It’s fascinating to think that some of the most noteworthy moments in history have unfolded in hotels around the world; from major political moments to sheltering from bombs during war.
Here is a taste of five hotels throughout the world where time stood still and history was made.
Fairmont Queen Elizabeth — Montreal, Canada
As the Vietnam War raged in 1969, John Lennon and his wife Yoko Ono held two week-long Bed-Ins for Peace protests. One was at The Fairmont Queen Elizabeth in Montreal.
During their seven-day stay there, the duo recorded “Give Peace a Chance” alongside Allen Ginsberg, Timothy Leary and Tommy Smothers.
The hotel reopened after a renovation last year with a new John Lennon and Yoko Ono suite.
Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi — Hanoi, Vietnam
While peaceful protests were being held out of the war zone, the basement of Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi was where foreign dignities hid out when bombs fell over Hanoi during The Vietnam War.
Guests can now take a tour of the underground bomb shelters where Jane Fonda and Joan Baez stayed while protesting the war.
Shelbourne Hotel – Dublin, Ireland
Irish independence was born here.
In 1922, under Michael Collins, the Constitution of Ireland was drafted in room 112 of Dublin’s Shelbourne Hotel. This is now known as the Constitution Room and features the original antique table and chairs used for the landmark signing.
The Mayflower Hotel — Washington, D.C US
Since opening in 1925 a number of major moments have talen place here. In 1933, Franklin D. Roosevelt stayed in room 776 on the night before his inauguration. It is said that he penned the line “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself” in that very room.
Hotel Nacional de Cuba, Havana, Cuba
True crime fans will love this one. In 1946 Hotel Nacional de Cuba, Havana, Cuba was occupied by the heads of all the major U.S. mafia families, and it was here that criminal mastermind Meyer Lansky is said to have authorised the execution of American mobster Bugsy Siegel.
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