Hotels with History

Picture being on a sweep of white sand where Rio meets the Atlantic. Through revolutions, dictatorship, and the moving of the capital itself, Jules and Richard trace how this luminous beachfront palace endured it all. They reflect on how this iconic property reflects Brazil’s wild glamour, political upheaval, mystery and irrepressible rhythm. Check into The Copacabana Palace here. Hotels with Hist...

We’re spending this episode on the shores of Lake Como, at the Grand Hotel Tremezzo. As Richard takes in one of the most fought-over views in Europe, we trace how this stretch of lake has shaped history; from Roman emperors and poets to silk merchants, Hollywood stars and modern-day icons. We explore how a family-run hotel has mirrored the changing idea of luxury itself, and why this landscape, co...

How does a 19th century riverside rest house became the jewel of Bangkok? In this episode, Jules and Richard explore how this storied hotel has mirrored Thailand’s journey through empire, war and modernity. They reflect on why its jetty on the River of Kings remains one of the most evocative arrivals in the world. Check into The Mandarin Oriental here. Hotels with History is brought to you by ⁠Per...

Today, we're at the foot of Table Mountain in Cape Town, on palm-lined avenues leading to a sugared-almond façade known simply as The Nellie. This episode investigates how a former Company’s Garden estate became the Mount Nelson; from Dutch refreshment station and imperial shipping stop to Boer War headquarters, royal residence and sanctuary for statesmen, spiritualists and rock stars. Check into...

We’re in midtown Manhattan to kick off Series 2, at the very heart of New York society: the Waldorf Astoria. An icon born from family rivalry which evolved into the unofficial palace of the city; from Gilded Age ambition and Art Deco grandeur to revolutionary ideas about service, the Waldorf doesn’t just reflect New York’s history...it helped define it. Check into The Waldorf Astoria here. Hotels...

Join Richard E. Grant and Jules Perowne for Season 2 of Hotels with History, as they uncover the hidden stories that took place within the walls of some of the world’s most iconic hotels. Each episode, they’ll uncover the scandals, legends and surprising moments that turned these buildings into landmarks. If you want to understand a city, start with its hotels - and you'll want to start here. Epis...

9th June: Save The Date Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In today’s episode, a hotel whose walls are saturated with stories of Hollywood legends. The glamour and history of film stars, rock stars and media power players, all converging at one iconic pink palace...The Beverly Hills Hotel. Episode begins: xx Follow us on Instagram Check into The Beverly Hills Hotel here Hotels with History is brought to you by ⁠Perowne International. Learn more about your...

On today’s episode, unusual outdoor pursuits, the legendary adaptability of a hotel from WW2 convalescent hospital to the host of world class golfing championships, the G8, and a rock concert that threatened to smash all of its chandeliers. Follow us on Instagram Check into Gleneagles here Hotels with History is brought to you by ⁠Perowne International Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podca...

On today’s episode, Richard is back on his home continent, exploring the isolated sultanate that became a thriving luxury travel destination, enjoying a garden designed to replicate paradise on earth, and absorbing a view that roused Winston Churchill to paint... Episode Begins: 3:56 Follow us on Instagram Check into La Mamounia here Hotels with History is brought to you by ⁠Perowne International....

In today’s episode, an architect draws up plans from an unmarked hotel room during World War II, the joys of a good hotel bar, and why this particular hotel is so well known for its silence - and it’s nothing to do with its double glazing. Episode Begins: 3:54 Follow us on Instagram Check into Le Bristol here Hotels with History is brought to you by ⁠Perowne International.⁠ Learn more about your a...

On todays episode, Richard journeys to Singapore to explore the legendary Raffles Hotel. Discover how four visionary Armenian brothers turned a 10-room beach bungalow into a magnificent Neo-Renaissance palace, where literary giants found their muse, and some of the world’s most famous cocktails were shaken. Episode Begins: 03:28 Follow us on Instagram Check into Raffles here Hotels with History is...

We’re spending today’s episode au bord de la mer at the Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc. As Richard takes in the glittering shoreline of the French Riviera, we find out what great artists like to get up to on holiday, what good service really entails, and we dive into what might just be the most legendary swimming pool ever built. Episode Begins: 03:28 Follow us on Instagram Check into Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc...

Today we're floating through the canals of Venice to unveil the magnificent history of The Gritti Palace. Discover how this stunning 15th-century palazzo, once the private residence of a Venetian Doge, was transformed into an unparalleled luxury hotel, becoming a cherished haven and muse for literary giants from Ernest Hemingway to Somerset Maugham - spoiler alert, ghosts, writers and Venetian dog...

In today’s episode, the rise of one of the most exclusive districts of London, the hotel that became the Annex to Buckingham Palace, and how it has maintained its status as one of the world’s most iconic hotels ever since. Episode Begins: 03:33 Follow us on Instagram Check into Claridge's here Hotels with History is brought to you by Perowne International Learn more about your ad choices. Visit po...

Join Richard E. Grant and Jules Perowne as they uncover the hidden stories that took place within the walls of some of the world’s most iconic hotels. Each episode, they’ll uncover the scandals, legends and surprising moments that turned these buildings into landmarks. If you want to understand a city, start with its hotels - and you'll want to start here. Episode one launches 2nd September, with...