The first Grand Hotel in the world

A revolution in the hotel industry

On January 25, 1774, over 250 years ago, the very first “Grand Hotel” in the world opened its doors in London. This pioneering establishment, founded by the resourceful wigmaker David Low, ushered in a new era of luxurious travel and changed the hotel industry forever.

From lice to luxury

Until the 18th century, traveling was often an unpleasant affair. Inns and hostelries were notorious for their lack of hygiene, vermin and uncomfortable accommodation. Low, a barber who heard the complaints of his wealthy clientele about these shortcomings, recognized a business opportunity.

He rented a former aristocratic palace at 43 King Street in Covent Garden and transformed it into a luxury hotel, which he proudly called the “Grand Hotel”. The term “hôtel” was commonly used in France at the time to describe magnificent townhouses belonging to the nobility, and Low cleverly transferred this air of exclusivity to his business.

Revolutionary comfort

The Grand Hotel offered its guests unprecedented luxury for the time:

• Heated rooms with comfortable, pre-heated beds
• Down comforters with warm bricks for cold nights
• Wooden tubs with warm, fragrant water for bathing
• Separate reception and first-class service

These amenities were a true revolution compared to the usual accommodation of the time. No wonder the hotel quickly became popular with aristocrats and wealthy travelers.

An expensive dream

Low charged a hefty 15 shillings per night for a suite with two rooms — a considerable amount for the time. Despite the success of his idea, Low is said to have overextended himself financially in the realization of his dream. The high investments in conversion and equipment meant that he died impoverished despite his ingenious business idea.

The legacy lives on

Although Low’s original Grand Hotel closed its doors in 1880, he laid the foundations for a new era in the hotel industry. The term “grand hotel” became synonymous with luxury and comfort. Magnificent grand hotels were built throughout Europe in the following decades, reflecting the taste and luxury of their time.

The building of the first Grand Hotel still stands in London today and now houses luxurious apartments and an exclusive cosmetics brand. It is a silent witness to the revolution that began 250 years ago and changed the way we travel and stay forever.

David Low’s visionary idea of offering travelers a home away from home has had a lasting impact on the hotel industry. Even though he did not live to see the success of his innovation, his legacy lives on in every modern luxury hotel.

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5 Grand Hotels that you can still book today

These five Grand Hotels combine history, luxury and unique experiences and remain icons of the hotel industry in the 21st century:

1. The Ritz, Paris, France

This iconic luxury hotel is located in the heart of Paris and was opened in 1898 by César Ritz. It is known for:

• Its magnificent French architecture and interior design in the Louis XVI style
• The legendary Bar Hemingway, named after the writer Ernest Hemingway
• His Michelin-starred restaurant L’Espadon
• His famous cooking school, the Ritz Escoffier School

The Ritz Paris has hosted numerous celebrities and royals over the years and is considered the epitome of Parisian luxury.

2. Raffles Hotel, Singapur

Opened in 1887, Raffles is a Singapore landmark and is known for:

• Its colonial architecture and tropical gardens
• The invention of the Singapore Sling cocktail in his Long Bar
• His well-known writers’ suites, named after authors such as Somerset Maugham
• Its role in Singapore’s history, including harboring the city’s last wild tigers

Raffles combines colonial heritage with modern luxury and remains a symbol of Singapore’s elegance.

3. The Savoy, London, UK

Opened in 1889, the Savoy was the first luxury hotel in London and is characterized by:

• His pioneering role in the introduction of electricity, elevators and en-suite bathrooms in hotels
• The famous American Bar, which has been serving cocktails for 130 years
• Its connection to Winston Churchill, who used it as a retreat
• The extensive recent renovation, which has preserved its timeless charm

The Savoy remains the epitome of British luxury and hospitality.

4. Mandarin Oriental Bangkok, Thailand

Originally opened in 1876 as The Oriental, this hotel is known for:

• Its location directly on the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok
• His close connection to the Thai royal family
• Its unique blend of traditional Thai and Art Deco architecture
• His role as host to numerous celebrities and heads of state

The Mandarin Oriental Bangkok is considered one of the best hotels in the world and preserves a unique piece of Thai history.

5. Grand Hotel, Mackinac Island, Michigan, US

Opened in 1887, this hotel on a car-free island in Lake Huron is known for:

• Its 200-meter-long veranda, the longest in the world
• Its role as a location for the film “Somewhere in Time” with Christopher Reeve
• Its annual attendance of more than 150,000 overnight guests
• It’s tradition that all means of transportation on the island are horse-drawn carriages or bicycles

The Grand Hotel retains the charm of a bygone era and offers a unique retreat from the modern world.

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