Take 3 hotels with a past

Compiled by EMMA CULLINAN

Wythe Hotel, New York, US

[ wythehotel.com ]

This former cooperage on a Brooklyn waterfront has come into its own as a hotel, with views of Manhattan and an industrial quality. The 1901 building retains originals such as pine beams, arched windows and cast-iron columns. Guest rooms have wooden ceilings at 13ft, and huge windows. If that is not view enough head to the terrace and bar on the sixth floor. Doubles from $179 (€133).

Malmaison, Edinburgh, Scotland

[ malmaison.com ]

In the sea-hood of Leith, near the Royal Yacht Britannia, this hotel formerly provided respite for washed up seafarers. The baronial Victorian building, with a clocktower, opened as a Seaman’s Mission in the 1800s providing rest, charity and religion to weary sailors. Now travellers get a more sumptuous form of rest in individually designed rooms, with four-posters aplenty. Doubles from £135 (€158).

The Thief, Oslo, Norway

the thief.com

Steal away to this hotel on a peninsula, that was an island where criminals were brought to justice, hence its nickname Thief Island. The area is home to a vibrant urban renewal project, where glass and steel have replaced stealing. The hotel houses an art collection and swish furniture by Patricia Urquiola and Antonio Citterio. All rooms have balconies. Doubles from NOK2,090 (€283).