Hotels with Traditions Worth Travelling For
From world-famous bars to iconic afternoon teas, these legendary hotels prove some traditions never go out of style.
In an age of boutique pop-ups and design-led everything, there’s something reassuring — even thrilling — about a hotel that does things the old way, and does them flawlessly. These aren’t just places to sleep. They’re institutions. Whether it’s sipping a Martini where Hemingway once sat, taking tea beneath chandeliers, or watching the skyline from a rooftop that’s seen a century of parties, these hotels carry on the kind of traditions that keep drawing guests back, decade after decade. Here are five hotels around the world where the ritual is just as important as the room.
Raffles Singapore — The Long Bar & the Singapore Sling
There are bars, and then there’s The Long Bar at Raffles Singapore. This is the birthplace of the Singapore Sling, created in 1915 by bartender Ngiam Tong Boon as a discreet cocktail for women. The ritual here is simple but satisfying: order a Sling, enjoy the colonial-era ceiling fans, and toss peanut shells on the floor — yes, it’s expected. The hotel itself, opened in 1887, is the grand dame of Southeast Asia, but it’s this quirky, iconic bar that keeps cocktail lovers making the pilgrimage
Claridge’s, London — Afternoon Tea in Art Deco Elegance
Afternoon tea at Claridge’s isn’t a novelty — it’s a national treasure. Served daily in the elegant Foyer & Reading Room, this is where tradition meets impeccable style. Expect finger sandwiches, warm scones, clotted cream, and a selection of loose-leaf teas that would make a sommelier weep. What makes it timeless is the precision — nothing is rushed, everything is perfect, and you’ll feel like royalty for the afternoon. Claridge’s has hosted monarchs and movie stars since the 19th century, but tea here remains refreshingly unshowy. It’s just right.
Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, Antibes — Sunset Apéritifs on the Terrace
High above the Mediterranean, where the pines meet the sea, Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc has perfected the Riviera lifestyle since 1870. But the real magic happens just before sunset. The terrace bar, with its crisp white parasols and cinematic views, is where Champagne corks pop and Negronis glow golden in the fading light. Everyone from Fitzgerald to Beyoncé has sat here — and it still feels exclusive, intimate, and impossibly glamorous. Come for the drink, stay for the moment.
The Carlyle, New York — Live Jazz at Bemelmans Bar
Step into Bemelmans Bar at The Carlyle and you step into another era. Named after Ludwig Bemelmans, illustrator of the Madeline children’s books (his murals line the walls), this bar has been the Upper East Side’s answer to nightlife since 1947. Live jazz, a strict no-standing policy, white-jacketed bartenders, and a regular crowd of old New York royalty — it’s all here. Order a Vesper or a whiskey neat and let the music do the talking. You don’t come to Bemelmans to party. You come to remember how good it used to be — and realise it still is.
Hotel de Russie, Rome — Aperitivo in the Secret Garden
Hidden between Piazza del Popolo and the Spanish Steps, Hotel de Russie isn’t shy on glamour. But it’s the Stravinskij Bar and the lush, tiered secret garden behind it that steal the show. As the sun sets over Rome, the locals and the well-heeled check in for aperitivo hour. Campari, olives, and Roman charm flow freely. It’s not forced or flashy — it’s just how the city unwinds. The tradition is centuries old, but here, it feels as alive as ever.
The Final Word in Hospitality
In a world chasing the next big thing, these hotels remind us that some experiences don’t need reinventing. They just need preserving — with care, craft, and maybe a perfect cocktail. Traditions like these aren’t nostalgia. They’re timeless for a reason.