Guide to special places to stay: Hotels which used to be something different

Courtyard at Belmond Hotel Monasterio, Cusco, Peru

Ever stayed in a harbour control tower or a cold-storage warehouse?

Why not convert a building that is no longer used for its initial purpose and make it into somewhere unique and desirable to stay? It's quite surprising what unusual buildings have been made into hotels which add an unusual element to your holiday.

Take a look at these hotels which used to be something different: convents, grain stores, control towers . . .

It was so strange walking past the old machinery of this historic warehouse to our luxurious rooms and the huge dining room. We loved The Singular. It was done so well.

Lounge/dining room at The Singular Patagonia, Chile

CHILE: The Singular Patagonia

Once a cold-storage warehouse, you can now stay in cosy warm comfort on the shores of the Señoret Channel in Patagonia, near Puerto Natales.

Suggested Places to Stay

The Singular Patagonia Near Puerto Natales, Patagonia

Pelican Point Lodge, near Walvis Bay. Namibia

NAMIBIA: Pelican Point Lodge

A peninsular jutting into the Atlantic Ocean near Walvis Bay is a perfect for spot for a lighthouse, but a lodge?! The harbour control tower next to the lighthouse is now a very remote lodge with incredible ocean views. Birdwatchers will love this place, and it's definitely for you if you like to be away from everyone else!

Arriving at Belmond Palacio Nazarenas, Cusco, Peru

PERU: Belmond Palacio Nazarenas

Once a nun’s convent, now an elegant place to stay as you explore Cusco and surrounds.

Suggested Places to Stay

Belmond Palacio Nazarenas Cusco

Restaurant at Belmond Hotel Monasterio, Cusco, Peru

PERU: Belmond Hotel Monasterio

Not to be outdone by the nuns (with Belmond Palacio Nazarenas), you could also choose to stay in this hotel which was once an ancient monastery, minutes from Plaza de Armas in Cusco.

Suggested Places to Stay

Belmond Hotel Monasterio Cusco

Family suite bedroom at The Silo Hotel in Cape Town, South Africa

SOUTH AFRICA: The Silo

Where history meets art. This luxurious hotel started out as a grain elevator. Now it’s a luxurious hotel in Cape Town’s Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, located above the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art.

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