6 Global Art Hotels That Are Almost Better Than Visiting a Museum
Visiting a museum is one of the best ways to get inspired and feed your creative side, whether it’s an edible installation, a rainbow-inspired adventure, or a tour of infamous works you’ll talk about for years to come. Though many museum-like experiences are limited to brick and mortar galleries or pop-ups, art hotels have emerged as an innovative way to experience world-class creative work. Into the idea of a hotel that doubles as an artistic encounter? Treat yourself to a night or two at one of the following six properties; we guarantee you’ll have instant heart eyes.
1. Hotel Arts Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain: Barcelona is a haven for anyone who appreciates architecture and culture, so we’re not surprised that the city also boasts some artsy places to stay. At 44 stories tall, Hotel Arts Barcelona is a sight to see, and with its blue glass and exposed steel, it’s become one of the most recognizable sights on the boardwalk. There’s an exclusive collection of Spanish contemporary art inside, and the hotel’s Arts Suite (on the 30th floor) was exclusively designed to feature special interiors. The two-bedroom Arts Penthouse has its own outdoor terrace and incredible views of La Sagrada Familia.
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2. The Arch, London, England: Art lovers will be in heaven at this adored hotel, which is just a short distance from Regent’s Park and has specially selected pieces (including a moving art installation) inside. Look for the black and white “Alphatecture” series, which lines the hall from the lobby, along with the Georgia Fiennes Spud III French bulldog painting that ensures dogs are definitely most welcome in this five-star hotel. Add a little culture to your evening celebration by scoping out the abstract paintings in Le Salon de Champagne (they’re by London-based Parisian artist Eleonore Pironneau) and make it a point to admire the wallpaper in your guestroom — it’s handpainted.
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3. The Dolder Grand, Zurich, Switzerland:If you’re an art lover who’s looking to add a five-star stay to your list, this hotel should be on your radar. Since opening nine years ago, this Swiss culture hub has featured hundreds of works of art, including Andy Warhol’s Big Retrospective Painting — all 11 meters of it showcased front and center in the lobby. To add to the epic experience, The Dolder Grand (which was named one of the “Best City Hotels in Europe” by Travel + Leisure) itself looks like a fairy-tale castle while being totally equipped with all of the right amenities for art-loving guests, like an iPad with info on the 90 artists shown inside, among them Salvador Dali, Henry Moore, and Damien Hirst.
4. Hotel Imperial, Prague, Czech Republic: This cool boutique hotel combines Art Deco architecture and Art Nouveau interiors, which results in ultra-colorful tiled walls and an Insta-worthy mosaic ceiling, among other cross-cultural touches. We especially love the grand marble staircase (talk about making an entrance!) and guest rooms, all of which have Cubist-style furniture and original artwork. Located smack-dab in Prague’s UNESCO-protected city center, this bucket-list property was built in a historical building and dates back more than 100 years.
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5. Palace Hotel, Tokyo, Japan: A memorable hotel stay should feel like a special experience, and this Japanese hotel totally nails it. Not only are guests able to view more than 1,000 pieces of hand-selected art, but the hotel offers art-based packages that make it easy to uncover and appreciate Tokyo’s architecture and thriving art scene. Adventurers have the opportunity to tailor their itinerary to include museums, galleries, or art-buying stops, which makes it easier to acquire a rare piece. For another fun touch, the hotel invites all guests to create their own creative projects on Wednesdays — try making samurai hats, ninja stars, floral bouquets, or paper Hello Kitty characters. So dreamy, right?
6. Hotel B, Lima, Peru: This restored Peruvian palace sits in Barranco, a fashionable seaside town that many of Peru’s respected creatives call home. The historic manor house where Hotel B lives was originally built in 1914 by a French architect who envisioned a setting encompassing nature, geography, culture, and art. Today, the hotel features 17 individually designed guest rooms and has a partnership with the Lucia de la Puente Gallery to arrange private viewings and coordinate special events. Even more, it’s surrounded by additional neighborhood galleries. Needless to say, getting a culture fix will never be easier or more fun!
Have you stayed at an art hotel? Show us your pictures on Instagram @BritandCo.