20 Hotel Copywriting Examples | Historic Hotels Edition (+ Word Bank)
Need some inspiration for your historic hotel? Great! I’ve rounded up 20 top-notch copywriting examples from historic hotels all over the world.
If you’ve been reading for a while, you know I have ~ a lot ~ of opinions on what makes good copywriting for hotels…
So over the next few months, I’ll be regularly sharing more “best in class” copy and content examples from different types of properties.
Since I’m an absolute sucker for old, historic hotels — if only walls could talk, imagine the stories they’d tell — I’m kicking off this new series with 20 landmark, heritage, or otherwise “historic” hotel properties.
Near the end of this post, you’ll also find a handy word bank for historic hotels, with a few ideas you might like to use in your own content.
(P.S. Click on any of the screenshots to see each image example up close.)
1. The Royal Hawaiian
HONOLULU, HAWAII | https://www.royal-hawaiian.com/
Kicking things off with one of the most iconic historic Hawaiian hotels, The Royal Hawaiian.
Looking at their home page, it’s obvious that The Royal Hawaiian knows exactly what you expect to find when visiting the island. They do a fabulous job managing those expectations, both visually and verbally, on several other key pages.
For example, I love that they highlight local culture as part of their room design. They also paint a splendid picture of your Waikiki wedding options, from “dreamy destination weddings” to more intimate vow renewals.
2. Hotel New Grand
YOKOHAMA, JAPAN | https://www.hotel-newgrand.co.jp/english/
All over the world, something many hotels struggle with is localization through language translation.
Many hotels make the mistake of copy/pasting their text into Google Translate and calling it a day!
This is just one example, but the Hotel New Grand in Yokohama, Japan, has done a great job with their multi-language website. While I don’t speak Japanese, unfortunately, reading the English version still gives me a glimpse into their sophisticated style with many nods to the local culture.
3. Hotel Taschenbergpalais Kempinski Dresden
DRESDEN, GERMANY | https://www.kempinski.com/en/hotels/welcome/
What I love about this example from Kempinski is their unique value proposition: “Hoteliers since 1897, Kempinski has travelled the world in search of the most fascinating destinations without ever forgetting the finest traditions of European heritage.”
This is a great way to position the hotel brand overall, as each individual property is shown to be distinct and full of character, like the hotel in Dresden.
This “Things to do” section also uses one of my favorite little hotel copywriting tricks: Alliteration. Used correctly, alliteration makes the text flow across the page in a way that’s also easy to read.
4. Citadel Inn Hotel & Resort
LVIV, UKRAINE | http://citadel-inn.com/ci
When writing about packages or offers, always think about the target guest profile you have in mind.
“Airport transfer and a meal included” doesn’t really get my blood pumping, ya know? Don’t just tell me what’s included. Show me how I might experience the city by booking this package, the way Citadel Inn does above.
Quick tip: Using big words doesn’t make your copy sound more “high-end.” Use a free editor like Hemingway to make sure your content is still easy to read. Remember, the average American adult reads at or below an 8th grade reading level. 😉
5. Tivoli Palacio de Seteais
SINTRA, PORTUGAL | https://www.tivolihotels.com/en/tivoli-palacio-de-seteais
Here’s a great example of how copywriting can enhance beautiful hotel photography.
The descriptions above add even more impact to the images. This helps the reader understand exactly how incredible that hotel room view really is — while a subtle quote from The New York Times is a perfect example of using social proof to show (not tell) the reader what to expect from the wine tasting experience.
6. Hotel Cavallino d’Oro
SOUTH TYROL, ITALY | https://www.cavallino.it/en/home.html
If you’ve ever worked in a historic hotel before, you’ll know that one of the biggest marketing challenges comes from how “quirky” your rooms can be.
Different sizes, odd shapes, weird little nooks… I love that Hotel Cavallino d’Oro leans into this, ensuring guests’ expectations are managed ahead of time.
Another section of their website I love is the “Honesty Bar” & Villa Lounge. Again, this historic hotel does a great job setting the tone and making sure guests know what to expect by speaking directly to them: “Serve yourself or let us serve you.”
7. Hotel Stefanie
VIENNA, AUSTRIA | https://www.hotelstefanie.wien/en/hotel-vienna/hotel-stefanie-vienna.html
It’s so important to manage guests’ expectations when marketing a historic hotel.
Here’s another great example of a historic hotel that leans into their age as a differentiator.
Hotel Stefanie is “the oldest hotel in Vienna,” which honestly, could be a bit of a turn-off for some folks. Instead of shying away from it, they’ve taken care to preserve a lot of the building’s stories, creating an attraction inside the hotel that showcases these interesting artifacts.
8. Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar
BAGAC, PHILIPPINES | https://www.lascasasqc.com/
Weddings are deeply personal events — hotels need to keep that in mind when writing content for this section of their website.
This historic hotel in the Philippines captures the magic of your special day, as well as the “nostalgia” created by using their beautiful hotel as the setting for your photoshoots.
9. St. Ermin’s Hotel
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM | https://www.sterminshotel.co.uk/
This historic hotel knows exactly who they’re targeting right now — families — so they speak to that ideal guest directly throughout their website.
Again, this is a great example of images and copy working together to tell a story!
I love the tagline, “Exactly like nothing else” but it’s actually the text below it that really jumps out at me. “A home to you, but a hotel to us” sets the tone. The guest knows they’re getting a comfortable, warm welcome but professional, high-quality service.
10. Omni Mount Washington Resort
BRETTON WOODS, USA | https://www.omnihotels.com/hotels/bretton-woods-mount-washington
This is a master class in “boasting” copy done right. Admittedly, there’s quite a bit of “name-dropping” here — but hey, if you’ve got it, flaunt it!
