For discerning globetrotters who are constantly searching for fresh travel experiences, hotels that offer more than just comfortable beds and scenic views have become a necessity. The hotels that truly resonate with seasoned jet-setters are those that provide an immersive journey, a narrative that extends far beyond the plush accommodations and service that are now prerequisites for luxury travel.
One under-appreciated aspect of the hotel experience that stands out is the art. In a move that nudges the boundaries of hospitality, hotels are turning into canvases for artistic expression, essentially doubling as living art galleries. Guests can embark on a journey that takes them from curated lobbies to rooms where the walls are not mere partitions but also exhibition spaces, with art collections that quietly grace the corridors, rooms and lobbies of these properties.
This trend elevates the hotel experience to a new level, offering guests the opportunity to appreciate and engage with art in a unique setting. It also creates a sense of community, as hotels often partner with local artists or galleries to showcase their work, fostering a connection between guests and the surrounding culture.
If you’re a seasoned traveler looking for a truly immersive and inspiring hotel experience, consider staying at one of these living art galleries. You’ll be amazed by the creativity and beauty that surrounds you, and you’ll leave with a newfound appreciation for the intersection of art and hospitality.
As travel destinations become more familiar and high thread-count sheets lose their novelty, art has emerged as a way to captivate the senses and offer a deeper exploration of the space. Hotels are no longer just areas of respite; they have transformed into expertly curated museums, with corridors echoing the stories of local and international artists. This is more than a mere marriage of art and hospitality – it’s a metamorphosis where one is indistinguishable from the other, creating an immersive cultural experience that transforms the contours of a hotel stay into an extraordinary narrative of discovery.
Here are eight properties around the world that aim to make an indelible imprint on the traveler’s psyche, forever changing the way we perceive a hotel stay. From New York City to Bali, these hotels have embraced the power of art to create a unique and unforgettable experience for their guests. With exhibitions ranging from contemporary art to ancient artifacts, these properties offer a deep dive into the local culture and artistic traditions.
So if you’re looking for a truly immersive hotel experience that goes beyond comfortable accommodations and great service, consider staying at one of these art-inspired hotels. You’ll be amazed by the creativity and beauty that surrounds you, and you’ll leave with a newfound appreciation for the intersection of art and hospitality.
Byblos Art Hotel Villa Amistà
Verona, Italy
Byblos Art Hotel Villa Amistà is a true masterpiece, seamlessly merging contemporary artistic flair with classic charm in the heart of the Italian countryside. Housed within a grand 15th-century Venetian-style villa, this hotel offers an impressive tableau of 20th-century design objects and modern art.
The late architect and designer Alessandro Mendini masterfully juxtaposed ultra-modern aesthetics against the villa’s historic backdrop, creating an immersive experience for guests. Each of the 58 rooms is individually adorned with vibrant fabrics, original artworks and eclectic furnishings, offering a polychromatic reverie.
The hotel’s visual narrative is formed by works from renowned artists such as Marc Quinn, Damien Hirst and Anish Kapoor, set against a backdrop of Baroque interiors, Venetian chandeliers and mid-century Scandinavian furniture. This creates a unique and inspiring atmosphere that transports guests to a world where art is not just admired but also lived.
If you’re looking for a truly unforgettable hotel experience, Byblos Art Hotel Villa Amistà is the perfect destination. It offers a blend of history, art, and luxury, all in one breathtaking location. Book your stay now and discover why this hotel is one of the most sought-after destinations in Italy.
Henry Jones Art Hotel
Hobart, Tasmania
The Henry Jones Art Hotel in Hobart, Australia is a unique and innovative property that merges industrial heritage with contemporary luxury. Housed within the circa-1820s IXL Jam Factory, this hotel boasts original architectural elements such as sandstone walls, exposed-beam ceilings, spiral staircases, and vintage fireplaces, which harmonize perfectly with modern amenities and an unconventional design ethos.
