Travel is rewarding and educational, and that can come from the experiences you have while on the road as well as from where you stay. Whether you are sleeping like royalty in a palace or a more traditional hotel, there are lots of options in the marketplace. Aficionados of art and design, especially, can always seem to find something eclectic or preferable to suit their personal tastes.
There are hundreds of hotels with impressive art and individual style; some showcase world-famous pieces from familiar names while others highlight the up-and-coming work of budding talent from around the hotel. Here are a dozen options to whet your appetite and surround yourself with eclectic inspiration around the world.
World-renowned and famous work
(photo credit Conrad Hotel)
Conrad Indianapolis, Indiana
In the Collections Suites at the Conrad Indianapolis, guests can sleep amid work from art movement icons. Each of the suites bears a different theme (pop, modern, surrealist, and contemporary). Pieces from Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali, and Andy Warhol among others grace the walls. To see the most variety while still in your pajamas, The Gallery Suite offers masterpieces from Picasso, Joan Miró, and Warhol.
(photo credit The Doler Grand Hotel)
The Dolder Grand, Zurich, Switzerland
Perhaps one of the city’s most well-known and elegant hotels, the Dolder Grand in Zurich has an impressive art collection to boost its image even further. Over the years more than 100 pieces of notable art have been displayed in the hotel. These include a Fernando Botero sculpture, large-scale Andy Warhol piece hanging over reception, and a Salvador Dali masterpiece among others. To enjoy the entire collection via self-guided tour, ask reception for an iPad loaded with details on all of the hotel’s art.
(photo credit Dorchester Collection)
Le Meurice Paris, France
A favorite place to stay of Spanish artist Salvador Dali, the hotel’s new Philippe Starck-designed interiors bear many homages to Dali’s whimsical style including in the restaurant’s ceiling murals and theatrical lobby art pieces. He was one of the hotel’s most loyal guests, once staying for two months. To this day, the hotel’s barman can share stories of Dali’s shenanigans at the property.
(photo credit Hotel Marques de Riscal)
Hotel Marques de Riscal, Elciego, Spain
It’s the façade of this wine-themed hotel that is the real work of art in Elciego, Spain. The product of renowned architect Frank Gehry features an undulating and modern exterior that makes Hotel Marques de Riscal, a Luxury Collection hotel and part of Marriott Bonvoy, so special. Each of its 43 rooms share some of the building’s artistic features: tilted walls, high ceilings, and zigzag windows. Save time to visit the Vinos de los Herederos de Marqués de Riscal winery, which is one of Rioja’s oldest.
(photo credit Waldorf Astoria Hotel)
Rome Cavalieri, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel
High in the hills overlooking the city of Rome, this majestic property features rare sculptures, tapestries, and pieces of art that are an intriguing way to wake up each morning. Giuseppe Zais, known for his exquisite Venetian landscape paintings from the 18th century, has work hanging in London’s National Gallery as well as museums in Berlin, Madrid, and Venice. His paintings also hang above reception here. Louis XV and First Empire furnishings, that date back to famous palaces, Niccolo Bambini and Henri Vollet paintings, and Andy Warhol pieces are also in the hotel.
(photo credit Hamilton Princess & Beach Club)
Hamilton Princess & Beach Club, Bermuda
Knick-named the “Pink Palace,” Hamilton Princess is an island gem and focal point of great dining, social events, and business functions for the island. It also showcases around 300 pop and contemporary pieces of art including around 40 from Andy Warhol as well as a Bansky piece in the hotel lobby among others.
Up-and-coming artists and unique collections
(photo credit Omni Louisville Hotel)
Omni Louisville Hotel, Louisville, Kentucky
If you want to explore the Kentucky landscape through photography, paintings and sculpture, Omni Louisville has you covered. Local Kentucky artists’ work is on display throughout the hotel including equestrian-themed photos and landscapes.
(photo credit Julie Soefe)
21c Chicago, Illinois
21c Hotels, now part of Accor’s MGallery Hotel Collection, are located in different American cities and serve as veritable art galleries. The brand’s creator was interested in bringing contemporary art to the public through exhibitions, and 21c hotels do just that with always-open, and always-free, galleries in the public spaces of hotels. Other properties are found in Cincinnati, Louisville, Lexington, Kansas City, and coming soon, Des Moines.
(photo credit Kimpton Hotel)
Kimpton Hotel Born, Denver, Colorado
In a partnership with the city’s Museum of Contemporary Art, the hotel shows off a wide range of artistic styles from local artists. Each piece is either one-of-a-kind or a limited edition item that was commissioned specifically for the hotel giving guests a dose of culture as they go to and from their rooms. In total, there are more than 200 art pieces in the hotel. The pet-friendly property also hosts an evening happy hour with complimentary craft beer and wine, a Kimpton tradition, that gives guests a chance to discuss the hotel’s art over a tipple should they wish.
(photo credit Roma Arte)
The First Roma Arte, Rome, Italy
This hotel features more than 200 contemporary works on display throughout the hotel’s guest rooms and public areas. See something you like? The hotel was one of the first to make the art on display something that guests can purchase to take home. Just ask at reception about the price.
(photo credit Hotel Urban)
Hotel Urban, Madrid, Spain
Everywhere you look in this trendy, design hotel, you’ll discover worldly art and history. The owner’s travels have amplified the collection of artefacts in guest rooms, hallways, public areas, and the lobby museum. Most of the pieces are from his extensive trips through Papua New Guinea, but there are a few other Asian surprises in the mix, as well. Art fans need only walk a short distance to reach the city’s famed “triangle of art” museums including the Prado, the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, and the Reina Sofía Foundation.
(photo credit Le Royal Monceau)
Le Royal Monceau, Paris, France
Fans of contemporary art will find the colorful and varied display of art in the hotel’s own gallery to be quite conversation-starting. The hotel has its own art concierge that can walk guests through the display as well as offer private tours of other art museums in the city. Le Royal Monceau is part of the Raffles hotel group within the Accor family of brands.
