Places around the world are known for their breathtaking natural beauty, cultural contributions, and ancient examples still presented to travelers. Over the years, many of these sites have been declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and travelers from all over the world travel to the famous locations to catch a glimpse of the glory.
While staying near these sites allows you to visit them more quickly, there is nothing like waking up in their center and finding yourself immersed in the perfect history and nature of any place you visit. At these hotels, you’ll typically find exclusive entrances and extended guest hours, while special attention is paid to every detail to ensure your stay is as luxurious and charming as your surroundings. For this reason, you’ll find many of these hotels are members of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, which recognizes boutique hotels with unique experiences that guests won’t find anywhere else and will never forget.
Below, you’ll find 18 select properties that put you in the midst of a magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Hotel Belmond Das Cataratas – Iguazu National Park
Belmond Hotel Das Cataratas is the only hotel located within the Iguazu National Park, located at the northeastern tip of Argentina, bordering the Brazilian state of Paraná.
According to UNESCO, the park, along with Brazil’s Iguazu National Park, “constitutes one of the most important remnants of the so-called Inner Atlantic Forest,” with its waterfalls and subtropical rainforest terrain offering a wide range of wildlife, natural beauty and appreciated flora.
Staying at this hotel means you can experience all the beauty of the park in a way most visitors never do, and in addition to the helicopter tours and speedboat trips offered by the hotel, guests can explore the park for an additional six hours after closing time.
From rainforest products for spa treatments to an infinity pool surrounded by lush vegetation and orchid gardens, you’ll be able to soak up the surrounding scenery throughout your stay.
El Convento Boutique Hotel—Antigua, Guatemala
El Convento boutique hotel is one of the world’s small luxury hotels located in the ancient colonial town of Antigua, often referred to as La Antigua, which has been the capital of Guatemala for over 200 years.
Here you’ll find one of the best examples of Latin American town planning to date, according to UNESCO, alongside a series of 16th-century baroque churches, colonial buildings and a nearby volcano to explore.
The hotel draws on the town’s colonial heritage with its vaulted ceilings, candlelit arches and stone fountains, although the suites you’ll stay in at this hotel are all different. Each suite has been individually designed, and some include terraces, private gardens and fireplaces, most of which are located in a courtyard with 100-year-old Tampisco trees.
Hotel de la Soledad—Morelia, Mexico
The Hotel de la Soledad has been opening its doors to guests since the 1750s and is now the oldest hotel in the city of Morelia, inviting visitors to step back in time in its colonial setting.
Another of the world’s small luxury hotels, the hotel has rooms with artwork dating back to the hotel’s origins and a restaurant where you can enjoy the region’s traditional cuisine under the palm trees that line the courtyard and stone arches.
Strolling through the streets of Morelia, you’ll find more than 200 historic buildings adorned in the area’s pink stone, alongside museums, hotels and quaint chocolate stores enlivened by the area’s many art exhibitions and free concerts. Each of its outdoor gardens creates a natural landscape where you can admire the mountains surrounding the city.
Jing’s Residence—Pingyao, China
With its historical roots and architectural style, the Jing Residence complements the ancient city of Pingyao where it is located. Located in the former home of a wealthy silk merchant from the Qing Dynasty, it was built more than 260 years ago and has been carefully restored with 19 rooms and suites featuring traditional features such as bamboo floors, rice paper ceilings and intricately carved wooden frames.
Today, its tranquil corridors are nestled around a courtyard that follows the country’s ancient architectural style, interconnected by brick-paved walkways that come alive at night thanks to the serene lighting that surrounds the space.
According to UNESCO, guests can look down on Pingyao from the master suite, which is now “an outstanding example of a Han city from the Ming and Qing dynasties”. Walking through the old streets, you will find old stores, houses and temples that are still well preserved today. It is also located in Shanxi Province and is known for offering more than 200 varieties of noodles.
La Sultana Marrakech—Marakkech, Morocco
La Sultana Marrakech is the smallest five-star luxury hotel in Marrakech, with just 28 rooms and suites, so it’s no surprise that the hotel is also part of the world of small luxury hotels.
Located in the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage Medina of Marrakech, the hotel is just minutes from attractions such as Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, the Saadian Tombs, the Royal Palace and the Bahia Palace.
From inside the hotel, the history of the area continues with a traditional hammam in its spa, and you can learn how to make your own traditional taji pot in the restaurant.