But what truly sets The Henry Jones Art Hotel apart is its status as Australia’s first art hotel. Operating as a dynamic art gallery, the hotel attracts international visitors seeking to participate in a living art experience during their travels. The in-house Art Mob collection showcases ethically sourced First Nations art, while rotating exhibitions by artists-in-residence provide a constantly evolving visual narrative for guests to enjoy.
Art is an omnipresent force within the hotel, from the striking installations in the lobby to the vibrant paintings and sculptures in each guest room. The Henry Jones Art Hotel offers an immersive and inspiring cultural experience that goes beyond traditional hospitality.
If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind hotel experience that celebrates art and culture, The Henry Jones Art Hotel is the perfect destination. Book your stay now and discover why it’s one of the most sought-after hotels in Tasmania.
The Dolder Grand
Zurich, Switzerland
Perched atop a verdant hillside in Zurich, The Dolder Grand is a 19th-century hotel that has undergone numerous transformations over the years, culminating in a stunning renovation by Foster + Partners in 2008. This renovation included the addition of the Golf Wing and Spa Wing, intricate aluminum facades, and an expansion of the room count to 175.
But what truly sets The Dolder Grand apart is its impressive art collection, which includes over 100 museum-worthy pieces by renowned artists such as Salvador Dali, Ferdinand Hodler, and Zaha Hadid. These pieces punctuate the hotel’s public spaces and guest rooms, creating a one-of-a-kind cultural experience for guests. In the reception area, Andy Warhol’s 36-foot-long “Big Retrospective Painting” reigns supreme, serving as a silent guardian of the hotel’s cultural gravitas.
Today, The Dolder Grand caters to a broad tapestry of visitors, from business travelers to leisure explorers, all of whom can appreciate the hotel’s unique blend of history, luxury, and art. Whether you’re admiring the impressive artwork or taking advantage of the hotel’s many amenities, The Dolder Grand offers a truly unforgettable experience.
If you’re looking for a hotel that combines history, luxury, and world-class art, look no further than The Dolder Grand in Zurich. Book your stay now and discover why it’s one of the most sought-after destinations in Switzerland.
The Georgian
Santa Monica, California
The Georgian Hotel in Santa Monica is a historic refuge that once served as a secret gathering space for Hollywood’s Golden Age glitterati. With its cerulean-hued Art Deco facade, it punctuates the cityscape between the sun-kissed shoreline of Santa Monica and the thrum of the Third Street Promenade.
Recently reimagined by BLVD Hospitality and design firm Fettle, the hotel has been transformed into a contemporary oasis of comfort without sacrificing any of its nostalgic allure. The 84 guest rooms and suites have been thoughtfully updated, while the public spaces have been revitalized with ocean-facing dining terraces, a parlor-style lobby bar, and two restaurants that exude an inviting warmth.
One of the most captivating public spaces is the library, which pays homage to California’s female literary vanguards such as Joan Didion and Eve Babitz, courtesy of Arcana Books’ Lee Kaplan. But the real highlight is Gallery 33, located off the lobby, which debuted with an evocative exhibition by actress Sharon Stone in April 2023. The gallery will continue to showcase a year-long series of shows headlined by global talent and local Los Angeles artists like Bre Smith, making it a hub for Santa Monica’s cultural renaissance.
If you’re looking for a hotel that blends history, nostalgia, and contemporary luxury, the Georgian Hotel should be at the top of your list. Book your stay now and discover why it’s one of the most sought-after destinations in Santa Monica.
Cas Gasi
Ibiza, Spain
Cas Gasi is a boutique hotel and agriturismo located away from the coastal bacchanalia of Ibiza, making it a tranquil sanctuary that is often whispered about among celebrity clientele. This 1880s finca has been tenderly reimagined by current owners Margaret Von Korff and Luis Trigueros, who have infused each of the 21 rooms with their personal tastes, featuring a medley of antique, modern, and classical styles enhanced by exceptional art and eclectic decor.
The pervasive luxury extends to tactile comforts, with high-end linens, feather pillows, and premium beauty products lending a subtle air of decadence to the hotel. The art collection is a thoughtful curation of works by local and foreign artists, including Vicente Calbet, Lula Martins, Mario Monti, and Toni Pomar.
