Hotels for Art Lovers

Odds are that there is an art museum relatively close to wherever you may choose to travel.

While an official statistic is nearly impossible to calculate, there are literally thousands upon thousands of art museums across the globe. Some, like the Louvre and the Musee d’Orsay in Paris as well as New York City’s Metropolitan Museum of Art, are incredibly well known by people around the world. Others are not quite “household names” but are still home to amazing collections of art that are worth seeing in person.

Great hotels and great art seemingly go hand and hand, which is wonderful news for art lovers who travel extensively. From stunning architecture and interior design to artwork that is nearly equivalent to that found in museums like those mentioned above, it is possible to have a truly artistic experience during your stay at any of the following establishments.

 Image credit: David Stanley

Gramercy Park Hotel | New York City, NY
A luxury hotel located in the Gramercy Park neighborhood of Manhattan, New York City, the Gramercy Park Hotel is known for its artwork as well as its elegant accommodations. The hotel’s collected works are remarkable thanks to pieces by celebrated artists including Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Damien Hirst and Julian Schnabel, and it is considered to be especially impressive for a hotel art collection. Originally built in 1929 and 1930, the Gramercy Park Hotel was renovated in the early 2000s with assistance from Schnabel, who designed the interiors and selected many fixtures and furniture.

Image Source: Wikipedia creative commons

The Ritz-Carlton Millenia Singapore |Marina Centre, Singapore
The award-winning five-star Ritz-Carlton Millenia Singapore is a deluxe hotel located in one of Southeast Asia’s most vibrant cities. Visitors are welcomed to the hotel by Frank Stella’s stunning three-ton sculpture, “Cornucopia.” Not only are the modern yet luxurious room and suite furnishings coupled with modern art, but also, guests can also enjoy a self-guided iPod tour of the hotel’s truly captivating 4,200-piece contemporary art collection.
Hotel Baur au Lac | Zurich, Switzerland
Zurich’s upscale Hotel Baur au Lac, which is located in its own park, features spectacular scenic views of the Swiss Alps and Lake Zurich. Guests can be truly immersed in art when their stay coincides with the Baur au Lac’s semi-annual Art in the Park. This popular outdoor sculpture exhibition routinely features the work of well-known artists such as Joan Miro, Louise Nevelson, Sol Lewitt, Robert Indiana and many others.

The James | New York City, NY
Appropriately located in New York’s SoHo district, which is known for the arts and creativity, The James New York is truly committed to art. Every guest room and common area of this art lover’s paradise includes carefully selected work from both local and international artists. Additionally, The James features a curated art collection known as the “Corridor Arts Program,” built specifically for the hotel by artist Matthew Jensen. All local artists whose work is displayed have active studios in New York City.
W South Beach | Miami Beach, FL
Miami may not instantly come to mind when thinking of impressive art galleries, but the idyllic W South Beach allows visitors to immerse themselves in artwork as well as the beach and club scene thanks to the museum-grade artwork on its trendy walls. Guests are greeted by the large painting by artist Jean-Michel Basquiat that hangs in the lobby, and the W showcases the work of top modern artists like Andy Warhol and Francis Bacon. The pieces come from W co-owner Aby Rosen’s personal art collection.
The Merrion | Dublin, Ireland
The award-winning Merrion Hotel in Dublin, Ireland offers some of the most prestigious accommodations in the country. A row of townhouses transformed into a five-star hotel, The Merrion is well-stocked with works by some of Ireland’s best artists. Its collection, which is considered one of the best in the country, includes art from Nathaniel Hone, Paul Henry, Mainie Jellet and Daniel Maclise. Tours led by a guide from the National Gallery are held regularly.

The Cosmopolitan | Las Vegas, NV
Surprisingly, there is more to Sin City than gambling and showgirls, which is quite evident when staying at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. This modern, bright hotel displays murals and artwork throughout its rooms and grounds, yet its artist-in-residence program and partnership with New York City’s non-profit Art Production Fund are even more impressive. Cosmopolitan guests can even purchase art as souvenirs. Converted cigarette vending machines, which have been renamed Art-o-mats, dispense small yet affordable pieces of art.
As you can see, it is completely possible to immerse yourself in art in places other than museums and galleries. The next time you are vacationing or traveling for business, stay at one of these or the many other hotels for art lovers. Even a simple walk through the lobby or down a hotel corridor means so much more when the experience is an aesthetic one.
Guest Author: Paul Moore works in the hotel industry with Hyatt House in Minot, ND. His Google Plus profile is not very artistic, but stop by and say hello anyhow.
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Do you have any hotel suggestions for art lovers? Please share your ideas in the comments below.
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