bangkok, Thailand (1876)
The oldest hotel in Thailand, and one of the oldest in the region, the Mandarin Oriental began as the “Oriental Hotel” in 1876 to accommodate the growing number of Western travelers arriving in Bangkok. Over the years, it has expanded and evolved, merging Thai grace with international luxury. Renowned authors such as Joseph Conrad, Graham Greene, and Noël Coward have all stayed here. Today, it is a flagship of the Mandarin Oriental chain, consistently ranked among the world’s best hotels.
9. Settha Palace Hotel – Vientiane, Laos (1932)
Built in 1932 during the French colonial era, the Settha Palace Hotel was originally known as “Le Bungalow.” Designed as a French colonial residence, the property exudes the elegance and refinement of the time. After Laos gained independence, the building was nationalized following the 1975 revolution. Decades later, it was carefully restored and reopened as a boutique hotel in 1999, preserving its historical character while updating it for modern travelers.
10. Brunei Hotel – Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei (1957)
Established in 1957 in the heart of Bandar Seri Begawan at the corner of Jalan Pemancha and Kianggeh, holds the title of the oldest continuously operating hotel in Brunei. Although built after World War II, it is still technically considered a colonial-era hotel, as Brunei remained a British protectorate until 1984. For over six decades, the hotel has served as a central hub for visitors, diplomats, and business travelers. Following a full renovation in 2011, this three-storey, boutique-style hotel blends traditional Bruneian charm with modern comforts, offering a café, business center, and private function rooms near key landmarks like Kampong Ayer and the central bus terminal. Remaining a prominent city landmark, it retains its historical significance while catering to contemporary guests.