Adding another layer to Cas Gasi’s cultural allure is the hotel’s on-site boutique, which features original items sourced by Victoria Durrer-Gasse, each piece acting as a tangible memory from her travels or handcrafted by her network of women in Asian and African countries.
If you’re looking for a hotel that offers a unique blend of luxury, culture, and tranquility, look no further than Cas Gasi in Ibiza. Book your stay now and experience firsthand why this destination is whispered about among celebrity clientele.
Kimpton Shane Hotel
Atlanta, Georgia
The Kimpton Shane Hotel in Atlanta’s Midtown district is a modern paean to the city’s dynamic art scene. Since its unveiling in 2022, the sleek and glass-swathed property has offered guests a panorama of the Southern metropolis’ vibrant heartbeat.
The interiors of the hotel have been curated by art consultancy firm Soho Myriad, featuring a visual symphony of local artwork that captures the essence of Atlanta’s cultural identity. Among these pieces are Kate Burke’s intricate thread and tulle piece “He Loves Me; He Loves Me Not,” as well as Trish Andersen’s tufted fiber work. Venezuelan-born Adela Pons’ vibrant contribution, “Heart of the Arts,” was unveiled at the property’s grand opening, capturing the city’s pulsating art scene through the organic motifs of growing vines and flowers, symbolizing Atlanta’s ceaseless evolution and growth.
The Kimpton Shane Hotel offers guests an immersive and inspiring cultural experience that celebrates the city’s unique blend of history, art, and Southern charm. Whether you’re admiring the impressive artwork or taking advantage of the hotel’s many amenities, the Kimpton Shane Hotel is the perfect destination for those seeking a truly unforgettable stay in Atlanta.
Book your stay now and discover why this hotel is one of the most sought-after destinations in the city.
Atelier Inès Arts & Suites
Naples, Italy
Nestled in the heart of Naples’ Vergini district, Atelier Inès Arts & Suites is a unique boutique guesthouse-style property that was once home to famed Neapolitan sculptor and artist Annibale Oste. Today, it stands as a one-of-a-kind hospitality concept conceived by the next generation of the Oste family: Oste’s son, jewelry designer Vincenzo, and his artist wife, Inès Silami.
The couple has created a honey-toned haven for art lovers, where even the smallest ornamental accents and decor are custom-made by Vincenzo in his ground-floor alchemy lab. Each of the spacious guest rooms is furnished entirely with Oste-produced works, including headboards, wardrobes, and light fixtures, many of which were previously showcased in leading museums and galleries around the world.
Atelier Inès Arts & Suites offers guests an immersive and inspiring cultural experience that celebrates the legacy of Annibale Oste while also showcasing the talents of his son and daughter-in-law. Whether you’re admiring the impressive artwork or taking advantage of the hotel’s many amenities, Atelier Inès Arts & Suites is the perfect destination for those seeking a truly unforgettable stay in Naples.
Book your stay now and discover why this hotel is one of the most sought-after destinations in the city for art lovers and cultural enthusiasts alike.
The Battery
San Francisco, California
The Battery in San Francisco is a hotel that takes art seriously. From the bespoke bedrooms to the intimate bars, every nook within this hotel is meticulously adorned with creations by artists and photographers, creating a unique and immersive cultural experience for guests.
Guests are invited to delve into a private exploration of the collection, or synchronize their stay with one of the hotel’s frequent exhibitions. Through Battery Powered, a membership program, guests are also privy to a network of groundbreaking organizations and philanthropic initiatives, like Living Art: Apexer-Benefit.
Beyond The Battery’s walls, the surrounding neighborhood brims with cultural gems. The iconic City Lights bookstore offers literary enrichment, while Pier 24 Photography showcases refined photographs. Contemporary art finds a home at Et Al, and the International Art Museum of America boasts an expansive collection of varied artistic disciplines.
Whether you’re an art enthusiast or simply looking for a hotel that offers a unique blend of luxury and culture, The Battery is the perfect destination. Book your stay now and discover why it’s one of the most sought-after hotels in San Francisco.