There are two key things that make this work:
First, the resort uses juxtaposition to brag a little bit (“grand”), then immediately display humility (“gracious” and “generous.”) Again… alliteration helps!
Then, they back up their statements with real social proof. The golf course was designed by a well-known name, their dining has won awards, and they have “New Hampshire’s largest ski area.” Bravo!
Are you DIY-ing your historic hotel’s website content? Check out the Hotel Website Workbook for page-by-page tips, guidance, and even more examples. ⤵
11. La Fonda on the Plaza
SANTA FE, USA | https://www.lafondasantafe.com/
Here’s another great example of a historic hotel leaning into its heritage and location.
When your property has a unique story to tell or tie to the local area — use it! Tell that story! This is a big part of what makes historic hotels so special.
I also love the way La Fonda on the Plaza describes their guest rooms. They’ve clearly taken great care to embrace local craftsmanship, while also providing some modern, more contemporary touches.
12. The Greenbrier
WEST VIRGINIA, USA | https://www.greenbrier.com/
Naming their restaurant “Draper’s” gives The Greenbrier hotel a perfect story-starter.
While the name “Dorothy Draper” might not ring any bells, the hotel chose to recognize the high-society designer behind its memorable, colorful interiors. Her story gets its own landing page where curious guests can learn more.
13. Anantara New York Palace Hotel
BUDAPEST, HUNGARY | https://www.anantara.com/en/new-york-palace-budapest
“An architectural ode to Europe’’s Belle Epoque,” indeed. This hotel does a great job guiding the reader through the intricate architecture which makes the New York Palace Hotel in Budapest so iconic.
The copy is elegant and descriptive, with phrases like “gilded stucco” and “plush velvet” really painting a tangible picture of the place. It feels as if you could reach out and touch it for yourself.
14. Beijing Hotel NUO
BEIJING, CHINA | https://www.nuohotel.com/en/beijing/hotel-changan/
Here’s another example of a hotel bringing their story into a product offering — sometimes, a simple name change is all you need to create interest.
A straightforward afternoon tea gets a little more life as the “1917 Heritage Afternoon Tea.”
15. Fairmont Peace Hotel
SHANGHAI, CHINA | https://www.fairmont.com/peace-hotel-shanghai/
At some point, every historic hotel will want (or need…) to renovate. So how do you balance your historic features with more modern amenities? How do you reassure guests that you’ve preserved what once made you special — while also upgrading their creature comforts?
Fairmont Peace Hotel in Shanghai does it beautifully on their home page. I particularly love this line, “where old fashioned glamour sparkles with a new luster.”
This is another great example of hotel copywriting using juxtaposition. Pairing two seemingly opposite elements (old fashioned and new) helps reinforce the visual of a diamond being polished anew. 💎
16. Monasterio, a Belmond Hotel
CUSCO, PERU | https://www.belmond.com/hotels/south-america/peru/cusco/belmond-hotel-monasterio/
Belmond often gets top marks from me for their historic and luxury hotel marketing. For example, The Monasterio in Cusco, Peru, uses this stellar tagline to welcome future guests: “Be part of our history.”
The hotel does a great job getting their story across here, transporting the reader into this centuries-old building.
17. Hacienda San Antonio Millet
MERIDA, MEXICO | https://haciendasanantoniomillet.com/en/home/
This historic hotel in Merida perfectly captures the experience of exploring their outdoor facilities.
When it comes to good hotel copywriting, it’s important to show, not tell — show me all the different ways I might use your spaces! Lounging poolside in a sansevieria hammock sounds pretty great.
Not shown above, but I also adore that some of the guest rooms at Hacienda San Antonio Millet are named after Maya words. Zazil meaning “light,” for example. The hotel does a nice job explaining both the meaning of each word and why they chose it for that particular room.
18. Alvear Palace Hotel
BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA | https://alvearpalace.com/
I love how this hotel plays up their storied lobby bar and restaurant as the go-to meeting places for Buenos Aires’ businessmen and high society.
Not only are the spaces beautiful and grand, but the added layer of history gives it so much more gravitas.
19. Alsisar Haveli
JAIPUR, INDIA | https://www.alsisarhaveli.com/
This historic hotel really leans into their regal past. The home page, shown above, introduces the property’s history while touches of royal influence appear throughout Alsisar Haveli’s website.
The hotel invites the reader to stay “in princely style” on their Accommodations page, while their dining venue offers “a delightful venue for the connoisseurs of royal flavours.”
20. Raffles Hotel Le Royal
PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA | https://www.raffles.com/phnom-penh/
Our final historic hotel copywriting examples are from the Raffles Hotel Le Royal in Phnom Penh.
This hotel uses two of the ideas I’ve already highlighted before: Showcasing their longstanding tradition as a popular gathering place AND getting a bit creative with naming their products. For example, the “Femme Fatale” cocktail is named after a famous past guest, none other than Jackie Kennedy.
Historic Hotel Copywriting Word Bank
When you’re writing for your historic hotel, try sprinkling in some of the words below:
Grand
Classic
Dignified
Splendid
Bespoke
Detailed
Gilded
Ornate
Plush
Noted/Notable
Significant
Heritage
Landmark
Tradition
Distinguished
Renowned
Iconic
Storied
Original
Final Thoughts
When you’re writing content for your historic hotel, take inspiration from the examples shared above!
Here are a few quick takeaways to keep in mind:
Use “big” words with caution — a few is fine, but less is more!
Your “age” is a selling point — play up the past and share your stories.
Don’t shy away from what makes you unique — whether that’s ornate architecture or quirky guest rooms.
Are you DIY-ing your historic hotel’s website content? Check out the Hotel Website Workbook for page-by-page tips, guidance, and even more examples. ⤵