7 Stylish Hotels in Europe for Art Lovers
Looking for a getaway and a culture fix? Beat the crowds with these hotels that feature museum-worthy art collections
Imagine visiting a museum without the queues and the jostle with dozens of phone-snapping tourists… the appeal of hotels for art lovers is obvious. Not only do they cater to today's discerning traveller who's after rare experiences combined with great design and impeccable service, these establishments promise a tantalising sliver of the contemporary current art scene – a window to established and emerging creatives, often from the local region – without (if the guest desires) ever having to leave the building.
From private galleries that only guests can access and buildings dotted with museum-worthy collectables, to boutique hotels featuring eye-pleasing pieces in the suites, we have done all the hard work for you and scoured Europe for the best hotels to enjoy captivating art collections – all you have to do is get booking.
1/7The Dolder Grand, Zurich
With 175 luxurious suites, several restaurants and a spa covering 4000 square metres, the Dolder Grand may live up to its name in size but it is tranquil in nature. Originally opened as a retreat from the city in 1899, it has magnificent views over Zurich, the lake and the Alps.
Step inside the hotel and there is the instant feel of an art gallery so it may come as little surprise that it is home to an impressive body of work with about 100 works of art by 90 notable artists on display throughout the hotel. At the entrance of a restaurant is a hanging by Salvador Dali and alongside works by Swiss icons such as Ferdinand Hodler, Urs Fischer and Max Bill, there are stirring pieces by artists from all over the world. thedoldergrand.com
Vera Lair2/7Sant Francesc Hotel, Mallorca
Set within a former Mallorcan mansion built in 1860, the hotel – designed by architect Maria José Cabré – was restored in 2015. Thankfully it has retained many of its original features such as wood-beamed ceilings, stone floors and original frescos and murals. Just as impressive is the extensive art collection. Pieces on display include one by Spanish artist Josep Maria Riera i Aragó whose work can be seen in renowned settings around the world such as the Vincent Van Gogh Foundation and the Museum of Modern Art in Luxembourg. There are also creations from Catalonian artist Jordi Alcaraz and other artists such as Dominica Sánchez, Jordi Alcaráz and Bruno Olle. Once you have had your culture fix, enjoy some respite in one of the hotel’s 42 well-appointed suites. hotelsantfrancesc.com
Simon Brown3/7Ham Yard Hotel, London
Ham Yard Hotel is already a big draw to Londoners and tourists alike, thanks to its incredible facilities which include a spa, cinema and wait for it…a bowling alley. Its interiors – a clever, playful mix of pattern and colour – have been made famous by Kit Kemp, the award-winning co-founder and creative director of Firmdale Hotels (which includes New York’s Whitby Hotel among others). But on walking into Ham Yard, it’s clear that Kemp’s passion for art and its story-telling is equally compelling. Even the lobby feels like a room in its own right with eye-catching pieces by Sandra Blow and artwork from renowned abstract artists Sir Terry Frost and William Scott. Head to the events area to view an intricate tapestry by Alexander Calder while a magnificent painting by Eileen Cooper, whose work has been displayed at the Royal Academy of Art and the Victoria & Albert Museum, takes pride of place in the drawing room. firmdalehotels.com
4/7Byblos Art Hotel, Verona
Need an injection of bold, energetic colour? Well head to the Byblos Art Hotel, a restored Venetian-style villa teeming with more than 180 works of modern art from the likes of Jean-Michel Basquiat, Marc Quinn, Damien Hurst, Anish Kapoor and Vanessa Beecroft. None of the 60 rooms are the same but with all, the decor is as vibrant as the art, with bespoke textiles and furniture in acid hues while the grounds hold equally eye-catching sculptures.
As well as the art, the hotel acts as a permanent exhibition of pieces by some of the world’s best architectural and furniture designers, including Ron Arad, Philippe Starck, Marcel Wanders and Eero Saarinen. byblosarthotel.com
5/7Paço da Glória, Portugal
There is much to love about Paço da Glória, a majestic manor house situated just an hour north of Porto in Portugal, which reopened its doors this summer after an extensive renovation. Rich in history, the house dates back to the 13th century and alongside the newly revamped studio apartments and suites, the ground’s offerings include a saltwater outdoor pool, a heated indoor pool, tennis courts, historical gardens, a vegetable garden, a lake – and of course a private art gallery. The space houses works from multidisciplinary artist Richie Culver, whose works can be found in London’s Tate Modern and have been collected by Soho House and British singer Adele. pacodagloria.com
6/7Kristiana Lech, Austria
A boutique hotel-come-gallery in the Austrian Alps, Kristiana Lech has more the feel of a well-to-do private home, albeit one with 29 beautifully designed suites and three restaurants. It is situated at the foot of the Omeshorn, the most famous mountain in the region, and just a five minute walk from the ski slopes. But this is not just a winter retreat for ski-lovers. Art enthusiasts will find a spectacular collection of curated pieces, including more than 200 paintings, sculptures, original prints and tapestries by both emerging and established artists such as Roy Lichtenstein, Max Cole, Max Bill and Sam Francis. If that isn’t enough, visit the dedicated exhibition space which hosts a rotating series of immersive pop-ups throughout the season titled ‘Meet the Artists’, designed to support the local community. kristiania.at
7/7The Fife Arms, Scotland
Nestled in Braemar in the Scottish Highlands, a few miles from Balmoral Castle, The Fife Arms was originally built as a hunting lodge. After a few lacklustre incarnations, it was taken over by international gallerists Iwan and Manuela Wirth, the power couple behind Hauser & Wirth, and reopened in 2018 to much acclaim. Interior designer Russell Sage transformed all 46 rooms to sumptuous spaces, each uniquely beautifully decorated but with a story and connection to Scottish history. As expected, with the owners' reputation, the art collection is a feast for the eyes. As well as the hotel’s regular Artist In Residence programme, look out for the Lucian Freud portrait in the lobby, a Picasso in the drawing room and the captivating ceiling in the same room by Chinese artist Zhang Enli. thefifearms.com
