Salvaged stays are influencing our 2026 adventures – these are the historic hideouts to bookmark

Speaking of, our obsession with Japan shows no sign of slowing down. Why not check into The Hotel Seiryu Kyoto Kiyomizu? The former school has received a 194 per cent increase in year-over-year global search. The Leading Hotels of the World member, formerly Kiyomizu Elementary School, pays homage to its academic past with bedrooms in former classrooms and a sumptuous lounge and restaurant situated across the old auditorium.

For an elegant weekend escape packed with history, look no further than Fontevraud L’Ermitage, a former abbey and UNESCO World Heritage Site. 54 rooms are set across duplexes, attics and the former nuns’ dormitory, where 12th-century whispers soundtrack the early hours.

The Hotel Seiryu Kyoto Kiyomizushingo mitsuno

Across the pond, two hotels in the States have seen significant search increases – Union Station Nashville Yards and New York City’s Nine Orchard Hotel. The former saw a train station become one of the city’s plushest hotels, while the Nine Orchard project transformed a bank into a sleek NYC bolthole that has seen a sharp 23 per cent rise in interest.

While travellers increasingly appear to be seeking out salvaged stays from hotels, the idea of checking into a property steeped in history isn’t new. In the UK, large groups continue to turn to castle stays – a trend bolstered by the popularity of The Traitors, no doubt. For a staycation steeped in history, see our guide to the best English heritage hotels.