Elegant Elevators: Hotels with Vintage Birdcage Lifts

“At around the turn of the 20th century, Art Nouveau-style ornate metal elevators started popping up in buildings around the world. So-called birdcage elevators were operated manually and designed so you could see your surroundings. You can still ride up to your room in a vintage lift in one of these five nouveau-era hotels.

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Pera Palace, Istanbul, Turkey
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There aren’t many lifts as fabled as Turkey’s oldest, aristocratic birdcage elevator in the lobby of the splendid Pera Palace. The first building in Istanbul to get electricity, it was also the first to elevate its guests mechanically. In fact, it has taken many a glitterati to their room, including Agatha Christie, Greta Garbo and Kemal Ataturk. It’s a beautiful wrought iron and brass affair in a splendid, historic hotel. Find the Agatha Christie ballroom where passengers of the Orient Express dined, before taking the lift to room 411 where the crime writer apparently used to stay.

If you want to see more hotels in Istanbul, visit our Istanbul hotels page.

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Gran Hotel Ciudad De Mexico, Mexico City
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Built in 1895, the Art Nouveau lobby of the Gran Hotel Ciudad De Mexico is like a movie set. Under the Tiffany stained glass ceiling, wrought iron curlicues decorate the balconies and banisters of the marble staircase, and the ornate birdcage elevators rise and sink between floors. Rooms are furnished with period pieces, but with every modern comfort you’d expect. The hotel is just off the huge Zocalo plaza and near most central attractions. Book early, and bag yourself a suite with plaza views.

If you want to see more hotels in Mexico City, visit our Mexico City hotels page.

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Market, Barcelona
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Many of Barcelona’s art nouveau buildings have birdcage lifts. It’s reported that the city’s first elevator was installed in the Columbus monument in the late 1800s, but they soon became a sign of status and wealth. You’ll now find them in the lobbies of apartments and hotels, like the gorgeous boutique hotel Market. This beautiful design property is inspired by the nearby Sant Antoni Market’s architecture, and stands out for its neoclassical but cosy interior décor and fantastic guest services.

If you want to see more hotels in Barcelona, visit our Barcelona hotels page.

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Red Lion Inn, Stockbridge, MA
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Rumoured to be haunted, the Red Lion Inn is arguably the most prominent historic landmark in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. Built in 1773 as a tavern, it’s gone from being a smoky saloon to one of the best-regarded historic lodgings in New England, having hosted dignitaries, celebrities and even presidents. With more than a nod to its history, expect antique furniture, plush period décor and an amazing 1887 Otis/Dover Oildraulic birdcage elevator. Front desk staff will ride the car with you and talk you through its history.

If you want to see more hotels in Stockbridge, visit our Stockbridge hotels page.

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Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, Siem Reap
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Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor is one of the few Grande Dame hotels left in the world. Built in 1932, it’s rich in Cambodian history, full of original treasures, carefully restored to tuck away its modern comforts and conveniences discreetly. Greeted by a doorman in a uniform inspired by the Royal Palace, you can ride the beautiful original working cage elevator in the lobby up to your room. Find exquisite detail from the 1930s claw-foot cast iron tubs to the magnificent pool inspired by Angkorian architecture.

If you want to see more hotels in Seam Reap, visit our Siem Reap hotels page.”